[CMA] Example Constitutions

[Jaqui Devereux]

Hi

My first advice would be to consult your local CAB, Voluntary Action or 
similar local generic VCS umbrella group, also a solicitor.

It depends on the nature of the organisation you want to be.  The first 
choice is whether or not you will become incorporated (Company Limited 
by Guarantee or Community Interest Company are the main current choices) 
or not.  Incorporation means that the company is the legal entity and 
the Directors have limited liability if things go wrong (provided they 
have not been negligent).  The alternative is to be an Unincorporated 
Association.  This means that all the Management Committee could be 
jointly liable if things go wrong.  The third thing to think about is 
whether you want to become a charity (either as a company or 
unincorporated association).  In all cases you will want to to consider 
membership rights etc.

You do need to take advice on this.  Also, setting up separately will 
take time (months not weeks) and you would need to formally agree with 
your umbrella group the extent of any assets (bank accounts, equipment 
etc) to be transferred to the new entity.

There is no separate example constitution for community radio or any 
other sectoral base within the Voluntary & Community Sector.  The 
constitution will depend on what legal status for the separate 
organisation you choose.  The NCVO website also has lots of generic 
advice on organisation types and the pros and cons of each.

"Underneath" the legal constitution, you would want some form of mission 
statement, to say what you want to do, with whom and why.  Again, talk 
this through both with members of your organisation and e.g. other 
stations.  Also, take a look at the Community Radio Toolkit, which has a 
section on organisational formation and governance -

www.communityradiotoolkit.net

Hope this helps

Best wishes

Jaqui Devereux
Acting Director
Community Media Association



CMA-L wrote:
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> 
> From: "On The One" <shak.m at btclick.com>
> 
> Hi can anyone help?
> 
> We are looking for example constitutions for community radio stations
> (internet) we have been under an umbrella organisation who are facing
> financial difficulties and would like to constitute the radio station as
> a separate organisation.
> 
> Many thanks
> 
> XSE
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-- 
Jaqui Devereux

Acting Director
Community Media Association

15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX

+44 114 279 5219


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