EastendHomes recognises and values the contribution made by community groups including tenants and residents associations in enhancing the life of residents on its estates.

• EastendHomes will support and work closely with community groups in its area of operation.
• Before recognising such groups EastendHomes will ensure they are representative properly constituted and recognise that they also have responsibilities.
• EastendHomes will also support a range of grass roots local initiatives and will provide small financial contributions to such initiatives from a Community Chest.

DETAIL

• Groups seeking support (financial and other) from EastendHomes must register on an annual basis.
• Application for registration must be made within 6 weeks of holding an Annual General Meeting.

A group will be de-registered if :-

• it fails to apply for re-registration within 2 months of holdings its AGM
• it fails to hold an AGM within 15 months of the previous one
• it fails to produce certified accounts within 3 months of an AGM (if applicable)

For a group to be recognised by EastendHomes it must meet the minimum requirements for registration.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

• The group will have a published constitution agreed at the AGM, this will include committee member details, its functions, objectives and arrangements for democratic participation and inclusion and an equality and diversity statement.  See Appendix 1 for model constitution.
• The group is open to all tenants and residents living in the area it covers irrespective of race, nationality, class, sex, sexuality, marital status, disability, illness, political or religious beliefs.
• At least 2 open meetings are held in each year including the AGM.  All those covered by the organisation in the area must be invited to attend those meetings at least 7 days in advance.
• There must be an Annual General Meeting at which the election of the committee takes place.  The committee will have a minimum of seven members including Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary; no more than two committee members will come from one household.
• If any money is handled there must be a proper form of accounting and annual audited accounts received at the AGM.

Minutes of all meetings are provided on request to EastendHomes.

Formal registration with EastendHomes must take place once a year.

COMMUNITY CHEST BUDGET

• EastendHomes Board will agree a £10,000 annual Community Chest budget in order to support a range of local community initiatives.  The budget will be increased annually by RPI.
• Any single grant in excess of £1,000 will be subject to the approval of the EastendHomes Board, or delegated committee. 
• Grants under £1,000 will be subject to approval of relevant directors or Chief Executive.