About us

The members of the Executive Committee of the KOS, as trustees, oversee all aspects of the Society and maintains the interests of the membership of the Society.

The Society is bound by the terms of the Charity Commission. The Charity Commission is very clear about the conduct of an Executive Committee (trustees). “They should work collectively, be decisive, guard against dominant individuals, and not allow private interests to influence them”. The committee members must remain independent and make decisions solely in the interest of the charity. Our governing document specifies who is responsible for the general control and management of the charity’s administration. The Commission is also very clear that “no-one who is incapable of understanding the nature of a trustee’s duties, or who is unwilling to accept some or all of them, should be appointed as a trustee.” We need to ensure we are working effectively for our members which may mean involving our members in formulation of policies or services.

The Commission is also clear that individuals should not independently run parts of the organisation or for their own interests.

At executive meetings, matters will be determined by majority vote of committee members present. Where votes are equal the chair has the casting vote.

The governing document should state whether a trustee could be re-appointed after one year and how trustees will be nominated if the members do not nominate an individual. If the governing document does not specify the length of service the appointment continues until the trustee resigns, dies or is removed from office.

The charity needs to consider how it can continuously improve. An easy way of bringing new ideas is by recruiting trustees to fill specific gaps in its committee. A trustee’s job description gives a balanced account of what is involved, including their duties and responsibilities.

Charity accounts are to be kept as per the Charity Commission framework (CC61) and the Charities (Accounts & Reports) Regulations 2000. We currently prepare our accounts on the receipts and payments basis summarising all money received and paid out in the year in question.

Trustees have a duty to ensure the safe keeping of its assets so they can be effectively used to promote the charity’s objectives. Trustees, with charity assets, need to be aware that they are charity’s property.

We need to be aware of work being done by other organisations, in the same area. Trustees need to cooperate with other charities and organisations, and exchange information to avoid duplicating efforts.

This Committee organises and maintains two Sub-Committees which are:

- an Editorial and Records Sub-Committee which deals with all aspects of bird recording within the county.
- a Conservation and Surveys Sub-Committee which deals with all aspects relating to conservation and surveys within the county.

The Executive Committee monitors membership and reserves the right to terminate the membership of any member who has failed to support the laws and orders concerning bird protection by observing the 'Birdwatchers' Code of Conduct' as published by the RSPB.

An Annual General Meeting is arranged each year, normally in April, and reports are given by the relevant officers of the Society. The election of officers and members of the Executive Committee and of the President take place on this occasion.