Haywood Rheumatism Research
&
Development Foundation
Haywood Hospital
High Lane
Burslem
Stoke on Trent
ST6 7AG

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ABOUT US

The foundation

The Haywood Foundation is a local charity for local people.
We are based at the Haywood Hospital, in Burslem, Stoke on Trent and aim to support the lives of those living and caring for people with arthritis and related conditions. 

The foundation

Everything we do is possible only through the generosity of those who donate to the charity, and those who give their time to help support the charity’s aims.

Learn more about us by watching this video.

Our vision

The goal of the Haywood Rheumatism Research and Development Foundation, better known as the Haywood Foundation, is to improve the health and wellbeing of people with arthritis and related conditions and their carers living in our local Community. We have a close relationship with the Rheumatology Department at the Haywood Hospital.

 

  • Raise awareness of arthritis and related conditions

  • Provide information and help to those people living with arthritis and related conditions, their carers, and their healthcare providers.

  • Invest in research which aims to improve the health and well-being of people with arthritis and related conditions

  • Support initiatives/innovations to directly improve the health and well-being of people with conditions and their carers. We respond to requests and suggestions from health professionals and members of the public, including patients and carers.

  • Support initiatives/innovations to enhance the development, recruitment and retention of highly skilled and motivated individuals who provide care to people with arthritis and related conditions at the Haywood hospital

Haywood committee

The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the charity and consists the charity’s voluntary ‘officers’ and general committee members. The Officers include: a President, Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition to the officers the committee consists of elected voluntary general committee members who are committed to driving forward the goals of the charity.

Professor Zoe Paskins

Zoe is also a Professor at the School of Medicine at Keele University where she leads the osteoporosis research group. Her research interests include how healthcare can be better delivered to meet patient needs.

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Dr Zoe Paskins

Zoe has worked as a doctor at the Haywood Hospital since 2008 and was appointed to an Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist post at the Haywood Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent in 2013. She trained in Leicester and undertook postgraduate training in rheumatology in the West Midlands. During this time she completed a Masters in Medical Education (University of Warwick) and her PhD (Keele University). She is Clinical Lead for the Osteoporosis Service at the Haywood, which provides bone density, Fracture Liaison and medical metabolic bone services for North Staffordshire. 

She is also a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine at Keele University where she leads the osteoporosis research group. Her research interests include how healthcare can be better delivered to meet patient needs. 

Zoe joined the foundation committee in 2015. She is married with two children and enjoys gardening and baking.

June Brammar

June is a member of the Haywood Foundation where she is actively involved in promotional and fundraising activities. She supports the work of the North Staffordshire branch of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA).

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June Brammar

 June started her career in the ceramic industry before moving in to health improvement with positive ageing charity, The Beth Johnson Foundation, in 1997. Amongst her achievements there were; developing the Active in Age programme which trained people to deliver gentle physical exercise to older people and developing an accredited Falls Prevention Programme for the NHS.

June has written several reports for local authorities and delivered a range of presentations to medical practitioners and community members. In 2012 June was seconded to the Haywood Hospital to set up the Patient Information Education Resource (PIER), an information and educational resource centre for those living with arthritis and associated conditions.

June is a member of the Haywood Foundation where she is actively involved in promotional and fundraising activities. She supports the work of the North Staffordshire branch of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA).

June has a Diploma in Welfare Studies and gained an MA in Community Practice and Promoting Public Health from Staffordshire University in 2010.

In her spare time she enjoys knitting, gardening and spending time with her family.

Professor Sam Hider

Sam is a Professor of Rheumatology at Keele University. She has worked at the Haywood hospital twice- first as a junior doctor in 1999 and loved it so much she came back following her postgraduate training.

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Sam Hider

Sam is a Professor of Rheumatology at Keele University. She has worked at the Haywood hospital twice- first as a junior doctor in 1999 and loved it so much she came back following her postgraduate training in Rheumatology and PhD at University of Manchester in 2007 and was appointed as a consultant rheumatologist in 2009.

Her research focusses on diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis and  polymyalgia rheumatica and the long-term impacts of chronic inflammatory conditions, especially the overlap between physical and mental health.

Sam joined the foundation committee in 2022. She is married with two teenage girls. Outside of work she enjoys reading, going to gym, running (unless its raining or uphill!) and being beside the sea!

Professor Kay Stevenson

Kay is a Consultant Physiotherapist, and an Honorary Professor of Musculoskeletal Care and Leadership. She works in Midland Partnership Foundation Trust and in the Impact Accelerator Unit, Keele University.

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Professor Kay Stevenson

Kay is a Consultant Physiotherapist, and an Honorary Professor of Musculoskeletal Care and Leadership. She works in Midland Partnership Foundation Trust and in the Impact Accelerator Unit, Keele University.

She is the Clinical Lead for a large Musculoskeletal Interface Service with responsibility for quality of patient care, educational standards and the future direction of the service. She leads this large team of Rheumatologists, General Practitioners, Advanced Practice Physiotherapists and Podiatrists. She has recently employed the first Physical Health Peer Support worker in the Trust to work alongside clinicians to ensure the view of our patients are represented.

She is responsible for ensuring the research undertaken by Keele University is used to support patient care, both nationally and internationally. She is committed to engaging all stakeholder in this work. She formed the Musculoskeletal ‘Evidence into Practice’ groups in 2003. This multidisciplinary group engages over 80 academics, clinicians and librarians have asked and answered over 120 clinical questions and improved care as a result. This has led to 3 funded research trails and was awarded a British Society of Rheumatology Award for Outstanding Clinical Practice in 2016.

She is a Versus Arthritis Clinical Champion and is undertaking a bespoke Leadership programme with Ashridge Executive Education.
A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis 30 years ago brought with it many challenges, but it has given me the motivation to use my experience to benefit others. To this end, I became a telephone support worker for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and, with the support of this organisation, I helped to set up the local group which holds its meetings at The Haywood. I have also become a member of the Research User Group at Keele (RUG) and I am a volunteer at the PIER. Having received such wonderful care and support at The Haywood, I am delighted to be a member of the Foundation Committee.
In my spare time I love to sing and I am a member of three choirs. I also enjoy yoga and, more recently, have taken up Tai Chi. I run a monthly book club and visit the theatre regularly. Most of all, I love to spend time with my family.

Helen Duffy

 I am delighted to be a Trustee of the Haywood Foundation as well as a committee member. Having worked in the NHS for many years the benefit of a local charity that is dedicated to local people and services cannot be underestimated.

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Helen Duffy

Manager: Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Consortium
Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre
Having come to Keele University as a student in 1987, I fell in love with Staffordshire (and my husband!) and stayed! I graduated from Keele University in 1990 and subsequently held a number of NHS management roles within secondary and primary care settings. Despite NHS changes in management structures, I have always been fortunate to be involved in managing musculoskeletal services over the last 20 years thoroughly enjoying working with the rheumatology, rehabilitation and orthopaedic teams in Stoke on Trent. Somehow all career decisions have been related to working with the teams at the Haywood as I’ve moved through directorate manager and hospital manager roles!. Working closely with clinicians, patients and the research unit at Keele I helped to develop the business cases for a range of musculoskeletal services in Stoke on Trent (including the STaBs back pain, fracture liaison, musculoskeletal interface, and IMPACT pain services). In 2011 I became Consortium Manager at Keele University’s Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre. Working across the NHS/research interface, my role is to ensure clinical engagement in the research agenda and to support the dissemination and implementation of research outputs into practice. This role involves working with researchers and NHS partners across the region (including the Haywood services!) to ensure that the commissioning and delivery of musculoskeletal services are based upon the best available evidence. At the beginning of 2014 the Keele team were successful in securing funding to support implementation projects for osteoarthritis and back pain research (via NHS England, regional innovation funding, and the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network).
I am delighted to be a Trustee of the Haywood Foundation as well as a committee member. Having worked in the NHS for many years the benefit of a local charity that is dedicated to local people and services cannot be underestimated. Without the support of the foundation many ‘fledgling’ ideas would not have come to fruition and I am proud to be part of a committed team who continue to support the ideals established by Dr Hothersall many years ago. I am married with two rapidly growing children and a very silly large dog!

Professor Sarah Ryan

I am a professor of rheumatology nursing which is an innovative post funded by the Haywood Foundation and the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I am involved in clinical, educational and research activities.

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Sarah Ryan

I am a professor of rheumatology nursing which is an innovative post funded by the Haywood Foundation and the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I am involved in clinical, educational and research activities. My clinical interests include supporting patients to manage their symptoms including pan, joint stiffness, joint swelling and fatigue. I am the course director of a MSc programme and two degree level modules for rheumatology nurses and allied health professionals. I have published widely within rheumatology nursing and I currently edit a rheumatology journal called ‘Musculoskeletal Care’. In 2003 I was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing for my contributions to rheumatology nursing. In 2014 I was awarded the Arthritis Research UK silver medal for research into the knowledge and skills patients want nurses and allied health professionals to have.
My hobbies include being by the sea, walking, taming the garden and birdlife.

Maria Shaw

My current role as PFI Manager remains part of the Facilities & Estates Team. I remain based at the Haywood Hospital with operational responsibility for the day to day management of the PFI and Retained Estates Buildings.

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Maria Shaw

I started my career in Manchester as a Legal Secretary moving on to Staffordshire in 1976 where I took up a 6 month temporary Medical Secretary Post in 1977 at the Haywood Hospital.  For the past 43 years I have worked at the Haywood Hospital; initially progressing from a Medical Secretary to Team Lead before securing my role within the Facilities and Estates department. 

As PFI builds were secured at both the Royal Stoke and Haywood Hospital sites; my role developed to understand the complexities of managing and working within a PFI build.  During the time of the hospitals’ development I worked across both sites and this partnership and collaborative approach still exists to mutually benefit both sites.

My current role as PFI Manager remains part of the Facilities & Estates Team.  I remain based at the Haywood Hospital with operational responsibility for the day to day management of the PFI and Retained Estates Buildings.  A significant part of my role is to ensure the ongoing compliance against the PFI Contract is maintained these include annual statutory maintenance programmes which take a considerable amount of planning and organisation and requires close collaboration with my operational and clinical colleagues.  I am also responsible for ensuring the safe and the safe management of the building health & safety, fire & water compliance, cleaning, catering, waste, network systems, telecoms etc.

I remain committed to ensuring a safe environment for the patients and staff that use this building and enjoy the daily challenges that this role brings.  I feel that one of my significant contributions is the supporting the essential relationship between Facilities & Estates alongside my operational and clinical colleagues and ensuring that the patients and service users are central to all that we do.

Professor Krysia Dziedzic

Krysia is a professor and Director of the Impact Accelerator Unit at Keele University. Krysia has had a long-standing relationship with the Haywood starting with her attendance at their Rheumatology Course for Physiotherapists in 1989.

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Professor Krysia Dziedzic

Krysia is a professor and Director of the Impact Accelerator Unit, School of Medicine, Keele University. Krysia has had a long-standing relationship with the Haywood starting with her attendance at their Rheumatology Course for Physiotherapists in 1989. With new research skills taken from the course, this led to her moving to Stoke on Trent from Kent to take up a research physiotherapy post at the Haywood. Krysia completed her PhD working with members of the Haywood Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) and joined Keele to take up a research leadership role for musculoskeletal therapies. Krysia is a strong advocate for patent and public involvement and engagement in research and its implementation into health care. Krysia is also currently an Honorary Implementation Consultant for the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust.

Laura Campbell

I work with academic colleagues and external stakeholders on activities to accelerate the impact of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science’s (FMHS) research into policy and practice.

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Laura Campbell

Impact Accelerator Unit Knowledge Broker, School of Medicine, Keele University

I graduated from the University of Bath in 2008 with a degree in French, German and European Studies, spending a short time afterwards as a translator. After university I moved back home to Staffordshire to take up a post as a newspaper journalist, eventually becoming the contents editor for two local lifestyle magazines in 2013.
When I was 13 years old I was diagnosed with a curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and from 18 onwards underwent five different operations to correct it. During that time I also broke my back twice. Being in and out of hospital inspired me to volunteer for the Scoliosis Association UK and I became their Lead Regional Representative for the West and East Midlands in 2011, moving on to be their lead UK representative in 2019. I have since co-founded and organise Back2Back, a Scoliosis Support Group especially for scoliosis patients at nearby Royal Stoke Hospital.

As well as scoliosis I also have a genetic connective tissue disorder and I am under the care of The Haywood Hospital for this. Over the years several members of my close family have been severely affected by this condition, as well as both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and I have seen first-hand the positive difference that the outstanding care from The Haywood has had on their lives. Because of this I am very proud to be part of the Haywood Foundation Committee.

As a Knowledge Broker for the Impact Accelerator Unit, I work with academic colleagues and external stakeholders (health and social care professionals, patient and public members) on activities to accelerate the impact of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science’s (FMHS) research into policy and practice.  I lead the LINK group (public involvement in Knowledge Mobilisation), co-produce patient facing evidence based resources and develop knowledge exchange activities and communication strategies for the unit for scaling up and scaling out high quality research evidence across boundaries. 

I am currently also undertaking an MPhil in Knowledge Mobilisation, I am a trustee of the North Staffordshire Orthopeadic Research Foundation, I was a finalist in the 2018 Nursing Times Awards and my hobbies include writing, making cakes, watching Disney films, travelling and swimming, and I spend most of my spare time with my wonderful friends, family and our very bouncy golden retriever!

Dr Ashley Hawarden

Ashley is a junior doctor in rheumatology and training to become a consultant. He completed his undergraduate study at Keele University. 

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Dr Ashley Hawarden

Ashley is a junior doctor in rheumatology and training to become a consultant. He completed his undergraduate study at Keele University. During his time at Keele University, he completed a Masters in Medical Education. Ashley was first attracted to the speciality of rheumatology by one of his mentors, Professor Andy Hassell who was previously chair of the foundation. He is currently undertaking his postgraduate clinical training in the West Midlands (including at Haywood Hospital).
During his clinical training Ashley has taken an interest in the field of metabolic bone disease. He hopes to sub-specialise in this area when he becomes a consultant.
In addition to his clinical training Ashley is currently studying for a PhD at Keele University. This is funded by Versus Arthritis. His project aims to work with General Practitioners to improve the care of people with, or at risk of, osteoporosis. His academic work is supervised by Dr Zoe Paskins.
Ashley joined the foundation committee in 2023. He is married to Jess, who is a local diabetes nurse, and has two children (Teddy and Tilly). He enjoys running (slowly) and playing football. He is an avid Preston North End fan!

Steve Banbury

A retired computer consultant, and long distance runner. Steve now works in the Volunteer sector at major sporting events, Oxfam festivals in a variety of roles but mostly accessibility.

 

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Steve Bambury

A retired computer consultant, and long distance runner. Steve now works in the Volunteer sector at major sporting events, Oxfam festivals in a variety of roles but mostly accessibility.

Steve is committee member at the Haywood foundation, member of the BJF (Beth Johnson Foundation) group and Keele RUG.

Steve was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in his joints and spine many years ago and wishes to use his experiences and enthusiasm to hopefully give something back to the community. 

Andy Rushton

Andrew (Andy) Rushton, was born at the Haywood Hospital in May 1965. Andy is disabled as result of an accident. He is a member of Keele University PPIE helping in a number of research projects.

 

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Andy Rushton

Andrew (Andy) Rushton, was born at the Haywood Hospital in May 1965.

Andy is disabled as result of an accident. He is a member of Keele University PPIE helping in a number of research projects.

 

How we work

The charity is supported through the work of volunteers who give their time as ‘Committee’ members and ‘Trustees’.
The committee meets on a bimonthly basis to consider the requests for support that have been received. The committee considers such requests against the aims of the charity and benefit to its local populations as well as against the funds available to the charity.

We are always looking for new ways in which we can support the aims of the charity and all suggestions are very welcome.

Typically requests can come from a variety of sources

  • Suggestions from patients and their carers sent in via members of staff at the Haywood Hospital

  • Research proposals submitted using our grant form to Research proposals submitted by local clinicians and/or academics
    (Click on icon to the left to download application form)

  • Requests for support for training and education submitted by staff

  • Proposals put forward by patients and their carers via the ‘Patient Information and Education Resource’ room (PIER)

  • The ‘Bright Ideas’ scheme.
    (Click on icon to the left to find out more)

Trustees & Presidents

The charity is supported by a board of trustees who give their time on a voluntary basis. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the investment portfolio of the charity.
As such our Trustees are volunteers with a diverse professional background but are Staffordshire based. New Trustees are appointed by existing trustees and are subject to ratification at the Annual General Meeting. The trustees are responsible for approving the charity’s annual accounts.

Foundation history

Initial Meeting

First meeting of a group dedicated to developing a charitable fund for Research and Development in Rheumatology at the Haywood Hospital. Convened at the Haywood Outpatients Department.

Aug 22nd, 1977

Foundation Inception

Official inception of the Haywood Rheumatism Research and Development Foundation. Inaugural officers: Mr F Shephard-Johnson (President), Dr TE Hothersall (Chairman), Mrs A Rowley (Secretary), Mr WH Deakin (Vice chairman), Mr JW Robinson (Treasurer).

April 12th, 1978

Rheumatology Centre Approval

Following submission of a petition signed by patients and co-ordinated by the Foundation, approval given by the Staffordshire Area Health Authority for the new Staffordshire Rheumatology Centre to be built at the Haywood Hospital.

August, 1978

First Foundation Meeting

First meeting of the Foundation Trustees: Mr A P Bell, Mr J Moffat, Mr O F Phoenix and Mr B Senior.

September 24th , 1979

Rheumatology Centre Building Completed

Staffordshire Rheumatology Centre building completed – officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Kent on March 1st 1983

March, 1982

Haywood Research Labs and Offices Completed

Conversion of part of the former maternity unit at the Haywood into research laboratories and offices completed

1984

New Department Officially Opened

The new Department officially opened by Mr. F. Shepard Johnson CBE

April, 1984

Senior Research Scientist Funding

Dr Derek Mattey appointed as Senior Research Scientist, based at the Haywood Hospital, funded by the Foundation.

1989

First 1 Million Pounds Raised!

The first £1 million raised by the Foundation

1991

Outpatient Department Stall

The General Committee began to run a stall in the Outpatient Department on two mornings a week, selling a wide range of items. This provided both an opportunity for normally housebound patients to do their own shopping and a good source of funds.

1993

Research Department Extension

Building of an extension to the Research Department, funded by the Foundation, to provide facilities for blood tests and drug monitoring and research, and two extra offices for staff.

1994

First UK Community Rheumatologist

The first UK community Rheumatologist, Dr Elaine Hay, appointed at the Haywood, the post being pump-primed by funding from the Foundation.

1994

Heberden Medal Award

The Foundation Chairman, Dr Hothersall, honoured for his work in Rheumatology by the award of the Heberden Medal by the British Society for Rheumatology.

1995

Dr Andrew Hassell Appointment

Dr Andrew Hassell appointed as consultant and senior lecturer in Postgraduate Education at the Haywood, the post being pump-primed by funding from the Foundation.

1996

Mr Patrick Wenger Appointed President

Mr Patrick Wenger appointed President of the Foundation.

2000

New Foundation Chairman

Dr Andrew Hassell elected as Foundation Chairman following the retirement of Dr Hothersall.

2005

New Foundation President

Mr M Worthington appointed as President of the Foundation following Mr Wenger’s retirement

2007

Haywood Hospital Opening

The new, rebuilt Haywood Hospital is opened

2009

Rheumatology Project Manager Appointment

Mrs June Brammar starts as Rheumatology Project Manager at the Haywood, funded by the Foundation in a secondment arrangement with Beth Johnson Foundation. Mrs Brammar oversees the Patient Information and Education Resource (PIER) at the Haywood, co-ordinates volunteers at the Haywood, oversees projects and provides a key link with the patients.

August, 2012

New Foundation President

Gordon Banks appointed as President of the Foundation following Mr Worthington’s retirement.

2014

Official Opening of the PIER Centre

Official opening of the Patient Information and Education Resource (PIER) at the Haywood Hospital by Gordon Banks.

October 12th, 2015

Professor in Rheumatology Nursing Appointment

Dr Sarah Ryan appointed as Professor in Rheumatology Nursing at the Haywood/Keele University in a post which was pump-primed by funding from the Foundation.

2017

Dr TE Hothersall Returns

Dr TE Hothersall returns to the Foundation as its new president following the very sad passing away of Mr Banks on 12.02.2019.

June, 2019

Foundation Activity Co-ordinator Appointment

Dr J Quicke started as Haywood Foundation Activity Co-ordinator

March 5th, 2020

Peer Support Worker Appointment

Mr M Brookes started as Peer Support Worker - Physical Health Services, Haywood Hospital in a post which was pump-primed by funding from the Foundation

January 24th, 2021

Andy Hassell Retirement

Retirement of Professor Hassell and welcome to Dr Zoe Paskins as new Chair

September 14th, 2021

Launch of PIER online repository

PIER is a website repository of information for people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal or rheumatological conditions. It is curated by the Haywood Foundation, a charity based in North Staffordshire to support people with arthritis and related conditions.

Click here to see the site

October 12th, 2023

Constitution

The Foundation shall be called ‘Haywood Rheumatism Research & Development Foundation’ and will also be known as ‘Haywood Foundation’.

Membership of the Foundation shall be open to all persons interested in actively furthering the objects of the Foundation. The General Committee shall appoint members of the Foundation.

The promotion of research in to and the treatment of, rheumatism. In furtherance of this object, but not otherwise, the Foundation shall have the powers:
a. To provide accommodation for research and treatment
b. To provide appropriate staff
c. To provide equipment for research purposes and treatment

  1. To provide books and journals as appropriate to the work going on in the departments
    e. To provide funds for printing and publication of research work
    f. To provide necessary and approved administrative and transport expenses
    g. To do all such lawful things as shall further the objects of the Foundation

a. All applications for grants and bursaries shall be submitted to the Chairman of the Foundation and reviewed by three members of the General Committee nominated by the Committee. Decisions regarding funding such applications will be made by the Committee in the light of the recommendations of the three members.
In the case of applications for research grants of >£25,000, external peer review will be sought from at least two experts.
b. All monies raised in the furtherance of the Foundation but not immediately required shall be deposited and invested in recognised financial institutions under the supervision of the Foundation Trustees according to the Scheme of Delegation and Policy of Internal Financial Control.
c. Disbursement of funds. The General Committee will agree any items of expenditure. As per the Scheme of Delegation and Policy of Internal Financial Control, this will include an annual financial plan submitted to the Trustees.
Signature of cheques and/or banking mandates will be according to the Scheme.

There shall be no fewer than four and no more than six trustees who shall hold investments and property belonging to the Foundation. They shall not be subject to annual retirement. Trustees will be volunteers of diverse professional backgrounds and be of local residency. New trustees shall be appointed by existing trustees, ratified at the Annual General Meeting. A minimum of 3 trustees is required to be quorate for approving the annual accounts

The officers shall consist of a President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer shall each hold office normally for three years. The first Chairman and Secretary shall hold office for one year and two years respectively. On ceasing to hold office they shall in all cases be eligible for re-election at the Annual General Meeting.

General Committee
This committee shall consist of the president who shall be ex-officio, the officers and not more than twelve elected members.
Sub-Committees
The General Committee will appoint ‘Task and Finish Groups’ as members see fit to take forward specific projects or undertakings, answerable to the General Committee. Each Task and Finish Group shall comprise at least one member of the General Committee.

 

The Annual General Meeting shall be held within four months of the end of each financial year and the agenda shall be as follows:-
(1) Minutes of last Annual General Meeting
(2) Adoption or otherwise of the audited Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending on the previous 31st March, together with the Balance Sheet as at that date
(3) Ratification of appointment of Trustees (as necessary), election of officers and General Committee members
(4) Appointment of Auditor
(5) Recommendations for alterations or additions to the Constitution
(6) Any other business appropriate to an annual general meeting

The president shall have the right to attend all meetings but shall only take the chair at the Annual General Meeting.

Each member shall be entitled to vote on any proposition at the Annual or any Special General Meeting and the Chairman of the meeting shall have an additional or casting vote in the event of equality of voting.

Special General Meeting
On the resolution of the General Committee or on receipt by the secretary of a written request signed by ten members, a Special General Meeting shall take place within twenty-eight days of the resolution or request to discuss and decide upon any amendment to the Constitution or other specified business, provided that no amendment shall be made that would cause the Foundation to cease to be a Charity at law.

Committee meetings
The General Committee shall meet at least quarterly on dates and venues to be arranged in advance at each Committee meeting.
Task and Finish groups shall meet as necessary.

Notice of Meetings
A written notice for all meetings shall be sent to all eligible to attend at least fourteen clear days before the date of the meetings.
Quorum:
Annual General Meeting 10
Special General Meeting 10
General Committee meeting 7

These shall be as authorised from time to time by the General Committee

It shall be competent for the General Committee to decide upon any matter not covered by the foregoing Constitution in the best interests of the objects of the Foundation but such decisions shall be reported to the next Annual General meeting for ratification or otherwise.

The Foundation may be dissolved by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of those members present with voting rights at either an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for the purpose of which twenty-one days prior notice has been given in writing. Such a resolution may give instructions for the disposal of any assets held by the Charity, after all debts and liabilities have been paid, the balance left to be transferred to some other charitable institution or institutions having objects similar to those of the Foundation.

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