THE BRITISH FALCONERS’ CLUB Date: April 2015

Amended: October 2018 code of conduct 10.

Amended: October 2019 Entrance fees and Subscriptions (4.3.7.c) CONSTITUTION, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND RULES

NAME, REGISTERED OFFICE, DURATION AND OBJECTIVES.

Article 1: Name. Office. Duration.

1.1. “THE BRITISH FALCONERS’ CLUB” (hereafter, “the Club.”) is formed pursuant to the laws of the United Kingdom. It will maintain a central office for communication purposes.

1.2. An office will be established at a location within the United Kingdom and by resolution of the Council. The location of the office shall be published in the Club newsletter and advertised on the Club website.

1.3. The Club is established for an indefinite duration.

Article 2: Objectives.

2.1. As a Falconry Club the objectives of the Club are:

2.1.1. The promotion of falconry in the British Isles and elsewhere.

2.1.2. The provision of information and advice to the Members and prospective Members, on specific aspects of falconry and hawk husbandry.

2.1.3. The publication and circulation amongst Members, of one journal “The

Falconer”, and Club newsletter(s), the number of which will be dependant on the Club’s need to disseminate information to the Members, and to be devoted to matters of interest to past and present falconers.

2.1.4. To require the promotion and adherence to the Club’s Code of Conduct

by Members, pursuant to Article 3.

2.1.5. In relation to this articulation of objectives, code of conduct, and rules, the word “hawk” includes falcons, hawks, eagles and any other diurnal bird of prey capable of being used for the sport of falconry

Article 3 CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code sets out the general standards of the British Falconers’ Club which Members are expected to observe. Members are of course, required to observe the Club’s rules. The Code is used by the Council as a guideline in assessing any questions of “bringing falconry into disrepute” under the Club Rules:

Falconry is the traditional sport of taking quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of trained hawks. The first duty of all Members is to respect and uphold this standard.

A Member must uphold the highest standards of welfare, housing and feeding hawks. The hawk’s welfare must over-ride any other considerations.

Members should always show due respect for all quarry and ensure that it is promptly and humanely dispatched.

Members must always endeavour to promote the welfare and survival of hawks in the wild state.

Members will ensure that hawks carry an appropriate working telemetry transmitter(s) when flown.

A Member should not obtain any hawk either for flying or breeding unless they are able to dedicate sufficient time each day to ensure the hawks welfare.

Members must respect previously agreed arrangements, where known, for hawking over land when approaching landowners with a view to obtaining permission.

Members are under an obligation to observe the laws and customs of the United Kingdom and of foreign countries with regard to the taking, possession, import and export of hawks, the taking of quarry species and the right of access to land. The Club fully supports the work of government agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of individuals who may be guilty of criminal offences involving both domestic and wild hawks. Any Member found guilty in a court of law of any such offence will automatically be subject to investigation by a disciplinary committee convened under the Club Rules.

Members are recommended to refer all requests from the media to the Club Press Officer or Council. Unwise publicity can bring falconry into disrepute and may embarrass the Club’s relations with welfare and protectionist organizations. Members should be aware that internet forums and chat rooms are not secure and may cover subjects prohibited by this code.

A Member who broadcasts or publishes on social media, internet forums or elsewhere, in breach of the Club Code of Conduct may be subject to investigation under the Club rules.

A Member who has good reason to believe that another Member is in breach of the code of conduct or of the Rules, shall report the matter in writing to the Director or their Regional Secretary. Where the law has been broken Members are reminded that they have a duty to report such occurrences to the appropriate authorities.

Members will refrain from pursuing actions or behaving in such a manner that might be considered injurious to the Club, Officers and Members and their reputation.

MEMBERSHIP.

Article 4: Membership.

4.1 Membership shall consist of Full Members, Associate Members, Joint Members, Supporter Members, Overseas Members, Life Members, Trade Members, & Honorary Members. Membership is solely at the discretion of Council.

4.2 Admission to the Club is by a majority vote of the Council.

4.3 A Full Member shall normally be elected on application after he or she has been an Associate Member for a minimum of three years, and when the Council considers that he or she has acquired competence in training and flying hawks at quarry in accordance with the Code of Conduct, and has maintained the standards of the Club in all other ways. A Full Member can use the Club tie, badge, and car-sticker. They can vote in General and Regional elections and stand for Council or Regional office.

a) The Club does not normally accept applications for Membership from those under the age of 16 years.

b) The Club has absolute discretion and need provide no explanation for declining Membership applications. The Membership Secretary, on behalf of Council, need give no reason for refusal of any category of Membership to an applicant but will place before Council any proposal to refuse Membership prior to communication with the applicant.

c) In appropriate cases, and only after consideration by Council, an applicant may be directly elected to Full Membership. Independent, authoritative, and verifiable support of the applicant’s falconry experience is a necessary precondition of such direct entry, and Council should seek such prior to accepting candidates in this route. d) An application by a former member of the Club to re-join will be circulated to Council by the membership secretary for confirmation as per the requirements in 4.3 (c) above.

e) Joint membership is available to two individuals from the same family who reside at the same address. Where Joint Membership is applied for, both Members will be considered as Associates until the three year requirement is fulfilled by one or both of the parties and application for Full Membership is granted. They can only vote in General and Regional elections or stand for Council or Regional office when they hold Full Member status. Joint Membership confers a single vote in Club elections.

4.3.1 An Associate Member shall be a person whom the Council considers to be suitable and to have the intention of keeping and flying hawks in accordance with the code of Conduct. He or she shall normally remain an Associate Member for three years and after that time, the Council may on request, review his or her status. Associate Members can use the Club tie, badge, and car-sticker. An Associate Member shall not stand for office or vote in a General election but may vote in Regional elections, they shall enjoy all other benefits of Membership. Where circumstances demand they can stand for Regional office, subject to the provisions within rule 21.3. To transfer from Associate Member to Full Member status, an Associate Member shall send to the Membership Secretary:-

a) A letter of application outlining his or her experience.

b) Written support from two Full Members; normally one of whom will be a Regional Officer unless there are reasons disclosed as to why this is not appropriate. Full Members who are acting in support of an elevation will be required to assert that the applicant has been known to them personally for the three year period during which they have been an associate member, is a good ambassador for the sport, complies with the Club code of conduct, and has been witnessed by the supporting Member, flying a well manned and trained hawk, in good feather, at appropriate quarry. c) In an effort to set a minimum standard of knowledge and skill, council recommends that all members gain an approved training award demonstrating their ability to maintain their hawks. Currently Council recommends the LANTRA Award scheme. The club operates a LANTRA assessment scheme to any current members via a network of club assessors across the UK. The assessment is free of charge, but members taking advantage of the scheme may be expected to contribute towards the travel costs of the assessor.

4.3.2 A Supporter Member shall receive “The Falconer” the “Newsletter”, and can use the Club tie, badge, car-sticker, and be entitled to such other benefits as the Council shall determine. Supporter Members shall not stand for office, or vote, but may attend any Business Meeting of the Club or the Regional Groups, and may attend social or field meetings. A Supporter Member who wishes to fly hawks must apply to become an

Associate Member.

4.3.3 An Overseas Member shall be permanently resident abroad. When they are on a visit to this country, their status shall be that of an Associate Member. Whenever possible, the bona fides of overseas applicants shall be confirmed through contact with their home country falconry association. Overseas Members can use the Club tie, badge, and car-sticker. They may attend any Business Meeting of the Club or the Regional Groups, and may attend social or field meetings. They cannot vote in General and Regional elections or stand for Council or Regional office.

4.3.4 A Member may opt for Life Membership on payment of either a single subscription, or instalments, the amount/frequency of which will be decided upon by the Council and revised from time to time. Such subscriptions will not normally be refundable and will be forfeit in the event of the Member being expelled for disciplinary reasons or resignation. They can only vote in General and Regional elections or stand for Council or Regional office when they hold Full Member status. If an Associate Member they may vote in Regional elections.

4.3.5 A Trade Member is entitled to receive the Club Journal and Newsletter and to attend meetings and field meetings where they may, by arrangement with the appropriate Club Officer, Chair or Secretary, display and sell their wares. They can advertise in Club publications at reduced rate to be decided upon by Council and revisited periodically. They may use the Club logo in their own publications and advertising. Trade Members can use the Club tie, badge, and car-sticker. They can only vote in General and Regional elections or stand for Council or Regional office when they hold Full Member status. If an Associate Member they may vote in Regional elections.

4.3.6 Honorary Membership may be conferred on suitable candidates of high standing, after election at an AGM, following proposal by two Full Members of the Club and an endorsement from Council. Honorary Members can use the Club tie, badge, and car-sticker. They can only vote in General and Regional elections or stand for Regional or Council office when they hold Full Member status.

4.3.7 ENTRANCE FEES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

a) Every new Member (other than Honorary Member/s) shall pay at the time of acceptance, such entrance fee as shall be determined by Council annually and ratified at an AGM.

b) The Annual Subscription shall be such sums as may be determined by

Council and ratified at an AGM, and shall be payable, in a manner determined by the Council, in advance on the 1st February in every year, by all Members, other than Honorary Members. New Members joining on or after 1st October will be considered to have paid their subscription for the current and following year.

c) Any Member who has not paid his or her subscription in full by 1st April shall cease to be a Member and shall forfeit all the privileges of Membership and all the rights derived from the Club. A Member whose subscription has been paid only in part by 1st April shall similarly cease to be a Member, but may be re-instated upon such terms, as the Council shall decide.

4.3.8 a) No Member, whose subscription is in arrears, will be allowed to attend General or Regional meetings or receive Club publications, until they have paid the required subscription in full.

b) The Council shall indemnify any Member for subscriptions taken in error under the direct debit scheme.

4.4. All fully paid up Members may attend Club meetings.

4.5. Loss of Membership. Membership shall terminate upon any of

the following: (a) resignation; (b) expulsion for an act contrary to the rules and code of conduct; (c) failure to pay dues pursuant to the conditions set forth in Article 4.3.7 c and in Article 14. And/or, (d) expulsion.

4.5.1. A Member shall only be expelled for an act contrary to the rules and code of conduct and upon a majority vote of the Council and after notice is provided to the Member proposed to be expelled. That Member shall be afforded a hearing, upon request, before the Disciplinary committee prior to any vote on expulsion (see Article 16).

4.6 MEMBERSHIP OF OTHER ASSOCIATIONS

Membership or support of any organisation that seeks to ban or legislate against falconry is incompatible with the aims and objects of the British Falconers’ Club.

COMMITTEES.

Article 5. Formation and Appointment of Committees.

5.1. The Council may appoint regular committees and working Groups, as needed, from among either its own Members, or Members of the Club deemed to hold relevant experience as required by the purpose of said committee.

5.2. Each regular committee and working group shall elect a Chairman from among its Membership.

5.3 Decisions shall be made by a majority vote of the Members of the committee and working group. Such decisions become recommendations to Council.

5.4. The Chairman of a committee or working group shall report the progress of the committee and working group to the Council at the regular meetings or at such other times upon request.

Article 6: Committee Work.

6.1. The programme of work of the committees and working groups shall be set by the Council. Urgent matters may be considered at any time, by a committee or working group as requested by the Director after consulting with the Council.

6.2. The work of the committees and working groups may terminate on the submission of recommendations for approval by the Council, or, in case of emergency, by the Director of the Club.

6.3. The Director, after consulting with Council, may take appropriate action on the recommendations of a committee and working group in an emergency.

6.4. The Council may, when it sees fit, co-opt Members with appropriate expertise as specialists to provide advice on specific matters or undertake projects on behalf of the Council. Co-options will normally be for a period of 12 months and can be terminated at any point by a majority vote of Council.

6.5 The Council may appoint a Full Member to be a representative of the Club with any autonomous body within the UK. A representative who is not a Council Member may be invited to attend Council Meetings when matters concerning that body or their appointment are being discussed. Representatives are expected to maintain close links with the Council through the Director and present an annual written report prior to the AGM. The Council may terminate the appointment at any time by a majority vote. Such representatives may not vote on Council business.

Article 7: Communication and Publication.

7.1. No communication or publication may be made in the Club’s name or with reference to committee and working group work without the Director’s prior approval, or in emergency by verbal approval of the Director, later confirmed by Council.

COUNCIL MEETINGS.

Article 8: Attendance at Council Meetings.

8.1. The Council will consist of the President, the Director, the Treasurer and Full Members elected to the positions of: Editor of “The Falconer”; Editor of the “Newsletter”; Editor of the Club’s Website; Membership Secretary; Hawk Board Representative; Conservation Officer; a Regional Group Representative from each Region elected from its Members. The positions Press Officer, Forum moderator, IAF representative and specifically co-opted members will be appointed directly by Council.

8.2. Observers from amongst the Membership are permitted at the invitation of Council to attend. They will only be permitted to speak at the discretion of the Director.

8.3. With respect to Club elections, Council will ensure that they comply with Article 12.

8.4. Members of Council will receive notice of all Council meetings by postal or electronic mail with an agenda provided 14 days in advance of the meeting.

Article 9: Council Meetings.

9.1. A Council Meeting shall be called at least twice per annum by the Director but more frequent meetings may be held on the Director’s initiative or at the request of a majority of the Council Members.

9.2. The Council shall have the authority to establish the broad outlines of the Club policy, to examine the financial statements, to set the dues and generally to conduct such other business as necessary for the proper operation of the organisation.

9.3. The Council shall be informed of the work of the committees

and working parties or groups. It may approve, amend or reject any of the

recommendations. It shall review the reports of the activities of Officers, Elected Members of Council and Regional Representatives since the previous meeting.

9.4 The Council shall adopt resolutions by a majority vote of the Council Members present provided that a quorum of the Council votes on all such resolutions. For purposes of conducting business a quorum of the Council is established on the attendance by a majority of its members.

9.5 Each year the Council shall elect a Chairman by majority vote provided that a quorum is present The Chairman may be elected from either the Members of Council or Full Members of the Club whom are deemed competent by Council to hold the position. The Council Chairman shall conduct Council Meetings and will work with the Director in formulating agenda and approving minutes prior to circulation. The Chairman will be eligible for re-election. Where the Chairman is not an existing Member of Council, they shall have no vote.

9.6 Council may require any Officer, Elected Member or Regional Representative to remove himself or herself from a Council meeting if, by a majority vote, it is believed that such a Member is disrupting the proceedings or damaging the reputation of Council or the Club. If such a Member persists in such behaviour, he or she will be required to seek re-election in the appropriate forum should they wish to continue as a Member of Council.

9.7 Council meetings will have minutes taken and records retained in perpetuity. Minutes will record the decisions of the Council in a register kept by the Secretary with copies distributed to Council Members

9.10 The Director, in consultation with the chair person, has the authority to remove agenda items from a council meeting if he/she believes the issue has been previously resolved and dealt with sufficiently for the matter to be considered closed.

THE PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENTS, OFFICERS and ELECTED MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.

Article 10. The President and Vice-Presidents.

10.1. President.

10.1.1. The President of the Club is proposed and seconded by Council Members and elected for three (3) years by the Membership pursuant to Article 12.

10.1.2. The President after serving a term is eligible for re-election.

10.2. Vice-Presidents.

10.2.1. The Vice-Presidents shall be elected from amongst the Full Members of the Club pursuant to Article 12 at an AGM and hold office for life.

10.2.2. Vice-Presidents are considered to be the Club’s elder statesmen & women. They may attend Council and speak on any matter but may not vote in that forum. They may be consulted by Council, through the Director or his representative on any appropriate matter.

10.3. Officers and Elected Members of Council

10.3.1 The voting Members of the Council will consist of the Officers of the Club, Elected Members of Council, Co-opted Members and Regional Representatives.

10.3.2 The Officers of the Club are the President, Director and Treasurer. They are elected by the Membership pursuant to Article 12.

10.3.3 The following positions are Elected Members of Council: Editor of “The Falconer”; Editor of the Club’s “Newsletter”; Editor of Club’s Website; Membership Secretary; Hawk Board Representative, and Conservation Officer. They are elected by the Membership pursuant to Article 12. Their duties shall be determined by the Council as necessary for the proper conduct of business of the Club.

10.3.4 Potential conflict of interests must be declared by intending Officers or

Elected Members of Council. This information will be made available to the Membership prior to election. Council may make recommendations to the Membership with regard to such information.

Article 11: Powers and Duties of the President, Vice-Presidents, Officers and Elected Members of Council.

11.1. President.

11.1.1 The President has no executive powers and holds no other office on Council.

11.1.2. The President may at the request of Council, chair the Council meetings and

is then an ex-officio Member of the committees and working parties or groups.

11.1.3. The President is responsible to the Council and shall inform it periodically of their actions.

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11.1.4. The President presides over general meetings of the Club.

11.1.5. The President is guardian of the Club rules and constitution. It is anticipated the President will provide wise counsel on issues when so consulted.

11.2. Vice-Presidents.

11.2.1. The Vice-Presidents act in a strictly honorary capacity.

11.3. Director, Treasurer, and other Elected Members of Council.

11.3.1 The Director; Treasurer; Editor of “The Falconer”; Editor of the Club’s “Newsletter”; Editor of the Club Website; Membership Secretary; Hawk Board Representative; Conservation Officer; are elected by the Membership pursuant to Article 12. Their duties shall be determined by the Council as necessary for the proper conduct of business of the Club.

11.3.2 The Director is Council’s most senior Officer and will manage the Club on behalf of Council. Ultimately Council is responsible for all Club matters but the Director delivers Council policy in a practical way to the regions and interested parties. The Director responds to, or facilitates a response to specific enquiries, complaints, et cetera, including referring specific issues to other Officers or co-opted specialists as considered appropriate. The Director, with the assistance of the Officers and Treasurer, shall comply with all of the annual reporting requirements under the laws of the United Kingdom to maintain the legal status of the Club.

11.3.3 The Treasurer is responsible for the proper financial management of the Club pursuant to Article 15. He/She manages the finances of the Club, including paying subscriptions to other bodies, bills, expenses, managing cash flow, projecting budgets, providing accounts for audit prior to the AGM or Spring Meeting and publishing the audited accounts in the Newsletter. The Treasurer also coordinates with the Regional Treasurers to ensure that annual Regional returns are submitted to the Club Office.

11.3.4 The Editor of ‘The Falconer’ will annually produce, in the appropriate time-frame, this primary publication of the Club. Its Editor is required to safeguard both quality and content of such. Council can request that prior to publication the editor will provide drafts for scrutiny to a full Member, nominated by Council, to proof-read such. The editor will work within the budget laid down by Council.

11.3.5 The Editor of the Club’s “Newsletter” produces the Newsletter. This publication is primarily an instrument for the dissemination of information, publication of the minutes of General Meetings of the Club, of Regional Reports and election information pursuant to Article. 12. Council can request that prior to publication the editor will provide drafts for scrutiny to a Full Member, nominated by Council, to proof-read such. The editor will work within the budget laid down by Council.

11.3.6 The Editor of the Club’s Website manages and updates the Website. The Website is primarily an instrument for the public dissemination of information. They must ensure that the Director is fully aware of the Club’s online content. Council can request that prior to posting on the website, the editor will provide drafts for scrutiny to a Full Member, nominated by Council. The editor will work within the budget laid down by Council.

11.3.7 The Membership Secretary processes Membership applications and enquiries, maintains the Membership database in partnership with the Club secretary. They are responsible for ensuring that the Membership packs and leaflets are current and in stock.

11.3.8 The Press Officer deals with Press enquiries. Responds to published,

broadcast, or internet material that is ill-informed or critical of falconry. Organises Press releases and oversees any Press presence at Field or Club meetings. The press officer will be appointed directly by council.

11.3.9 The Hawk Board Representative attends Hawk Board meetings as Club representative and in that forum promotes the Club’s policies and interests as determined by Council. They provide regular reports to Council on Hawk Board business.

11.3.10 The IAF Representative attends IAF meetings as Club representative and in that forum promotes the Club’s policies and interests as determined by Council. Provides regular reports to Council on IAF business. The IAF representative will be appointed directly by council.

11.3.11 The Conservation Officer will represent the Club on falconry related conservation issues within and beyond the Club as required. The Conservation Officer will, where applicable, promote and facilitate projects and initiatives that endorse falconry as a conservation-orientated field sport. 11.3.12 The Forum Moderator will be appointed directly by Council. They will be responsible for the management and control of topics posted on the forum to ensure that breaches of Club rules or code of conduct do not occur. The Forum moderator(s) have the ability to ban a member from the forum for up to 90 (ninety) days if it is the opinion of the moderator(s) that the members conduct is deemed to be such that it may be considered troublesome or antagonistic towards other forum members. If the moderator(s) are of the opinion that the matter warrants stronger action, the matter will be referred to the director and council for action.

11.3.13 No Full Member will hold more than a single elected position on Council at any one time unless Council determines otherwise.

11.3.14 Should an elected position on council become vacant through resignation or ill health, et cetera, Council may co opt a temporary replacement to fill the vacancy and to continue the work that the previous post holder was involved in. The co-opted individual may stand for election at the next round of Council elections should they wish, subject to the conditions of Article 12.

ELECTIONS.

Article 12: Elections.

12.1 Those who have been Full Members of the Club for a minimum of Three (3) full years can stand in Council elections. In addition, those proposing & seconding candidates are required to have been Full Members for at minimum of three (3) years.

. 12.1.1 A candidate is prohibited from standing for any elected position within the Club, if they have, within the 12-month period prior to June 1st of the year in which the election is to be held, been the subject of a disciplinary hearing and been found to have breached the Club rules or Code of Conduct. This restriction also applies to Members proposing & seconding candidates.

12.2 All Officers of the Club and Elected Members of Council shall be elected by the Full Members of the Club and from amongst the Full Members. They shall hold office for three years and be eligible for re-election.

12.3 The Vice-Presidents shall be proposed in writing by two Full Members, endorsed by Council, and elected at an AGM by a show of hands from amongst the Full Members. They shall hold office for life.

12.4 Election of Officers and elected Council Members shall normally be by postal ballot. Where positions are uncontested candidates can be confirmed in position at an AGM by a show of hands from amongst the Full Members.

12.4.1 Officer and elected Council Member positions will fall vacant together. Thus Club elections are held every three years.

12.5 Elections will be subject to the provisions outlined below: The Newsletter Editor will publish in the spring newsletter in the year of election, details of the posts falling vacant. After the spring newsletter is published the information is made available on the Club website and club Forum.

All candidates, including current post-holders seeking re-election, are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

The closing date for receipt of letters proposing and seconding for election, a Full Member of three years standing, will be received at the Club office on or by 1st June.

All candidates will be required to submit their manifestos to the Club Secretary on or by 1st July.

The Club Secretary will circulate on or by 1st August, by post to the vote-holding Members (see 12.5 below), candidates manifestos which will contain their proposing and supporting letters, and the required ballot papers.

The closing date and time for the receipt of completed ballot papers at the Club office will be close of business 1st September.

Where the election is un-contested, no postal ballot is required however stages i, ii, & iii will be followed – with the ballot paper replaced by an announcement from the Director, and the candidate confirmed by a show of hands at the following AGM (please refer to article 18.6)

For the purpose of Club elections, the vote-holding Members will be those Full Members whose subscriptions are paid in full as of 1st June in the year of the election.

12.7 Resignation of Officers or vacant Council positions: see Article 11.3.13

12.8 Regional Representatives to the Council are elected by their Region and shall hold office for three years and be eligible for re-election subject to article 12.1.1

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS.

Article 13: The Club’s Financial Resources.

13.1. The Club’s financial resources derive from Membership subscriptions and any income from its capital funds, or gifts and other sources.

Article 14: Subscriptions.

14.1. Full Members, Associate Members, Joint Members, Supporter Members,

Overseas Members and Trade Members pay subscriptions in an amount fixed by the Council. The subscriptions are payable annually.

14.2. Collection of Membership subscriptions will be overseen by the Treasurer and undertaken by the Club Secretary.

Article 15: Financial Management.

15.1. Based on the information obtained by the Director and on planned programmes of expenditure, the Treasurer shall submit a financial report at each Council meeting. The Treasurer shall also present to the AGM a report on the Club’s financial accounts for such period prepared annually which shall be audited.

15.1.1 The Club business year is the calendar year from January 1st to December 31st Inc.

15.1.2 The Treasurer, with the assistance of the Club Secretary and Director, shall comply with all of the annual reporting requirements, including the filing of any tax reports, under the laws of the United Kingdom to maintain the legal status of the Club.

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE.

Article 16: Club Disciplinary Procedures.

16.1 At the first Council meeting following election, the Director will appoint

a Disciplinary Committee of three Members. This Committee shall normally include the Director, an elected Member of Council and a Full Member of the Club who is not a Member of Council. The Disciplinary Committee stands for three years.

16.2 If the Director receives any complaint about a Member of the Club, or has any cause to believe that he or she has offended against the Rules or Code of Conduct, or that the conduct of such a Member is injurious to the Club or any of its Officers or Members, or that falconry has been brought into disrepute, they shall refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee.

16.3 If the subject of a complaint made to the Disciplinary Committee concerns a Member who holds any official position, be it on Council or Regional committee, they will be suspended without prejudice, from that position until such time as the matter is resolved.

16.4 The Disciplinary Committee shall consider the conduct of the Member concerned, and the Director shall give such Member fourteen days from the date of notice, to furnish an explanation of their conduct either in writing or by appearance in person before the Disciplinary Committee or both, as the Disciplinary Committee shall require.

16.5 The Member shall be given full opportunity to explain or justify their conduct to the Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee may take such professional advice as it deems fit.

16.6 When the Disciplinary Committee has considered the matter, it shall report to Council and make recommendations as to the appropriate disciplinary measure if any, to be applied to the Member concerned.

16.7 The Council, after considering the report and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, and subject to a majority vote may:

i) Require the Director to send a letter stating there is no case to answer and no further action relating to the matter will be undertaken. ii) Require the Director to send a letter of disapprobation to the Member.

iii) If the Member holds Full Member status, reduce them to an Associate Member (standard elevation criteria will apply on re-application for Full Membership).

iv) Enact temporary suspension of the Membership for a period to be decided by Council.

v) Decline any request for renewal of Membership, once the current year expires. vi) Dismiss the Member from the Club.

16.7.2 If, on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee, Council opts for ii, iii, iv, v, or vi (above) in respect of a Council or Regional committee Member they will be dismissed from that position with immediate effect. They may stand for re-election to Council or Regional committee once and if their Membership status permits them so to do.

16.8 The decision of the Council shall be final and binding upon the Member concerned, and shall be communicated to them in writing by the Director.

16.9 Any Member who refuses to attend a Disciplinary Committee on receiving due notice, shall render himself or herself liable to expulsion from the Club.

16.10 Any Member who is expelled from the Club shall forfeit all privileges of Membership and all interests in the property of the Club, and all rights derived from the Club.

16.11 A Member who faces accusation in a Court of Law of an offence connected with hawks or falconry or an issue that could be considered to bring the sport or the Club into disrepute, must report the matter to the Director, via the Club office, within fourteen (14) days of being informed of the intention to prosecute. If such a Member is an Officer of the Club, an Elected Member of Council or a Member of a Regional committee they will be required to stand down from such a position without prejudice, until such time as the matter is resolved. Failure to report any such accusation to the Director will result in the matter being put before the Disciplinary Committee with a presumption of expulsion from the Club.

16.12. When a member is convicted of offences of theft or injury/abuse of either captive or wild birds/animals, or if a member is convicted of offences in relation to captive bred hawks that contravene any current legislation, they will be expelled from the club for a period of not less than 5 years.

DISSOLUTION.

Article 17. Dissolution.

17.1. The Club may be dissolved and its assets disposed of at an

Extraordinary General Meeting called by the President and the return of a majority vote of the meeting. Upon dissolution, the assets of the Club shall be assigned firstly to a successor organisation to the Club, or then be redistributed pro rata to the Members, or then to any organisation or association which follows the principles and purposes subscribed to by the Club.

Article 18: Club Meetings

18.1 The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held on a date and at a location agreed by Council. Traditionally the Club AGM was held in early November, however contemporary demands mean that some flexibility is permitted in this regard. Notification of the holding of this meeting will be circulated to the Membership through means deemed appropriate by Council and may include the Club newsletter, website and if necessary, via postal notification. The business transacted at this meeting shall include:

i) Reports from Club Officers where appropriate.

ii) The receipt and passing of audited accounts and the appointment of auditors by the full members present, when appropriate.

iii) Confirming the results of elections of Officers and Elected Members of

Council.

iv) The consideration of competent business placed on the agenda (under any other business) for which due notice has been given in writing to the Director, via the Club office. Such business must be proposed and seconded by Full Members or be proposed by the Director acting on behalf of Council. Due notice of items to be included on the agenda of the meeting, must be submitted to the Club office no later than 30 working days prior to the date of the meeting. Such item so notified, can conclude in a vote should that course be appropriate. No substantive business may be taken from the floor at the AGM and no item from the floor will be voted upon at the meeting at which it is raised.

v) Any other business: Under AOB, questions, issues and opinions may be taken from the floor of the meeting but not voted upon (see 18 (iv) above): Where possible, the Chairman will attempt to provide answers to issues raised, but if this is not possible at that time, the matter will be considered by Council at the next meeting and a considered response made at a later date via a method to be agreed by Council.

18.2 A Special Meeting of the Club can be summoned by the Council, or by any twenty-five (25) Full Members of the Club, who will all be required to attend such meeting, on written requisition addressed to the Director and delivered by hand or recorded delivery to the Club Office. Such notice must specify the object of such a meeting. The Director, when calling a meeting on such an application, shall allow at least three and not more than eight weeks between the date of the issue of the notice, and the date fixed for the meeting. If such a request is received from a Regional committee, the said committee will be responsible for arranging a suitable venue to hold such a meeting at their own cost.

18.3 A quorum for AGM Meeting shall be twenty-five (25) Full Members.

18.4 General Meetings of the Club, with the exception of Council and Regional Meetings, shall be presided over by the President, or in his absence by a Chairman appointed for that purpose by Council.

18.5 Voting at such meetings (other than for the contested election

for Council positions which shall be conducted by postal ballot) shall be by show of hands or by ballot, as the Chairman shall decide.

18.6 Voting on any matter of unusual importance may at the discretion of Council be conducted by a postal ballot.

18.7 Members may bring guests to Club or Regional Meetings at the absolute discretion of the Chairman of the meeting. Guests at meetings may not speak during a debate, neither can they vote. Members who invite guests will be held responsible for their good behaviour. Former Members who have been expelled following disciplinary proceedings will not be allowed at any Club function be it Regional or General, within the five (5) year period after their dismissal from the Club. 18.8 The Spring General Meeting of the Club is held at the discretion of Council. Traditionally the Spring Meeting was held in March or April, however contemporary demands mean that some flexibility is permitted in this regard. The business transacted at this meeting shall include:

i) Reports from Club Officers where appropriate.

ii) An up-date regarding Club finances.

iii) The consideration of competent business placed on the agenda (under any other business) for which due notice has been given in writing to the Director, via the Club office. Such business must be proposed and seconded by Full Members or be proposed by the Director acting on behalf of Council. Due notice of items to be included on the agenda of the meeting, must be submitted to the Club office no later than 30 working days prior to the date of the meeting. Such items so notified, can conclude in a vote should that course be appropriate. No substantive business may be taken from the floor at the Spring Meeting and no item from the floor will be voted upon at the meeting at which it is raised. It is intended that the Spring Meeting be a forum for ideas and opinions from the Club Membership that can be used in Council to help formulate Club policy and direction.

v) Any other business: Under AOB, questions, issues and opinions may be taken from the floor of the meeting but not voted upon (see 18 (iv) above); Where possible, the Chairman will attempt to provide answers to issues raised, but if this is not possible at that time, the matter will be considered by Council at the next meeting and an considered response made at a later date via a method to be agreed by Council.

18.9 Prior to a Club meeting, the secretary will circulate to all Council Members the agenda for the meeting and details of all items received from the Membership to be placed on the agenda. Council may withdraw (subject to a simple majority vote) any items from the agenda if the topic is not in the interest of the Club or Membership, is adequately covered by current Club policy or may be injurious to any individual or part of the Club. The Chairman will give an explanation to the Members present at any Club meeting where this decision has been made, and explain the reasons for Council withdrawing the item.

Article 19: Fundamental Principles and By Laws.

19.1 These rules and fundamental principles may be amended with prior consideration and assent of Council, at an AGM or Spring meeting by a majority vote of the Full Members present at such, provided due notice thereof shall have been given in the notice convening the Meeting.

19.2 These rules and fundamental principles may be amended without prior consideration or assent of Council, at an AGM of the Club by a majority vote of the Full Members present at such, provided due notice thereof shall have been given in the notice convening the Meeting. Such amendments must have been proposed and seconded in the usual manner, and supported by twenty-five (25) Full Members from more than a single Regional Group.

19.3 All issues that require a vote to be taken within the club (at council, regional or club meetings) will be considered passed via a majority vote being returned.

Article 21: Regional Groups

21.1 The Club shall be organised in Regional Groups, which the Council may set up and disband, define and when appropriate, alter the geographical area within which they operate.

21.2 The functions of the Regional Group shall be:-

a) To maintain the Club’s Aims and Objects and Code of Conduct.

b) To provide a flow of information and opinion between the Council and the Membership.

c) To organise field meetings and social occasions.

d) To assist beginners.

e) To assist the Council in the election of Members.

f) To maintain good relations (in accordance with principles set down by the

Council) with the Public, other field sports organisations and neighbouring Regional Groups.

g) To fulfil such policies as the Council may from time to time decide upon.

h) To produce and circulate a Regional Newsletter where sufficient funds allow.

21.3 The Officers of a Regional Group shall normally consist of a Regional Chairman, a Regional Secretary, a Regional Treasurer, a Council Representative. An Associate Member may vote in Regional elections. Where circumstances demand they can stand for Regional office, with the exception of the role of Council Representative and Regional Chairman that have to be undertaken by Full Members. No Regional committee shall be composed of more than 50% of Associate Members.

21.4 The Officers of a Regional Group shall form a Regional Committee, which shall conduct the business of the Regional Group. The Regional Committee shall meet at such times as it deems fit, but not less than twice a year. A quorum for a meeting of a Regional Committee shall be three Members.

21.5 No Member can hold a Committee position on more than a single Regional Committee concurrently.

21.6 All Regional Committee Members shall be elected for a three year term of office and be eligible for re-election. Regional elections are held subject to conditions laid down Article 12, covering Club elections.

21.7 All elections shall be held at the Annual Business Meeting of the Regional Group by show of hands or ballot as deemed appropriate by the Committee.

21.8 When for any reason, a Regional Officer ceases to hold office, or is unable through illness or absence, to perform his or her duties, the other Regional Officers may appoint an other Member of that Regional Group to serve in the Officer’s place until the next Annual Business Meeting.

21.9 A Regional Group shall hold an Annual Business Meeting each year, this to be conducted after the Annual General Meeting of the Club and will be held in March, April or May. The business transacted at this meeting shall be; the consideration of the adoption of the reports of the Regional Group Officers, the consideration of the passing of the Regional Group Accounts of the previous year, the election of Regional Officers (where necessary) and any other business of which due notice has been given to the Regional Secretary. It is the responsibility of the Regional committee to ensure that notification of an ABM including details of the agenda, a copy of 12 months accounts, and notification of elections falling due, is circulated to all Club members residing within said Region either by electronic means, postal mail or other appropriate method no less than 30 days prior to the regional ABM being held.

21.10 Regions may ask for a contribution from Members to Regional Group funds to cover the cost of meetings, newsletters, postage etc.

21.11 All meetings of the Regional Group shall be presided over by the Regional Chairman or, in his absence, a Member of the Regional Committee.

21.12 Full and Associate Members resident within the Region may speak and vote at Regional Business Meetings; Supporter Members may speak at Regional Business Meetings. Members from outside the Region are welcome as guests, but may not speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman of the host Region, or vote at a Business Meeting outside their own Region.

21.13 A Member may make a written request to transfer from their Regional Group (determined by the geographic location of their home address) to a different Group. This is subject to the approval and the continued support of the Committee of the new Region. Should at any time a non-regionally resident Member lose the support of their (new) Regional Committee, they will be repatriated to their geographically appropriate Regional Group. This matter is entirely at the discretion of the host Regional Committee, no details need be disclosed to the Member, and the decision may not be appealed. The said Member may re-apply to transfer after 12 months, if they so wish. The Member is required to inform and substantiate any transfer of regional affiliation to the Membership Secretary and Club Office.

21.14 A quorum for a Business Meeting, or for the taking of a vote at a Business Meeting shall be ten, or 25% (whichever is the smaller) of Members resident in the Region. The quorum must include a minimum of two Members of the Regional Committee.

21.15 If there is a dispute within a Regional Group, six Full Members within the Region may apply to the Council for resolution of the dispute. Such an application should be made to the Director and delivered by hand or recorded delivery to the Club office.

21.16 A Member who does not participate in the activities of his Regional Group shall not thereby have his or her rights in any way attenuated.

Article 22: Breeding

22.1 The Club has discontinued its breeding program: Council believes that the current availability of domestically produced (captive bred) hawks for falconry and related activities is sustainable and best served by the efforts of individual breeders. Council are aware that this situation may change in the future and may resurrect its’ breeding scheme either generally or with regard to specific species, should it deem this appropriate.

Article 23: Trustees

23.1 The property of the Club shall be vested in three trustees, who shall be appointed by the Council. Club property shall be dealt as the Council may, from time to time, direct by resolution of which an entry in the Minute book shall be conclusive evidence. The Trustees will be indemnified against risk until death or resignation, or removal from office by Council. Where by reason of such death, resignation or removal, it is necessary that a new trustee, or trustees be appointed, the Council shall nominate the person or persons to be appointed the new trustee or trustees. For the purpose of giving effect to such nomination, the President is hereby nominated to appoint new trustees of the Club within the meaning of Section 36 of the Trustee Act 1925, and shall by deed duly appoint the person or persons so nominated by the Council. The Trustee Deed is kept in the safe keeping of a solicitor nominated by Council.

Article 24: Patrons

24.1 Patrons are normally landowners or farmers who have assisted Club Members in pursuit of their sport. To nominate anyone is intended as a mark of considerable gratitude to the person concerned. Patrons will be circulated with “The Falconer” and “Newsletter”. A Patron can use the Club tie, badge, and car-sticker. They may attend meetings as guests but have no other benefits of Membership.

24.2 In exceptional circumstances Council may nominate a person to become a Patron of the Club.

24.3 Full Members and Regional Groups may nominate Patrons but will remain responsible for the annual cost of this and will be billed appropriately.

Article 25: Publication of Rules

25.1 The Club Rules shall be published on the Club web site and the club forum. Any changes made to the Rules will be published in the copy of the newsletter following the meeting at which the changes were agreed by the Membership.