Articles of association European Network of Social Services for People
Preamble
In Europe, the current tendency tends to extend the rules of competition and decrease public authorities’ investments in some sectors, including the sector of services for people, which includes an important part of services for the elderly, due to the ageing population.
In most cases, these services are provided by organisations from the sector of social economy, which have a non-market purpose and are highly focused on the social aspect of the service provided. Initiated a few years ago, the current changes that are taking place at the European level represent both an opportunity and a risk for this sector, as it is strongly growing and tends to become more and more competitive, which can be an inconvenient for the organisations that value social approach rather than economic approach.
Therefore, it is time for the stakeholders of the social economy sector to gather: to be stronger, to exchange experiences and gain more influence at the European level, in order to guarantee the quality and maintain the social aspect of the services delivered.
It is decided, amongst the present founder members, to create a non-profit association subject to the Law of 27 June 1921, modified.
The association relies on a chart that specifies the philosophy and objectives of the association.
Article I: Name of the association
The name of the present association is: “Réseau européen des services à la personne à finalité sociale” (European network of social services for people) (EuroSAP – RE-SAP).
The headquarters of the association are located in the Brussels district.
Article 2: Purpose
The objective of this association is to create a European network of social services for people.
As mentioned in the preamble, the network gathers the stakeholders of this sector that share common values in order for them to be recognised and extended at European scale.
For that purpose, the main missions of the network are the following:
- Provide information regarding social services to persons at the European scale and regarding European legislation;
- Link the social economy stakeholders together;
- Create a resource centre in order to gather the knowledge on topics related to social services for people;
- Build European projects emphasizing the experiences and achievements of everyone;
- Exchange knowledge and practices with other national models;
- Promote exchanges and trainees for young professionals;
- Be a representation and lobbying tool.
Article 3: Founding members
The founding members who initiated the creation of the present association are the following:
- Pour la solidarité, represented by Denis STOKKINK,
- UNA represented by Emmanuel VERNY (address- date and place of birth),
- ...
Article 4: Membership
There are two types of members: associate members and adherent members:
- Associate members
They are the founding members and members accepted by the founders and insure legal responsibility of the association.
- Adherent members
Adherent members adhere to the chart and purpose of the association. They participate in the activities organised by the association. They can be:
- regional actors or stakeholders that are not directly involved in SAPs (services à la personne- services for people);
-researchers/ centres of research.
Any new membership requires a written request to be sent to the headquarters of the association.
The membership should be voted by qualified majority of the founding members.
Article 5: General Assembly
Article 5.1: Composition and powers
All the associate and adherent members of the association constitute the General Assembly.
It approves the accounts of the previous year and votes the budget of the coming year.
It is competent to modify the present Articles of association.
Article 5.2: Functioning and voting procedures
It gathers once a year upon convocation of the Board of directors. The convocation is done through simple letter or email at least 8 days before the meeting takes place.
The Assembly is presided over by the President of the Board of directors.
Only the associate members have the right to vote.
Article 6: Board of directors
Article 6.1: Composition and powers
The association is administrated by a Board of directors represented by the three founding members.
The Board of directors has the most extended powers as regards to administration and management of the association in the framework of the orientations defined by the General Assembly.
Amongst others, its missions are:
- Decision to open a bank or postal account. The Board lays down the expenses of the association, signs any lease or renting contract, gives and authorizes release or registration of mortgage, as well as lien waiver with or without payment;
- Provide the President with a mandate to represent the association in justice;
- Closing of the accounts that should be submitted to the General Assembly and establishes the progress report;
- Drafting the General Assembly’s agenda
Article 6.2: Functioning and voting procedures
The Board of directors gathers at least twice per calendar year.
The agenda of the Board of directors is set during the previous Board of directors or depending on topical matters.
The decisions of the Board of directors are taken by a two-third majority of the administrators.
Presidency: the administrators within the Board of directors will appoint a President every year.
Article 7: Resources
Resources of the association include:
- the fees paid by the founding and adherent members, which amount is determined every year by the Board of directors;
- subsidies, donations and any other collections allowed by the Law;
- income from the assets of the association.
Only the capital of the association will be liable for the commitments taken by the latest or any sentence pronounced against the latest.
Article 8: Duration
The present association is created for an undetermined period of time.
Article 9: Winding up
In case of pronounced winding up of the association, the capital will devolve to a non-profit organisation with the same purpose.