Nottinghamshire Deaf Society

Company Members

Company Members are an important part of the governance of Nottinghamshire Deaf Society. The members form the charitable company but they do not own the company or the charity. We encourage everyone to become Company Members so that they can support and get involved with the charity. Company Members are responsible for the formation of the charity and so it is important that they are involved in discussing how it is run.

Role of a Company Member

Acting as a group, Company Members have the following powers and duties:

  • Approve any changes to the Company’s constitution. (Any changes to the constitution also have to be agreed by the Charity Commission.)
  • Appoint or reappoint Trustees at the Annual General Meeting
  • Request that the Trustees arrange an Extraordinary General Meeting if it is needed
  • Dismiss any or all of the Trustees
  • Agree or approve business between the Company and any of the Trustees
  • Approve the closure of the Company

Responsibilities of a Company Member are:

  • Make sure company members use their powers responsibly for the benefit of Deaf people who live in the City and County of Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. This is set out in the Company’s governing document
  • Support the organisation and its reputation
  • Participate in training and membership events
  • Pay out £1.00 if the Company is insolvent when it is wound up

Eligibility for Company Membership

Company members must be:

  • aged 18 years or over
  • willing to support the company and its aims and objectives
  • a non-member of staff of NDS

How to Apply to become a Company Member

  1. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and duties of a Company Member
  2. Complete the application form below

Applications for membership are considered at the next board meeting. When your application is accepted your name will be kept on the register of Company Members at the registered office of the company. You will receive a letter confirming your membership. We will ask to see an identity document (e.g. passport, birth certificate, driving license) so we can confirm your identity.