CWU, North East Region, Leeds No 1 branch

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1. NAME

The Branch of the Communication Workers Union shall be known as the Leeds No.1 Amalgamated Branch.

2. OBJECTS.

The objects of the Branch shall be to protect and promote the interests of its members and assist in bringing to fruition the objects of the Union expressed in the National Rules and Programme.

3. MEMBERSHIP.

The Branch shall be composed of all members of the Union in the areas agreed between the Branch and C.W.U. Headquarters.

Each applicant shall sign an Application Form which will then be forwarded by the Branch Secretary or other designated Branch Officer, to the Head Office of the Union. The Branch Secretary, or other designated Branch Officer, may forward with the Application Form any comment which could assist the Executive Council in their consideration of their application. The Executive Council shall decide whether or not the application is to be accepted. Such decision to be in the absolute discretion of the Executive Council.

The Branch shall have a Retired Members section of the membership to organise retired members.

4. CONTRIBUTIONS

Each member shall pay regular contribution fixed by the Annual Conference of the Union and all levies as they become due. The Branch is empowered to collect and retain any additional contributions that may be required for local Trade Union purposes but such contributions or levies shall only be made by consent of a General Meeting of the Branch.

Provided that the “Check – off” system is available to them, it shall be the duty of each individual member to give authority to their employer to deduct contributions from their pay.

In accordance with the prevailing legislation, the Union has to obtain renewed consent to contributions paid by “Check – off” by 30th August 1995 and at 3 year intervals there after. The responsibility for obtaining renewed consent rests with the Executive Council.

Any member of the Union whose contributions to the Branch or whose payments of levy made under authority of these Rules or by resolution at a GENERAL MEETING ARE EIGHT WEEKS, whether continous or not, in arrears, shall be reported to the Union Headquarters for action in accordance with National Rule 3.4.1.

The Executive Council shall at their sole discretion, decide when the expulsion notice will be issued in accordance with the terms of National Rule 3.4.2.

Any members who resigns from the Union or whose membership has been terminated on account of arrears, may not be re – admitted to membership except at the absolute discretion of the Executive Council after payment of arrears (if any) of contributions and levies at the date of leaving the Union.

5. MANAGEMENT

The affairs of the Branch shall be governed by General Meetings which every member of the Branch shall be entitled to attend.

6. OFFICERS.

The Branch Officers shall be elected in accordance with the procedures set out in Rule 9 hereof.

b. The Branch Officers shall be as follows:

(A) President (B) Vice President.

(E) Organiser (F) Legal & Medical Secretary

(G) Political Officer (H) Equal Opportunities Officer

(I ) Youth Officer (J) Women’s Officer

Union Learning/Training Officer

The Equal Opportunities Officer should be advertised as a separate post. It is acceptable for the post to be combined with any other officer responsibilities with the exception of the Political Officer.

All candidates for the post of Political Officer must be members of the Labour Party.

There is debarment of other holders also being the Political Officer.

7. BRANCH COMMITTEE.

The Branch Committee shall consist of:

Branch Officers listed in Rule 6.b

Members of the Branch holding C.W.U. office outside the Branch.

Representatives from Sections as follows:

Section 1. 5 Delegates

Section 2. 2 Delegates

Section 3. 3 Delegates

Section 5. 3 Delegates

Section 6. 3 Delegates

Section 7. 3 Delegates

Royal Mail Area Representatives

Meetings.

The Central Committee shall normally meet bi-monthly. Extra Central Committee Meetings can be called at the discretion of the Central Secretary and Branch President.

The quorum for a Central Committee Meeting shall be the actual number of elected Branch Officers plus one.

Responsibilities.

To be responsible for the proper management of the Branch. To appoint Sub-Committees as may be necessary from time to time.

To review all Sub-Committees and Sectional Reports; to deal with all points of general policy.

To consider complaints, propositions and suggestions which should be in writing from any member.

To review the organisation of the Branch and appoint the lay members to the Finance Committee.

To receive a report from the Finance Committee at each meeting.

Decision Making

The Committee must ensure that all members are able to participate in the democratic process.

In respect of elections, the details are contained in Rule 9.

For National Elections, conducted on a postal basis to members home address, the committee must make recommendations that are published for the benefit of all members in advance of receipt of ballot papers.

In the case of local agreements, the relevant procedural agreement will determine who is entitled to vote on particular issues. In all cases, the overriding principle is that only those affected can vote.

Where a Rule 13 Branch Ballot affects a widespread number of members, the Branch decision will be determined by:

The Convening of a series of workplace/shift meetings. The results of each individual meeting will then be aggregated (every effort must be made to ensure that each work place/shift meeting receives the same information and any Committee recommendation) or a Postal Ballot.

In any case where there is ambiguity concerning which members should participate in particular ballots, advice must be obtained from the National Organising Secretary.

8. BRANCH GENERAL MEETING.

The Branch will hold an Annual General Meeting in February.

Special General Meetings may be convened on the authority of the Branch Committee or by written requisition to the Branch President signed by not less than 60 fully paid up members of the Branch. A requisition for a Special General Meeting shall state fully and clearly in the form of a motion, the specific purpose for which the meeting is desired. The only business to be considered at a Special General Meeting shall be that for which it is convened as stated in the notice(s) convening the meeting.

Any Special Branch General Meeting called by requisition will only commence or conduct such business provided 75% of those people signing a requisition for a Special General Meeting are in attendance. Any such requisition shall have the members name printed on it and also carry the members signature.

All General Meetings shall adopt the Standing Orders appended to these rules.

The quorum for a Branch Meeting shall be 40 members present.

Not less than 14 days prior notice shall be given to members of any Branch General Meeting, other than for a Branch Special Meeting.

The terms of motions etc intended to be submitted to a meeting shall be in the hands of the Branch Secretary 7 days before the meeting.

The Branch Secretary shall publish the terms of the motion at least 4 days before the meeting.

Amendments to any published Motion must be handed to the President by the opening of the Meeting.

9. BRANCH ELECTION PROCEDURES.

a. Terms of Office

Following the 1999 Annual ballot all Branch Officers, Section Secretaries, Section Chair persons, Workplace Unit Representatives, Business Based Area/Regional Health and Safety Representatives and Workplace Health and Safety Representatives will be elected biennial.

Nominations.

No member shall be elected to any Branch Officers position without first having been nominated in writing by two members of the Branch, one as a Proposer and other Seconder and with the candidates written consent to the nomination.

No member shall be elected as a Section Secretary or Section Chairperson without first having been nominated in writing by two members of the named Section, one as a proposer the other as a seconder and with the candidates written consent to the nomination. The member who is nominated must be a member of the named section, as must the proposer and seconder.

No member shall be elected as a workplace/unit representative without first having been nominated in writing by two members of the named workplace/unit, one as a proposer the other as a seconder and with the candidates written consent to the nomination. The Member who is nominated must be a member of the named workplace/unit as must the proposer and seconder.

Such written nomination papers shall be sent to the Branch Secretary or other designated Branch Officer, as determined by the Branch Committee which shall be shown in the notice(s) inviting nominations. The notice(s) shall also clearly state the closing date by which they shall be received, this date must allow 21 clear days to propose.

c. Biographical Details.

If more than one member consents to being nominated for the same position, the Branch Secretary or other designated Branch Officer, as determined by the Branch Central Committee, will furnish the nominees with the relevant biographical details form which must be completed and returned by the time stipulated. Completed biographical detail forms may be accompanied by a photograph (passport size) and an election address of not more than 300 words. To ensure that the contents of any candidates biographical details that have been submitted are correct and that the relevant membership are not mislead in anyway, any reference to having acquired a qualification/position must be substantiated by submitting at the same time as his/her biographical details, a copy of the accreditation/certificate of the said qualification/position. Failure to do so will mean that all reference to the qualification/position will be omitted from the candidates published biographical details.

Name…………………………… Membership No…………………………..

PO/BT Grade………………….. Employed at……………………………….

Nominated for………………….

Details of C.W.U. Membership Activity………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Previous C.W.U. office held………………………………………………………………

Political Affiliation (if any)…………………………………………………………………

Signature………………………… Date…………………………………………

THESE DETAILS SHALL BE PUBLISHED FOR AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS

PRIOR TO ELECTION DAY.

d. Voting Papers.

Voting papers will be forwarded to each members home addresses, according to the Branch membership records, as may be appropriate for each election to be held by a Returning Officer and two Scrutineers, appointed by the Branch Central Committee who shall not be members of the committee and who shall arrange if appropriate, the ballot papers to be returned via second class postage service or arrange for the provision of ballot boxes wherein the members shall place their completed ballot papers on the day(s) and time(s) stated in the notice of ballot. The results of the Ballot shall be counted by the Scrutineers under the supervision of the Returning Officer and they shall sign a certificate declaring the results for publication to the membership.

e. Canvassing.

Canvassing is not allowed under National Rules.

f. Positions Vacant Between A.G.M’s.

(A) OFFICERS

When an officership becomes vacant between Annual Elections, that vacancy will be offered to the first unsuccessful candidate for the position concerned in the previous ballot. In the event of there being no unsuccessful candidate the position will be advertised and filled under the procedures detailed above.

UNIT/WORKPLACE REPRESENTATIVES

When a Unit/Workplace representative position becomes vacant between Annual Elections, that vacancy will be offered to the first unsuccessful candidate for the position concerned in the previous ballot. In the event of there being no unsuccessful candidate the position will be advertised and filled under the procedures detailed above.

g. Retired Members.

All retired members shall be able to vote in any elections for any non-occupational officers.

10. DUTIES OF BRANCH OFFICERS.

1. President.

The President shall preside and be responsible for the conduct of all Branch Meetings and shall sign all minutes of Branch Meetings, and through the Central Secretary, other Special Meetings when necessary.

The President must ensure that the Branch has proper organised procedures to cater for all types of Branch ballots, whether individual member or collective.

To be a member of the Finance Committee.

To substitute the Central Secretary in his/her absence.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to be included in the Branch magazine. To be responsible for preparing and ensuring that the Branch magazine is published and circulated to all members.

To be a member of the Organising Secretary’s Committee.

2. Vice President.

The Vice-President shall deputise in the absence of the President.

3. Branch Secretary.

To enrol members and keep a record containing necessary particulars with the Branch President and to provide a report to each Meeting.

To conduct the general correspondence of the Branch.

To convene the Meetings of the Branch Committee in consultation with the Branch President and to provide a report to each Meeting.

To prepare all documents, circulars etc, ordered by the General Meeting of the members or by the Branch Committee and to forward, publish or present them in accordance with instructions by the same authorities.

To furnish the National Executive and C.W.U. Field Officers with such details, statistics or reports regarding the Branch or its members as may be required and to submit details of any amendments to Branch Rules and Standing Orders which have been carried at the Branch A.G.M. to the National Organising Secretary.

To ensure that those responsible within the Branch keep members informed of any agreement, negotiations and decisions which affect them

To make arrangements for the Branch Office to be staffed on a daily basis to ensure the prompt opening of mail, circulation of publications etc.

To collect and keep readily all information and data likely to be of service to the Branch.

To forward to the General Secretary by such dates as are provided for in the Unions National Rules any proposition which the Branch intends to lay before the Annual Conference after such Motion has received the approval of a duly constituted Branch Meeting.

To report briefly to each Branch General Meeting the proceedings of the Branch Committee.

To prepare and present to the membership an Annual Report of the work of the Branch, such report to be supplied to the membership seven days before the A.G.M.

To be a member of the Finance Committee and any Sub-Committee.

To arrange the preparation, under the direction of the Chair, any ballot papers required for Branch Elections under Branch Rule 9 and ensure that these are provided to the Election Officer.

To ensure that autonomous workplaces/sections and areas within the Branch operate effectively.

To ensure that regular reports are made by autonomous workplaces/sections and areas to the Branch Committee to ensure co-ordination of policy and that all agreements and disagreements are ratified by the Branch Committee.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to the Branch President to be included in the Branch magazine.

To be a member of the Organising Secretary’s Committee.

4. Treasurer.

To keep separate accounts for each fund of the Branch.

To control the collection of subscriptions and levies.

To receive all monies collected on behalf of the Branch.

To remit to the General Treasurer any monies due to Union Headquarters by National Rule of by the decision of a Conference.

To deposit all funds in the Unity Trust Bank.

To pay all proper claims on the Branch as they become due.

To present an audited Balance Sheet at the Branch Annual General Meeting for each account held by the Branch.

To exhibit to the members a copy of the Balance Sheet(s) and audited accounts not less than 7 days prior to the Annual Meetings.

To have cash, bank statements and account books available at each Branch Committee Meeting.

To retain all financial vouchers for at least two years from the date of the Annual Audit.

To keep all statement of accounts and balance sheets for a period of seven years.

To ensure that the Branch accounts are submitted to C.W.U. Headquarters no later than the second week of January together with a completed Form TA37.

To attend the monthly Finance Committee Meetings and to provide all relevant documentation to the Committee.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to the Branch Editor to be included in the Branch magazine.

5. Organiser.

To be responsible for work of recruiting and maintaining the Branch membership in co-operation with the Branch Secretary and President.

To prepare an Annual Report for presentation to the membership. To hold monthly meetings comprising of the Central Secretary, President and all Section Chairpersons. The meetings will discuss local/national initiatives regarding the retention and recruitment of members within the Branch boundaries.

To make a report at each Branch Committee meeting.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to the Branch President to be included in the Branch magazine.

6. Legal & Medical Secretary

To be responsible for the legal and medical work in the Branch in co-operation with other Branch Officers and representatives.

To conduct all legal and medical correspondence with members, the Union’s Legal and Medical Department, the Union’s Solicitors on behalf of the Branch.

To make a report at each Branch Committee meeting.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to the Branch President to be included in the Branch magazine.

7. Political Officer.

To ensure that the Branch is affiliated to all Constituency Labour Parties within its geographic boundaries and to liase regularly with the C.W.U. Branch delegates to each CLP.

To recruit as many C.W.U. members as possible to the Labour Party using the “Levy Plus” membership rate of three pounds, through organising events (ie. meetings with C.W.U. sponsored M.P’s etc) producing local literature, etc.

To liaise and communicate with C.W.U. Regional Secretaries, CLP Secretaries/Trade Union Liaison Officers, the relevant Trade Unionists for Labour Officers and Regional Labour Party Office over election and CLP campaigns, local C.W.U. political concerns (eg. Crown Office/MLO closures/Post Office Privatisation) and general political activity. In doing so to assist in the distribution of the Labour Party literature to the members.

To provide an Annual Report to be submitted to the Branch C.W.U. Regional Secretary and Deputy General Secretary, detailing the Political Officer’s activities, those of CLP’s and the C.W.U. Branch delegates to them.

To provide and maintain al local Branch Political Bulletin (based on the National Branch Political Bulletin in the BOB) which will inform Branch members of political issues and activities of relevant interest to them. Copies to be provided to C.W.U. Regional Secretaries and the Deputy General Secretary.

To assist in the Political training and education of the Branch Membership.

To co-ordinate any C.W.U. political campaigns throughout the Branch Membership (eg. the political Fund Review Ballot).

To make a report at each Branch Committee meeting.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to the Branch President to be included in the Branch magazine.

8. Equal Opportunities Officer.

To ensure that the Branch promotes the Equal Opportunities statement and policies agreed from time to time by the Union at Annual Conference and within the Branch.

To establish a liaison with properly constituted local groups within the geographical area in the Equal Opportunities field (eg Community relations can be aware of any concerns in respect of recruitment and other external matters).

To advise other Union Officers of Equal Opportunities issues arising in negotiations and representations.

To prepare reports to the Branch covering Equal Opportunities work on issues the Officer wishes to bring to the attention of the Branch.

To prepare an Annual Report for presentation to the membership.

To make a report at each Branch Committee meeting.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to the Branch President to be included in the Branch magazine.

9. Youth Officer

a. Primary role is to represent members in the Branch under the age of 30.

Promote issues affecting young people.
Report to Branch and Regional Youth Committees on relevant issues.

Escalate any issues as appropriate to Senior Branch/Regional Officers.

Act as a point of contact between young members and the Branch.

Act as a point of contact between CWU HQ and the Branch on issues concerning young members.

Provide information to young members, which the Branch Youth Officer may receive from CWU National or Regional level.

To attend relevant National and Regional meetings/committees.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to be included in the Branch magazine.

10. Women’s Officer

Promoting issues affecting women.

Reporting to the Branch/Region Committees relevant issues.

Escalate relevant issues as appropriate to Senior Branch/Regional Officers.

Act as a point of contact between female members and the Branch.

Act as a point of contact between CWU HQ and the Branch on issues concerning female members.

Provide information to female members, which the Branch Women’s Officer may receive from CWU National or Regional level.

To attend Regional Women’s Committee and the CWU Women’s Conference and feed in where appropriate.

To furnish on a quarterly basis an article to be included in the Branch magazine.

11. Union Learning/Training Officer

Responsible for making the learning opportunities agenda accessible for members by liasing with C.W.U. HQ Education department, educational organisations and the appropriate management.

To recruit and assist U.L.R.’s in the workplace.

To be responsible for the sustainability and management of all Learning Centres within the Branch boundaries.

To make a report at each Branch Committee meeting.

To furnish on a quarterly basis and article to the Branch President to be included in the Branch magazine.

11. FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

1. Trustees.

There shall be three Trustees, Branch Chair, Branch Secretary and Branch Treasurer.

All Branch property including money, securities, equipment etc shall be vested in the Trustees.

The Trustees shall be empowered to sign cheques on behalf of the Branch, any two of the three signatures being required on each cheque prior to issue.

2. Finance Committee

The Branch Committee shall maintain a Finance Committee.
The composition of the Finance Committee * shall be:

* Chair * Secretary * Treasurer * 3 Branch Committee Members

The Finance Committee shall meet monthly and prior to each Branch Committee meeting.

The Finance Committee shall provide each Branch Committee meeting with a written report.

The Finance Committee must satisfy itself that all Branch accounts are correct on a monthly basis by reference to bank statements, ledgers, receipts, cheque and deposit books.

3. Financial Year.

The Branch Financial Year shall commence on 1st January and close on 31st December each year.

The Branch Accounts shall be subject to audit by C.W.U. Headquarters and the Unions professional auditors.

All documentation to all Branch accounts including completed Form TA37 must be submitted to C.W.U. Headquarters by the second week of January each year.

4. Procedures.

The Branch shall hold only two accounts (General and Political Fund).

All payments to individual members, officers and representatives must be made by cheque.

Trustees must not, under any circumstances, sign blank cheques.

Cash withdrawals must be kept to an absolute minimum and only in accordance with limits agreed with C.W.U. Headquarters.

Watertight arrangements must be made to ensure that all expenses are paid promptly including Death Benefit to nominees. These arrangements must preclude the holding of petty cash anywhere other than the Branch Office. Petty Cash held at the Branch Office must be suitably secured.

12. DELEGATION TO CONFERENCE. (See Branch By-Laws)

All Conference delegations shall include the Branch Secretary.

If more than one delegate is permissible, the Branch Committee must ensure that appropriate business interests are represented.

Visitors may be elected if monies are available.

Delegates attending Conference will receive subsistence rates in accordance with National Rule 7.3.

13. COMMITTEES & LOCAL DELEGATIONS.

Delegates shall be appointed by and from the members of the Branch Committee and whenever possible the Branch Secretary shall lead any delegation.

14. BRANCH OFFICIALS HONORARIA. (See Branch By-Laws)

Officials/Representatives shall be paid such honoraria as is agreed upon by the Branch Annual General Meeting (Subject to a minimum 1% and a maximum 5% of the Branch annual rebate).

15. AFFILIATIONS. (See Branch By-Laws)

The Branch may affiliate to and subscribe to such organisations as may be approved by a General Meeting of the members provided such affiliations and subscriptions do not conflict with the policy of the Union.

The Branch shall affiliate to all Constituency Labour Parties within the Branch area. In any case where there is doubt about which CLP is appropriate or any other issue, clarification must be sought from C.W.U. Headquarters.

16. MEMBERS APPROACHING THE EMPLOYER.

No member or members shall approach the employer on any matter which may affect the general membership.

17. MEMBERS APPROACHING UNION HEADQUARTERS.

The normal channel for communication between lay members and C.W.U. Headquarters is via the Branch Secretary.

A member requiring advice or information from Union Headquarters regarding purely personal matters solely affecting himself/herself shall make his/her request through the Branch Secretary or other Branch Official as provided in the Branch Rules.

18. DISPUTES AND INTERPRETATIONS OF RULES.

Should any point arise on which these rules are vaguer or silent, such points should be decided by the Chair and submitted to the next General Meeting.

Should any dispute arise between any member or group of members of the Branch, such disputes should be settled by the Branch Committee and reported to the next General Meeting.

19. ALTERATIONS TO RULE.

No Rule or Standing Order shall be amended without the consent of a majority of those present at the Annual Meeting or is in (b), at which any proposed amendments have been duly and properly notified.

A Special Branch Meeting can be cancelled on the instruction of the National Organising Secretary in order to deal with proposed amendments to the Branch Rules and Standing Orders.

Any amendments carried at the Annual Meeting or a Branch Special General Meeting shall not be implemented until submitted to an approved by the Union Headquarters.

20. INDUSTRIAL ACTION.

Any properly convened meeting of the Branch may, by the carriage of a suitably worded motion, seek authority from the Executive Council for an Industrial Action ballot in accordance with the terms of National Rule No 13.

Following receipt of such a motion, the Executive Council shall either permit or refuse to permit a ballot to be held and shall communicate its decision without delay to the Branch together with instructions for the conduct of any Ballot authorised, the ultimate control of which will remain the responsibility of the Executive Council of the Union.

It shall be the sole right of the Executive Council to instruct members to take Industrial Action following a successful ballot result.

21. SECTIONS.

There shall be 8 Sections of the Branch to represent members as follows:

Section 1. – Leeds Postcode Delivery Offices. Comprising of all members of the Branch

employed in Leeds postcode delivery offices.

Section 2. - Comprising of all members employed in the distribution and door keeping function

at the Leeds Mail Centre, all members employed at the Yorkshire Distribution

Centre Cash in Transit depot, Aireborough, Wakefield, Seacroft and Calderway .

Hubs.

Section 3. - Compromising of all operational, catering, admin and cleaning grades employed

at the Leeds Mail Centre excluding members in the distribution and door keeping

function.

Section 5. - Comprising of all members employed in Parcelforce and ex Parcelforce buildings

withinthe boundaries of the Branch.

Section 6. - Comprising of all members employed in Wakefield Postcode delivery offices.

Section 7. - Comprising of all members employed in P.O.L. and admin grades in CHD.

Section 8. - Comprising of all Branch Retired Members.

The Section will be organised as follows:

A All matters discussed at Retired Members meetings shall be of a consensus basis and reported to the Branch Secretary for onward reporting to the Branch Committee

B Both the Section Chair and the Secretary may, on the express invitation of the Branch Committee, attend Branch Committee Meetings for report purposes, but they will not be eligible to vote nor to debate any business except that for which they have been specifically invited

22. SECTION OFFICERS.

Each Section shall elect a Chair and Secretary under the procedures set out in Rule 9.

23. SECTION COMMITTEES. (See Branch By-Laws)

A Section Committee shall be comprised of:

The Section Chair and Secretary.
The Sectional Committee shall appoint from the Committee the agreed number of delegates to the Branch Committee (Rule 7.1d).

24. POWERS OF SECTIONS.

a. Each of the Sections shall be responsible for the maintenance of Union membership in the offices, departments and grades covered by the section and for carrying out Branch policy within the section. Each section shall have power to make representations on all matters solely to members of the section.

Matters affecting the membership of more than one section shall be referred to the Branch Committee.

All communications between the section and C.W.U. Headquarters should pass through the Branch Secretary.

25. SECTION MEETINGS. (See Branch By-Laws).

The Sections shall hold not less than one meeting each year, to be held during the month of January.

Special Meetings of the section shall be convened as necessary by the Section Committee or upon the receipt of written requisition signed by 28 members of the Section.

The requisition shall state fully and clearly the purpose for which the meeting is desired and the only business to be transacted at such meetings shall be that announced on the notices convening the meeting.

c. All Section Meeting shall adopt the standing orders appended to these Rules.

The quorum of a Section Meeting shall be 20 members present.

Not less than 14 days prior notice shall be given to members of any Section General Meeting.

The terms of motions intended to be submitted to a meeting shall be in the hands of the Sections Secretary seven days before the meeting.

The Section Secretary shall publish the terms of motions at least four days before the meeting.

Amendments to any published motions must be handed to the Section Chair by the opening of the meeting.

26. BRANCH STANDING ORDERS.

1. Order of Business.

The order of business shall be read to the meeting by the Chair at the commencement of the meeting and shall be as follows:

Minutes of the previous meeting
Matters arising therefrom
Officers Reports
Motions

2. Rules of Debate

A member who speaks shall address the Chair and direct his speech strictly to the subject under discussion.

Every Motion must be moved and seconded before it can be discussed pr put to the vote. In the absence of either or both the proposer and or seconder the motion shall fall. In exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Chair, a member present at the meeting may deputise for either the proposer or seconder and the motion may then be put. No speech shall occupy more than six minutes without the consent of the meeting.

The Chair shall ensure the orderly conduct of the meeting and shall warn any member of unruly conduct or persistent interruptions; after the said warning and if the member persists in his or her behaviour, they shall retire for the remainder of the meeting.

No member, except the mover of an original motion, or the mover of an amendment which, having been carried, becomes the substantive motion, shall address the meeting more than once on any subject.

Th mover of an original motion shall have the right to reply, but such reply shall be confined to answering points raised by previous speakers and shall not include any new matter.

After the reply, the vote shall be taken.

Any member shall be entitled, with permission of the Chair, to rise to a point of order.

The ruling of the Chair upon all questions of order and matters arising in debate shall be final and not open to discussion unless challenged as defined in Standing Order 7.

A motion or amendment that has been moved and seconded, may be withdrawn by the mover and seconder wit the consent of the meeting, which shall be signified without debate. Should permission be refused, the debate shall continue.

Any motion or amendment that has not been moved and seconded may be withdrawn by the mover and seconder without the consent of the meeting.

Any member may formally second a motion or amendment, reserving his or her right to speak later in the debate.

Motions, that the question be put on a particular item, move to next business or to close debate may be moved and seconded only by members who have not previously spoken at any time during the debate. There can be no debate on such motions.

3. Voting.

Tellers shall be appointed for the meeting. The method of voting shall be a show of hands; if the count can be challenged, the Chair may order a re-count. The Chair shall not vote unless the votes for and against be equally divided, in which case he/she shall exercise a casting vote.

4. Decisions.

Every decision at a meeting shall be decided by a majority of the members who vote on such questions and whatever decision is reached shall be binding on all members.

5. Suspension of Standing Orders.

In the event of any matter of urgency, the Chair may accept a motion for the suspension of the standing orders. The member moving such suspension must clearly sate the nature and urgency of his business and the number or numbers of Standing Orders affected. No suspension of Standing Orders shall take place by majority of at least two-thirds of the members present.

6. Secretary’s report

It shall be permissible under these Standing Orders for any member of the Branch to raise on the Secretary’s report any question not dealt with in that report, provided that such question relates to any matter germane to the work of the Branch in the interim period between General Meetings.

7. Chair’s Decisions

The Chair’s decision on the construction of the Standing Orders and on any question of order, not provided for by them, shall be final, unless challenged in the appropriate way and the motion “That the Chair do leave the Chair” must be supported by at least two-thirds of the members present at the meeting.

Branch Office, Suite 6E

Josephs Well, Hanover Walk

Leeds, LS3 1AB

Tel: 0113 2341312.