Unison University of York Branch

1. Branch Name
The branch shall be called "The University of York" Branch of UNISON.

Eligibility for membership shall be in accordance with the Rules of the union.
Applications for membership take effect from the date at which completed forms are received by the branch or at regional/national level and the first contribution is made.
A meeting of the branch or branch committee may decide not to support a membership application but such a decision must be consistent with the Rules and with Statute. Such a decision must be explained to the individual in writing, together with their rights of appeal.
All members must comply with the Rules.
The NEC may terminate an individual's membership in accordance with the Rules.

5. Branch Structure

There will be an Annual General Meeting of the branch to elect branch officers and members of the branch committee.
Other general meetings may be called by the branch committee or by 20 members of the branch or 5% of the membership, whichever is the greater.
The AGM will determine the basis of representation in the branch and the number of stewards to be elected in each work group or workplace.
Eacvh branch shall keep a bank/building society account in the name of the branch.

6. Branch Officers

The branch shall elect the following officers annually:
- branch chairperson
- branch secretary
- treasurer
- equality officer(s)
- health and safety officer
- others to be determined as necessary for the effective operation of the branch
Branch officers may be nominated by the branch committee or any two members, with the exception of the APF officer who will be elected by APF members only.
All nominations must be received in writing at least three weeks before the AGM.
Each nominee will be notified and given the right to withdraw not later than seven days before the AGM.
If there is more than one candidate a vote will be held.
The vote may be conducted by a show of hands or by a ballot.
In the event of a ballot, official papers will be supplied and each member of the branch shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each post to be filled. Arrangements may be made for a postal ballot if appropriate.

7. Branch Committee

Representation on the branch committee will be agreed by the AGM and will include:
branch officers
one representative of each self organised group
one or more stewards from each work group or workplace
The branch committee shall administer branch business in accordance with the national rules and guidance.
The quorum for the branch committee shall be 33% (one third) of the members of the committee.
The branch committee will establish arrangements for representation of members and any difficulties will be referred to the regional organiser in the first instance.

8. Conduct of Meetings

All meetings will be conducted in a fair and democratic manner.
All meetings should be advertised widely as far in advance as possible.
The procedures to be used at the meeting should be explained clearly.
Branches shall set a quorum for branch meetings and branch committee meetings. The quorum for branch meetings shall be one tenth of membership.
Branches must maintain records of meetings, financial records, books of accounts and other appropriate records to enable the branch to function.

9. Media Communications
Communications to the media on behalf of the branch shall be made only by officer(s) authorised by the branch committee.

12. Expenses
Rates of expenses for members attending meetings on behalf of the branch shall be agreed by the AGM or branch committee, and shall be in accordance with "A Guide to the Regions Lay Members Expenses Scheme".