(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Foundation Model)

1. Name

The name of the charity is Reconnect, Advocate and Provide (RAP), hereinafter referred to as “the Charity.”

2. Registered Office

The registered office of the Charity will be located at 60B Baldwin Road, King’s Norton, B30 3LG, or such other place as the Trustees may from time to time determine.

3. Charitable Purposes (Objects)

The Charity is established for the public benefit for the following purposes:

3.1 Relief of Those in Need

• The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantage, in particular but not exclusively by:
  1. Organising social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities, group sessions, and trips designed to reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and promote personal wellbeing.
  2. Providing emotional, practical, and financial assistance to individuals facing hardship or disadvantage.

3.2 Advancement of Health

• The advancement of health, in particular mental health, for the public benefit by:
  1. Raising awareness of mental health issues affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
  2. Providing access to support groups, workshops, counselling, and peer-to-peer networks.

3.3 Promotion of Social Inclusion

• The promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit by working to prevent people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those who are socially excluded, and assisting them to integrate into society. This will be achieved in particular but not exclusively by:
  1. Facilitating community-building activities and intergenerational projects that encourage participation and interaction across diverse communities.
  2. Creating opportunities for individuals to share experiences and build supportive networks.

3.4 Other Charitable Purposes

• To further such other purposes which may be charitable according to the law of England and Wales as the Trustees see fit from time to time.

4. Powers

In furtherance of the purposes set out in this Constitution, the Charity has the following powers:

• To raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any person or source by any lawful means.
• To apply for and manage grants, donations, and other financial resources to achieve the charitable purposes.
• To provide services, including advice, training, and community-based support, to those in need.
• To do all such other things as are lawful and necessary to further the objects of the Charity.

5. Membership

5.1 Membership Type

The Charity shall be a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with no members, other than the Trustees.

5.2 Trustees as Members

The Trustees of the Charity shall be its only voting members and shall have full rights to vote at meetings, subject to the provisions of this Constitution.

5.3 Trustee Appointment

• The number of Trustees shall be not less than three (3) and not more than twelve (12). The Charity shall not have more than 12 Trustees at any time, but may increase this number with the approval of the Trustees.
• Trustees are appointed by the existing Trustees, in accordance with the procedures laid out in the Charity’s internal rules.

6.Trustees

6.1 Role of Trustees

The Trustees will be responsible for the overall management and administration of the Charity. They will ensure that the Charity’s resources are used effectively and in compliance with the law and the purposes of the Charity.

6.2 Powers and Responsibilities of Trustees

• The Trustees shall manage the property and affairs of the Charity and have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Charity in accordance with the law and the objects set out in this Constitution.
• The Trustees shall act in the best interests of the Charity, avoid conflicts of interest, and comply with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• The Trustees may delegate certain functions to sub-committees, staff, or volunteers, as appropriate.

6.3 Trustee Meetings

• The Trustees must hold at least two meetings per year.
• Meetings may be held in person or by other electronic means, as determined by the Trustees.
• The quorum for a meeting of Trustees is two (2) Trustees, or a higher number as determined by the Trustees.
• Decisions are made by a majority vote, and in the case of a tie, the Chair shall have the casting vote.

6.4 Trustee Term and Removal

• A Trustee shall hold office for a term of three (3) years, after which they may be re-elected for further terms, subject to a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms.
• A Trustee may be removed from office by a majority vote of the other Trustees, for reasons including, but not limited to, failure to fulfil responsibilities, conflict of interest, or misconduct.

7. General Meetings

7.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

• The Trustees will hold an AGM within 18 months of the formation of the Charity, and thereafter once every calendar year.
• At the AGM, Trustees will present an annual report, financial statements, and any other business required by law or the Charity’s rules.

7.2 Special General Meetings (SGM)

• Special General Meetings may be called at the request of the Trustees or by any member of the Board of Trustees.

7.3 Quorum and Voting

• The quorum for any General Meeting shall be two (2) Trustees.
• Decisions at General Meetings shall be made by a majority of votes cast, with each Trustee having one vote.

8. Financial Management

8.1 Accounts and Audit

• The Charity shall keep proper and accurate accounts of its income and expenditure.
• The financial year of the Charity shall end on the 31st of December each year.
• The accounts shall be audited annually by an independent auditor, or in the case of smaller charities, reviewed by a qualified accountant.

8.2 Use of Funds

• The funds of the Charity must be used only for the purposes set out in this Constitution and in accordance with the Charity’s charitable purposes.
• No Trustee or connected person shall receive any benefit or remuneration from the funds of the Charity except as allowed by law (for example, for reimbursement of expenses).

9. Amendments to the Constitution

The Constitution may be amended by a resolution passed by a majority vote of the Trustees. Any changes to the Constitution must comply with charity law and must be reported to the Charity Commission.

10. Dissolution

If the Charity is dissolved, any remaining assets after the satisfaction of debts and liabilities shall be transferred to one or more other charities with similar purposes, as determined by the Trustees.

Signed by the founding Trustees:

Mr. Scherlock Loussakou
Mr. Gerard Likibi Ngami
Mr. Amede Mavouanda