Constitution of Iran–UK Allies Forum
1. Name
The name of the association shall be Iran–UK Allies Forum.
2. Nature of the Association
The association shall be an independent, non-governmental, non-profit unincorporated association.
3. Aims
The aims of the association are:
a. to promote friendship, dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Islamic Republic of Iran;
b. to encourage political, economic, cultural and social engagement between the two countries;
c. to support peaceful and constructive relations so that the United Kingdom and Iran move towards partnership rather than adversarial relations;
d. to organise events, discussions, forums, educational activities and public engagement in support of those aims; and
e. to operate independently and not as an arm of any government.
4. Powers
In furtherance of its aims, the association may:
a. organise public or private meetings, conferences, lectures and cultural events;
b. publish statements, articles, online content and educational materials;
c. create and operate a website and social media platforms;
d. raise funds by lawful means, including donations and membership fees;
e. cooperate with individuals and organisations whose activities are consistent with the aims of the association; and
f. do anything lawful which is necessary to achieve its aims.
5. Political Independence
The association shall operate independently and shall not be controlled by any government.
The association may engage in discussion, education and lawful public affairs activity consistent with its aims. However, unless otherwise decided in accordance with this Constitution and applicable law, the association shall not be formally affiliated with any political party.
6. Membership
a. Membership shall be open to any person who supports the aims of the association and agrees to abide by this Constitution and any Code of Conduct adopted by the Committee.
b. Applications for membership shall be considered by the Committee.
c. The Committee may refuse an application for membership, or suspend or terminate membership, where it reasonably considers that such membership would be contrary to the aims, interests or Code of Conduct of the association.
d. Before terminating membership, the Committee shall give the member an opportunity to make representations, unless the Committee reasonably considers that immediate termination is necessary in the interests of the association.
e. A member may resign at any time by giving notice to the Secretary.
7. Code of Conduct
a. The Committee may adopt, amend and publish a Code of Conduct governing the behaviour of members, officers and participants at the association’s events and activities.
b. All members shall be expected to comply with any Code of Conduct in force.
c. A failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in refusal, suspension or termination of membership in accordance with this Constitution.
8. Officers
a. The officers of the association shall be:
Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
b. The association may appoint any other officers it considers necessary.
c. Officers shall act honestly, responsibly and in the best interests of the association in carrying out their duties.
d. Officers shall take reasonable care to ensure that the association’s funds and affairs are properly managed.
9. Committee
a. The association shall be managed by a Committee consisting of the officers and any additional committee members elected at a general meeting.
b. The Committee shall be responsible for the general management and administration of the association.
c. The Committee may regulate its own procedure.
d. A quorum for Committee meetings shall be three members, including at least one officer.
e. Committee meetings may be held in person, remotely by electronic means, or in a hybrid format, provided that all participants are able to communicate adequately with one another.
10. General Meetings
a. The association shall hold an Annual General Meeting once in each calendar year.
b. Other General Meetings may be called by the Committee or by not fewer than five members.
c. At least 14 days’ notice shall be given for any General Meeting.
d. General Meetings may be held in person, remotely by electronic means, or in a hybrid format, provided that members are able to participate effectively.
e. Decisions shall be made by a simple majority of those present and voting, unless this Constitution provides otherwise.
f. In the event of an equality of votes, the Chair shall have a casting vote.
g. The Committee may make reasonable arrangements for remote attendance and participation, including verification of identity, voting procedure and the maintenance of order.
11. Voting
a. Voting at General Meetings may take place in person, by a secure remote method approved by the Committee, or by any hybrid procedure approved by the Committee.
b. The Committee shall ensure that any remote voting system is reasonably accessible, fair and capable of recording votes accurately.
c. A member attending remotely in accordance with arrangements approved by the Committee shall be treated as present for the purpose of quorum and voting.
12. Finance
a. The funds of the association shall be used only to further its aims.
b. All money received by the association shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the association.
c. The bank account shall be operated by at least two authorised signatories approved by the Committee.
d. No payment shall be made from the bank account unless approved in accordance with procedures determined by the Committee.
e. No part of the income or property of the association shall be paid to members except for proper reimbursement of authorised expenses.
f. The Treasurer shall keep proper accounts and report to the members at the Annual General Meeting.
g. The officers and Committee members shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the association’s finances are managed prudently and lawfully.
13. Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting at a General Meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been given in advance.
14. Dissolution
a. The association may be dissolved by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting at a General Meeting called for that purpose.
b. After payment of any debts and liabilities, any remaining funds shall be transferred to an organisation or organisations with similar aims, as decided by the members at that meeting.