Proposed MCG Constitution version 2.2
The bulk of the changes proposed have to do with the introduction of an ‘Advisory Board’. Other changes reflect current practices when there are more nominations than vacancies for Committee positions. We’ve also taken out specific prices for membership and replaced it with general pricing structure as agreed by a working group and approved at a Committee meeting in August. Names for membership types have been made consistent, the availability of free and discount tickets has been clarified, and the number of Corporate Representatives provided by a Corporate Membership has changed from five to four. I’ve added a note about Committee members actively contributing (to help ensure a more even distribution of work across the Committee) and tweaked Team descriptions. Finally, we’ve changed ‘discussion meetings’ to ‘events’ – we can assume that our events contain lots of discussion!
With thanks to John Williams, Danny Birchall, Oonagh Murphy, Adrian Stevenson, Alison Bean, Tony Harris and Rhiannon Looseley for feedback on an earlier draft. If you’d like to comment on any aspect of the proposals, you can comment here, email us via the Contact page, or raise questions at the AGM. We’d appreciate comments sooner rather than later so we have time to address them before the AGM.
| Current version | Proposed version (2.2) |
| 1 NAME The name of our organisation is the Museums Computer Group (MCG) |
1 NAME The name of our organisation is the Museums Computer Group (MCG) |
| 2 PURPOSE MCG is a non-profit association of individuals who share a common interest in encouraging, promoting, improving and influencing best practice in the use of ICT, New Media and associated technologies within the Museum and Heritage sector. |
2 PURPOSE MCG is a non-profit association of individuals who share a common interest in encouraging, promoting, improving and influencing best practice in the use of technology and digital platforms within the Museum and Heritage sector. |
| 3 OBJECTIVES The objectives of MCG are:3.1 MEETINGS To organise twice yearly discussion meetings and other meetings deemed to be of benefit to the community to discuss the use of ICT, New Media and associated technologies within the Museum and Heritage sector. 3.2 DISCUSSION 3.3 RESEARCH 3.4 PUBLICATIONS 3.5 INFLUENCE |
3 OBJECTIVES The objectives of MCG are:3.1 MEETINGS To organise twice yearly events and other meetings deemed to be of benefit to the community to discuss the use of technology and digital platforms within the Museum and Heritage sector. 3.2 DISCUSSION 3.3 RESEARCH 3.4 PUBLICATIONS 3.5 INFLUENCE |
| 4 MEMBERSHIP4.1 ELIGIBILITY Membership is open to any individual or organisation whose activities are directly connected with the purpose of the Group. Any questions about eligibility will be decided by the committee. 4.2 CATEGORIES 4.2.1 Subscribers
4.2.2 Members
• Propose and second candidates for election as Officers or committee members. • Stand for election as Officers or committee members,
Get discounts on the meetings fees for MCG meetings including the twice yearly discussion meetings and UK Museums on the Web (UKMW). 4.2.3 Corporate Members Corporate members may:
Corporate representatives may :
4.2.4 Honorary Members An Honorary Member is someone who has been awarded Membership of the Group to recognise their exceptional service to the Group or to information and communications technology or new technologies in the sector. The Committee may appoint up to 6 (six) Honorary Members at any one time. Honorary Life Members will have the same rights as members and may additionally attend normal MCG meetings without charge… 4.3 SUBSCRIPTIONS 4.4 REGISTER OF MEMBERS Membership lists will not be provided to third parties nor circulated outside the Group. |
4 MEMBERSHIP4.1 ELIGIBILITY Membership is open to any individual or organisation whose activities are directly connected with the purpose of the Group. Any questions about eligibility will be decided by the Committee. 4.2 CATEGORIES 4.2.1 Subscribers
4.2.2 Individual Members
4.2.3 Corporate Members
Corporate representatives have the same privileges as Subscribers, and additionally may:
4.2.4 Honorary Life Members An Honorary Life Member is someone who has been awarded Membership of the Group to recognise their exceptional service to the Group or to information and communications technology or new technologies in the sector. The Committee may appoint up to 6 (six) Honorary Life Members at any one time. Honorary Life Members will have the same rights as members and may additionally attend normal MCG events without charge. 4.2.5 Advisory Group An Advisory Group member is someone who has been invited to advise, guide and support the MCG Committee and advocate on behalf of MCG, its members and its objectives.
The purpose of the Advisory Group is to act as ‘critical friends’, offering advice as requested on proposed MCG activities, partnerships, research and events, etc. The Advisory Group will meet no more than once a year, but may also occasionally be called on individually for advice in conversation with MCG Committee members.
The MCG Advisory Group is appointed by the MCG Committee following an open call for nominations, and will consist of up to 7 people of good standing within their sectors. Advisory Board members will normally sit for a period of one year and may be reappointed annually by mutual agreement. The Advisory Group has no executive authority or responsibility.
Advisory Group membership does not affect the rights granted an individual through their membership in any other MCG Membership categories.
Where circumstances require it, Advisory Board members may be removed by a majority vote of the MCG Committee. Following such a decision the MCG Secretary will write to the Advisory Board Member concerned advising them of the Committee decision.
4.3 SUBSCRIPTIONS 4.4 REGISTER OF MEMBERS Membership lists will not be provided to third parties nor circulated outside the Group. |
| 5 COMMITTEE5.1 COMPOSITION The elected committee shall consist of a maximum of 12 people – three executive officers, the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and up to 9 ordinary members fulfilling the research, publishing and organisational roles essential to the Group’s activities as set out in the attached schedule (See MCG Committee Composition) 5.2 CO-OPTED MEMBERS Co-opted members may be representatives of other organisations. No co-opted member shall serve for longer than the standard membership periods that apply to committee members. 5.3 MEETINGS At least ONE meeting per year shall be face- to-face. Other meetings may be conducted via electronic means including telephone conferencing, video conferencing or other appropriate method. 5.4 PROCEDURE 5.5 PERIOD OF OFFICE No Officer may fill the same post for more than TWO consecutive terms. 5.6 VACANCIES |
5 COMMITTEECommittee members are expected to actively contribute to tasks required to achieve the Purpose and Objectives of the MCG, including attending Committee meetings whenever possible (or providing reports in advance and attending afterwards to actions arising from the meeting).
5.1 COMPOSITION 5.2 CO-OPTED MEMBERS Co-opted members may be representatives of other organisations. No co-opted member shall serve for longer than the standard membership periods that apply to Committee members. 5.3 MEETINGS At least ONE meeting per year shall be face-to-face. Other meetings may be conducted via electronic means including telephone conferencing, video conferencing or other appropriate method. 5.4 PROCEDURE 5.5 PERIOD OF OFFICE No Officer may fill the same post for more than TWO consecutive terms. 5.6 VACANCIES |
| 6 POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE6.1 DUTIES To carry out the purpose and objectives of the group in an open, clear and effective manner. 6.2 RESPONSIBILITIES 6.3 EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY 6.4 EXPULSION 6.5 INTERPRETATION |
6 POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE6.1 DUTIES To carry out the purpose and objectives of the group in an open, clear and effective manner. 6.2 RESPONSIBILITIES 6.3 EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY 6.4 EXPULSION 6.5 INTERPRETATION |
| 7 FINANCE7.1 STATUS MCG is a non-profit association. 7.2 GROUP FUNDS 7.3 FINANCIAL YEAR 7.4 AUDIT: 7.5 GROUP ACCOUNTS 7.6 SIGNATORIES 7.7 EMPLOYMENT 7.8 GUARANTEES Such guarantees and indemnities shall be signed on behalf of the Committee by those Committee members nominated in the appropriate resolution. |
7 FINANCE7.1 STATUS MCG is a non-profit association. 7.2 GROUP FUNDS 7.3 FINANCIAL YEAR 7.4 AUDIT 7.5 GROUP ACCOUNTS 7.6 SIGNATORIES 7.7 EMPLOYMENT 7.8 GUARANTEES Such guarantees and indemnities shall be signed on behalf of the Committee by those Committee members nominated in the appropriate resolution. |
| 8 GENERAL MEETINGS8.1 GENERAL MEETINGS General meetings are annual or extraordinary.
8.2 QUORUM 8.3 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS The AGM will normally be held at one of the twice yearly Group meetings. The maximum period between AGM’s shall not exceed 18 (eighteen) months. 8.4 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING All MCG notices will be circulated through the MCG email list or should this not be available a suitable alternative method. A preliminary notice giving the date, time and place of the annual general meeting, an outline of the matters to be considered, a call for nominations and invitations for further resolutions shall be circulated at least 30 (thirty) days prior to the meeting. 8.5 ELECTIONS In the event of a tie the Chair shall have the option of casting a deciding vote. Nominations must be received by the Secretary before noon on the day before the AGM. Where more than nominations than vacancies are received the Secretary will organise a secret ballot at the meeting in which those receiving the greatest number of votes are elected. Where there are still vacancies nominations may be made during the meeting. All those nominated for election to the Committee must, at the time of nomination, be members or nominated representatives of corporate members. 8.6 REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS The report of the Committee; the income and expenditure account and balance sheet; and the report of the Auditor(s) shall be submitted for approval to the Annual General Meeting. 8.7 AUDITOR(S) 8.8 EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS An extraordinary general meeting may be called at any time by the Committee and must also be called on receipt by the Secretary of a request signed by at least 25 members or 10% of the registered membership whichever is the less. At least 30 (thirty) days notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be circulated to all members. The business to be transacted at the meeting must be stated in the notice convening the meeting and no other business may be transacted at the meeting. |
8 GENERAL MEETINGS8.1 GENERAL MEETINGS General meetings are annual or extraordinary.
8.2 QUORUM 8.3 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS The AGM will normally be held at one of the Group meetings. The maximum period between AGMs shall not exceed 18 (eighteen) months. 8.4 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING All MCG notices will be circulated through the MCG email list or should this not be available a suitable alternative method. A preliminary notice giving the date, time and place of the annual general meeting, an outline of the matters to be considered, a call for nominations and invitations for further resolutions shall be circulated at least 30 (thirty) days prior to the meeting. 8.5 ELECTIONS In the event of a tie the Chair shall have the option of casting a deciding vote. Nominations must be received by the Secretary before noon on the day before the AGM. Where there are still vacancies nominations may be made during the meeting. Where more than nominations than vacancies are received, the Chair will make arrangements for finalising Committee appointments in consultation with the nominees and the Executive Officers. All those nominated for election to the Committee must, at the time of nomination, be Individual Members or nominated representatives of Corporate Members. 8.6 REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS The report of the Committee; the income and expenditure account and balance sheet; and the report of the Auditor(s) shall be submitted for approval to the Annual General Meeting. 8.7 AUDITOR(S) 8.8 EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS An extraordinary general meeting may be called at any time by the Committee and must also be called on receipt by the Secretary of a request signed by at least 25 members or 10% of the registered membership whichever is the less. At least 30 (thirty) days notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be circulated to all members. The business to be transacted at the meeting must be stated in the notice convening the meeting and no other business may be transacted at the meeting. |
| 9 OTHER ORGANISATIONS9.1 MEMBERSHIP The Committee may decide the Group be linked to or become a member of other organisations with similar or related objectives to those of the Group. |
9 OTHER ORGANISATIONS9.1 MEMBERSHIP The Committee may decide the Group be linked to or become a member of other organisations with similar or related objectives to those of the Group. |
| 10 AMENDMENTS10.1 AMENDMENTS Amendments to this Constitution shall only be made by a two-thirds majority of the Annual General Meeting following at least thirty (30) days notice of any proposed alteration. 10.2 NUMBERING 10.3 SCHEDULES |
10 AMENDMENTS10.1 AMENDMENTS Amendments to this Constitution shall only be made by a two-thirds majority of the Annual General Meeting following at least thirty (30) days notice of any proposed alteration. 10.2 NUMBERING 10.3 SCHEDULES |
| 11 DISSOLUTION11.1 DISSOLUTION Dissolution of the Group may be undertaken only at a General Meeting. 11.2 MOTION Voting on a motion for dissolution shall be by a two-thirds majority of the members voting. 11.3 IMPLEMENTATION
Any queries should be addressed to the Chair. |
11 DISSOLUTION11.1 DISSOLUTION Dissolution of the Group may be undertaken only at a General Meeting. 11.2 MOTION Voting on a motion for dissolution shall be by a two-thirds majority of the members voting. 11.3 IMPLEMENTATION
Any queries should be addressed to the Chair. |
| CONSTITUTION SCHEDULESMCG Membership Rates 2010
(01January 2010 to 31 December 2010) The current MCG membership rates and associated discounts are: SUBSCRIBERS
• Honorary Life Membership – Free MCG Spring and Autumn Meetings Fees
UKMW (UK Museums on the Web) Discount Price
Full Price
Last Changed 02DEC10 Review Date 02DEC11 |
CONSTITUTION SCHEDULESMCG Membership Rates 2013
Discounted event tickets for annual memberships apply to the next ticketed event (e.g. UKMW) and continue until the next equivalent event, when a new membership may be registered. The current MCG membership rates and associated discounts are:
SUBSCRIBERS
CORPORATE MEMBERS
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Free
MCG Spring and Autumn Meetings Fees Event fees are designed to cover event-related costs, such as catering, venue costs, etc.
UKMW (UK Museums on the Web) Discount Price
Full Price
Free
Last Changed 15 Oct 2013. Review Date 15 Oct 2013 |
| MCG Committee Composition 2010 (Twelve Members)While all committee members share joint responsibility for all group activities each member has a primary role. Administration Team (3 members) Responsible for day-to-day operational issues, supporting committee, teams and members Executive Officers
Events Team (3 members) Projects Team (3 members) Communications (3 members) Administration and funding of MCG website, wider web presence, publications and promotion. Last Changed 22NOV10 Review Date 02DEC11 |
MCG Committee Composition 2013 (Twelve Members)While all Committee members share joint responsibility for all group activities each member has a primary role. Each functional group should have a primary contact person responsible for that team’s timely completion of tasks, and for reports at the AGM and as required. Executive Officers
Ordinary Members
Administration and funding of MCG website, wider web presence, publications and promotion.
Last Changed 3 Oct 2013 Review Date 03 Oct 2013 |
| MCG Account SignatoriesMCG cheques require ONE signature and may be signed by: the Treasurer OR the Chair OR the Secretary. Last Changed 02DEC10 Review Date 02DEC11 |
MCG Account SignatoriesMCG cheques require ONE signature and may be signed by: the Treasurer OR the Chair OR the Secretary. Last Changed 02DEC10. Review Date 3 Oct 2013 |