FOR THE TRUSTEES
1) All Trustees must be a fully paid up Members of the church (Non-payment by First day of March each year[Except in exceptional circumstances] will be deemed as a resignation and a new Trustee will be voted into place)
2) There will always be a minimum of 5 Trustees whose sole responsibility is the wellbeing and longevity of the "Independent Peoples Spiritualist Church" (hereafter called the IPSC)
3) Trustees are voted in for life or until they wish to resign, are forced to resign because of physical or mental ill health, or they are made to resign as part of an IPSC Disciplinary procedure, or if they must do so in order for the Church to comply with any English Legislation that currently exists or is introduced at any time in the future
4) A majority of the Trustees has the right to over-rule any decision made by any majority of members, at any time, if they deem such decision has not been made in the best interests of the Church
5) For a Trustee meeting to be deemed valid more than 50% of Trustees must be present
6) Trustees will initially take responsibility for the duties of all the jobs entilted "Co-Ordinators", until the first AGM when any member wishing to take on a Co-Ordinators job role will be able to put themselves forward
7) Trustees will chair Members meetings, AGM’s and any Extraordinary General Meetings that may be called
8) Trustees can be removed from position by a majority vote of the other Trustees if this is requested by the members or if the Trustee is believed not to be upholding the rules and the best interests of the IPSC
9) All disciplinary hearings and appeal panels must be heard by the relevant number of Trustees
10) Trustees may revoke or refuse membership if just cause can be shown and over 50% of them are agreed that it is a necessary course of action for the wellbeing of the IPSC
FOR THE MEMBERS
11) Membership fees will be decided on an Annual Basis at the Members AGM
12) Membership runs from 1st January until 31st December each year regardless of when fees are paid. No refunds will be given at any time.
13) Membership to the Church will be approved on the understanding that those seeking Membership agree to abide by these rules and that membership may be revoked for breaking said rules
14) Any Member found using the Church or its name for their own gain will have their membership revoked
and will be prosecuted if appropriate.
15) Membership may be revoked if it is the decision of any Disciplinary Panel
16) All decisions will be made on a majority vote by all members present at a “Members Meeting”, “Annual General Meeting” or “Extraordinary General Meeting” (Rule 4 will always apply)
17) This Church is to be "Run by the People - For the People. (Its Members and those attending services or any IPSC event) It is open to all and is non-denominational and non-discriminatory.
18) Members must treat the Church; it’s Members and Guests in an honourable fashion at all times.
19) Members will always make new “Guests” to the Church most welcome - A“Guest” being a person attending any event run by the IPSC, any service, or other type of meeting to observe
20) Equality of Opportunity will prevail at all times. No Trustee, Member, or Guest may discriminate by word or any other means another person due to their religion, race, gender, age, capabilities, sexuality or status in life
FOR MEETINGS
21) Trustees must meet at least once every 6 months
22) Members Meetings can be on an ad-hoc basis
23) Just cause must be shown to call an Extraordinary General Meeting
24) All those attending Members meetings must make an entry in the “Members Meetings Book”. Printing their name and membership number (or enter the word “GUEST” if appropriate) and sign in the space provided.
25) There must be at least one Valid Members AGM each year
26) Only Members (including Trustees) may vote at members meetings
27) The Chair of any meeting may not vote unless there is an absolute tie – then their vote will make for a majority decision
28) Members can only vote if they have their membership card with them. This is to ensure no “rigging” can take place
29) Guests may not vote
30) Guests may only voice an opinion if invited to do so
31) There must be a minimum of two-thirds of the current membership present for any Members Meeting to be deemed Valid
32) Of those present 50% or more must agree to carry or fail a motion (this will ensure that fair proportionate representation of the full Membership has agreed)
GENERAL
33) If the IPSC becomes a company limited by guarantee the Trustees shall be deemed to be the Board of the Company (as required by Law).
34) The Chairman of the Board and the Company Secretary shall be voted in by the other members of the Board, and shall remain in post until such times as they meet any of the Criteria in Standing Rule 3
35) At no point in time, present or future will the Church have a “Committee”
36) At no point in time, present or future, will any person deem themselves to be “President”, or consider themselves of a “higher rank” than any other Member. (This includes Trustees who only have limited rights granted in order to safeguard the interests and longevity of the Church)
37) Any person being disruptive, abusive or causing a nuisance will be asked to leave the Church premises and police assistance will sought if necessary
38) The current years Accounts books, Members Book, and Minutes folder will be available to view at every Members Meeting, Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary Meeting.
39) Previous accounts, minutes of meetings or correspondence may be viewed by any member – within one week of a request being made.
40) These Rules shall be called “The Standing Rules”
41) Other rules can be added when required by a majority decision of the members or by a majority of the Trustees (if they deem it in the best interest of the IPSC) these shall be known as ADDITIONAL RULES
42) ADDITIONAL RULES may not become STANDING RULES