Constitution

Constitution of Salisbury Democracy Alliance
Accepted on 26 January 2026
  1. The name of the Association will be Salisbury Democracy Alliance “the Alliance”.
  • The objects of the Alliance are:
  1. To improve the political decision making process in south Wiltshire and in particular Salisbury City
  2. To engage citizens more in the political process
  3. To improve the democratic process.
  • The Alliance shall have the following aims:
  1. To encourage the relevant local authorities to consider citizens’ assemblies (or similar mechanisms) for significant policy matters in their area.
  2. To work with others to achieve this aim.
  3. To hold Democracy Cafés enabling people to debate social, political or ethical matters chosen by them.
  4. To carry out any other activity which will address the aims identified in paragraph 2.
  5. To promote the ideas of citizen involvement and democracy.

Amendments to the objects and aims will be made at a meeting by a majority of those present.

  • Attendance is open to the residents of Wiltshire.
  • The Alliance shall have no party political affiliation. 
  • The Alliance shall have a steering committee made up of a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary and treasurer; all posts are open to job sharing.  Any other posts can be co-opted as needed, subject to ratification at the next AGM.  The size of the steering committee shall not exceed twelve persons.
  • The Alliance will accept co-opted individuals onto the steering committee with relevant expertise or interests.  This will be with the agreement of the steering committee.
  • Additional sub groups will be created to represent particular interests or work on projects as required.
  • Four members of the group will constitute a quorum at meetings. Notice of meetings must be given at least 7 week days before the meeting is held.
  1. The Annual General Meeting will take place in October each year.  There will be four meetings a year.
  1. The Alliance has the power to raise funds.  Funds for the Alliance will be raised voluntarily or by application to other organisations.  Funds will be disbursed solely to promote the aims of the Alliance.
  1. The Treasurer will continue to hold an account in the name of the Alliance, and present a report on the accounts at the steering committee meetings and the Annual General meeting.
  1. The Alliance may be wound up at any time if agreed by at least two-thirds of members present and voting at an AGM or EGM called for the purpose.  Notice must be given at least 14 week days before the meeting.  In the event of winding up any assets remaining, after all debts have been paid, shall be given to another group with similar aims.

Adoption

This Constitution was adopted on 26 January 2026 and signed by the formation committee:

Frances Owen

Andrew Hemming

Peter Curbishley

Lesley Curbishley

Version control

v.1 circulated 1 September 2025

v.2 amended and agreed 26 January 2026