HOW THE CLUB IS RUN

OUR CONSTITUTION.

The constitution of Everton Supporters Club East Midlands, an independent supporters association for Everton Football Club.

1. Name

The name of the organisation is Everton Supporters Club East Midlands, hereafter referred to as ESCEM or The Club.

2. Purpose

ESCEM has a mission to:

  • Represent Everton Football Club supporters on issues decided by its members through a process of structured dialogue
  • Establish and maintain channels of communication with the Owners, Executives and Management of Everton Football Club
  • Promote, maintain and value the history and identity of Everton Football Club and its supporters
  • Encourage the Owners, Executives and Management of Everton Football Club to appreciate, welcome and value the support and participation of all fans, and ensure that equal opportunities are promoted for all supporters
  • Affiliate to appropriate National and International football supporters' organisations
  • Represent supporters in National structured dialogue via the appropriate platform

3. Membership

  • Membership of ESCEM is open to Everton supporters by subscription via the Club website at www.escem.co.uk
  • Information required includes: name, address, contact number, date of birth, and email, along with a valid Everton Football Club Forever Blue Plus number
  • Your data will be securely stored in line with the Club's Data Protection Policy
  • Your data will be shared with Everton Football Club
  • Membership is £5.00 per month for members over the age of 18 (if paid monthly through Stripe) or £50.00 per year if paid annually through Stripe. Members aged under 18 are free
  • Members are required to maintain an active subscription through Stripe. If a subscription is cancelled or a payment fails, membership will be suspended until reinstated
  • Membership fees are set by the Committee and approved at the AGM
  • Personal details are kept confidential in line with GDPR guidelines unless legally required. The Club will be registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The Club Chairperson is appointed as the Club's Data Controller
  • All fully paid-up adult members can vote and participate in meetings
  • Member misconduct may lead to suspension or expulsion from membership
  • Any disciplinary issue is to be dealt with in line with our Disciplinary Policy
  • Membership ceases if you fail to pay your fee when requested, die, cease to exist (corporate entities), submit a written request to terminate, or are expelled in line with policy

4. The Committee

  • ESCEM shall have a Committee of not fewer than 4 and not more than 8 members, elected annually at the AGM in accordance with the Election Policy
  • Committee terms are usually 2 years
  • The Committee may co-opt members as necessary, provided co-opted members remain in the minority
  • Committee members must declare any conflicts of interest prior to meetings and abstain from related votes

5. Equal Opportunities

The Club will not discriminate on the grounds of:

  • Gender
  • Race
  • Colour
  • Ethnic or National Origin
  • Disability
  • Religious belief
  • Political belief
  • Marital status
  • Age

6. Officers

The business of the Club will be carried out by a Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Committee will meet as necessary, but not less than twice a year.

Committee roles

  • Chairperson / Vice-Chairperson: chair meetings and ensure fair discussion
  • Secretary: manage meeting agendas, minutes, and communication
  • Treasurer: manage finances, act as signatory to the ESCEM bank account, prepare annual accounts, and report to the AGM
  • Vice Treasurer(s): assist in managing finances and report to the AGM
  • IT / Social Media Officer: maintain ESCEM's online presence and attract new members
  • Welfare Officer: support members and ensure the safety of junior members

7. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  • Held annually at a time and place determined by the Committee (including online or virtual spaces)
  • Notice must be given to all members at least 14 clear days before the AGM
  • Usual business includes officer reports and financial statements
  • Decisions made by majority vote, unless stated otherwise
  • The quorum for an AGM is 10 members

8. Committee Meetings

  • Committee members are bound by the Committee Members Conduct Policy
  • The Committee must hold a minimum of 2 meetings per year
  • The Committee has the power to set policies and procedures
  • Decisions are made by majority vote; the Chairperson has a casting vote in case of a tie

9. Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM)

An EGM may be called if:

  • The Committee votes for it, or
  • At least 25% of members submit a written request to the Secretary

Notice period: 14 clear days. Quorum: 10 members.

10. Amendments

Any changes to these rules require a three-quarters majority at an AGM or EGM.

11. Dissolution

Dissolution requires a three-quarters majority at an AGM or EGM. Any remaining funds will go to a similar non-profit organisation with a comparable constitution.

12. Travel

  • Matchday travel to home games will be provided by coach where demand justifies the cost
  • Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests
  • Misconduct by guests may lead to a review of the member's status
  • Seats can be booked via the Club website
  • Payment is required at the time of booking
  • No refunds unless the seat can be transferred to another member
  • Pick-up points and times will be communicated via WhatsApp
  • Members should arrive before the stated time; live updates will be provided via WhatsApp
  • The Club may alter coach type or size subject to demand

Liability

ESCEM does not hold a Third-Party Liability Insurance Policy. The Club cannot be held responsible for injury, loss, or damage to personal property during Club excursions.

13. Match Tickets

  • The Club will purchase home tickets on members' behalf when available from Everton Football Club
  • Membership does not guarantee ticket availability
  • Tickets can only be purchased with a valid Forever Blue Plus number
  • Requests and payments are made through the Club website
  • No refunds for missed matches; the Club will assist in transferring tickets to other members where possible
  • Tickets purchased via ESCEM cannot be transferred to non-members
  • Any resale or transfer above face value will result in termination of membership

14. Finances

  • The Club's financial year shall end on a date agreed by the Committee
  • Financial records will be maintained by the Treasurer and reviewed at each meeting
  • All income shall be used solely for the promotion of the Club's objectives, with no profit distribution to members
  • The Committee may set aside surplus funds for reserves, contingencies, or social/charitable purposes
  • Accounts will be audited annually in line with standard accounting practice
  • Upon dissolution, surplus assets will be donated to Everton in the Community

15. Code of Conduct

When attending or travelling to and from fixtures or Club events, all members must:

  • Support the Club's mission
  • Reject violence, abuse, and discrimination
  • Respect democratic decisions
  • Conduct themselves responsibly
  • Not engage in discriminatory behaviour
  • Not resell or attempt to resell tickets purchased through ESCEM or other clubs

Members must not:

  • Speak on behalf of ESCEM without approval
  • Harass, alarm, or distress fellow members
  • Profit from Club activities without permission
  • Undermine the Club's mission
  • Bring ESCEM into disrepute

16. Disciplinary Policy

  • Any member who brings ESCEM into disrepute may have their membership terminated and will forfeit any fees paid
  • Offensive behaviour, including racist, sexist, or inflammatory remarks, will not be tolerated
  • Termination must be agreed by a majority of the Committee, with written notice from the Chairperson or Secretary
  • Members have a right to appeal within 7 days of the decision
  • The Committee's final decision is binding and does not require explanation