Thames Estuary Schools

Thames Estuary Schools ‘Club’ Constitution

www.thamesestuaryschools.co.uk

secretary@thamesestuaryschools.co.uk

c/o Nicholas Alston, 28 Cheltenham Drive, Benfleet, Essex, SS73SB

1 Name:

The Club’s name is Thames Estuary Schools’ Sailing (TESS)

2 The purposes of the Club:

To promote and support young people of school age to develop socially, physically and intellectually through the sport of competitive sailing with particular reference to Team Racing.

3 Trustees

The Club shall be managed by a committee of trustees who are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Club. The trustees are not liable for any losses or damages resulting from actions taken in good faith within the scope of their authority, and with reasonable care and diligence.

4 Carrying out the purposes

In order to carry out the ‘club’ purposes, the trustees have the power to:

(1) raise funds, receive grants and donations

(2) apply funds to carry out the work of the Club

(3) co-operate with and support other charities with similar purposes

(4) do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes

5 Membership

The ‘Club’ shall have a membership. This will be compulsory for all parents of the children participating in the activities of the club, including all external activities.

Members are solely responsibility for the health, welfare and safety of their children taking part or being involved in any activity and rests with the parent/guardian/carer and not the Club or Trustees thereof.

Trustees can also be members if they are a parent of a child in the squad.

The trustees will keep an up-to-date membership list.

The trustees may remove a person’s membership if they believe it is in the best interests of the Club. The member has the right to be heard by the trustees before the decision is made and can be accompanied by a friend.

6 Annual General Meeting - AGM

(1) The AGM must be held every year, with 14 days notice given to all members telling them what is on the

agenda. Minutes must be kept of the AGM.

(2) There must be at least 3 members present at the AGM.

(3) Every member has one vote.

(4) The trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.

(5) Any member may stand for election as a trustee.

(6) Members shall elect between 2 and 10 trustees to serve for the next year. They will retire at the next AGM but may stand for re-election.

7 Trustee meetings

(1) Trustees must hold at least 1 meeting each year. At their first meeting after the AGM they will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary. Trustees may act by majority decision.

(2) At least 2 trustees must be present at the meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.

(3) If trustees have a conflict of interest, they must declare it and leave the meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided.

(4) During the year, the trustees may appoint up to 2 additional trustees. They will stand down at the next AGM.

(5) The trustees may make reasonable additional rules to help run the Club. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.

8 Money and property

(1) Money and property must only be used for the Club’s purposes.

(2) Trustees must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts can be seen by anybody on request.

(3) Trustees cannot receive any money or property from the Club, except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.

(4) Money must be held in the Club’s bank account. All cheques must be signed by two trustees.

9 General meetings

If the Trustees consider it is necessary to change the constitution, or wind up the Club, they must call a General Meeting so that the membership can make the decision. Trustees must also call a General Meeting if they receive a written request from the majority of members. All members must be given 14 days notice and told the reason for the meeting. All decisions require a two thirds majority. Minutes must be kept.

(1) Winding up - any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a Club with similar purposes to this one.

(2) Changes to the Constitution - can be made at AGMs or General Meetings. No change can be made that would make the organisation no longer a Club.

(3) General Meeting - called on written request from a majority of members.

(4) Trustees may also call a General Meeting to consult the membership.

10 Setting up the Club

This constitution was adopted on 16th June 2025

Thames Estuary Schools (TESS) Safe Guarding Policy

This policy has been written with reference to national legislation and guidance, as well as RYA policy and protocols. This policy refers to anyone under the age of 18, defined as a child by the Children Act 19891.

TESS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults taking part in its activities from physical, sexual or emotional harm, neglect or bullying. We recognise that the safety, welfare and needs of the children are paramount and that any person, has a right to protection from discrimination and abuse.

TESS will create a safe and secure environment, both on and off the water, where children can develop socially, physically and intellectually through the sport of competitive sailing. Everyone involved with TESS will be expected to treat all people with respect and listen to their views and experiences.

The responsibility for the health, welfare and safety of children taking part or being involved in any activity attended by TESS rests with the parent/guardian/carer. Any volunteers whose role brings them into regular contact with young people under 18 years will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure, with Barred List check as appropriate.

Thames Estuary Schools Sailing:

• Recognises that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone, not just those working directly with children.

• Carefully recruits volunteers in roles involving close contact with children and provides them with appropriate information or training.

• All persons involved in TESS have a responsibility to report concerns to the appropriate person (Club Welfare Officer).

• Responds swiftly and appropriately to all complaints and concerns about poor practice orsuspected abuse, referring to external agencies as necessary.

• Regularly reviews safeguarding procedures and practices in the light of experience or to take account of legislative, social or technological changes.

• It has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved or taking part in TESS’s activities. It will ensure an environment where everyone feels secure. It will ensure that there are adults including parents whom they can approach if they are worried.

This policy will be reviewed by the TESS Members and Trustees annually.

The Welfare Officer and Trustees should be notified of all relevant concerns, allegations or complaints. Consideration will then be taken regarding further action.

CLUB WELFARE OFFICER

The Club Welfare Officer is:

Nick Alston, 07815 113459

nickalston@icloud.com

6th June 2025

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