NORAC Constitution

The name of the Association shall be The National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants otherwise referred to as NORAC.

Aims

The Association aims to:

  • Promote best practices and advancements in asbestos analysis and surveying.
  • Share knowledge and understanding of asbestos-related matters.
  • Provide independent technical guidance for analysts and surveyors where needed.
  • Assist clients and duty holders with technical advice and guidance.
  • Serve as a central resource for members seeking asbestos-related advice and support.
  • Facilitate cooperation and experience-sharing among members, including unusual asbestos finds and applications.
  • Collaborate with international associations where appropriate.

Powers

To achieve these aims, the committee has the authority to:

  1. Obtain funds through membership contributions, donations, grants, and other lawful means.
  2. Work with regulatory bodies, voluntary organizations, and similar groups to achieve common objectives.
  3. Undertake lawful actions that further the Association's aims.

Membership

  1. Membership is open to organisations supporting the Association’s mission and can be applied for via the website.
  2. All members have voting rights, where required, at meetings.
  3. The Management Committee has the right to approve, reject, or terminate memberships, ensuring the right to a fair hearing before making final decisions.
  4. The Association adheres to the Data Protection Act 1998 to safeguard personal data.
  5. Members are prohibited from soliciting or offering their services directly to other members for commercial purposes within the Association.

Management

  1. The Association is managed by an elected Management Committee, supported by a General Manager.
  2. The committee consists of a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, General Manager, and up to 15 ordinary members.
  3. Prospective committee members must submit a personal statement outlining their experience and suitability at least four weeks before the AGM.
  4. The Management Committee reviews applications. If applications exceed available positions, a member voting system will be used.
  5. The voting process includes all ordinary committee members. The General Manager role is permanent unless circumstances require re-election.
  6. The committee may co-opt up to two additional voting members, who must step down at the next AGM.
  7. The committee must meet at least four times annually.
  8. A minimum of 60% committee attendance is required for decision-making.
  9. Proper records of all transactions and meetings must be maintained.

Meetings

  1. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held within 12 months of the constitution’s adoption and annually thereafter.
  2. AGM notices will be published three weeks in advance, and a financial report for the previous year will be presented.
  3. At least two additional member meetings will be held annually, either online or in person, with three weeks' notice given.
  4. Constitutional amendments must be proposed to the Secretary at least 14 days before a committee meeting and require a two-thirds majority vote.

Accounts

  1. The Association’s funds, including donations and contributions, shall be managed by the Management Committee.
  2. Funds will be used solely to advance the Association’s aims.
  3. A record of all income, funding, and expenditures will be maintained.

Dissolution

  1. The Association may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority at a Special General Meeting.
  2. If dissolved, remaining assets will be distributed to organizations with similar objectives or other charitable purposes, as decided by the Association.