The statutes or bylaws are the document that will be used to formally set up the institution or association. The statutes are the “constitution” of the support institution and define the most important conditions of its existence. The legal framework in your country of location sets the minimum requirements for the definition of your statutes.
In general the statutes define:
- the legal statute of the support institution
- the purpose and objective of the support institution
- the existence and role of the management & governing bodies
- the democratic processes (meetings, elections and nominations, reporting, audit, etc.)
- the conditions and modalities of membership
- general administrative requirements (accounting standards, arbitrary rules, etc.)
The foundation team will produce a draft of the statutes of the institution. It might be worth consulting the legal services of business support services or public authorities to ensure the correctness and compliance with the regulatory framework. The statutes will retain draft status until they are approved by the constituent assembly and if necessary by the relevant authorities.
Sample Statutes
AIPMM Bylaws (Australia) – in English
Source: Australian Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management
CDAF Statutes (France) - in French
Source: Compagnie des Dirigeants d'Approvisionnement et Acheteurs de France
Examplary Bylaws for Non Profits (US) – in English
Source: 501 Click Corporation
Statutes will contain the following information:
l Name and Location
l Purpose
l Membership
l Fees & Dues
l Management / governing bodies (composition, election, resignation, duties, liability & indemnification)
l Committees (auditing committee, nominating committee, finance committee, etc)
l Legal representation of the institution
l Notifications & Meetings
l Finances
l Audit
l Dissolution
l Amendments
Refer to the “Organisation & Management” chapter for detailed information on the management & governing bodies.