Constitution

Our commitment to openness and transparency.

In addition to transparency of our processes, activities, funding and planning. We're also committed to our members being provided with an open and inclusive environment, both within and outside of our scheduled activities.

Our Constitution

Ratified by the current committee at the Annual Group Meeting of committee members in preparation for 2024 (1st January 2024)

The Society shall be called the BATH AND DISTRICT AREA SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, hereinafter referred to as “the society” or “society”.

The object of the society shall be the exploration, research and the preservation of phenomena and environs found in caves, mines and other underground spaces. Hereafter referred to as “the underground”.

The society shall use the following to achieve its objectives:

a. Publication of information of speleological and underground interest.

b. Continuation of old and the initiation of new research with the view to publication.

c. Cooperation with all who are working for the advancement of speleology and the investigation of the underground.

d. Provide the means for club members to participate in visiting the underground.

e. Cooperation with landowners to access caves, mines, and quarries

4. ELECTION OF MEMBERS

There are five types of membership of the society:

A: Full Member. B: Emeritus. C: Associate. D: Temporary. E: Family

A: Full Membership

Full membership entitles members of the society to partake in organised trips, vote in the AGM, and to nominate officers. Full membership is dependant on continued activity, with a minimum of three society trips per year

B: Emeritus

Emeritus membership entitles members of the society to maintain a membership or officers position when unable to participate in trips, and to vote at the AGM. Emeritus membership can be maintained by ongoing communication with the committee.

C: Associate

Associate membership entitles members of the society to participate in trips, and to maintain an honorary position within the society.

D: Temporary

Temporary membership allows an individual to participate in a single trip with the society.

E: Family

Family membership shall be available to partner members and their dependent children.

Applications

Membership applications are to be handed to either the secretary or completed via the online form provided. These applications will be brought before the committee and if no objection be raised the proposed will be considered duly elected as a member of the Society.

All members other than Temporary or Associate members are eligible to vote at General Meetings, serve on the committee, borrow equipment from the Society, and borrow from the society library.

All members of the Society must sign the Membership Application form. The form must be countersigned by a parent or guardian on behalf of those under the age of 18.

5. OFFICERS

a. The management of the B.A.D.A.S.S. shall be vested in the committee consisting of:

Chairman - Alex Moule

Secretary - Jordan Bell (Interim)

Treasurer - Jordan Bell

Media - Stephen Robbs

Equipment - Cameron Strike

with a further THREE Associate Committee members (Ben Evans, Steve Randall)

The committee shall have the power to accept other members into the committee.

The Chairman is responsible for the organisation of the Annual General Meeting, and for leading the board, focusing on the ongoing well-being of the society, and to oversee the society’s activities.

The equipment officer will be responsible for keeping an itemised list of equipment owned by the society, and ensuring it is kept in good order

The secretary will be responsible for the keeping of minutes, the keeping of membership lists, informing members of the outcomes of formal meetings, and the recording of action points.

The treasurer will be responsible for keeping a proper account book, which may be inspected by any full member, and shall submit a Statement of Account at each committee meeting. The accounts shall be audited annually by a person judged by the committee to be a capable and reputable person, who is not a member of the society, and these audited accounts shall be presented at the AGM.

The media officer will be responsible for photographing and documenting any trips or occasions deemed necessary, and the publication of such in an appropriate manner

Committee Elections shall take place at the Annual General Meeting, with the committee assuming office after the elections are complete

Officer proposals shall be publicised seven days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

Voting in absentia will be accepted on specific and limited basis, with absentia votes to be provided to the secretary.

An attendance of 50% or more of the committee shall form a quorum, with absentia votes counting towards the specific action point

The committee maintains the right to terminate the membership of any member, after hearing all the evidence of relevance for such action, if at least two thirds of the committee is in agreement. If expulsion is found to be necessary, the member shall be provided the opportunity to resign before taking such action.

Any committee member who fails, having been elected at the AGM, to attend THREE meetings in succession, without good cause, shall be removed from post and will pass any and all society material held by them to their successor.

Any officer who is found to have used their position to unfairly benefit themselves or others is to resign with immediate effect, or be removed from post, and will be barred from holding a post within the society.

Associate committee members are entitled to raise any issues and vote on any decisions

6. FUNDS

a. Subscriptions shall be paid to the Treasurer yearly, upon acceptance as a member to the Society. The yearly subscription shall be set at the AGM for the coming year.

b. The Funds of the society shall be used at the discretion of the committee, with a minimum of three committee member's agreement, providing they do not violate any clause of the constitution.

c. Funds are to be used for the purchasing of equipment or sundries necessary to the operation of the society, or to further enable the goals of the society.

7. MEETINGS

a. The Annual General Meeting will be called during the first two weeks of October with at least 14 days notice being given to all members.

b. Extraordinary General Meetings to be called at the discretion of the committee with at least 14 days notice being given to all members.

c. Committee Meetings to be held at least FOUR times per year, either by formal announcement or informal agreement with the chairman, treasurer, and secretary

8. CONDUCT

a. Damage to, or the removal of any underground formation, flora, fauna or artefacts, unless as part of research of the Society, will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with this condition will result in this action being brought to the notice of the committee, who may at their discretion, after hearing all the evidence, act in accordance with section 5k.

b. Members will not carry out actions or knowingly take part in activities that are likely to damage the reputation of the club, nor will they behave in such a way as to result in discomfort or injury to other cavers or members of the club or its guests. Any such actions or behaviour may lead to expulsion from the society as per section 5k.

c. The society shall not be held responsible for any injury to a member, nor for damage to his or her personal belongings

d. Organisation of Society Expeditions shall be vested in competent members.

e. All members of the society, regardless of status, must be treated equally, and with dignity and respect: We must not discriminate against people because of their race, sex, sexuality, marital status, religion, disability or age and must behave at all times with courtesy, patience and understanding.

f. All members of the society, regardless of status, must treat everyone equally, and with dignity and respect: We must not discriminate against people because of their race, sex, sexuality, marital status, religion, disability or age and must behave at all times with courtesy, patience and understanding.

9. COMMUNICATION

When a newsheet is produced by the Secretary, it is his duty to include any major decisions made by the committee at committee meetings.

10. CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

This constitution shall not be altered without the knowledge of the members. Any alterations may only be made at the AGM or an EGM of the B.A.D.A.S.S. At least 14 days notice must be given to all members of any proposed alterations. The constitution may only be altered by a majority vote of all members, with attendance to be over 75% of full members.

11. DISPOSAL OF THE B.A.D.A.S.S. LIBRARY

In the event of the society being wound up the FULL CONTENTS of the library of the society. are to be handed over to the British Caving Library who will keep the library (as a separate item) for a period of FIVE years and if no acceptable successor to the society is formed, the contents of the late society. Library will be taken into and become part of the British Caving Library.

12. The committee shall have full power to deal with any matter not provided for in this constitution. Their decision being at all times final.

This constitution is subject to review, modification, re-ratification, and amendment on both an annual-basis, or at such a time where changes are necessary to maintain the consistent running of the club. This current revision is active from the incorporation of the society, and will carry into the 2024 period, our members will always be made aware of any planned changes and will have the opportunity to question or query any current statutes or amendments.

The Equality Act 2010 - Our Responsibility

Part of our commitment to being a diverse and inclusive community, means we're fully read-up on, and compliant with the Equality Act 2010, and will not discriminate based on gender, orientation, disability etc.