(as amended October 1996, September 2000 and October 2009)
The LETG constitution is set out below. To go straight to any of its sections, click the links below.
Contents:
Name
Objects
Membership
Local branches
National committee
Meetings
Rules of procedure
Finance
Amendments to the Constitution
Dissolution
Schedule 1 - LETG Standing Orders
Membership
Associate Membership
Group Membership
Subscriptions
Cessation of Membership
Meetings
Nominations and elections
Accounts
Alteration of standing orders
1. Name
The name of the association will be Legal Education & Training Group (LETG)
2. Objects
2.1 LETG is established to advance, foster and encourage amongst its members education, training, learning and development in all matters relating to the legal profession.
2.2 In furtherance of the above Objects LETG may:
(a) at the discretion of the Committee, foster relationships with external training organisations;
(b) employ and pay any person or persons to further the work of LETG;
(c) promote and carry out research and publish the results to the members;
(d) arrange and provide for meetings, lectures, seminars and training courses;
(e) collect and disseminate information on all matters affecting the Objects;
(f) acquire any property and any rights and privileges necessary for the promotion of the Objects;
(g) subject to any consents required by law, borrow or raise money for the Objects;
(h) raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any person or persons but LETG will not undertake trading activities in raising funds for the Objects;
(i) invest the monies of LETG not immediately required for the Objects in any investments, securities or property as the Committee may decide, subject to such conditions (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law;
(j) undertake such other activities as are desirable for the attainment of the Objects.
3. Membership
3.1 Membership of LETG will be open to organisations and individuals interested in furthering the work of LETG who satisfy any criteria for membership laid down in LETG Standing Orders or Rules.
3.2 All applications for membership will be decided by the Committee.
3.3 The Committee will have the right to reject an application for membership or to suspend a member where good and sufficient reason is shown.
3.4 The Committee will have the power to expel any member, provided that the individual or organisation concerned (or any individual representing the organisation concerned) will have the right to be heard before a decision is taken.
3.5 The Committee will have the right to require a member to change its nominated representative where, in the opinion of the Committee, sufficient cause has been shown.
3.6 The subscription payable by members will be determined by the LETG Committee.
4. Local branches
Local branches of LETG may be established with the consent of the Committee.
5. National Committee
5.1.1 The policy and general management of the affairs of LETG will be conducted by the Committee (the Committee), which will consist of a Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer and 9 other members elected in accordance with Clause 5.1.2.
5.1.2 The 12 members of the Committee will be elected for a term of two years from the membership of LETG by postal ballot, including ballot by email, to be conducted in accordance with the rules laid down in the Standing Orders.
5.1.3 The Committee will appoint from among its members a Chair, Deputy Chair and Treasurer or such other honorary officers as it wishes.
5.1.4 No person may hold the same honorary office for more than two consecutive years which will be in addition to the term of office referred to in Clause 5.1.5.
5.1.5 No person may stand for election to the Committee or be elected to serve on the Committee for more than four consecutive years.
5.1.6 n elected Committee member who ceases to be either a Firm member, an Associate member or representative of a Group member may, at the discretion of the Committee, remain a Committee member for such time as the Committee determines.
5.2 Co-opted Members
5.2.1 In addition to the members of the Committee elected in accordance with Clause 5.1.2 above, the Committee may co-opt up to 6 members (who need not be members of LETG) to serve for such period as the Committee determines.
5.2.2 Subject to Clause 5.2.4 below co-opted members may not vote at Committee meetings.
5.2.3 Co-opted members may be co-opted to serve on the Committee in respect of particular projects.
5.2.4 Co-opted members may vote at Committee meetings only in respect of any matter concerning the particular project for which they have been co-opted.
5.2.5 Notwithstanding the provisions of Clauses 5.1.4 and 5.1.5 above, the Committee may in its discretion, co-opt a former Committee member who has completed a maximum term of 4 years or, in the case of an honorary officer, a maximum of 6 years. Such co-option will not be in addition to the number of co-options permitted by Clause 5.2.1.
5.3 Vacancies on the Committee
5.3.1 If a casual vacancy among the honorary officers occurs, the Committee may appoint from among its members new honorary officers.
5.3.2 Where a vacancy occurs among the elected members of the Committee, the Committee may fill a vacancy as it wishes from amongst LETG members. In all cases the person appointed to fill the vacancy will hold office until the conclusion of the next election of LETG.
5.4 Sub-Committees
5.4.1 The Committee may appoint such sub-committees as it deems necessary and will determine their terms of reference, powers, duration and composition. All acts and proceedings of such sub-committees will be reported back to the Committee at the next Committee meeting.
5.5 Committee Meetings
Committee meetings will be held at least 6 times in each year. Fourteen days' notice of such meetings will be given to all members of the Committee.
5.6 Absence from Committee Meetings
5.6.1 Subject to clause 5.6.3 any Committee member who, without reasonable cause fails to attend 3 consecutive Committee meetings will cease to be a Committee member.
5.6.2 The Committee has the discretion to decide what is reasonable cause.
5.6.3 Any Committee member absent from the Committee for a period of maternity or paternity leave or any other absence approved by the Commit may return to serve on the Committee within one year from the commencement of such leave.
5.7 Employment of Administrator
5.7.1 The Committee may employ an Administrator (the Administrator) who will act as secretary to the Committee and carry out the duties normally conducted by an Honorary Secretary.
5.7.2 The post of Administrator will be remunerated at a rate to be decided by the Committee but will not carry with it any of the voting rights normally associated with the post of an honorary officer.
6. Meetings
6.1 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of LETG will be held in each year within 3 months of the end of the LETG financial year.
6.2 At least 28 days' notice must be given in writing to all members.
6.3 The business at the AGM will include the consideration of the LETG Annual Report and audited accounts and the transaction of such other matters as may be necessary.
6.4 Notice of any resolution to be proposed at the AGM must be submitted in writing to the Administrator at least 14 days before the AGM and distributed to all members at least 7 days before the date of the AGM.
6.5 An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the LETG may be called at any time by the Committee and will be called within 28 days of receiving the written request so to do signed by at least 15 nominated representatives of members of the LETG and giving a reason for the request.
6.6 Fourteen days' notice of such a meeting stating the business to be dealt with must be sent to all members.
6.7 No other business may be dealt with at such meetings except that specified in the notice of the meeting.
6.8 The Committee will have the power to call a meeting of the LETG as and when it sees fit so to do.
7. RULES OF PROCEDURE
7.1 Quorum
(a) The quorum at Committee meetings will be 5 members excluding co- opted members. If the nominated LETG representative is unable to attend, the member firm may send an alternative representative provided 7 days' notice in writing of the alternative is given to the LETG Administrator.
(b) The quorum at the AGM and any EGM will be 5% of all paid up Firm or LETG members attending through their nominated LETG representative.
7.2 Casting Vote
In case of an equality of votes either at the AGM or any EGM or at Committee Meetings, the Chair will have a casting vote.
7.3 Minutes
(a) Minutes will be kept by the Committee and any sub-committees.
(b) The Committee and sub-committees will inform members in writing of matters dealt with by the Committee and sub-committees.
(c) Any Firm or LETG member may request a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Committee or sub-committee by a request in writing addressed to the Secretary who will provide a copy of the minutes requested within 28 days.
7.4 Standing Orders
(a) The Committee will have the power to adopt Standing Orders or Rules, which will be subject to ratification by the LETG at the next General Meeting.
(b) The Committee may deem ratification by the LETG where written notice is given to members detailing the proposed changes and the reasons for them provided no written objection to the proposal is received from any member within one calendar month of the notification being sent.
(c) If any member objects to the proposed change but the Committee wishes to pursue that change it must be ratified by a General Meeting of the LETG.
(d) All Standing Orders or Rules must be consistent with this Constitution.
(e) The Committee will operate and develop the work and functions of the LETG in accordance with the policies of the LETG
7.5 Equal Opportunities
The LETG adopts the Solicitors' Regulation Authority statement and policy on Equal Opportunities.
8 Finance
8.1 All monies raised by the LETG will be used to further its Objects and for no other purpose.
8.2 Nothing in this Constitution will prevent the payment in good faith of reasonable and proper remuneration to any employee of the LETG not being a member of the Committee or the repayment of reasonable out-of- pocket expenses.
8.3 The Treasurer will keep proper accounts of the finances of the LETG.
8.4 All payments will be signed by any 2 of the 3 authorised signatories.
9. Amendments to the Constitution
9.1 The Constitution may be amended at the LETG AGM or any EGM by the positive votes of at least two-thirds of the members' nominated LETG representatives present and voting.
9.2 At least 14 days' notice of any amendment to be considered at the meeting should be sent to members of the LETG.
21. Dissolution
10.1 The LETG may be dissolved at an AGM or EGM by the positive votes of at least two-thirds of the members' representatives present and voting.
10.2 At least 28 days' notice of the meeting, stating the business to be dealt with must be sent to all members.
10.3 After the satisfaction of any debts, the LETG assets will be transferred to such organisation or organisations with objects similar to those of the LETG as the LETG determines.
SCHEDULE 1 - LETG STANDING ORDERS
1. Membership
1.1 All applications for membership will be decided by the Committee in accordance with the powers set out in Clause 3 of the Constitution.
1.2 The membership year will run from 1st September each year. If a membership application is received within 9 months of that date it will cover the period of that current membership year.
1.3 The Committee must ensure that an up-to-date list of all members and nominated LETG representatives is maintained.
1.4 Firm Membership is open to any individual law firm, set of Chambers, in house legal department or government legal department.
1.5 The law firm, set of Chambers, in-house legal department or government legal department will be a member of the LETG and will nominate one person to act as its LETG representative. It will pay the standing subscription, giving it the right to one vote which will be exercised by the LETG representative.
1.6 A Firm Member (acting through its LETG representative) is entitled to nominate its LETG representative as a Committee Member provided that such representative does not spend a substantial amount of his or her time supplying training services on a commercial basis.
1.7 The Committee has the discretion to decide what represents a substantial amount of time.
1.8 The LETG representative of a Firm Member is entitled to participate in all activities organised by the LETG as follows:
(a) to receive all mailings to members;
(b) to attend training days or any social event (subject to any charge levied and availability of places);
(c) to attend the Annual Conference (subject to any charge levied and availability of places);
(d) to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM);
(e) upon payment of the appropriate subscription, to appoint Associate Members having the rights set out in paragraph 2.
2. Associate Membership
2.1 Associate Membership is open to any individual, not being the LETG Representative, who is employed by a Firm Member.
2.2 An Associate Member is entitled to participate in all activities organised by the LETG as follows:
(a) to receive all mailing to members;
(b) to attend training days or any social event (subject to any charge levied and availability of places);
(c) to attend the Annual Conference (subject to any charge levied and availability of places) and
(d) to attend and vote at the AGM.
(e) For the avoidance of doubt, an Associate Member may not nominate any person to be a Committee Member and is not entitled to vote.
3. Group Membership
3.1 LETG Membership is open to groups of law firms, in-house legal departments, sets of Chambers or government legal departments which have combined to provide training for the members of the LETG and which have appointed an in-house training professional or Partner or other individual with full-time or part-time responsibility for training (the Group).
3.2 The umbrella organisation for the LETG will be the member of the Group which will nominate one person to act as its LETG representative. It will pay one standard subscription giving it the right to one vote which will be exercised by its LETG representative.
3.3 A Group Member is entitled to the same benefits as a Firm Member, as detailed in paragraph 1.8 above.
3.4 Following Committee approval of an application for membership, notice will be given to the organisation or individual concerned which will be supplied with a copy of the LETG Constitution.
3.5 The organisation or individual concerned will become a member of the LETG and will be entitled to all the benefits and privileges of membership and will be bound by the LETG Constitution.
3.6 An organisation applying for membership of the LETG must inform the Committee at the time of application of the name of its nominated LETG representative.
3.7 Any change in its representative must be notified to the Secretary of the LETG Committee within 21 days of the change.
3.8 All correspondence between the LETG and the member must be addressed to the nominated LETG representative.
4. Subscriptions
4.1 Every member must pay the annual subscription laid down by the Committee.
4.2 The annual subscription is due on 1st September in each year.
4.3 The Committee has the right to review the amount of the annual subscription whenever it considers it appropriate to do so.
4.4 The Committee has the right to waive or reduce membership fees in case of hardship.
5. Cessation of Membership
5.1 If any members fails to pay the annual subscription on or before lst October in each year the Treasurer will send the member a notice of reminder with a request for immediate payment.
5.2 If the subscription is not paid within 2 months from the date when the reminder notice would have been received in the ordinary course of post, the Committee may remove the member's name from the list of members and the member will be removed from membership and will forfeit all rights of membership.
5.3 The Committee may at any time in their absolute discretion restore membership if the member gives a satisfactory explanation to the Committee and pays all arrears of subscription then due.
5.4 Any member may resign membership by giving to the Chair or Deputy Chair and Administrator written notice to this effect. In addition, anyone who is a nominated LETG representative of a member will, on ceasing to be the nominated representative of the member in question, cease to be entitled to attend and vote at meetings of the LETG.
5.5 On cessation of membership no member will be entitled to be repaid any subscription or any part of any such subscription previously paid.
5.6 The Committee will have the power to expel any member but the individual concerned (or an individual representing the organisation concerned, as the case may be) has the right to be heard before a decision is taken.
5.7 The Committee has the right:
(a) To reject an application for membership or to suspend a member or member's representative provided that it is for good and sufficient reason;
(b) Upon an application for membership, to decide on the category of membership, if any, applicable in each case.
6. Meeting
6.1 Voting
6.1.1 No person other than the nominated LETG representative of a Firm, Associate member of a firm, LETG Member or Group member will be entitled to vote at the AGM, any EGM or any other meeting of the LETG,
6.1.2 At any meeting of the LETG, matters put to the vote should be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is demanded by at least 15 members or by the Chair. If a poll is requested the Chair of the meeting will decide when and how the poll will be taken.
6.1.3 No nominated LETG representative can exercise more than one vote even though that person may have been chosen to represent more than one interest.
6.1.4 In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the Chair of the meeting will have a second or casting vote except on a vote to confirm the appointment of the Chair, in which case the Deputy Chair will have a second or casting vote.
6.1.5 No motion or amendment will be discussed unless it was moved and seconded by persons present at the meeting.
6.1.6 Voting at Committee meetings will be by a show of hands unless a poll is requested by at least three Committee members or by the Chair. All questions will be decided by a simple majority and the Chair of the meeting will be a second or casting vote in the case of equality of votes. No person may exercise more than one vote.
6.2 Notice of Meetings
6.2.1 Every notice of a meeting must specify the place, day and hour of the meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. The notice convening an AGM must specify the meeting as such.
6.3 Sub-Committees
6.3.1 The number of people who are not nominated LETG representatives must never exceed one-third of the total membership of any sub-committee.
7. Nominations and elections
7.1 The LETG Committee (the Committee) will consist of 12 elected nominated LETG representatives of members of whom 1 must be nominated LETG representatives of provincial members.
7.2 A provincial member is any member who is physically based outside Greater London or whose nominated LETG representative is based outside Greater London.
7.3 Nominations for members of the Committee will be made by nominated LETG representatives wishing to nominate themselves in writing including by email and must be received by the Administrator at least eight weeks before the AGM. The Chair or Deputy Chair may in his/her absolute discretion accept late nominations.
7.4 In the event of only the number of nominations necessary to fill vacancies being received, those nominated will automatically be elected as members of the Committee without a ballot.
7.5 The Administrator will convene a Committee meeting to be held prior to the AGM to select the Chair and Deputy Chair and the Committee may specify whatever procedures they think fit to elect the Chair and Deputy Chair.
7.6 The Committee's appointment of Chair will be subject to confirmation at the AGM.
7.7 Notice will be given to members in accordance with sub-clause 6.2 of the Constitution.
8. Accounts
8.1 The Treasurer will keep proper accounts of all monies received and expended by the LETG and of the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditure take place, and of the properties, credit and liabilities of the LETG.
8.2 The Treasurer will provide the Committee with a monthly statement of account.
8.3 The Treasurer will arrange for the accounts to be made up once each year and certified by the Accountants appointed by the Committee.
8.4 A copy of the certified accounts will be sent to each LETG member together with his/her notice of the Annual General Meeting.
8.5 The certified accounts will be submitted to the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
8.6 If for any reason the Committee requires audited accounts to be prepared, the Treasurer will arrange for the accounts to be audited by an auditor appointed by the Committee.
8.7 A banking account or accounts in the name of the LETG will be maintained.
8.8 The books of account will be kept by the Treasurer and will be available for inspection by members by prior notice of at least 28 days to the Treasurer, and at a time and place convenient to the Treasurer.
9. Alteration of standing orders
9.1 These Standing Orders may be amended by the Committee provided that at least 8 members of the Committee vote for the amendment.
9.2 The amendment must be notified to the members of the LETG within 14 days of the Committee meeting at which the decision was taken to alter the Standing Orders.
9.3 Any change to the Standing Orders will take effect in accordance with Clause 7.4 of the Constitution.