The Disabled People’s Forum in Bradford has officially relaunched. This is a forum which allows disabled people to have their voices heard. The forum also has a Steering Group, which I am a member of. The forum and Steering Group exist in conjunction with the Equality Together Bradford organisation. This comes after the government released its Disability Strategy, and the Bradford and District Disabled People’s Forum wants disabled people to have their say on the governments priorities, what they have missed out and any concerns they have.

Constitution

AIMS/OBJECTS
1. To link disabled people and disability groups together to ensure that they have a stronger voice in the district.
2. The forum is led by disabled people, of disabled people, for disabled people.
3. To establish an inclusive partnership of groups bringing together representation from the widest definition of disability including people who are physically disabled, have a sensory impairment, a learning disability, who have experienced a mental health problem and people who have a long-term illness and/or limiting condition.
4. To publicise the Forum and establish accessible ways of communicating, including a website, that will allow groups to share and exchange information and ideas.
5. To seek to ensure that disabled people are represented on a wide range of strategic, ‘decision making’ bodies across the district.
6. To ensure that disabled people who are ‘experts by personal experience’ are able to have a say in the
development of services.
7. To create a district where all disabled people can participate fully as equal citizens.

POWERS
1. To raise and hold funds.
2. To obtain or lease equipment and premises.
3. To employ staff and recruit voluntary workers.
4. To work with other organisations.
5. To do any other such lawful things as are necessary to achieve the aims.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to:

All groups of disabled people and individual disabled people who live or are based in the Bradford District and who support the aims of the Forum.

Who have paid any annual subscription laid down from time to time by the Management Committee. Membership is currently free.
Additionally:

• Applications shall be made in to the Management Committee

• Groups will nominate a named person to be their representative in all dealings with the Organisation

• Every member shall have one vote

• Attendees shall declare at the beginning of the meeting whether they are attending as an individual or a representative.

• It may be that groups will have more than one representative at forum meetings – should a vote be taken groups will have only one vote,

• The Secretary shall keep an up-to-date record of both individual and group membership

Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated by the Management Committee on the grounds of a member or group acting against the objects of the Organisation or bringing the Organisation into disrepute.

Annual General Meeting

An annual general meeting shall be held within 15 months of the previous Annual General Meeting, the date, time and place to be determined by the committee.

Each annual general meeting shall be convened by the Secretary who shall notify all members in writing at least 21 days before the date of that meeting.

Any motion for consideration at the annual general meeting must be in the Secretary’s hands no later than 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.

The business of the annual general meeting shall include:

• adoption of annual report and accounts

• election of the committee and its officers

• appointment of an independent examiner

Nominations for the committee should be submitted to the Secretary 24 hours before the annual general meeting. If there are more nominations than there are vacancies to be filled, an election will be held.

• Every member shall be entitled to one vote.

• Members unable to attend the Annual General Meeting

https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19647850.disabled-peoples-forum-bradford-re-launch/