Our Constitution

A) Name.

The name of the Group shall be "Hedwig's Hotel" - https://www.hedwigshotel.co.uk/

Overview

For the benefit of the public to further the conservation and preservation of the hedgehog species in North Devon.

• For the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering and distress of hedgehogs in need of care and attention by providing a Rescue, care and rehabilitation service for sick, injured, or orphaned hedgehogs and to release such hedgehogs back into the wild wherever possible.
• To advance the education of the public in the study of hedgehogs and the care, methods of treatment, conservation and habitat of hedgehogs.

B) Aims

Our Vision is for a future where every hedgehog in our area that needs Rescue, Rehabilitation or Relocating - gets that chance.

Our Mission

For our hedgehog rescue centre to:

• To offer quick care for our local hedgehogs.
• To offer a safe place for hedgehogs to recuperate.
• To quickly assess and treat and eliminate parasites.
• Have the equipment we need to tackle common problems.
• Have the funds we need to operate and also cover costs for external care such as vet visits.
• To grow a supportive network and communicate with other centres.
• Have a platform to educate people about our wild hedgehogs.

For the Public to:
•Have a place to go to find help from us or other rescues nearer to them.

C) Powers

To achieve its aims Hedwig's Hotel may:

• Source and provide educational opportunities that benefit the well-being and welfare of all our UK hedgehogs.
• Campaign for changes in the law that benefit our UK Hedgehogs.
• Invite and receive contributions and raise funds where appropriate, to finance the work of Hedwig's Hotel, we now have a bank account to manage such funds.
• Publicise and promote the work and aims of the group by utilising social media and press campaigns
• Work with groups of a similar nature and exchange information, advice and knowledge with them, including cooperation with other voluntary bodies, charities, statutory and non-statutory organisations.
• Take any form of action that is lawful, and which is necessary to achieve the objectives of Hedwig's Hotel

D) Management.

1. Hedwig's Hotel shall be administered by a Management Committee of not less than three and not more than six individuals elected at the Group’s Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.).
2. The Officers of the Management Committee shall be: the Chairperson and two committee members
3. The Management Committee may co-opt onto the Committee, up to three individuals, in an advisory and non-voting capacity that it feels will help to fulfil the aim of the Group.
4. The Management Committee shall meet at least two times a year.
5. At least three Management Committee members must be present for a Management Committee meeting to take place. Meetings can take place virtually
6. Voting at Management Committee meetings shall be by a show of hands. If there is a tied vote then the Chairperson shall have a second vote.
7. The Management Committee shall have the power to remove any member of the Committee for a good and proper reason.
8. The Management Committee may appoint any other member of the Group as a Committee member to fill a vacancy, provided that the maximum prescribed is not exceeded.

E) The Duties of the Officers.

E.1) The duties of the Chairperson shall be to:

1. Chair meetings of the Committee
2. Represent the Group at functions/meetings that Hedwig's Hotel has been invited to and
3. Act as the spokesperson of Hedwig's Hotel when necessary.
4. Supervise the financial affairs of Hedwig's Hotel and
5. Keep proper accounts that show all monies received and paid out by Hedwig's Hotel.

E.2) The duties of the Committee members shall be to:

1. Jointly maintain a membership list
2. Prepare in consultation with the Chairperson the agenda for meetings of the Committee
3. Take and keep minutes of all meetings and
4. Collect and circulate any relevant information within Hedwig's Hotel.

F) Finance.

1. All monies received by or on behalf of Hedwig's Hotel shall be applied to further the aim of Hedwig's Hotel and for no other purpose.
2. Any bank accounts opened for Hedwig's Hotel shall be in the name of "Hedwig's Hotel".
3. Any cheques issued shall be signed by the Chairperson
4. Hedwig's Hotel shall ensure that its accounts are audited or independently examined every year.

G) Annual General Meeting.

1. Hedwig's Hotel shall hold an Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) in the month of August
2. All members shall be given at least seven days’ notice of the A.G.M. and shall be entitled to attend and vote.

G.2) The business of the A.G.M. shall include:

1. receiving a report from the Chairperson on Hedwig's Hotel activities over the year
2. electing a new Management Committee and
3. considering any other matter as may be decided.
4. At least 3 members must be present for the Annual General Meeting and any other General Meeting to take place

H) General Meetings.

1. There shall be 2 General Meetings (excluding the A.G.M) each year.
2. All members shall be entitled to attend and vote.

I) Alterations to the Constitution.

Any changes to this Constitution must be agreed upon by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at any General Meeting.

J) Dissolution.

Hedwig's Hotel may be wound up at any time if agreed by two-thirds of those members present and voting at any General Meeting. In the event of winding up, any assets remaining after all debts have been paid shall be given to another Group with a similar aim.