The
Union of Greyhound Owners has been formed to promote standards of excellence in
greyhound racing in the UK.
The
scope of activities will include all aspects of racing with particular emphasis
on the welfare of the dogs and the position of the owner.
The main object of the Union is to do anything to promote the interests
of all or any of its members or anything beneficial to the interests of
individual or collective members. Other
objectives are to improve conditions and standards in racing and related fields
and to assist members in negotiations with professional bodies e.g. BGRB, NGRC
or companies involved in the promotion of greyhound racing.
All
tracks to have safe running surfaces prepared by properly trained staff.
Independent
track inspectors employed at each track.
Qualified
vet assistance at every race meeting and trial.
Injury
statistics to be made available to any interested party.
To
achieve increases in prize and run money to more acceptable levels.
More
assistance to the rehoming of
retired dogs. Increased funding for the RGT.
Liaison
with welfare organisations.
To
investigate affiliation to the TUC.
NGRC
to become an elected body.
A
member of UGO to be on the Board of BGRB/BGRF.
To
ensure that Independent Tracks receive funding from the BGRF as well as those
registered NGRC tracks.
UGO
reps at every track.
The
Union will be managed by an Honorary Committee elected at an Annual General
Meeting, and, subject to termination of office by resignation or otherwise,
shall remain in office until the next Annual General Meeting
Officers may stand for re-election.
The committee may appoint a replacement for any officer who resigns
during the year.
The
Committee will comprise of,
Chairperson
Vice-chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary/Press
Officer
Website
Manager
General
Committee members
Duties:
To
chair meetings and act as a spokesperson for the organisation when required.
To guide the work of the Union towards the aims specified in this
Constitution.
To
aid the Chairperson in his duties, to be in touch with the work going on in the
organisation and deputise for the Chairperson when required.
To open a bank account in the name of the
organisation. To pay all donations
into the bank and issue receipts. Pay
any bills for the organisation and keep a record of income and expenditure.
Prepare statements of accounts for the committee meetings as a guide to
members.
To
be a point of contact with members and the public in line with the wishes of the
committee.
To
arrange meetings, agree agenda with the Chairperson. Prepare all the paperwork before meetings including
correspondence and minutes of the previous meeting.
To
take minutes at the meetings, give details of apologies received for absence and
report any letters written by the secretary. Write any letter the Committee has requested.
To
maintain Membership records in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
To keep a directory of important contact names and addresses and to
record details of any meetings attended by members of the committee.
To
be responsible for advertising and promoting the organisation in the press and
media. To issue statements on
behalf of the organisation when required after liaison with the Chairperson.
Will
be responsible for maintaining the website and links and to maximise the profile
of the Union via the Internet.
To
give support wherever needed.
The
Committee will have the authority to amend the rules of the Union as and when
deemed necessary. The Committee
will also have the Authority to exclude any member who brings the Union into
disrepute or who otherwise conducts himself/herself
in a manner unbecoming to his/her status as a member of the Union.
The
Steering Committee will arrange an inaugural meeting when nominations for
Officers will be taken and the Chairperson and committee will be elected.
Officers
are elected for a term of 12 months and a new committee will be elected at each
Annual General Meeting.
It
is intended that initial funding for UGO will be by voluntary donation from
members and supporters. Annual
subscriptions may be introduced in the future if deemed to be necessary.
Members
of the committee and track representatives may submit claims for legitimate
expenses incurred to the Treasurer. Receipts
and full itemisation of the expenses must accompany these claims.
Where possible, members should ask the Treasurer for prior authorisation
before incurring any expense estimated to be more than £50.
The
Treasurer will maintain accurate accounts and an Independent Auditor will be
appointed to carry out an audit of those accounts prior to every Annual General
Meeting.
There
will be an Annual General Meeting open to all members convened before the end of
March each year. A minimum of
twelve members will be required to form a quorum.
There
will be further closed committee meetings held at intervals of not more than
three months
The Committee may convene an Extraordinary General Meeting at any time.