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SNU Lyceum Union

Bye-Laws  E

CONSTITUTION OF THE SPIRITUALISTS' LYCEUM UNION

February 2010


ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS

Part I.  Preliminary
 1.          Objects
 2.          Interpretation
 3.          Activities
 4.          Duties
 
Part II.  Composition and Membership
 5.          Composition
 6.          Affiliation of Lyceums
 7.          Membership
 8.          Honorary Officers and Honorary Members
 9.          Associated Groups
10.         Applications for Affiliation, Membership or Association
11.         Termination of Affiliation, Membership or Association
12.         Subscriptions
13.         Credential Cards
14.         District Representatives
15.         Annual Returns
16.         Misconduct of Affairs
 
Part III.  Annual General Meetings and Conferences
17.         Convening of Annual General Meeting and Conference
18.         Representation at Annual General Meeting and Conferences
19.         Quorum and Proceedings at Annual General Meetings and Conferences
20.         Voting at Annual General Meetings and Conferences
 
Part IV.  The Central Committee and Elective Auditors
21.         Composition and Functions
22.         Meetings
23.         Duties and Obligations of Members of the Central Committee
24.         Elective Auditors
25.         Qualifications
26.         Nominations
27.         Elections
28.         Election of National Members' Representative
29.         Cessation of Membership
30.         Vacancies
 
Part V.  Finance
31.         Property and Funds
32.         Income
33.         Expenditure
34.         Accounts
35.         Audit
36.         Banking and Investment of Funds
 
Part VI.  Complaints Procedure
37.         Interpretation
38.         Referral of Complaints
39.         Format of Complaints
40.         Independence
41.         Representation
42.         Settlement by Agreement
43.         Natural Justice
44.         Preliminary Procedure - First Stage
45.         Preliminary Procedure - Second Stage
46.         Preliminary Procedure - Third Stage
47.         Mediation
48.         Arbitration Panel
49.         Arbitration Hearing
50.         Interim Powers of Central Committee and Arbitration Panel
51.         Decision-Making Powers of Arbitration Panel
52.         Appeals to Spiritualists' National Union
53.         Appeals to Central Committee
54-55.    Notice of Appeal
56-58.    Preliminary Procedure
59-60.    Subsequent Procedure
61.         Publication of Decision
62.         Costs of Administration
63.         Order for Costs
64.         Security for Costs
 
Part VII.  Miscellaneous
65.         Accredited Representatives at General Meetings of the Union
66.         Lyceum National Councillor
67.         Reports to the National Executive Committee and Council
68.         Records
69.         Amendment of Bye-laws
70.         General
 
First Schedule                        Constitution for Affiliated Lyceums
 
Standing Orders for SLU Annual General Meetings and Conferences and Lyceum General Meetings



Part I.  PRELIMINARY
 
 1.      Objects
The objects of the Lyceum Union are:-
 
(1)     To promote and advance the religion and religious philosophy of Spiritualism which is understood to recognise the following Principles:-
 
(a)     The Fatherhood of God.
(b)     The Brotherhood of Man.
(c)     The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels.
(d)     The continuous existence of the human soul.
(e)     Personal responsibility.
(f)     Compensation and retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done on earth;  and
(g)     Eternal progress open to every human soul.
 
(2)     To promote the study and practice of Spiritualism as a science, a philosophy and a religion, and to establish and foster Lyceums for this purpose.
(3)     To stimulate in connection with the activities of Lyceums and of Spiritualist Churches, suitable provision for the social and cultural integration of its members.
(4)     To encourage Spiritualist Churches to recognise their responsibility for the spiritual education and welfare of children and adults and their duty to establish Lyceums for the purpose of discharging this responsibility.
(5)     To ensure that Lyceums recognise and fulfil their fundamental allegiance and loyalty to their parent churches, where such exist.
(6)     To secure that the training given in Lyceums shall be on sound progressive lines and such as to promote a common loyalty to the Spiritualist Movement as a whole.
(7)     To maintain the publication of the Lyceum Banner, the official organ of the Lyceum Union.
 
 2.      Interpretation
In these Bye-laws:-
 
(a)     "The Union" means the Spiritualists' National Union.
(b)     "The National Executive Committee" means the Committee constituted under Article 27 of the Union's Articles of Association.
(c)     "The Council" means the Council constituted under Article 28 of the Union's Articles of Association.
(d)     "District Council" means any District Council constituted under Article 12 of the Union's Articles of Association.
(e)     "The Lyceum Union" means the Spiritualists' Lyceum Union constituted as a Branch of the Union under Article 11 of the Union's Articles of Association and by these Bye-laws.
(f)      "Lyceum" means a Spiritualist School open to persons of all ages.
(g)     "Affiliated Lyceum" means a Lyceum which is affiliated with the Lyceum Union in accordance with these Bye-laws.
(h)     "Conference" means any Conference provided for in paragraph 18(3) of these Bye-laws.
(i)      "The Central Committee" means the Committee constituted under paragraph 20 of these Bye-laws.
(j)      "Legal minor" means a person who has not attained his 18th birthday.
(k)     "Member" means a subscribing member, being an individual member of the Lyceum Union.  Except where the context indicates otherwise, the term shall refer to a person accepted into full membership.
(l)      "Restricted body" means any religious organisation which:-
 
(a)     incorporates within its title, principles or statement of beliefs any reference to the principles, beliefs, religious leader, symbols, trappings or practices of any other religion or religious denomination;  or
(b)     introduces, includes, utilises or otherwise promulgates any symbols, trappings or practices of any other religion or religious denomination;  or
(c)     permits a body which falls within (a) or (b) above to be accepted into affiliation with, or membership of, such organisation.
(m)    "Member" in relation to a restricted body shall include a person who regularly attends its services for the purpose of pursuing its beliefs.
 
3.       Activities
The activities and functions of the Lyceum Union shall include the following, namely:-
 
(a)     Holding an Annual General Meeting and such Conferences as it thinks fit.
(b)     Guiding Lyceums in the training of their members in social, cultural, mental, moral, psychical and spiritual matters.
(c)     Instituting courses of study, summer schools, adventure weeks and the like for children and adults, including leaders, teachers, organisers and other Lyceum workers.
(d)     Conducting appropriate examinations and award schemes.
(e)     Co-operating with the appropriate committee of the Union in the sphere of education.
(f)      Purchasing, taking on hire, lease or exchange, or otherwise acquiring any real or personal property and constructing, maintaining and altering any building or erection thought necessary or convenient for the work of the Lyceum Union.
(g)     Paying any premiums of insurance thought necessary or convenient for the purpose of the Lyceum Union.
(h)     Arranging insurance cover for all its members in the performance of their activities in forwarding the objects of the Lyceum Union.
(i)      Accepting any gifts.
(j)      Printing, publishing or circulating or causing to be printed, published or circulated any newspapers, periodicals, magazines, books, pamphlets, leaflets or other documents that may be deemed desirable for the promotion of the Lyceum Union.
(k)     Producing or causing to be produced any other items that may be deemed desirable for the promotion of the Lyceum Union.
 
 
 4.      Duties
(1)     The Lyceum Union shall be a Branch of the Union and shall perform such functions and responsibilities as may from time to time be resolved by the National Executive Committee after consultation with the Central Committee.
(2)     The Lyceum Union shall not without the written consent of the National Executive Committee or Officers of the Union
 
(a)     pledge the credit of the Union; or
(b)     take any action in respect of which it may reasonably be anticipated that legal proceedings may be taken against the Union or the Lyceum Union or any member or members thereof in that capacity.
(3)     It shall be the duty of the Lyceum Union to report forthwith to the Union any matter coming to its knowledge which appears to it to be liable to involve the Union in financial liability or to bring discredit on the Union or on the Spiritualist movement, and any legal dispute which may affect the Lyceum Union or the Union generally.
 
 
PART II.  COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP
 
 5.      Composition
The Lyceum Union shall be composed of
 
(a)     Lyceums affiliated with the Lyceum Union in accordance with these Bye-laws, and their members;
(b)     Full and provisional members enrolled in accordance with these Bye-laws;
(c)     Honorary Vice-Presidents and Honorary Members appointed in accordance with these Bye-laws.
(d)     Associated Groups enrolled in accordance with these Bye-laws.
 
 6.      Affiliation of Lyceums
(1)     Any Lyceum which is conducted in accordance with the Constitution for Spiritualists' Lyceums contained in the First Schedule to these Bye-laws shall be eligible for affiliation with the Lyceum Union.
(2)     Any Lyceum which is not associated with a Church in affiliation with the Union may be affiliated only by consent of the Central Committee and of the National Executive Committee.
(3)     A Lyceum shall as a condition of affiliation:-
 
(a)     not be in affiliation or association with, or in membership of, any other religious organisation;
(b)     not at any time or in any form in the furtherance of its objects and activities introduce, include, utilise or otherwise promulgate, either in whole or in part, any symbols, trappings or practices of any other religion or religious denomination;
(c)     not incorporate within its title any reference to any other religion.
 
 7.      Membership
(1)     Any persons of 14 years of age and over who express sympathy with Lyceum teachings are eligible for membership of the Lyceum Union.
(2)     No person shall be eligible for membership if he is a member of any restricted body or holds any position in, or any award of, such body.
(3)     Voting shall be limited to those members who have reached the age of sixteen years but, in the case of legal or financial matters, only to those aged eighteen years and over.
 
 8.      Honorary Officers and Honorary Members
(1)     The Lyceum Union in Annual General Meeting may at the instance of the Central Committee elect as honorary vice-presidents or honorary members of the Lyceum Union persons who have rendered long or distinguished service to the Lyceum Union.
(2)     No person shall be eligible for honorary vice-presidency or honorary membership if he is a member of any restricted body or holds any position in, or any award of, such body.
(3)     Honorary vice-presidents and honorary members who do not hold a credential card shall have the same rights and privileges as full members of the Lyceum Union other than the right to vote.
(4)     Honorary vice-presidents and honorary members shall not be obliged to pay any subscription to the Lyceum Union.
(5)     The Lyceum Union in Annual General Meeting or Conference may at the instance of the Central Committee terminate the office of an honorary vice-president or an honorary member of the Lyceum Union.
 
 9.      Associated Groups
Any Spiritualist group having objects similar to those of the Lyceum Union shall be eligible for association with the Lyceum Union.
 
10.     Applications for Affiliation, Membership or Association
(1)     An application for affiliation or association shall be made to the Lyceum Union Secretary in such form as may from time to time be prescribed by the Central Committee, shall contain such information as that Committee may reasonably require, and shall be accompanied by the prescribed subscription.
(2)     An application for acceptance into membership shall be made to the National Members Secretary in such form as may from time to time be prescribed by the Central Committee, shall contain such information as that Committee may reasonably require, and shall be accompanied by the prescribed subscription.
(3)     All applications shall be submitted to the Central Committee, who may accede to, defer or reject any application without explanation.
(4)     An application for membership may be accepted on a provisional basis for a period of not less than six months and subject to review at the end of that period.  A member accepted on this basis shall not be entitled to vote or nominate for, or have a seat on, the Central Committee.
(5)     Each Lyceum accepted into affiliation and each group accepted into association shall be provided with a certificate of such affiliation or association showing the date of acceptance.
 
(6)     Each person accepted into full membership shall be provided with a credential card.
 
11.     Termination of Affiliation, Membership or Association
(1)     The affiliation of a Lyceum shall be terminated in any of the following events, namely:-
 
(a)     Dissolution of the Lyceum Union.
(b)     Dissolution of the Lyceum.
(c)     Failure after due notice to pay subscription within three months of the renewal date.
(d)     Loss of the qualifications which entitled it to affiliation.
(e)     Expulsion for disciplinary reasons in accordance with these Bye-laws.
(f)     Conduct considered by the Central Committee to be serious misconduct harmful or potentially harmful to Spiritualism, to the Union or to the Lyceum Union.
 
Provided that:-
 
(1)     A resolution in pursuance of sub-paragraph (g) hereof shall be effective only if the body concerned has been informed in advance of the intention to propose such resolution and of the grounds therefor and has been given reasonable opportunity of making written and/or oral representations thereon;  and
(2)     any resolution under this paragraph shall take effect forthwith but shall be open to revision by any Annual General Meeting or Conference or by any meeting of the National Executive Committee held within thirteen months after the date of such resolution and the Central Committee shall give effect to any directions thereon given by either.
(2)     The membership of a person shall be terminated in any of the following events, namely:-
 
(a)     death.
(b)     dissolution of the Lyceum Union.
(c)     receipt by the Lyceum Union Secretary of written notice of resignation.
(d)     becoming a member of any restricted body or acquiring any position in, or any award of, such body;
(e)     failure after due notice to pay the subscription.
(f)     loss of the qualifications which entitled him to membership.
(g)     expulsion for disciplinary reasons in accordance with these Bye-laws.
(h)     Conduct considered by the Central Committee to be serious misconduct harmful or potentially harmful to Spiritualism, to the Union or to the Lyceum Union.
 
Provided that:-
 
(1)     A resolution in pursuance of sub-paragraph (h) hereof shall be effective only if the person concerned has been informed in advance of the intention to propose such resolution and of the grounds therefor and has been given reasonable opportunity of making written and/or oral representations thereon;  and
(2)     any resolution under this paragraph shall take effect forthwith but shall be open to revision by any Annual General Meeting or Conference or by any meeting of the National Executive Committee held within thirteen months after the date of such resolution and the Central Committee shall give effect to any directions thereon given by either.
 
(3)     The association of an Associated Group shall be terminated in any of the following events, namely:-
 
(a)     Dissolution of the Lyceum Union.
(b)     Dissolution of the Associated Group.
(c)     Receipt by the Lyceum Union Secretary of not less than three months' notice in writing of withdrawal.
(d)     Failure after due notice to pay subscription within three months of the renewal date.
(e)     Loss of the qualifications which entitled it to association.
(f)     Expulsion for disciplinary reasons in accordance with these Bye-laws.
(g)     Conduct considered by the Central Committee to be serious misconduct harmful or potentially harmful to Spiritualism, to the Union or to the Lyceum Union.
 
Provided that:-
 
(1)     A resolution in pursuance of sub-paragraph (g) hereof shall be effective only if the body concerned has been informed in advance of the intention to propose such resolution and of the grounds therefor and has been given reasonable opportunity of making written and/or oral representations thereon;  and
(2)     any resolution under this paragraph shall take effect forthwith but shall be open to revision by any Annual General Meeting or Conference or by any meeting of the National Executive Committee held within thirteen months after the date of such resolution and the Central Committee shall give effect to any directions thereon given by either.
(4)     The termination of affiliation, membership or association from any cause shall not affect the right of the Lyceum Union to enforce payment of debts and the fulfilment of other obligations incurred before the date of such termination.
 
12.     Subscriptions
(1)     Each Lyceum, member and Associated Group shall be liable to pay to the Lyceum Union an annual subscription of such amount as may be decided from time to time by resolution of Annual General Meeting.
(2)     (a)     The first subscription shall be payable on acceptance into affiliation, membership or association.  Subscriptions thereafter shall be payable on 1st January in each year.
(b)     When any subscription has been overdue for two months or more notice of the fact shall be given by post to the member concerned.  If the subscription has not been paid within one month after the service of such notice the affiliation, membership or association shall be terminated.
 
13.     Credential Cards
(1)     A credential card issued to a member of the Central Committee shall be valid for his period of office.
(2)     A credential card issued for a Lyceum or an Associated Group shall relate to a calendar year but shall remain valid until 31st March of the following year or until such earlier date as a new credential card shall be issued to replace it.
(3)     A credential card issued for a full or provisional member shall relate to a calendar year but shall remain valid until 31st March of the following year or until such earlier date as a new credential card shall be issued to replace it.
(4)     (a)     Credential cards for Lyceums and Associated Groups shall be issued by the Lyceum Secretary on receipt of:-
 
(i)      payment of all outstanding and current subscriptions;
(ii)     a copy of the audited statement of accounts for the last financial year in the prescribed or other satisfactory form.
(b)     Credential cards for full or provisional members shall be issued by the National Members Representative on receipt of payment of all outstanding and current subscriptions.
 
14.     District Representatives
(1)     The Central Committee shall, wherever possible, appoint a District Representative to the Executive Committee of each District Council.  Any person appointed to a District Council Executive Committee shall be a member of the Lyceum Union resident within the District corresponding to the area of that District Council.
(2)     The District Representative shall have the function of fostering the interests of the Lyceum Union and of the Lyceums within his District, and generally to act as liaison officer between them, and such other functions and duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Central Committee.
(3)     In particular, it shall be the duty of the District Representative to make at least one visit during each year to each Lyceum in his District to encourage and help them by suggestions of improvement, when such are necessary (but taking care to avoid interfering with the conduct of activities unless specially invited to do so by the presiding officer), and to render assistance in opening new Lyceums and in reviving those which have lapsed.
(4)     A District Representative appointed by the Central Committee shall make a quarterly report to the Lyceum Liaison Officer, for submission to the Central Committee, of the work carried out, including the visits made, and interviews sought and held, accompanied by an itemised statement of his expenses properly incurred.
 
15.     Annual Returns
(1)     Not later than 15th January in each year the Lyceum Union Secretary shall send to each Lyceum and Associated Group a form for the Annual Return of the Lyceum or Associated Group, providing for notification of the names and addresses of the Officers of the Lyceum or Associated Group, the number of members, and such other information as the Central Committee may require.
(2)     Such form shall be duly completed and signed by the Conductor and Secretary and forwarded not later than 1st March in each year to the Lyceum Union Secretary, accompanied by the annual subscription.
 
16.     Misconduct of Affairs
(1)     If it is brought to the attention of the National Executive Committee that the Lyceum Union may:-
 
(a)     have failed to conduct its affairs in accordance with the Memorandum, Articles of Association, Bye-laws or any direction given by the National Executive Committee; or
(b)     no longer be adhering to the Seven Principles; or
(c)     no longer be an effective organisation; or
(d)     have acted in a manner which constitutes serious misconduct harmful or potentially harmful to the Union or any part thereof;  or
(e)     be inculcating principles or practices antagonistic to the Union
 
it may become the subject of an enquiry by the National Executive Committee.
(2)     Any such enquiry shall have the purpose of investigating, and reporting on, any or all aspects of the Lyceum Union's functioning, as directed by the National Executive Committee, and of making recommendations thereon.
(3)     (a)     (i)      A panel of not less than three persons shall be appointed by the National Executive Committee to conduct the enquiry.  No person shall be appointed as a member of the panel if he is or has been previously concerned in the matters which are the subject of the enquiry, either personally or as a member of a committee or other body, or if he has a direct proprietary or financial interest in the outcome of the enquiry.
(ii)     No member of the Arbitration Committee or the Appeals Board shall be a member of a panel appointed under this paragraph.
(b)     A panel appointed under this paragraph shall be free to determine its own procedures.
(4)     (a)     For the duration of such enquiry and until the publication of the decision of the National Executive Committee in the matter the National Executive Committee or any person or body authorised so to act on its behalf shall in relation to the Lyceum Union or any person or body concerned in the matter have power to:-
 
(i)      convene, preside over, postpone or cancel any general meeting of members or any meeting of the Central Committee;
(ii)     appoint an auditor to prepare, inspect or report on its accounts;
(iii)    take possession of any or all account books, records and documents;
(iv)    discharge outstanding liabilities and debts from assets;
(v)     take measures to safeguard any or all assets;
(vi)    take any action necessary to maintain its constitutional obligations;
(vii)   arrange for the supervision of any or all of its activities;
(viii)  place it under the supervision of the National Executive Committee;
(ix)    arrange for the holding, postponement or cancellation of elections;
(x)     suspend or reinstate any or all of its activities;
(xi)    suspend or reinstate any or all of its or his rights and privileges;
(xii)   suspend or reinstate any or all holders of elected or appointed positions within it;
(xiii)  suspend or reinstate his membership.
(b)     Any suspension or supervision ordered under (a) above shall cease upon publication of the decision of the National Executive Committee in the matter.
(5)     The report of such enquiry shall be forwarded for consideration by the National Executive Committee, who shall decide upon the appropriate action to be taken.  In reaching its decision the National Executive Committee may take into account any misconduct subsequent to receipt of the report which is deemed by the National Executive Committee to be relevant.
(6)     (a)     In pursuance of sub-paragraph (5) the National Executive Committee or any person or body authorised so to act on its behalf shall have, in relation to the Lyceum Union or any person or body concerned in the matter, power to:-
 
(i)      censure it or him for its or his conduct;
(ii)     declare vacant any position and make such arrangements as it may consider necessary or expedient for the constitutional filling of the vacancy and for the discharge of the duties of the position in the meantime;
(iii)    discharge outstanding liabilities and debts from assets;
(iv)    suspend or reinstate any or all of its activities;
(v)     suspend or reinstate any or all of its or his rights and privileges;
 
Any suspension ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be for a period to be determined by the National Executive Committee.
 
(b)     In further pursuance of sub-paragraph (5) the National Executive Committee shall in relation to the Lyceum Union or any person or body concerned in the matter also have power to:-
 
(i)      convene, preside over, postpone or cancel any general meeting of members or any meeting of the Central Committee;
(ii)     appoint an auditor to prepare, inspect or report on its accounts;
(iii)    take any action necessary to maintain its constitutional obligations;
(iv)    arrange for the supervision of any or all of its activities;
(v)     place it under the supervision of the National Executive Committee;
(vi)    arrange for the holding, postponement or cancellation of elections;
(vii)   reinstate its affiliation;
(viii)  suspend or reinstate any or all holders of elected or appointed positions within it;
(ix)    suspend or reinstate his membership.
(x)     revoke any or all of its activities;
(xi)    revoke any or all of its or his rights and privileges.
 
Any suspension or supervision ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be for a period to be determined by the National Executive Committee.
 
(c)     In further pursuance of sub-paragraph (5) the National Executive Committee shall in relation to the Lyceum Union or any person or body concerned in the matter also have power to:-
 
(i)      remove or replace any or all holders of elected or appointed positions within it;
(ii)     debar his eligibility for any or all offices within the Lyceum Union or any or all of its affiliated Lyceums;
(iii)    revoke his membership of it;
(iv)    suspend or revoke its affiliation or dissolve it;
(v)     suspend or revoke his Class B or D membership;
 
Any suspension ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be for a period to be determined by the National Executive Committee.  Any debarment from eligibility ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be for a definite or indefinite period, to be determined by the National Executive Committee.
 
Provided that:-
 
(a)     The exercise of any of the powers in (6)(c) shall be effective only if supported by three-fourths of the number of members present and the person or body concerned has been given:-
 
(i)      not less than twenty working days' notice of the date, time and place of the meeting of the National Executive Committee at which the resolution is to be put and of the grounds therefor, together with reasons and supporting evidence;
(ii)     the opportunity to make written representations thereon within that period;
(iii)    the opportunity to make oral representations thereon at such meeting of the National Executive Committee.
 
(b)     The exercise of a power to suspend or revoke Class B or D membership or affiliation shall take effect forthwith but shall be open to revision by any general meeting held within thirteen months after the date of such resolution and the National Executive Committee shall give effect to any direction thereon given by the meeting.
(d)     The powers in (6)(a), (6)(b) and (6)(c) above may be exercised only within twelve months of the receipt of the report.
 
 
 
 
PART III.  ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
 
17.     Convening of Annual General Meeting and Conference
(1)     The Annual General Meeting in each year shall be held in April, May or June and at such place as the Central Committee may decide, having regard to the recommendation of the previous Annual General Meeting or Conference.
(2)     The Central Committee may, whenever it thinks fit, convene a Conference and shall convene such Conference on a requisition, stating the purpose for which the Conference is desired and signed by members or delegates representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the members and delegates having at the date of the requisition a right to vote at the Annual General Meeting and Conferences of the Lyceum Union.
(3)     Notice of the date, time and place of the Annual General Meeting shall be given in writing, together with nomination forms, not less than nine weeks prior to the date of such Annual General Meeting to all affiliated Lyceums, full and provisional members, and Associated Groups.
(4)     Notice of the date, time and place of any Conference shall be given in writing, together with the agenda, not less than twenty-one days prior to the date of such Conference to all affiliated Lyceums, full and  provisional members, and Associated Groups.
(5)     Copies of the agenda, the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and of any intervening Conference, the audited Annual Statement of Income and Expenditure and Balance Sheet, the auditors' report thereon and voting papers shall, not less than three weeks in advance of the Annual General Meeting, be sent to all persons entitled to attend and vote thereat.
(6)     A notice of motion for the Annual General Meeting may be submitted in writing to the Lyceum Union Secretary by a Lyceum, member, Associated Group or the Central Committee.
(7)     A copy of any motion proposed for inclusion in the agenda of the Annual General Meeting, other than a motion proposed by the Central Committee, shall be sent to the Lyceum Union Secretary so as to be received by him not less than eight weeks prior to the date of such Annual General Meeting.  The Lyceum Union Secretary shall place on the agenda a copy of all motions received by him as prescribed, subject to non-inclusion of matter considered to be defamatory or offensive.
 
18.     Representation at Annual General Meeting and Conferences
(1)     Annual General Meetings and Conferences shall be composed of:-
 
(a)     The officers and members of the Central Committee.
(b)     Delegates elected by affiliated Lyceums.
(c)     District Representatives appointed by the Central Committee.
(d)     The Chairman, or, failing him, the Secretary of any Committee.
(e)     Elective Auditors.
(f)     Holders of special appointments made in Annual General Meeting or by Conference or by the Central Committee.
(g)     Members.
(h)     Delegates appointed by Associated Groups.
(2)     Each affiliated Lyceum shall be entitled to be represented at an Annual General Meeting or Conferences by one delegate for every 50 members on its register on the 31st of December of the preceding year;  and for this purpose any incomplete fraction of 50 shall be counted as 50.  Each delegate must be a member of the Lyceum he represents.
(3)     Delegates shall be elected each year by the Annual General Meeting (or, in default of such election, by the Committee) of the Lyceum, and written notice of such election giving the full names and addresses of the delegates elected must be sent to the Lyceum Union Secretary not less than five weeks (or such shorter time as he may in exceptional circumstances allow) before the date of the Annual General Meeting, duly signed by the Conductor and Secretary of the Lyceum.  On receipt of such notice the Lyceum Union Secretary shall, provided that the current fees to the Lyceum Union of the Lyceum electing him have been paid, send to each delegate elected a credential card conferring the right to attend the Annual General Meeting.
(4)     Each Associated Group shall be entitled to be represented at an Annual General Meeting or Conferences by a fraternal delegate but he shall not have any voting rights.  Each delegate must be a member of the Associated Group he represents.
(5)     If a delegate is unable to represent his organisation at an Annual General Meeting or Conference he may appoint a full member of his organisation as a proxy after consultation with the Committee (if possible) as to suitable persons.
(6)     An instrument of proxy must be in the following form and must be presented to the Secretary of the Lyceum Union or his deputy before admission to the meeting:-
 
"I, ..........................., being the delegate of ........................... and being registered as such with the Lyceum Union, hereby appoint ........................... of ..........................., who is a full member of the said organisation, as my proxy to attend and use my credential card at the meeting to be held at ........................... on the ........................... 20..... and at any adjournment thereof.
 
Signed..........................................  Delegate
Date..............................................                               "
 
19.     Quorum and Proceedings at Annual General Meetings and Conferences
(1)     The quorum for an Annual General Meeting or Conference shall be eighteen persons present and entitled to vote thereat, including at least one delegate from each of three Lyceums.
(2)     The proceedings at the Annual General Meeting, including the business to be transacted thereat and the order of such business, and the procedure thereof shall be as follows:-
 
  1.    Welcome.
  2.    Appointment of Chairman.
  3.    Apologies for Absence.
  4.    Appointment of Tellers, Scrutineers and Messenger.
  5.    Credential Report.
  6.    Adoption of Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting and/or Conference.
  7.    Matters arising from the Minutes.
  8.    Correspondence and Greetings.
  9.    President's Address.
10.    Adoption of Annual Report and Statement of Accounts.
11.    Any other Reports.
12.    Election of Central Committee, Elective Auditor and other officials.
13.    Motions.
14.    Nomination for Appointment of Professional Auditor.
15.    Venue of next Annual General Meeting.
16.    General Business.
17.    Votes of thanks.
 
The elections at the Annual General Meeting may be taken concurrently with other items on the agenda if the Chairman so decides.
 
(3)     The proceedings at a Conference, including the business to be transacted thereat and the order of such business and the procedure thereof shall be as follows:-
 
  1.    Welcome.
  2.    Appointment of Chairman.
  3.    Apologies for Absence.
  4.    Appointment of Tellers and Scrutineers.
  5.    Credential Report.
  6.    Motions.
  7.    Votes of Thanks.
 
20.     Voting at Annual General Meetings and Conferences
(1)     Before admission to any Annual General Meeting or Conference each delegate and member of the Lyceum Union shall be provided with a voting card upon production of a current credential card or such other evidence of the right to hold a current credential card as the Chairman may consider sufficient.
(2)     All questions shall be decided by the votes of those present and voting, and proxies shall not be permitted.
(3)     Voting shall be by show of hands unless a ballot is (before or on the declaration of the result by a show of hands) decided upon by the Chairman or demanded by not less than five persons having the right to vote at the meeting.
(4)     (a)     Each member of the Central Committee and each holder of a special appointment shall have one vote.
(b)     Each Lyceum delegate shall have five votes.
(c)     Each member shall have one vote.
(5)     Each member of the Central Committee who is not a member of the Lyceum Union shall have one vote whether voting by ballot or by show of hands, except that he shall not be entitled to vote in any election.
(6)     In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman shall be entitled to a second or casting vote in addition to his deliberate vote.
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV.  THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE AND ELECTIVE AUDITORS
 
21.     Composition and Functions
(1)     The affairs of the Lyceum Union shall, subject to any directions given in Annual General Meeting or by Conference, be administered by the Central Committee, which shall consist of the following members:-
 
(a)     The Officers of the Lyceum Union, namely, the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
(b)     A National Members' Representative.
(c)     A Lyceum Liaison Officer.
(d)     A Spirit of Youth Representative.
(e)     Three Ordinary Members.
(f)     The National Executive Committee Representative.
(2)     The President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected in alternate years, two in each year, serving for two years.  The President and Treasurer shall each be elected in one year and the Vice-President and Secretary in the alternate year.
(3)     The National Members' Representative shall be elected biennially.
(4)     The Lyceum Liaison Officer shall be elected biennially.
(5)     The Spirit of Youth Representative shall be appointed annually by Spirit of Youth.
(6)     The Ordinary Members of the Central Committee shall be elected annually.
(7)     The National Executive Committee Representative shall be appointed annually by the National Executive Committee.
(8)     The Central Committee may delegate any of its duties and functions to sub-committees, which shall consist of:-
 
(a)             a Chairman appointed annually by and from the Central Committee;
(b)             a Secretary appointed annually by the Central Committee after consultation with the Chairman;
(c)     other persons appointed annually by the Central Committee after consultation with the Chairman.
 
Every member of a Lyceum Union sub-committee shall be a full member of the Lyceum Union or a full member of an affiliated Lyceum.  No person shall be appointed to any position on the sub-committee if he is a member of any restricted body or holds any position in, or any award or appointment of, such body.  Any such sub-committee shall, in the exercise of the duties and functions so delegated, conform to any regulations that may from time to time be imposed on it by the Central Committee.
 (9)    In the conduct of his office it is the duty of each member of the Central Committee to consider the interests of the Lyceum Union as a whole and not the special interests of any other body of which he may be a member.
 
22.     Meetings
(1)     The Central Committee shall meet not less than twice in each year on such dates as may be decided by the Central Committee. Not less than twenty-one days' written notice shall be given of the time, date and place of each meeting.
(2)     The Officers may and the Lyceum Union Secretary on the direction of the Officers shall at any time summon a meeting of the Central Committee.
(3)     The quorum for a meeting of the Central Committee shall be five members, including not less than two Officers.
(4)     Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by majority vote of those present and voting. In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote in addition to his deliberate vote.
(5)     A resolution in writing signed by all members of the Central Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Central Committee duly convened and held.  If no reply is received by the Lyceum Union Secretary from any member within fourteen days after the giving to him by the Lyceum Union Secretary of a notice specifying the proposed resolution the signature of such member shall not be required to make such resolution effective providing always that it is actually signed by a sufficient number of members to form a quorum.
 
23.     Duties and Obligations of Members of the Central Committee
The duties and obligations of the members of the Central Committee shall include the following:-
 
(1)     Obligations to the Union
All members of the Central Committee, both collectively and individually, shall show loyalty and allegiance to the Union and the Seven Principles, uphold its constitution and fulfil the Lyceum Union's and their constitutional and financial obligations to the Union.
 
(2)     Obligations to the Lyceum Union
All members of the Central Committee shall show loyalty and allegiance to the Lyceum Union, attend regular meetings of the Central Committee, maintain the confidentiality of its business, take a due share in its work and at all times conduct themselves as representatives of the Lyceum Union.
 
(3)     Acceptance of Obligations
Every member of the Central Committee shall be deemed to have accepted the obligations in (1) and (2) above as a condition of eligibility for office.
 
(4)     The President, with the assistance of the Vice-President, shall be responsible to the Central Committee for the supervision of the work of the Lyceum Union and for the despatch of business between meetings of the Central Committee.  The President, or in his absence the Vice-President, shall preside at all meetings of the Central Committee.  He shall be responsible for taking all possible action to ensure that the obligations in (1) and (2) above are met.  The Vice-President shall deputise for the President.
(5)     The Secretary shall be responsible to the President and to the Central Committee for the routine work of the Lyceum Union, including the keeping of attendance registers and minutes of all Annual General Meetings, Conferences and Central Committee meetings, the conduct of correspondences and such other duties as may be allocated to him.
(6)     The Treasurer shall be responsible to the President and to the Central Committee for the keeping of proper records and accounts, the preparation and submission to the auditors of the Union of an annual statement of accounts of the Lyceum Union made up to 31st December of the preceding year and such other duties as may be allocated to him.
(7)     The National Members' Representative shall be responsible to the Central Committee for the representation of members, including enrolment of and liaison with members and such other duties as may be allocated to him.
(8)     The Lyceum Liaison Officer shall be responsible to the Central Committee for the representation of Lyceums, including affiliation of, and liaison with, Lyceums and such other duties as may be allocated to him.
(9)     The Spirit of Youth Representative shall be responsible for liaison with the Lyceum Union and Spirit of Youth and such other duties as may be allocated to him.
 
24.     Elective Auditors
(1)     There shall be two elective auditors, each elected at the Annual General Meeting, one candidate each year, who shall hold office for two years. Their qualifications shall be as prescribed in these Bye-laws.  An elective auditor shall not hold any position on the Central Committee or on any sub-committee of the Central Committee.
(2)     Their duties shall be:-
 
(a)     to give such assistance to the auditor of the Lyceum Union as he may require;
(b)     to verify the amounts and value of stock and other assets shown in the Balance Sheet;
(c)     to submit to the Annual General Meeting such reports in writing as they consider appropriate, including any comments on the propriety or otherwise of items of expenditure;
(d)     to act as credential officers at the Annual General Meeting and any other Conference;
(e)     except for the elective auditor whose term of office expires at the Annual General Meeting:-
 
(i)      to receive the completed nomination forms;
(ii)     together with the Secretary to satisfy themselves as to the validity of the nominations;
(iii)    to signify in writing the names of those validly nominated to the Secretary;
 
25.     Qualifications
(1)     No person shall be eligible for any position on the Central Committee or as an elective auditor if:-
 
(i)      he is a legal minor;
(ii)     he is a member of any restricted body;
(iii)    he holds any position in, or any award of, a restricted body;  or
(iv)    except in the case of the Spirit of Youth Representative, he is not a fully paid-up member of the Lyceum Union.
 
(2)     No person shall be or become a member of the Central Committee unless he has signed and returned to the Secretary a form of acceptance for office by the appropriate time.  The form shall require the nominee, appointee or co-optee to declare his willingness to carry out the duties of office, his agreement to resign if his loyalties to another organisation conflict with his duties and loyalties to the Lyceum Union, and his acceptance of the obligations to the Union and the Lyceum Union as contained in paragraph 23(1) and (2) of these Bye-laws.
(3)     Except in the case of the President of the Union, the National Executive Committee Representative, the Spirit of Youth Representative and the Ordinary Members of the Central Committee, no person shall be eligible for membership of the Central Committee unless he is, and for the twelve months immediately preceding the date of election, appointment or co-option has been, a full member of the Lyceum Union and has received not less than three valid nominations.  No person shall be eligible for the office of President or Vice-President unless in addition he has served on the Central Committee for a period of not less than two years within the preceding five years.
(4)     No person shall be eligible for the position of Elective Auditor unless he is and for the two years immediately preceding the date of election or appointment has been either a member of a fully paid-up affiliated Lyceum or a fully paid-up member of the Lyceum Union and has received not less than three valid nominations.  No member of the Central Committee shall be eligible for the position of Elective Auditor, and if an Elective Auditor shall become a member of the Central Committee he shall forthwith vacate the former position.
 
26.     Nominations
(1)     Nomination forms, stating the positions to be filled by election, and the names of the retiring holders, shall be issued with the notice of Annual General Meeting to each Lyceum, member and Associated Group.  The forms shall carry a statement drawing attention to the qualifications required of a candidate, and to the conditions qualifying members to vote in the elections.
(2)     Each Lyceum, member and Associated Group whose current subscription to the Lyceum Union has been paid may make one nomination for each position for which it or he is entitled to vote.
(3)     Nominations shall be valid only if made on the official form.  A nomination made by a member must be signed by him, and a nomination made by a Lyceum or Associated Group must be signed by two of its officers.
(4)     Nomination forms must be returned to the Elective Auditor so as to reach him not less than seven weeks before the date of Annual General Meeting.
(5)     Not more than seven days after the closing date for nominations the Secretary shall advise each nominee of the positions for which he is validly nominated and send him the appropriate form of acceptance.  The form shall require the nominee to declare his willingness to carry out the duties of office if elected, his agreement to resign if his loyalties to another organisation conflict with his duties and loyalties to the Lyceum Union, and his acceptance of the obligations to the Union and the Lyceum Union as contained in paragraph 23(1) and (2) of these Bye-laws.  He shall be eligible for office only if the form is signed and returned to the Secretary not later than four weeks before the date fixed for the Annual General Meeting.
 
27.     Elections
(1)     The election of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Ordinary Members of the Central Committee and Elective Auditors shall be by ballot at the Annual General Meeting and shall be decided by the votes of those present and voting.
(2)     The National Members' Representative shall be elected from among themselves by postal vote of members in accordance with the following paragraph.
(3)     The President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary shall serve for a term of two years, and their term of office shall be from the close of one Annual General Meeting until the close of the second Annual General Meeting following.
(4)     The National Members' Representative shall serve for two years, and his term of office shall be from the close of one Annual General Meeting untl the close of the second Annual General Meeting following.
(5)     In the ballot each qualified voter present shall have as many votes as there are vacancies to be filled.  The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected in each case.
(6)     The votes shall be counted by the Elective Auditor and by scrutineers appointed by those present and qualified to vote at the Annual General Meeting, by persons who are not candidates for office nor related to the candidates by blood or marriage.
(7)     If at the time of any election there are insufficient candidates validly nominated, qualified and willing to serve, additional nominations shall not be accepted but it shall be left to the Central Committee then elected to fill the remaining positions by cooption of members qualified in accordance with these Bye-laws.
 
28.     Election of National Members' Representative
(1)     Voting papers for the position of National Members' Representative shall be issued with the agenda, accounts and auditors' report to each member whose current fees to the Lyceum Union have been paid.
(2)     With each set of voting papers there shall be issued a small envelope and a larger envelope addressed to the elective auditor.
(3)     The voting paper shall be sealed in the small envelope, which shall be enclosed in the larger envelope.  The outer envelope must bear the name in block letters and the usual signature of the member and be returned to the elective auditor so as to reach him not later than one week before the Annual General Meeting.  Until the count the sealed envelopes shall remain unopened in the custody of the elective auditor.
(4)     The votes shall be counted by the elective auditors and the Lyceum Union Secretary together.  They shall first check the names on the outer envelopes with the official list of members and shall put aside unopened any envelopes bearing names of persons who appear not to be qualified voters or as to which there appears to be doubt or duplication.  They shall then open the outer envelopes which they have accepted as valid and place the inner envelopes, still sealed, into a  ballot box.  Thereafter they shall open the inner envelopes and count the votes.  They shall certify the result of the count in writing to the Central Committee.
(5)     The candidate with the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.  In the event of an equality of votes the President shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.
(6)     All voting papers and outer envelopes shall be retained by the Lyceum Union Secretary for two years after the declaration of the result.
 
29.     Cessation of Membership
Except in the case of the President of the Union, the National Executive Committee Representative and the Spirit of Youth Representative, the position of a member of the Central Committee shall be vacated:-
 
(a)     if for any reason he loses the qualifications which entitled him to be elected, appointed or co-opted;  or
(b)     if by notice in writing to the Lyceum Union he resigns;  or
(c)     if he is medically declared of unsound mind;  or
(d)     by resolution of the Central Committee on one or more of the following grounds:-
 
(i)      if in the opinion of the Central Committee he has persistently neglected his duties;
(ii)     if he absents himself from two or more consecutive Central Committee meetings in any one electoral year without leave having been given by the Central Committee.
(e)     if the position is declared vacant by the Arbitration Committee in pursuance of Bye-laws F;  or
(f)      by resolution of the National Executive Committee in accordance with a recommendation of the Arbitration Committee in pursuance of Bye-laws F.
 
30.     Vacancies
Except in the case of the President of the Union, the National Executive Committee Representative and the Spirit of Youth Representative:-
 
(1)     Any casual vacancy shall be filled without delay by the Central Committee by co-option of a person qualified in accordance with these Bye-laws. The person so co-opted shall serve until the close of the Annual General Meeting at which his successor is elected or appointed.
(2)     If when any vacancy is to be filled by co-option there are insufficient qualified persons willing to serve the vacancy shall be filled by the Central Committee by co-option of a qualified person whether or not nominated.
(3)     Any person co-opted shall be required, as a condition of, and prior to, taking up office, to sign a form of acceptance in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 23(1) and (2) of these Bye-laws.
 
 
PART V.  FINANCE
 
31.     Property and Funds
The property and funds of the Lyceum Union shall, subject to the provisions of any trust instrument applicable thereto, be held by the Union for the purposes of the Lyceum Union in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Union's Articles of Association and of the Bye-laws as from time to time in force.
 
 
32.     Income
The income of the Lyceum Union shall be derived from:-
 
(a)     such sums as the National Executive Committee may from time to time allocate;
(b)     trust funds specially designated for the Lyceum Union;
(c)     subscriptions as provided for in these Bye-laws;
(d)     donations;
(e)     sales of publications and other items issued by the Lyceum Union;
(f)      such other sources as the Central Committee may, with the approval of the National Executive Committee, from time to time think appropriate.
 
33.     Expenditure
(1)     Subject to the provisions of these Bye-laws, the expenditure of the Lyceum Union shall be under the control of the Central Committee.
(2)     Members of the Central Committee and other persons shall be entitled to have refunded to them all reasonable expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties on behalf of the Lyceum Union.
(3)     No remuneration, whether by way of salaries, fees, honorarium or otherwise, shall be paid to any Officer or other member of the Central Committee except by authority of a resolution of any Annual General Meeting or Conference or by authority of the National Executive Committee.  The aggregate amount of any such remuneration or other emoluments (within the meaning of Section 196 of the Companies Act 1948) shall be shown in the annual statement of accounts of the Lyceum Union or in a statement annexed thereto.
(4)     There shall be paid to the Union out of the funds of the Lyceum Union such proportion of office expenses as may in the opinion of the National Executive Committee be fairly attributable to the work of the Lyceum Union.
 
34.     Accounts
(1)     The Central Committee shall cause true accounts to be kept of the sums of money received and expended by it, of the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditure take place, and of its assets and liabilities.  Such accounts shall be kept and presented in a form approved by the Central Committee and shall always be open to the inspection of members of the Central Committee and of the National Executive Committee.
(2)     An annual audited statement of accounts, which shall include an income and expenditure account and balance sheet shall be submitted to the General Secretary of the Union and shall be presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Lyceum Union and to the Annual General Meeting of the Union.
 
35.     Audit
(1)     The accounts shall be audited by the auditor of the Union or by his duly appointed agent.  The Lyceum Union in Annual General Meeting may nominate for appointment as such agent any member of a recognised supervisory body for audit purposes.
(2)     None of the following persons shall be eligible for appointment as such agent, namely, a member of the Central Committee, a member of the National Executive Committee or Council, a servant of the Union or Central Committee or a spouse, civil partner, close relative, business or personal partner or employee of any such person.
(3)     Copies of the report of the auditor or his agent shall be annexed to the copies of the accounts published and circulated.
 
36.     Banking and Investment of Funds.
(1)     The Central Committee shall have a banking account in the name of the Lyceum Union in which shall be banked funds not required for cash payments.  All cheques drawn on the account shall bear the signature of persons duly authorised by the Central Committee. The name of the bank and the branch shall be notified to the Union.
(2)     Funds not likely to be required at short notice shall be lodged in the Spiritualists' National Union Trust or otherwise invested with the approval of the Central Committee.
 
 
PART VI.  COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
 
37.     Interpretation
In these Bye-laws:-
 
(a)     'complaint' means an allegation by a person or body that he or it has been personally or individually wronged by another person or body.
(b)     'complainant' means any person or body submitting a complaint under these Bye-laws.
(c)     'arbitration panel' means the body adjudicating upon a complaint.
(d)     'respondent' means any person or body required to answer a complaint or appeal under these Bye-laws.
(e)     'appellant' means any person or body appealing from a decision under these Bye-laws.
(f)           'party' means any complainant, respondent or appellant in any proceedings under these Bye-laws, including, where the context so requires, any person or body which is the subject of a decision or award of the arbitrating body.
(g)     "third-party complaint" means a complaint made by a complainant on behalf of a person or body other than himself.
(h)     'natural justice' means the provision for all parties of a fair hearing for a complaint or appeal by an arbitrating body.
(i)      'fair hearing' means the hearing of a complaint or appeal of which prior written notice has been given to the complainant or appellant and the respondent of each other's case and for which an opportunity is given to all parties to make representations thereon.
(j)      'working day' means any calendar day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a public holiday.
(k)     'security for costs' means the deposit with the Lyceum Union of a sum of money as may be required before undertaking any hearing.
(l)      'significant failure' means a failure which can be shown to be likely to have affected the decision against the appellant.
 
38.     Referral of Complaints
(1)     A complaint arising wholly within a Lyceum shall in the first instance be dealt with in accordance with the First Schedule to these Bye-laws.  Where the complaint has already been the subject of a decision pursuant to the complaints procedure within a Lyceum, any appeal shall be referred to the Central Committee.
(2)     Any complaint arising wholly within the Lyceum Union other than in (1) above shall be dealt with by the Central Committee under these Bye-laws.
(3)     Any complaint other than one in (1) or (2) above shall be dealt with in accordance with Bye-laws F.
 
39.     Format of Complaints
(a)     A complaint shall not be dealt with unless it is in writing and includes the signature, full name and address of the complainant.
(b)     Any complaint shall include as a minimum the following information:-
 
(i)      the party or parties against whom the complaint is made;
(ii)     a statement of all relevant facts.
(c)          Third-party complaints shall not be accepted.
(d)     A complaint shall be accepted only if preferred against:-
 
(i)      a member of the Lyceum Union;  or
(ii)     a body or committee within the Lyceum Union or a member of such.
 
40.     Independence
No member of an arbitration panel shall take part in any proceedings in relation to any complaint if he is or has been previously concerned in the complaint, either personally or as a member of a committee or other body, or if he has a direct proprietary or financial interest in the outcome of the proceedings.
 
41.     Representation
Any party to any proceedings in relation to any complaint shall be permitted to have a lay advisor (a McKenzie friend) present at any hearing but such advisor shall not be permitted to make representations or to conduct any examination or cross-examination.
 
42.     Settlement by Agreement
All provisions contained in these Bye-laws are without prejudice to the right of the parties to the complaint to endeavour to secure an amicable settlement by agreement at any stage.  It shall be the duty of the parties or any mediator appointed to notify the arbitration panel of the details of the amicable settlement and to provide it with a copy of the agreed settlement signed by each party.
 
43.     Natural Justice
All proceedings under these Bye-laws shall be conducted in all respects in accordance with natural justice.
 
44.     Preliminary Procedure - First Stage
On receipt of a complaint the Central Committee shall:-
 
(a)     acknowledge the communication within 15 working days and send a copy of Bye-laws E to the complainant;
(b)     if it thinks fit, request clarification of details of the complaint to be submitted within 15 working days;
(c)     within 15 working days of the acknowledgement under (a) above or of receipt of clarification under (b) above, whichever is the later, rule whether the complaint is malicious, vexatious or frivolous or an abuse of the process;  and
(d)     if the complaint has been rejected under (c) above, inform the complainant accordingly;
(e)     if the complaint has not been rejected under (c) above, inform the complainant accordingly, notify the respondent that a complaint has been received and send him a copy of Bye-laws E.
 
45.     Preliminary Procedure - Second Stage
The Central Committee shall:-
 
(a)     send a copy of the complaint and any supplementary information obtained under 44(b) above to the respondent and request his observations in writing within 15 working days.
(b)     send a copy of such observations to the complainant.
 
In the event of unreasonable failure by any party to respond with his observations in writing within the prescribed period the Central Committee may proceed in the absence of such.
 
46.     Preliminary Procedure - Third Stage
The Central Committee shall:-
 
(a)     on receipt of such observations, reconsider whether to reject the complaint as malicious, vexatious or frivolous or an abuse of the process and, if so, inform the complainant and respondent accordingly;  and
(b)     subject to sub-paragraph (a) above, appoint a mediator, who shall endeavour to secure an amicable settlement by agreement.
 
47.     Mediation
The mediator shall:-
 
(a)     convene a meeting or meetings with the parties to the complaint to endeavour to secure an amicable settlement by agreement;
(b)     if an amicable settlement is reached, have the agreement recorded in writing and signed by each party to the complaint and send it to the Central Committee, which shall issue it to all parties.
(c)     if an amicable settlement is not reached, send his written observations on the case to the Central Committee, together with all documentation relating thereto.
 
48.     Arbitration Panel
In the event of failure to secure an amicable settlement by agreement the Central Committee shall appoint three members from the Lyceum Union to constitute an arbitration panel, none of whom shall be the person who acted as the mediator in the complaint.  The arbitration panel shall convene a hearing or hearings with the parties and any witnesses for the purpose of hearing the complaint.
 
49.     Arbitration Hearing
(1)     The arbitration panel shall give all the parties to the complaint not less than 20 working days’ notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.
(2)     Not less than 15 working days before the hearing all parties to the complaint shall supply the arbitration panel with copies of the statements of evidence to be made by themselves and any witnesses, which shall thereafter be delivered to the arbitration panel and all the parties to the complaint.
(3)     The proceedings shall be tape-recorded and the hearing shall be conducted as follows:-
 
1.      Opening address by complainant.
2.      Evidence by complainant and witnesses.
3.      Cross-examination of complainant and witnesses by respondent.
4.      Re-examination of witnesses by complainant.
5.      Evidence by respondent and witnesses.
6.      Cross-examination of respondent and witnesses by complainant.
7.      Re-examination of witnesses by respondent.
8.      Closing address by complainant.
9.      Closing address by respondent.
10.    Clarification of any points of law which may be needed by the arbitration panel.
(4)     Not more than 30 working days after the conclusion of the hearing the arbitration panel shall publish its decision in writing to all parties to the complaint and to the Central Committee.
(5)     The decision of the arbitration panel shall include:-
 
(a)     a statement of the facts as found;
(b)     a statement as to which parties are at fault and, if so, in what respects;
(c)     the penalty or award, if any;
(d)     the order for costs.
 
50.     Interim Powers of Central Committee and Arbitration Panel
While the complaint is under consideration and until the decision is published the Central Committee or the arbitration panel in consultation with the Central Committee shall:-
 
(a)     in relation to any person or body which is concerned in the complaint, have power to:-
 
(i)      convene and preside over any meeting or meetings with any person or body which is concerned in the complaint;
(ii)     convene, preside over, postpone or cancel any general meeting of members or of any committee;
(iii)    take possession of and/or examine any or all account books, records and documents;
(iv)    appoint an auditor or independent examiner to inspect and report on the finances or prepare the accounts;
(v)     take measures to safeguard any or all assets.
 
(b)     in relation to any party to the complaint, have power to:-
 
(i)      place it under the supervision of the Central Committee or a person appointed by it;
(ii)     suspend or reinstate any holders of elected or appointed positions within it;
(iii)    suspend or reinstate any or all of its activities;
(iv)    suspend or reinstate any or all of his or its rights and privileges;
(v)     take any action necessary to maintain its constitutional obligations;
(vi)    discharge outstanding liabilities and debts from assets;
(vii)   arrange for the holding of elections;
(viii)  supervise the conduct of any or all of its activities.
 
51.     Decision-Making Powers of Arbitration Panel
In formulating its decision the arbitration panel shall:-
 
(a)     in relation to any person or body which is concerned in the complaint, have power to recommend that the Central Committee:-
 
(i)      declare vacant any position and make such arrangements as it may consider necessary or expedient for the constitutional filling of the vacancy and for the discharge of the duties of the position in the meantime;
(ii)     order the convening, postponing or cancelling of any general meeting of members or any meeting of the Committee;
(iii)    order the taking of any action necessary to maintain the constitutional obligations of the body;
(iv)    order the preparation, audit or independent examination of its accounts;
(v)     order the holding of elections;
(vi)    order the supervision of any or all of its activities.
 
(b)     in relation to any party to the complaint, have power to recommend that the Central Committee:-
 
(i)      censure him or it for his or its conduct;
(ii)     suspend, terminate or reinstate his membership;
(iii)    suspend or reinstate any or all of his or its rights and privileges;
(iv)    suspend or reinstate any or all holders of elected or appointed positions within it;
(v)     place it under the supervision of the Central Committee;
(vi)    suspend his eligibility for any or all offices in any or all affiliated or associated bodies of the Lyceum Union;
(vii)   suspend, revoke or reinstate its affiliation or association or dissolve it.
 
52.     Appeals to Spiritualists' National Union
Any person or body which is the subject of a decision by the Central Committee may give notice of appeal to the Union to be dealt with under Bye-laws F.
 
53.     Appeals to Central Committee
Any person who is the subject of a decision by a Lyceum Committee under the First Schedule to these Bye-laws may give notice of appeal to the Central Committee on one or more of the following grounds only:-
 
(a)     that there was a significant failure to follow the proper procedure;
(b)     that the findings of fact cannot be supported having regard to the evidence;
(c)     that the decision is unsafe and unsatisfactory or is unreasonable;
(d)     that in all the circumstances of the case there was a miscarriage of justice;
(e)     that there is new evidence, not available at the time of the decision, which renders such decision unsafe and unsatisfactory or contrary to a fair trial.
 
54.     Notice of Appeal
(1)     Any notice of appeal shall be submitted in writing to the Lyceum Union Secretary within 15 working days of the date of written notification to the parties of the decision or resolution as the case may be.
(2)     The Lyceum Union Secretary shall without undue delay:-
 
(i)      acknowledge the communication;
(ii)     inform the other party or parties of the receipt of the appeal;  and
(iii)    send the correspondence to the Central Committee.
 
55.     Any notice of appeal shall include the grounds of appeal and particulars in support thereof.  In considering an appeal the Central Committee shall take into account any significant failure to follow the proper procedure notwithstanding the failure of the appellant to cite such ground.
 
56.     Preliminary Procedure
(1)     Upon receipt of the appeal the Central Committee shall send a copy of the appeal to the respondent or respondents thereto and request his or their observations in writing within 15 working days.
(2)     The Central Committee shall send a copy of such observations to the appellant.
 
57.     In the event of unreasonable failure by any party to respond with his observations in writing within the prescribed period the Central Committee may proceed in the absence of such.
 
58.     Upon receipt of the appeal the original decision or resolution as the case may be shall be suspended.
 
59.     Subsequent Procedure
The Central Committee shall:-
 
either     (a)     make a summary decision on the appeal and publish it in writing to all parties to the appeal;
or           (b)     convene a meeting or meetings with the parties and any witnesses for the purpose of hearing the appeal and publish its decision in writing to all parties to the appeal.
 
60.     If the Central Committee upholds an appeal it shall:-
 
either     (a)     substitute such other decision or decisions as it considers warranted in all the circumstances;
or           (b)     order the original complaint to be re-heard in accordance with the First Schedule to these Bye-laws.
 
61.     Publication of Decision
(1)     The decision of the Central Committee shall come into effect upon publication to the parties and shall be final and binding on all parties.
(2)     There shall be no appeal against the decision of the Central Committee.
 
62.     Costs of Administration
A person submitting a complaint shall be required to pay the prescribed administration fee as a precondition of dealing with the complaint.  Such fee may be waived on grounds of hardship.
 
63.     Order for Costs
At the completion of all proceedings the Central Committee shall make an order for costs as it deems appropriate against any or all of the parties to the complaint or appeal as the case may be.  Any costs awarded shall be paid within 15 working days of the publication of the order and in default thereof shall bear interest thereafter at the rate of 2 per cent per annum above base interest.
 
64.     Security for Costs
The Central Committee shall have power to require security for costs as a precondition of undertaking any hearing.
 
 
PART VII.  MISCELLANEOUS
 
65.     Accredited Representatives at General Meetings of the Union
The Lyceum Union may elect one full member of the Lyceum Union as its accredited representative to attend and vote at general meetings of the Union for every fifty affiliated Lyceums or part of fifty affiliated Lyceums.  Such representative or representatives shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Lyceum Union or in default thereof by the Central Committee and the names and addresses of such shall be notified to the General Secretary of the Union by the Lyceum Union Secretary.
 
66.     Lyceum National Councillor
The Central Committee shall each year, at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting, appoint one of its members (other than the person appointed by the National Executive Committee) as Lyceum National Councillor.  The term of office shall be from the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Union to the conclusion of the succeeding Annual General Meeting.
 
67.     Reports to the National Executive Committee and Council
(1)     It shall be the duty of the Lyceum Union Secretary on behalf of the Central Committee to submit periodical reports to the General Secretary of the Union for presentation to the National Executive Committee as follows:-
 
(a)     Not later than 30th April in each year a report on the work of the Lyceum Union for inclusion in the Annual Report of the Union for the preceding year.
(b)     Not later than three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting of the Union an interim report on the work of the Lyceum Union for the current year.
(c)     Such other reports on particular subjects or activities as may be called for by the National Executive Committee from time to time.
(2)     It shall be the duty of the Lyceum Union representative to the Council on behalf of the Central Committee to submit periodical reports as and when required to the General Secretary of the Union for presentation to the Council.
 
68.     Records
(1)     The Central Committee shall keep the following records:-
 
(a)     minutes of all elections and appointments and of all resolutions and proceedings of the Central Committee and any sub-committee.
(b)     a signed roll of persons attending all Annual General Meetings and Conferences.
(c)     attendance of committee members at Central Committee and general meetings.
(2)     The Central Committee shall retain all nomination papers, voting papers and outer envelopes for two years after the declaration of the result.
 
69.     Amendment of Bye-laws
(1)     These Bye-laws, including the Schedules hereto, may be amended or replaced in such manner as is prescribed in the Union's Articles of Association.
(2)     In addition, the provisions of the Schedules hereto may be added to, amended or repealed by a resolution passed by a three-quarters majority of the persons present and entitled to vote and voting at an Annual General Meeting, but shall not come into force unless and until approved by or on behalf of the National Executive Committee.
 
70.     General
In matters not provided for in these Bye-laws the Union's Articles and Bye-laws shall be operative.  No alteration, amendment or addition to these Bye-laws, however made, shall be valid if the effect thereof would be to impugn the status of the Lyceum Union as a religious charity or to render the objects of the Lyceum Union not wholly charitable.
 


FIRST SCHEDULE
 
CONSTITUTION FOR AFFILIATED LYCEUMS
 
 
Rule 1.  Objects
The Lyceum has the object of providing education and training in the principles of the religion and religious philosophy of Spiritualism and in the principles of good citizenship.
 
Rule 2.  Membership
(a)     Membership is open to those who, having attended at least four Lyceum Sessions out of six consecutive sessions, agree to abide by this Constitution and satisfy the Lyceum Committee that they have a sincere desire to promote the objects of the Lyceum.  No person shall be eligible for membership if he is a member of any restricted body or holds any position in, or any award of, such body.
(b)     Voting is limited to those members who have reached the age of sixteen years and have been members of the Lyceum for at least three months but, in the case of legal or financial matters, only to those aged eighteen years and over.
(c)     Any member who is absent from Lyceum Sessions for eight successive sessions shall lose his membership, unless a reason for absence is given which is considered satisfactory by the Lyceum Committee.
 
Rule 3.  General Meetings
(a)     The Annual General Meeting shall be held each year no later than 31st March.  Notice of the date and time must be given at the two previous Lyceum sessions.  At the Annual General Meeting the financial position and progress of the Lyceum during the past year shall be reported, the annual statement of accounts presented for approval, the Lyceum Committee for the ensuing year elected and other general business transacted.
(b)     The Lyceum Committee may, whenever it thinks fit, convene a general meeting and shall convene such general meeting on a requisition, stating the purpose for which the general meeting is desired and signed by not less than one-third of the total number of members having at the date of the requisition a right to vote at general meetings of the Lyceum.
(c)     The quorum for any general meeting shall be one-third of the number of members.
 
Rule 4.  Lyceum Officers and Committee
(a)     The Lyceum Committee shall consist of such number of persons as may be determined by the Lyceum in general meeting and as a minimum shall include a Conductor, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a member of the Church Committee, where such exists.  No person shall be eligible for any position on the Committee if he is a member of any restricted body or holds any position in, or any award of, such body.
(b)     Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Rule, the Officers and Committee (other than a member appointed by a Church Committee) shall be elected each year at the Annual General Meeting by a majority of votes given by the voting members present;  in case of a contest for any position a ballot shall be held.
(c)     On the formation of the Lyceum and in any year when less than six members are present at the Annual General Meeting the Conductor and two members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Church Committee, where such exists, or, in other cases, the other Officers and members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Conductor.
(d)     A vacancy in any office shall be filled by the Lyceum Committee.
 
Rule 5.  Duties of Officers
(a)     The Conductor shall act as Presiding Officer.  He shall superintend the activities of the Lyceum.
(b)     The Treasurer shall receive all moneys of the Lyceum and shall make such payments as are authorised by the Lyceum Committee.  He shall keep a true account of all receipts and payments and produce it to the Lyceum Committee when required.  He shall bank or otherwise deal with such funds as are not immediately required according to the instructions of the Lyceum Committee.  He shall each year prepare a statement of accounts for presentation to the Annual General Meetings of the Lyceum and of the Church and shall submit it in good time to the auditors, together with his books and vouchers.
(c)     The Secretary shall make a record of all meetings of the Lyceum Committee and general meetings of the Lyceum and of all business transacted at such meetings;  he shall maintain a register of members and attend to correspondence.
 
Rule 6.  Auditors
Two auditors shall be elected annually to examine the statement of accounts, books and vouchers, and to present a report thereon to the Annual General Meetings of the Lyceum and of the Church.  They may be either members of the Lyceum aged 16 or over or full members of the Church aged 18 or over.  Neither may be a member of the Lyceum Committee.
 
Rule 7.  Complaints
(1)       General
(a)     A complaint must not be dealt with unless it is in writing, is sent or given to the Secretary of the Lyceum and includes the signature, full name and address of the complainant.
(b)     Any complaint must include:-
 
(i)      the party or parties against whom complaint is made;
(ii)     a statement of all relevant facts.
(c)      Third-party complaints must not be accepted.
(d)     If more than one member of the Lyceum Committee is a party to the complaint, the Lyceum must, within 21 days of its receipt, send the complaint directly to the Central Committee to be dealt with under Bye-laws E and notify the complainant in writing accordingly.
 
(2)       Preliminary Procedure
If a complaint does not fall within (d) above, the Lyceum Committee must:-
 
(a)      acknowledge the complaint without undue delay;
(b)     if it thinks fit, request further details;
(c)     send a copy of the complaint and any additional information received to the other party or parties to the complaint;  and
(d)     appoint two of the Lyceum Committee to try to obtain an amicable settlement by agreement between the parties.
 
If either party to the complaint is a member of the Lyceum Committee that person must not take part in the selection procedure or be one of the two selected under (d) above.
 
(The above preliminary procedure does not apply to a complaint involving the removal of a person from Lyceum or Lyceum Committee membership or where the complaint involves more than one member of the Lyceum Committee, for which separate procedures are laid down in these Bye-laws.)
 
(3)       Subsequent Procedure
If the parties do not reach an amicable settlement by agreement within 21 days of the appointment under (2) above, then the Lyceum Committee must:-
 
(a)      make a written request for the other party or parties' observations in writing on the complaint;
(b)      send a copy of their observations to the complainant;  and
(c)      within a further six weeks:-
 
either     (i)      make a summary decision on the matter and notify it in writing to the parties within five days afterwards;
 
or           (ii)     convene a hearing or hearings with the parties and any witnesses and notify the decision in writing to the parties within five days afterwards.
 
The Lyceum Committee must give the parties at least 21 days' notice of the hearing.  At the hearing the Lyceum Committee must hear and consider any written and verbal testimony by and against the person concerned and by any witnesses for either side.  The Lyceum Committee must enclose with any decision a statement of the parties' rights of appeal in the form set out in (4) below.
 
(4)       Appeal to Lyceum Union
Any party to a complaint who is the subject of a decision by the Lyceum Committee may, within 28 days after being notified in writing of the decision, refer the matter to the Lyceum Union to be dealt with under Bye-laws E.
 
The decision of the Lyceum Committee does not take effect until 28 days after the parties to the complaint have been notified of it in writing.  If the Union receives a written request from any party for the matter to be dealt with under Bye-laws E the decision of the Lyceum Committee will be suspended until the complaint is decided.
 
Rule 8.  Dissolution of the Lyceum
(1)       Grounds for Dissolution
Irrespective of any other provision in these Rules the Central Committee may declare the Lyceum to have been dissolved
 
(a)     if a three-quarters majority motion with notice dissolving the Lyceum has been passed at a general meeting;  or
 
(b)     if the Lyceum has ceased to conduct regular public Lyceum teaching or sessions for a period of six months;  or
(c)     for conduct which in the opinion of the Central Committee constitutes serious misconduct harmful or potentially harmful to the Lyceum Union or to the Union;  or
(e)     for the promotion of principles and practices which in the opinion of the Central Committee are antagonistic to the Lyceum Union or to the Union.
 
(2)       Disposal of Property or Monies
If the Lyceum is dissolved, the Central Committee may take possession of any part of the Lyceum property not already vested in it and sell or dispose of the Lyceum property or any part of it.  They must hold any unsold part of the property and the net proceeds of sale or other capital monies from any disposal of property on the following trusts, subject to settling all the Lyceum's outstanding debts:-
 
(a)     The Central Committee may use the property or monies or any part of them for the endowment or other capital benefit of any new or existing Lyceum affiliated to the Lyceum Union in the same district, say within three miles of the last regular meeting-place of the Lyceum, and established for objects similar to those of the Lyceum.
(b)     Any part of the property or monies not used under (a) above must be used for any charitable purpose under (c) below.  Until the six years under (c) below has expired or the property and monies have been used earlier under (a) above Central Committee may either accumulate the income from the property and monies (or any investment of it) and add it to the capital or use the income for any charitable purpose under (a) or (c) of this paragraph.
(c)     If, after six years from when the Lyceum was declared dissolved, the Central Committee considers that there is no reasonable prospect of reviving the Lyceum the Central Committee may, at its discretion, devote the property or monies to any charitable purpose which in its opinion will tend towards the advancement of the Lyceum Union.


STANDING ORDERS FOR SLU ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES AND LYCEUM GENERAL MEETINGS
 
 
General
 1.      No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.  If within thirty minutes from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present the meeting shall be reconvened at a later date.  If within thirty minutes from the time appointed for the meeting on such later date a quorum is not present, then, if convened upon the requisition of members, the meeting shall be dissolved, and in any other case the members present shall be a quorum.
 2.      The business of all Annual General Meetings, Conferences and general meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Bye-laws of the Union (Section E) and with these Standing Orders.  On points of interpretation and in cases not provided for the Chairman shall decide.
 3.      In these Standing Orders the term "member" includes "delegate".
 4.      All printed minutes, reports and accounts shall be taken as read.
 5.      With the exception of any official recording made by or on behalf of the Lyceum Union or Lyceum as the case may be, no sound or visual recording shall be permitted unless a motion to the contrary is carried by a three-fourths majority of the members present and entitled to vote and voting.
 6.      A motion for suspension of the whole or any part of these Standing Orders shall not be accepted.
 
The Chair
 7.      The Chair at all Annual General Meetings, Conferences and general meetings shall be taken by the President;  whom failing, by the Vice-President; whom failing, by the Treasurer.  If none of the foregoing is present or willing to preside the members of the Committee who are present shall choose one of their number to preside;  whom failing, the Chair shall be taken by a member elected by the meeting.
 8.      The Chairman may nominate, in the order of preference of the preceding Standing Order, an Acting Chairman to preside for any part of a meeting during his temporary absence from the Chair.
 9.      The Chairman shall vacate the Chair if he wishes to take an active part of a controversial nature in any proceedings.
 
Rules of Debate
10.     A member desiring to speak shall rise in his place and await the Chairman's leave to speak.  He shall then give his name and state his business.  If two or more members rise at the same time, leave to speak shall be given by the Chairman.
11.     A member desiring to move next business shall rise in his place and say, 'Mr Chairman, I move next business.'  If the motion is seconded, it will immediately be put to the vote.  If passed, no further action will be taken on the business in hand, unless such business is a motion or an amendment to a motion, in which case the motion to move next business shall be construed as a motion that the vote be taken in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 15 below.
12.     Except by leave of the Chairman no person other than the mover of a motion (who shall have the right of reply as provided below) shall speak more than once to any motion or amendment, except to explain a point in his own speech which has been misunderstood, in which case he shall not introduce new matter.
13.     The mover of a motion or amendment shall be allowed five minutes to introduce the motion or amendment and three minutes to reply at the end of the debate;  other speakers shall be allowed three minutes.  These times may be extended at the discretion of the Chairman.
14.     When replying at the end of the debate, the mover of the motion or amendment shall not introduce new matter.  If new matter is nevertheless introduced, the Chairman shall give an opportunity to another member or members to respond thereto.
15.     A member desiring to move that the vote be taken on any motion or amendment shall rise in his place and say, "Mr Chairman, I move that the vote be taken."  If the motion is seconded, it will immediately be put to the vote, provided that not less than two persons have spoken for and two against the motion or amendment or have been given the opportunity to do so.  No person who has spoken or the motion or amendment may propose that the vote be taken.  The mover shall have the right of reply if the motion that the vote be taken is passed.
16.     Points of order may be raised on questions of procedure, relevancy or offensive language.  A member who wishes to raise a point of order shall rise in his place, say "Mr. Chairman, on a point of order" and await the Chairman's leave to proceed;  he shall then state his point briefly.  No speeches shall be permitted but the Chairman shall give his ruling forthwith.
17.     A member may by motion object to a ruling from the Chair.  Such motion shall be in the form "That the Chairman's ruling be not accepted" and shall not be considered unless at least ten members rise in their places to support it.  No discussion shall be permitted, but before putting the motion the Chairman may explain the reasons for his ruling, including the authorities upon which it is based.  Unless the motion is carried by a three-quarters majority of the members present and entitled to vote and voting the ruling shall stand.
 
Motions
18.     Every motion and amendment, other than one in the exact terms included in the circulated agenda or a formal or routine motion, shall be submitted in writing, signed and dated by the mover and seconder and shall be read out by the Chairman both immediately after it is moved and again before it is put to the vote.
19.     No motion or amendment, whether included in the circulated agenda or submitted in accordance with paragraph 18, may be withdrawn.
20.     A motion or amendment on the circulated agenda, if not moved by the person who gave notice of it, may be moved by any member present.
21.     The Chairman shall disallow a motion or an amendment which has not been included in the circulated agenda if in his judgement the subject-matter is such that no vote ought to be taken thereon until notice has been given to all members.
22.     The Chairman shall not accept a motion or amendmnet which he considers to be of an objectionable or frivolous nature.
23.     A declaration by the Chairman that a motion or amendment has been lost or carried shall be conclusive unless challenged before the meeting proceeds to the next business.
 
Amendments
24.     A motion or amendment may be amended by
 
(a)     omitting words;
(b)     adding or inserting words;
(c)     striking out certain words and substituting others;
(d)     striking out all the words after the first ('That') and substituting others dealing with the same subject.
25.     An amendment must be relevant to the motion or amendment as the case may be and not contradict it.
26.     An amendment may be reconsidered by resolution of the meeting.
27.     When amendments have been negatived the original motion or amendment as the case may be shall be put.
28.     When amendments have been agreed to, the original motion or amendment as the case may be, as amended, shall be put as the substantive motion.
29.     Formal corrections made necessary by amendments may be made by the Chairman.