CONSTITUTION

The Diversity in Publishing Network is the organisation within publishing responsible for

1. Aims and Objectives
- To promote the status and contribution of people from diverse ethnic groups in all areas of publishing
- To provide a forum for discussion and the sharing of information and expertise
- To encourage communication and mutual support among people from diverse ethnic groups in publishing
- Where possible, to help with practical training for career development
- Work towards equality of opportunity and advancement for minority ethnic groups in publishing
- Undertake activity that informs, promotes and inspires others seeking to enter, or already working in, publishing
- To develop international links with other publishing industries to share knowledge and ideas
- To develop relationships with organisations and individuals whose aims are reflective of the Diversity in Publishing Network

2. Membership
2.1 All individuals involved in publishing or a related trade are eligible for membership. This includes, but is not an exhaustive list, booksellers, authors, illustrators. Anyone seeking to work within publishing is also eligible.
2.2 Subscription is payable each calendar year, and once paid lasts until the end of the year in which it was paid.
2.3 Subscriptions are kept at a reduced level to encourage membership. It is not possible to pro rata subscription fees during the year.
2.4 Corporate membership is open to publishing companies who are supportive of our aims and objectives.
2.5 Honorary Members are people proposed by any committee member of the Diversity in Publishing Network whose aims are reflective of the organisation.

3. Officers of the Diversity in Publishing Network
Officers of the Diversity in Publishing Network are the Diversity in Publishing Network Committee.

4. The Committee Structure
4.1 The Committee, which will conduct and manage the business and affairs of the Diversity in Publishing Network.
4.2 The Committee shall consist of 60% at least made up from ethnic minority representatives from within publishing.
4.3 The committee shall consist of up to 12 members, who shall meet at least 6 times a year.
4.4 Because of the varied nature of the publishing industry, it is desirable that a range of skills shall be represented by the committee.
4.5 Committee members must be employed in the publishing industry and agree to uphold the aims and objectives of the organisation as laid out in this constitution. Up to three positions on the committee may be filled by people working in an associated industry.
4.6 There shall be only one chair or two co-chairs at any one time.
4.7 Before becoming eligible to be a chair, a person must have served for at least 2 years as a committee member.
4.8 Chair and vice-chair positions must be filled by people employed in the publishing industry.

5. Committee Service
5.1 Committee members may serve for up to two consecutive years, they must then not serve in that role until one year has lapsed from previous service.
5.2 The chair or co-chair may serve for up to two consecutive years, they then must not serve as a chair until one year has lapsed from previous service.
5.3 It is preferable for committee members to indicate how long they wish to stay in service at the beginning of their appointment.
5.4 If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they may send a suitable representative in their place.
5.5 Committee members who fail to attend three consecutive meetings will be removed from the committee by a majority vote.
5.6 Any committee members felt to have bought the Diversity in Publishing Network into disrepute may be asked to stand down by a majority vote of committee members
5.7 All committee activity is performed on a voluntary basis.

6. Election of New Committee Members
6.1 As positions become vacant members will be invited to apply to stand for election. Their nomination must be supported by a current member of the network. Each member will be supplied with information relating to each candidate and asked to vote for their representative. If only one candidate applies they will automatically be elected.
6.2 The membership shall then be notified of new committee members each year at the AGM.
6.3 Anyone seeking to take on a committee role will be expected to undertake voluntary activity on behalf of the Diversity in Publishing Network.

7. The Election of the Chair
7.1 The chair shall previously have been a member of the current committee and have served for at least two consecutive years before being eligible to stand.
7.2 Previous holders of the chair or co-chair posts are able to attend current committee meetings if they desire to do so.

8. The Annual General Meeting
8.1 A General Meeting of all members shall be held at least once a year on a day as decided by the Committee.
8.2 Any two members of the committee may request an item to be placed on the agenda, provided that the request is made in writing at least fourteen days before the date of the meeting. The committee shall give members at least one months notice of the time and place of the Annual General meetings.
8.3 The business at a general meeting shall include:
- the submission of the annual report of the chairperson
- the accounts of the Society should be laid before the meeting
- the election of the committee, and any other business included in the notice of the annual general meeting

9. Secret Ballot
A secret ballot may be held, subject to the approval of the chair, if requested by a member at a General or Committee Meeting in order to resolve any issue of importance.

10. Alterations to the Constitution
Any proposed amendments to the constitution must appear on the Agenda of a General Meeting and can only be adopted if at least two thirds majority are in favour.

11. Tied-Votes
If during any committee vote there is an equal number of votes for and against a motion, the chair or co-chairs vote is to be seen as the defining decision.

12. Fundraising
Any committee member or person working on behalf of the organisation, with prior agreement of the committee, can submit proposals to fundraising bodies for initiatives that meet our aims and objectives. Any management fees that are offered as a result of managing the project, must see 90% contributed to the Diversity in Publishing Network. A maximum of 10% only can go to the individual managing the project.**