About Us

Constitution of Hatherleigh Science Group

1. Name

The name of the group shall be Hatherleigh Science Group.

2. Aims and Objectives

The aims of the group are:

• To promote science engagement and education in Hatherleigh and surrounding rural communities.

• To organise public science events including lectures, workshops, and an annual science fair.

• To encourage participation in science across all age groups, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity.

• To support ethical science communication and promote alternatives to animal testing where appropriate.

3. Powers

To achieve its aims, the group may:

• Raise funds through donations, grants, and fundraising schemes.

• Organise events and activities.

• Collaborate with other organisations, institutions, and individuals.

• Purchase or lease equipment and materials.

• Maintain a website

4. Membership

• Membership is open to anyone who supports the aims of the group.

• Members may be individuals or representatives of partner organisations.

• The group shall maintain a list of active members.

5. Management Committee

• The group shall be managed by a committee consisting of two core members:

  • Craig Beall, who serves as both Chair and Secretary.

  • Josie Lloyd, who serves as Treasurer and is unrelated to the Chair.

• Committee members shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

• The committee shall meet at least quarterly and be responsible for the day-to-day running of the group.

6. Project-Based Roles

• Additional roles may be appointed annually to support specific projects and initiatives. These include:

  • Communications Officer: Responsible for managing the group’s website, social media, and public communications.

  • Fundraising Officer: Responsible for identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and coordinating fundraising activities.

  • Volunteer Coordinator: Responsible for recruiting, supporting, and organising volunteers for events and activities.

  • Scientific Liaison Officers (minimum of three): Responsible for ensuring scientific accuracy and relevance of content, and for connecting the group with researchers, institutions, and scientific networks.

• These roles are non-executive and project-specific, and appointees shall report to the committee.

7. General Meetings

• An AGM shall be held once per year to review activities, elect members, and approve accounts.

• Additional general meetings may be called by the committee or at the request of at least three members.

• A quorum for meetings shall be at least one-third of the active membership.

8. Finance

• All funds shall be used solely to further the aims of the group.

• A bank account shall be maintained in the name of the group.

• The Treasurer shall keep accurate records and present accounts at the AGM.

• Two unrelated committee members shall be required to authorise payments.

9. Conflict of Interest

• Committee members must declare any conflict of interest and withdraw from decision-making where such conflict exists.

10. Amendments to the Constitution

• This constitution may be amended at a general meeting with the approval of two-thirds of members present.

11. Dissolution

• If the group decides to dissolve, any remaining funds shall be donated to a local charity or community organisation with similar aims, as agreed by the members.