Responsibilities of a Member of the Charity

Members play an important role in the governance and accountability of the charity.

1. Support the Charity’s Purpose

Members should support the charity’s objects and mission, such as promoting Tamil language education and cultural development.

Members should:

• support the aims of the charity

• promote its values

• act in the best interests of the organisation

2. Participate in General Meetings

Members have the right and responsibility to participate in:

• Annual General Meetings (AGM)

• General meetings of the charity

At these meetings members may:

• review reports and accounts

• discuss important matters

• vote on resolutions

3. Elect and Remove Trustees

Members help ensure accountability by:

• electing trustees (directors)

• approving appointments at the AGM

• removing trustees if necessary under the constitution

This ensures trustees remain accountable to the membership.

4. Vote on Key Governance Decisions

Members may vote on important matters such as:

• changes to the Articles of Association

• major governance decisions

• winding up the charity

• approving certain structural changes

5. Act in the Best Interests of the Charity

Members must:

• act honestly and responsibly

• avoid conflicts of interest

• not act in a way that harms the charity’s reputation

6. Follow the Charity’s Rules

Members must comply with:

• the charity’s Articles of Association

• membership policy

• code of conduct

• safeguarding and governance rules

7. Maintain Respectful Conduct

Members should:

• behave respectfully with trustees, volunteers, parents and students

• support constructive discussions

• avoid behaviour that brings the charity into disrepute

What Members Do NOT Do

Members usually do not manage day-to-day operations of the charity.

Day-to-day management is the responsibility of:

• trustees (directors)

• staff and volunteers

Members mainly provide oversight and democratic governance.