Sample Constitution Headings for Music Education Partnership (MEP) Steering Committees
The following are sample headings which you may find useful in creating your MEP Steering Committee’s
constitution. These headings are for guidance only – each MEP will decide and agree the items it wishes to
include.
1.
1.1
NAME
The group shall be called <___________> and herein after referred to as the ‘MEP’.
1.2
The address of the MEP is <_____________>.
1.3
The Lead Partner of the MEP is <___________________________________________________>.
2.
2.1
MISSION, AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The Mission Statement of the MEP is . . . (for example, provide a brief description of the purpose of
your MEP).
2.2
The aims of the MEP shall be . . .
Describe what your MEP wishes to achieve, for example:





2.3
To establish a (e.g. co-ordinated/effective/strategic partnership approach to the further
development of music education services in X county/city).
To achieve (e.g. long-term, sustainable outcomes for the development of music education
services in X county/city).
To provide inclusive access to music education for children and young people.
To enhance the musical and cultural life of X county/city.
To raise the profile and status of music education locally and nationally.
The objectives of the MEP shall be . . .
Describe how the aims of your MEP will be achieved, for example:



By providing a range of music education activities for children and young people, in response
to local need.
By supporting musicians in their music education practice.
By working with Music Generation and/or other national music education initiatives.
3.
MANAGEMENT
Describe how your MEP will be established, managed and co-ordinated, for example:
3.1
The MEP is established as (e.g. a sub-committee of X VEC/County Development Board/Local
Authority).
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3.2
The affairs of the MEP shall be managed by a Steering Committee, established by (e.g. the Lead
Partner).
3.3
You may wish to outline the partners represented on your MEP’s Steering Committee and how the
representation of MEP partners will be determined.
For example:


The Steering Committee shall consist of a range of relevant local partners with a mix of
expertise and interests.
Representation includes (e.g. CEO of VEC/Local Authority Director of Service/Local Authority
Arts Officer, and/or Music Education/Community Development/Youth Services/Education
experts).
3.4
Cessation of Steering Committee Membership
You may wish to outline the circumstances under which a partner within your MEP may cease to be a
member of the Steering Committee.
3.5
MEP Co-ordinator
Your may wish to outline how your MEP will be co-ordinated.
For example:
 The MEP shall engage (designated person) operating in a co-ordinating/reporting role and
who shall work on the business of the MEP as determined and approved by the MEP Steering
Committee.
3.6
Officers
You may wish to appoint designated officers within your MEP Steering Committee who will take on
titles with particular areas of responsibility, such as:
 Chair
 Vice-Chair
 Secretary
 Assistant Secretary
 Treasurer
 Assistant Editor
 PRO
 Child & Young Person Welfare
You may also wish to describe the responsibilities of each of these officers.
4.
4.1
MEETINGS
Meetings will be held... (list here how frequently you will hold meetings; you may also wish to state
how many MEP members must be in attendance for the meeting to proceed). The general business
of the MEP will be conducted at these meetings.
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4.2
Notification for Meetings
The Steering Committee will receive advance notification of and an agenda for meetings. Members
of the Steering Committee must notify the MEP Co-ordinator if they cannot attend.
4.3
Procedures for Meetings
Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the agenda for the meeting.
4.4
Placing Items on the Agenda
Steering Committee Members may place items on the agenda by submitting them to the MEP
Co-ordinator in advance of meetings.
4.5
Record of Meetings
A record of each meeting shall be made and distributed to all members of the Steering Committee
within < > weeks of the meeting.
4.6
Annual General Meetings
The MEP Steering Committee will hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Some of the business
usually conducted at an AGM could include financial statements, report for the year ended, election
of officers and appointment of auditor.
4.7
Emergency General Meetings
In the event of a serious matter arising, the MEP Steering Committee may decide to convene a
special meeting. Such meetings will be held in accordance with the procedures for general meetings.
5.
5.1
Financial Reporting & Financial Procedures
Financial records will be maintained in accordance with the auditing requirements and financial
management systems of the Lead Partner.
5.2
The MEP Co-ordinator will provide the Steering Committee with up-to-date financial statements at
meetings. A full financial statement will be presented at the AGM.
6.
Changes to the Constitution
As your MEP grows and develops, you may need to amend your constitution. You may wish to
describe the processes under which it may be changed, for example by vote at your AGM.
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