Future FoC meeting dates
11.30am, Saturday 10th May - AGM
11am, Saturday 17th May
11am, Saturday 19th July

Constitution and Child Protection Policy

TIME FOR A CHANGE!

As our group has grown over the years it has become clear that our Constitution needs updating. The Local Network Fund, who have offered us £6800 for trips over Summer 2007 are requiring us to do so as well. But in any case, some points need clarification and some new clauses need to be added, particularly one giving the committee the 'Powers' they need to fulfil the objectives of the group, and also a clause clarifying that Committee members cannot benefit financially from the group's dealings.

There will only be a very few of our members who know what our Constitution says and most of you will be happy to remain in ignorance! However, legally we must advise our members of the proposed changes 14 days in advance. The proposed new Constitution was discussed at length at the Friends of CyberZone committee meeting on the 16th June, and we are attaching the new proposed Constitution with changes in blue. If you have any objections you should ideally let the Secretary Jacqui Cook, know in advance, on 020 88579282 (or Sadhana by email: manager@cyberzone.org.uk).

Those who have read our Child Protection Policy will also be aware that it was in need of a substantial overhaul. Particularly in order to clarify who would be required to do what in the event of a CP concern. Many of the committee were under the misapprehension that they would not have to be very involved in any investigation, even if they were the person reporting the concern, but in fact this was not the case. The new proposed CPP substantially limits the responsibilities of the committee in such circumstances.

The Local Network Fund proposed a number of changes, including the appointment of a Designated Person who is on the committee, so we have proposed assigning the CyberZone Manager to that role. We have also added important appendices: a list of signs of abuse and a list of information needed to be recorded in the event of a concern being reported. Please read through this very carefully so that you know what our CPP is and ideally let Jacqui (by phone or Sadhana by e mail) know in advance if you have any objections.

It is our hope to adopt both these policies at the Friends of CyberZone Committee meeting on the 21st July 2007.

For those of you who are interested, copies of the old constitutions and CPP are available by emailing Sadhana, or by requesting one from her at any CyberZone day.

Christine Rose,
Chair Friends of CyberZone

FURTHER IMFORMATION
Child Protection Policy update
Child Protection Policy
Friends of CyberZone Amended Proposed CONSTITUTION
Friends of CyberZone CONSTITUTION
Signs of child abuse