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THE CONSTITUTION      

     

    1. Name

    The initiative shall be known as the Congleton Partnership (“the Partnership”).

    2. Historical Context

    Founded in 2006, the Partnership originated from the Congleton Market Town Initiative, evolving significantly since its first constitution in January 2007 and its revision in May 2008 to focus on long-term town regeneration. The Partnership continues to respond to the needs of the community and support the VCFSE sector, leveraging local resources to enhance Congleton.

    3. Vision

    Aspiring to create a vibrant, healthy accessible town termed “Little Town with a Big Heart,” the Partnership aims to inspire equality and kindness, enhance health and wellbeing, promote sustainable travel, preserve cultural heritage, and improve green spaces.

    4. Key Goals

    Congleton – Little Town with the Big Heart!

    o Chart and define a clear path to carbon neutrality by 2030 in our homes, schools, businesses and farms.
    o Create a vibrant, happy, healthy town by inspiring open and generous communities, improving health & wellbeing, sustainable travel, and improving our green spaces for all residents.
    o A volunteering infrastructure that enables all types of volunteers to reach their full potential.
    o We will seek to identify a community hub that is a carbon-neutral space for start-up businesses, entertainment, meetings, community groups, employment, and volunteering opportunities.
    o Working in Partnership with organisations in Congleton and surrounding parishes to tackle the long-standing issues in the town.
    o Facilitate a business infrastructure that enables all our young people the business opportunities to reach their full potential.
    o The Partnership is a champion for Congleton and surrounding parishes building
    on our local distinctiveness and protecting our culture and heritage.
    o Engage with all residents in Congleton and the surrounding parishes, and actively involve and welcome new residents to join our vibrant community.
    o To support the development and improvement of sports and leisure facilities in the town.

    5. Principles and Role of the Partnership:

    Principles:

    The Partnership is dedicated to fostering collaboration and effective communication, actively engaging with statutory bodies, ensuring inclusive community engagement, and promoting community cohesion while maintaining a non-political stance.

    Role:
    The Partnership is focused on identifying public needs and facilitating the delivery of projects. This is achieved by setting strategic agendas, attracting investments, and applying for grant funding not available to the local authority or Town Council. Encouraging community collaboration, and supporting community groups that further the Partnership’s vision.

    6. Affairs of the Partnership

    The Partnership shall be managed by a board known as the Oversight Group, which shall meet every month or as business dictates, plus an AGM. The Oversight Group shall appraise projects, approve funding and be responsible for monitoring projects. The Accountable Body (Congleton Town Council) reserves the ultimate right to sanction or refuse any proposal endorsed by the Oversight Group. Should a funding opportunity become available with an application submission deadline before the next scheduled meeting of the Oversight Group, the accountable body has the right to endorse the application.

    7. Membership

    The Oversight Group –
    The Oversight group shall have 9 voting members:

    • 1 x Chair
    • 1 x Vice-Chair
    • 1 x representative of the local business community
    • 2 x elected Congleton Town Council Members
    • Plus 4 other positions representing other Congleton Interests decided by the democratic process.

    The Chief Officer or Deputy Chief Officer from Congleton Town Council will attend as Ex Officio.

    The Partnership Officer will provide administration support.

    • Individual projects may be managed by a project-specific member of the Partnership outside of the Oversight Group.
    • Oversight Group can co-opt additional members in response to a specific project need.
    • The Chair shall retire from office at the Annual General Meeting but may be re-elected.

    General Membership
    Congleton-focused not-for-profit organisations, community & voluntary groups, schools, faith groups, residents and businesses with a charitable aim are invited to become a member of the Partnership. All members will agree to a code of conduct, sign a membership form and actively support each other. All statutory authorities in the area will be offered membership. Partnership aims to hold 4 membership events each year; members will be encouraged to share challenges, best practices and project ideas that the Partnership can take forward. Member events may be themed depending on the needs/wants of the membership.

    8. Resignation and Termination of Membership

    Any member of the Partnership may resign his/her membership by giving the Officer, Chair or Vice Chair written notice to that effect.

    The Oversight Group may, by resolution passed at a meeting thereof, terminate or suspend the membership of any member if their actions conflict with the Partnership’s objectives, following a fair hearing process.

    9. Rules of procedure at all meetings

    1 Voting: Any question arising at a meeting of the Oversight shall be decided by a majority of those present and able to vote. In the case of equality of votes, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.
    2 Quorum: Any four members of the Oversight Group shall constitute a quorum.
    3 Minutes: The Oversight Group shall keep minutes, and the respective secretary shall enter therein a record of all proceedings and resolutions.
    4 Declaration of Interest: Members must declare an interest of any kind in projects where Partnership decisions will impact their stated interest.

    10. Annual General Meeting

    Once each calendar year, an Annual General Meeting of the Partnership shall be held at such time and place as the Oversight Group shall determine, being not more than twelve months after the adoption of this constitution. At least 14 days’ clear notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place or places in the area of responsibility.

    The business of the AGM shall be:
    i. To receive the Annual Report of the Oversight Group giving an account of the work of the Partnership and its activities during the preceding year.
    ii. To receive the accounts of the Partnership, if appropriate, for the preceding financial year.
    iii. To note the names of the persons appointed as members of the Oversight Group.
    iv. To elect a Chair & Vice Chair for the forthcoming year.
    v. To consider and vote on any proposals to alter this constitution.
    vi. To consider any other business for which due notice is given.

    15. Records

    Meeting records and financial reports are publicly accessible via the Partnership website and managed under the oversight of Congleton Town Council, which also handles the Partnership’s finances.

    16. Finance

    Financial reports and records will be the responsibility of the Partnership Officer and will be presented at Annual General Meetings or periodically at the request of the Oversight Group.

    17. Employees

    While the Partnership does not directly employ staff, it influences staffing decisions regarding the Partnership Officer role.

    18. Disbandment

    The Partnership may disband by a majority vote at a specially convened general meeting, responsibly disposing of any assets.

    19. Indemnity

    In the execution of the trusts hereof, no member of the Partnership shall be liable:

    • For any loss to the property of the Partnership by any reason of any improper investment made in good faith (so long as he/she shall have sought professional advice before making such an investment)
    • For the negligence or fraud of any agent engaged by him/her or by any other member of the Partnership in good faith (provided reasonable supervision shall have been exercised).

    20. Urgency

    In cases of Urgency, the Officer of Congleton Partnership and Chief Officer, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Oversight, may take any decision which the Oversight is entitled to take, provided this action and the reason for it being considered a matter of urgency be reported to the next meeting of the Oversight.

    21. Media and Communications Policy

    Purpose: This policy governs all external communications by the Congleton Partnership across various channels including online, in print, and in person.

    Scope: Applies to all Groups and Members of the Congleton Partnership.

    Key Principles:
    • Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts within Group or Partnership meetings, avoiding public disputes.
    • Respectful Communication: Encourage healthy debate and discussion while maintaining respect and professionalism.
    • Confidentiality: Keep sensitive information shared in meetings confidential until explicitly stated otherwise.
    • Privacy Compliance: Protect personal information and comply with data protection laws (GDPR).
    • Clear Representation: When speaking publicly, clarify whether views expressed are personal or represent the Partnership, and only speak on behalf of the Partnership or a Group when authorised.
    • Press and media enquiries shall be referred to the Officer, Chair, Vice Chair and/or who have the authority to prepare/make a press release on behalf of The Partnership.

    Enforcement: Compliance is required from all Members and Groups.

    Adopted 10.09.24