About

We are the grassroots group in the west of Edinburgh, who campaigned for a YES vote in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum.

In order to be fully prepared for the next stage in the campaign for an independent Scotland, we formally constituted ourselves on 18 January 2016.

Yes Edinburgh West Constitution

adopted Mon 18 Jan 2016

1. NAME: The name of the organisation will be YES EDINBURGH WEST
2. OBJECTIVES: To further the aim of an independent Scotland by campaigning for that aim within the area of Edinburgh West.
3. AFFILIATION: the organisation will not be affiliated to any political parties. It will co-operate with pro-independence organisations and political parties in the campaign to achieve an independent Scotland.
4. MEMBERSHIP: Membership will be open to members of any political party or none, within the terms of the Equality Act 2010, who support the aims of the organisation.
5. CONDUCT: Members are required to maintain at all times acceptable standards of behaviour (i.e. behaviour which is respectful, courteous and normal within society).
6. MEETINGS: There will be an Annual General Meeting each year in October, and any other meetings as deemed necessary to achieve the objectives of the organisation. Any meetings will preferably take place on the first Monday in the month. 2 weeks’ notice of meetings will be given. A straightforward majority will make all decisions at meetings. In the event of split decisions, the Convener will have the casting vote. Changes to the Constitution can be made at any meeting
7. OFFICE BEARERS: There will be a Convener, a Vice Convener, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who will be elected annually at the AGM of the organisation. Other office bearers may be co-opted (to a maximum total of 8 including the named office bearers).
   1. The Convener will be responsible for leadership at a local level, chairing meetings, and liaison with the national body.
   2. The Vice Convener will be responsible for supporting the Convener and liaison with the national body.
   3. The Secretary will be responsible for organising meetings as required, keeping minutes of those meetings, handling communications with all interested parties, and liaison with the national body.
   4. The Treasurer will be responsible for keeping proper books of account, deciding on the choice of bank, operating a bank account, fundraising and preparing an audited annual statement of income and expenditure to be presented for approval by members at the AGM.
8. FINANCE: A bank account will be established to accommodate donations and to make payments for campaigning purposes e.g. production of literature or hire of meeting rooms. The funds of the organisation may only be used to further its objectives. The financial year of the club shall run from 1 October until 30 September. Access to the organisation’s funds will be by any two authorised office-bearers.