Approved and ratified by a unanimous vote at the full Council meeting of 12 December 2006 1. Name The name of the organisation shall be The East of England Faiths Council (the Council). 2. Territory The territory covered by the Council will be the six counties that make up the East of England Region, namely Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and the Unitary Authorities within their boundaries. 3. Remit The Remit of the Council shall be: to provide a clear point of contact with bodies of regional governance; to engage with them and other national, regional and local bodies such that faith groups and individuals can make input to regional policy and activity; to promote mutual cooperation between faiths in the above; and to provide regional support to faith groups in the prosecution of community and social activity 4. Objective The objective of the Council is to ensure that faith communities are an effective stakeholder and participant in the region 5. Powers The Council has the following powers which may be exercised only in fulfilling the remit and meeting the objective of the Council: To take nominations for and duly elect the Faiths Representative(s) on the East of England Regional Assembly To nominate representatives on the Panels of the EERA and at other meetings and events as required To develop the EEFC, FaithNetEast and other websites as necessary To apply for and use public or private funding required to assist it in fulfilling its remit To promote, commission or carry out research To publish or distribute information To organise courses or events To co-operate with other bodies To raise funds (but not by means of taxable trading) To do anything else lawful to help it fulfil its objective 6. Membership Membership of the Council is open to representatives, resident or working in the Region, of the nine major faiths in membership of the Interfaith Network UK: Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian. The membership of any individual may be terminated for good reason by the Executive, provided this reason is communicated to the member, and s/he has a right to be heard by the Executive and challenge the decision. Council members while not necessarily being official spokespeople of their faith community or group, will be expected to have: an awareness of the needs and opportunities of their geographical area an understanding of the nature and diversity of their faith community a willingness to engage in public policy issues a willingness to give priority to their membership of the Council and attendance at its meetings 7. Attendance Attendance at meetings and events is also open to individuals and groups present in the Region who wish to promote collaboration among faith communities for the common good. This includes representatives of local Councils of Faiths, voluntary bodies, academic institutions, public bodies and other appropriate organisations. 8. Statements It will not be the principal purpose of the Council to make statements on issues of public concern. Where this becomes necessary in exceptional circumstances, a statement will only be made following a meeting or other canvassing of the Council through which a draft text approved by the Executive has been put forward. If necessary this must be amended at a meeting or through other communication, and the final text approved by the Executive. 9. Meetings The Council will meet at least two and preferably four times each year. The meetings of the Council will always be chaired by two people, usually one Christian and one person of another Faith, drawn from the membership of the Executive Committee. A record of the proceedings will be made, and disseminated to all members before the next subsequent meeting. 10. Management The Council will be managed by an Executive Committee, composed of the four co-chairs (two of Christian and two of other faiths); the chair of the East of England Churches Network, the elected EERA representative; the director, the treasurer and the secretary. The total number of Executive members shall not exceed 10 The Executive Committee shall meet at least four times a year. In order to be quorate, there shall be at least four members present. A record of the proceedings will be made, and disseminated to all members before the next subsequent meeting. 10a. Servicing The meetings will be convened by the Director, who will also service the Council. The Director will work to the job description (attached at Appendix A) that may be amended from time to time by agreement with the Executive. The Executive Committee may appoint any other member of the Council as a Committee member to fill a vacancy, provided that the maximum prescribed is not exceeded. 10b. Voting Members will seek a consensus as far as possible on any decisions to be made or issues before them. In the event of voting being required, a simple majority open vote will suffice, except when the Executive decides otherwise by a simple majority. 10c Finances The finances of the Council will be managed by an Anglican diocese that has audited and published accounts. If and when financial control passes to the Council, it will appoint accountants and this constitution will be amended accordingly, and a formal set of standing orders added. The Director and/or Treasurer can be called upon to attend a Council meeting to answer questions on the financial status of the Council. 10d. Expenses Executive Committee members and others representing the Council may incur travel or other expenses in relation to the business of the Council. In order that this should not disbar anyone being of service as an Executive committee member, they will be invited to seek reimbursement from their supporting body or other appropriate source. If this is not possible, such expenses will be met upon application to the East of England Faiths Council. 11. Alterations to the constitution Any changes to this constitution must be agreed by at least two-thirds of the Executive and ratified by a simple majority of members present at a full Council meeting.