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Constitution

Established 2024

1. Name

The name of the organisation shall be the British Rabbit Smallholders Association, referred to throughout this constitution as "the Association" or "BRSA."

2. Status

The Association is an unincorporated association, not a company or registered charity. It has no legal personality separate from its members; the Committee acts on behalf of, and binds, the Association within the authority granted by this constitution.

3. Aims and Objects

The aims of the Association are to:

  • Educate — provide accurate, accessible information on the keeping, welfare, and husbandry of rabbits in a smallholding context.
  • Support — build a community of UK rabbit smallholders who can share knowledge, experience, and practical advice.
  • Promote — encourage responsible, welfare-led rabbit keeping practices across the UK, including compliance with relevant animal welfare legislation.

4. Membership

4.1. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in rabbit smallholding who supports the aims of the Association, subject to acceptance by the Committee.

4.2. The Committee may from time to time establish different categories of membership (for example, individual, family, or affiliate membership), along with any associated fees, by resolution. Any such categories and fees will be published on the Association's website.

4.3. The Committee may decline or revoke membership where a person's conduct is reasonably considered contrary to the aims of the Association or to the welfare standards it promotes. Any person whose membership is declined or revoked has the right to request the Committee's reasons in writing.

4.4. Members agree to act in accordance with this constitution and any code of conduct or welfare standards published by the Association.

5. The Committee

5.1. The Association shall be managed by a Committee, currently comprising:

  • Chair — overall leadership and representation of the Association
  • Treasurer / Technical Officer — financial management and technical infrastructure
  • Standards & Welfare Officer — welfare standards, guidance content, and related policy

5.2. The Committee may co-opt additional officers or roles as the Association grows, by majority agreement of existing Committee members.

5.3. Committee members serve in a voluntary capacity unless the Committee resolves otherwise.

5.4. Decisions of the Committee shall be made by majority agreement. In the event of a tie, the Chair shall have a casting vote.

6. Data Protection

6.1. The Association processes personal data of members and website users in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, as set out in its separate Privacy Policy.

6.2. The Committee shall designate a member responsible for data protection matters (currently the Treasurer / Technical Officer, acting as Data Protection Lead). This role does not constitute a statutory Data Protection Officer appointment under UK GDPR.

7. Finances

7.1. All funds belonging to the Association shall be applied solely towards the aims set out in Section 3.

7.2. The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records and report on the Association's financial position to the Committee.

7.3. Any bank account opened in the name of the Association shall require authorisation from at least two Committee members for transactions above a threshold to be set by the Committee.

8. Amendments to this Constitution

This constitution may be amended by majority agreement of the Committee. Material changes should, where practicable, be communicated to members in advance.

9. Dissolution

Should the Association be wound up, any remaining assets after settling debts shall be applied to a related charitable purpose or organisation, as agreed by the Committee, and not distributed to individual members.

10. Affiliation

The Committee may seek affiliation with other organisations whose aims are compatible with those of the Association. Where an affiliating body's requirements necessitate amendment to this constitution, such amendments will be made in accordance with Section 8.

This is a working draft prepared for BRSA's committee review. It has not been reviewed by a solicitor. Before formal adoption, the committee may wish to seek independent advice — particularly around Sections 6, 7, and 9 — to ensure it meets any requirements of organisations BRSA intends to affiliate with.