THE BRANCH RULES

1.
The branch shall be known as Recovery Mechanics Branch of REME Association. It is a National Branch representing Serving, Reservist and Veteran Recovery Mechanics.

2.
Definitions:
Member
Member means an individual who has served or is serving as a Recovery Mechanic, their immediate family, or an individual who is from outside the Recovery Mechanic Trade who has been voted in as an Honorary Member

3.
Aims of the Branch:
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Comply with the requirements of REME Association REME 75 Rules. (Copy provided)
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To foster a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty within the branch members.
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To keep in touch with, retain and keep alive comradeship and spirt of Recovery Mechanics who have served or are serving.
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Establish links between serving and ex Service members and families of the branch with the view to assisting all where necessary and possible.
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Where it is possible to do so, assist families in the event of the passing of a Branch Member.
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Explore ways in which the membership can contribute through fundraising events to charities and The REME Charity.
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Holding events, rotating to various locations throughout the UK and beyond, giving all members opportunity for occasional attendance with minimal travel.

4.
Membership:
Membership of the branch is open to all who are serving or have served as a Recovery Mechanic in the Regulars and/or Reservists. Like REME Association, membership includes the immediate family of the member, such as wife/husband/partner, son, stepson, daughter, and stepdaughter. Family Members will not maintain any voting rights or entitlement to Branch Pin Badges other than the conditions laid out for Family Honorary Members in paragraph 5.
Members are not encouraged to put forward non-Recovery Mechanics for membership, cases put forward we will be considered as special cases and will be considered on an individual basis. Members wishing to nominate non-Recovery Mechanics should contact the committee via email, recymechbranch@gmail.com. In all cases the committees decision will be final and ratified by a committee vote. Individuals put forward or making application and not known to the Branch Membership will be required to present proof of Recovery Mechanic status, including dates and locations in which they served. They must complete and submit the Branch application form. Individuals who are Recovery Mechanics from overseas/foreign forces that have a recognised trade of Recovery Mechanic, and have served under the terms of the British Army Long Look programme and are current members of REME Association, are eligible for Honorary Membership of the Branch. An example being Australia. Where an individual is not known to the Branch Membership proof of Recovery Mechanic status will be required, along with the criteria above. Such Members will have no voting rights.
Membership Contact: Members can contact the Branch by using the following email address recymechbranch@gmail.com
Members can engage in Recy Mech banter through the branch Facebook Website at REME Association Recovery Mechanics Branch.

5.
Family & Honorary Membership:
The immediate family of a Member, as stated in paragraph 4 automatically qualify as a Member, Branch Rules are such that records will be maintained of all categories of membership, therefore any family member wishing to be active within the Branch and particularly the Branch Facebook account must register through the Branch email, recymechbranch@gmail.com., where they will be requested to complete an application form giving details of family connections and when ratified will gain access to the Branch Facebook account. They do not have any voting rights.
Upon application a wife/husband/partner, son, stepson, daughter, and stepdaughter of a deceased Branch Member may become Honorary Members, entitling them to wear the Branch Honorary Member Pin Badge, which will be supplied by the Branch. They will have no voting rights. We have several members that supported the Recy Mech Branch of the RBL who were not either a Recy Mech or indeed REME, they will remain as Honorary Members, they do not have voting rights. Proposals for Honorary Membership for individuals outside the Recovery Trade are permitted. They must be submitted with proof of the individuals extraordinarily strong links to the Recovery Trade, their experiences within the trade and what, if any, beneficial help they have given to the Branch.

6.
Privacy:
Your details are safe and held in compliance with current Statutory requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations ( GDPR). No detail of any member will ever be released without prior permission of the individual.

7.
Racism/Discrimination/Harassment/Bullying:
The Branch is committed to providing a safe, flexible, and respectful environment for members, free from all forms of racism, discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Members are required to treat others with dignity, courtesy, and respect, by doing so we will create a positive environment for all.

8.
Bereavement & Condolences:
To limit stresses placed and experienced by a family in the event of a bereavement it is essential that the Branch, where possible, attempt to only have one individual making the offer of assistance, this will avoid mixed messages and confusion with family members at a time of grief.
In the event of a fellow Recovery Mechanic passing any information published within the Branch Media Platforms, should, where possible, be done with the consent of the bereaved family members. A full description of possible actions that can be taken can be found on the Branch Facebook Platform, under the tab Files. The list of possible actions available by the Branch may be offered to the bereaved family but should, where possible, be done so with an accompanying letter of condolence. Any member learning of a bereavement is encouraged to inform the Branch Welfare Member via email at: welfare.rma@gmail.com who will initiate whatever action is required, the Branch email address may also be used for this purpose. (recymechbranch@gmail.com)
It is and will always be the intention of the Branch, where possible, to publish a Eulogy in the Newsletter for all deceased members. Eulogies are best written by someone who knew and worked closely with the deceased, however in many cases it proves difficult to get a volunteer to do such, therefore, efforts are made through media platforms to engage with someone willing to take on the task. Extreme care should be exercised when using public platforms, specifically Facebook, it may be the case that some families may not wish for such actions or someone seeing the request may say something that is not desirable. The Branch has lots of family members on Facebook, therefore should there have to be a search for someone to write a eulogy, it is strongly suggested that it is done via Messenger or WhatsApp to people already known and who may be able to assist in the search.
Recovery Mechanic Memorial Wall, Lyneham  Whilst the Recovery Mechanic Branch REME Association will do everything it can to assist with the Memorial Wall, where necessary and requested. Control and administration of the Memorial Wall falls within the Recovery Training Wing, Lyneham. The Memorial Wall is located within Prince Phillip Barracks, Lyneham, and is governed by limited space for name plaques, therefore, entitlement to have a name plaque placed on the Memorial Wall is as follows: the deceased must have served as a Regular Enlisted Soldier, hold, full Recovery Mechanic qualification at one of the various levels of trade classification.

9.
Committee Overview:
The committee shall consist of a President, Chairman and 5 Committee Members. An overview of the committee duties is listed below. In the event a Branch Member wishes to obtain a copy of the Branch Rules Document, it can be found under the heading Files on the Branch Facebook Platform. The committee must work in harmony, come to decisions through healthy debate and accept all outcomes made through a majority vote.

President – Branch Figurehead – Responsibilities
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Attend all branch committee meeting.
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Acts as figurehead for the branch.
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A non-voting member except when providing a casting vote if committee are deadlocked.
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Provides advice and support to the chairman and committee.
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Make proposals on protocol, procedures, rules where it is thought necessary.
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Liaising with the Branch HQ and Corp when necessary.
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Posting notices/articles on Facebook and Teams as related to Committee Function.
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Assist in the organisation of branch functions when requested.

Chairman  Branch & Meeting Manager – Responsibilities
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Attend all branch committee meeting.
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Responsible for the management of the branch
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Chairs all committee meetings.
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Receiving agenda items from committee members.
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Recording outcomes from points raised in meeting agenda.
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Circulating agendas and meeting minute reports.
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Liaising with outside the Branch agencies who make enquiries through the Branch email address, such as REME HQ Lyneham.
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Updating relevant members of the committee of anything arising from outside agencies.
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Establishes short- and long-range objectives and goals in conjunction with the committee.
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Update the Branch Committee on matters concerning the maintenance and running of the Branch.
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Ensures that all changes within the Branch structure are debated and voted in by majority vote.
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Assist in the organisation of branch functions when requested.
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Posting notices/articles on Facebook and Teams as related to Committee Function.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

Membership Manager  Manages all New Admissions  Responsibilities.
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Attend all branch committee meeting.
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Respond to all incoming new Branch & Facebook membership enquiries.
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Accept/Decline and manage Branch & Facebook new membership in accordance with Branch Rules.
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Posting Welcome Notices to new members.
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Ensure that all new Branch & Facebook members are listed on the Branch spreadsheets.
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Ensure that the Branch & Facebook Members spreadsheets are regularly updated.
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Action relevant outside email/FB Messages/enquires or forward to relevant committee member within 48 hours of receipt.
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Co-responsible in conjunction with the Veterans Member for the administration of the Branch Facebook webpage.
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Voting rights on all Branch business

Treasurer  Branch Financial Manager  Responsibilities:
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Attend all Branch Committee meetings.
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Forecasting annual budget and running costs for each operating year.
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Caretaker of the Branch Bank Account and receipts of all transactions.
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Retains records of all financial incomings and outgoings.
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Retains records of recipients of payments made by the Branch.
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Retains records of source of all financial deposits.
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Reports monthly on the branch financial status.
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Highlights any possible and brings to notice any financial discrepancies.
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Assists the Branch in exploring new avenues of revenue.
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Prepare and present the Branch Annual accounts at the AGM.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

Merchandise Manager  Manages all Branch Merchandise – Responsibilities
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Attend all branch committee meeting.
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Management of Branch merchandise sales.
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Action relevant outside email/FB Messages/enquires or forward to relevant committee member within 48 hours of receipt.
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Maintaining records of all merchandise purchased from suppliers, along with costs.
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Maintains records of all merchandise sales and sale prices.
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Engage with suppliers of mechanise and get the best possible deals.
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Posting notices/articles advertising merchandise on Branch Media platforms.
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Facebook and Teams as related to Committee Function.
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Posting of merchandise to customers and retaining postal costs.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.
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when requested.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

Veterans Coordinator  Manages Veteran Membership  Responsibilities.
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Attend all branch committee meeting.
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Represents the Veteran members of the branch.
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Communicates with Veteran members of the branch.
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Tables any concerns, points, suggestions on behalf of Veteran members at Branch Committee meetings
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Responsible for making any checks/clarifications on proposed Veteran members as requested by the Membership Member.
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Assist in the organisation of branch functions when requested.
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Co-responsible in conjunction with the Membership Member for the administration of the Branch Facebook webpage.
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Responsible for proactively recruiting new Veteran members.
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Retain an up-to-date record of Veteran Facebook Members, including date of joining/suspension/leaving and any temporary membership.
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Administer full, honorary, and temporary Veteran membership issues.
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Action relevant outside email/FB Messages/enquires or forward to relevant committee member within 48 hours of receipt.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

Reservist Coordinator  Manages Reservist Membership  Responsibilities.
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Attend all branch committee meeting.
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Represents the Reservist members of the branch.
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Communicates with Reservist members of the branch.
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Tables any concerns, points, suggestions on behalf of Reservist members at Branch Committee meetings
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Responsible for making any checks/clarifications on proposed Reservist members as requested by the Membership Member.
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Assist in the organisation of branch functions when requested.
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Co-responsible in conjunction with the Membership Member for the administration of the Branch Facebook webpage.
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Responsible for proactively recruiting new Reservist members.
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Retain an up-to-date record of Reservist Facebook Members, including date of joining/suspension/leaving and any temporary membership.
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Administer full, honorary, and temporary Reservist membership issues.
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Action relevant outside email/FB Messages/enquires or forward to relevant committee member within 48 hours of receipt.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

Welfare Coordinator  Welfare Issues Coordinator  Responsibilities
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Attend all Branch Committee meetings.
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Recruit and manage volunteer members to act as branch liaison for welfare cases.
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Coordinate with REME HQ, families, and other outside organisations regarding assistance for a members welfare issue.
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Manage and coordinate the branch bereavement policy.
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Liaise with families, REME HQ, funeral directors and any other agencies to provide the best support for a familys requirements.
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Manage the logistics for the standards, coffin drape and other associated items for funerals.
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Manage and coordinate the provision of a standard bearer for Recovery Mechanics funerals.
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Mange and update the Branch Role of honour.
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Inform Training Wing Lyneham of the passing of a member, requesting plaque to be added to Memorial Wall.

Serving Soldiers Coordinator  Manages Serving Soldier Membership  Responsibilities
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Attend all branch committee meeting.
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Represents the Serving members of the branch.
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Communicates with Serving members of the branch.
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Tables any concerns, points, suggestions on behalf of Serving members at Branch Committee meetings.
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Responsible for making any checks/clarifications on proposed Serving members as requested by the Membership Member.
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Posting notices/articles on Facebook and Teams as related to Committee Function.
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Assist in the organisation of branch functions when requested.
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Responsible for proactively recruiting new serving soldier members.
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Retain an up-to-date record of serving soldier Facebook Members, including date of joining/suspension/leaving and any temporary membership.
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Administer full, honorary, and temporary serving soldier membership issues.
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Action relevant outside email/FB Messages/or forward to relevant committee member within 48 hours of receipt.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

Cenotaph Coordinator  Temporary Role – Member  POC Cenotaph 2023  Responsibilities.
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Attend all Branch Committee meetings.
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Liaise with the membership, collect, and collate names who wish to attend Cenotaph Parades, submitting and liaising with REME HQ on all Cenotaph matters.
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Assist other committee members when requested and able to do so.
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Posting notices/articles on Facebook and Teams as related to Committee Function.
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Assist in the organisation of branch functions when requested.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

Events Coordinator  Members – Responsibilities
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Attend all Branch Committee meetings.
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Selecting and agreeing events in conjunction with the Branch committee.
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Determining the costs of an event.
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Arranging event services, with assistance where required from the committee members.
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Monitoring all aspects of events and updating the committee and attendees.
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Booking event venues.
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Liaising with the Branch Treasurer on collection of all event payments.
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Retain records of financial transactions involved with an event.
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Scheduling, where necessary, transportation for an event
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Reserving, where necessary, accommodation for attendees of an event.
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Managing any other aspects of the event, with committee assistance when required.
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Voting rights on all Branch business.

10.
Meetings:
It is the intension of the Branch to hold monthly meetings, to be held on the 2nd Thursday of each month. (Where due to unforeseen circumstances change is required, it should be as close to the 2nd Thursday of each month as possible). All monthly meetings, minus the Annual General Meeting will be held via Microsoft TEAMS or other media link. (Unless opportunity is presented for a get together location) Each meeting will be of 1-hour duration, any item matters not completed within the hour will be carried over to the next scheduled meeting. In the event of no business to discuss, the meeting shall be opened and immediately closed and recorded as No Business to Discuss.
The Branch will strive to make the AGM Meeting an attendance event, to be held in a central location and where possible to connect with a Branch social function. The meeting, where possible will be scheduled for September/October annually. This meeting will also be supported by a TEAMS or other media Link to allow distant members to join, allowing membership to have a voice and for the purpose of voting on any required proposed items. Communications within the committee in respect of meeting matters will be through 4 main routes, TEAMS, WhatsApp, Branch email and personal email. Committee members should make every effort to engage by providing their opinion or an answer to any questions asked and cast their vote on any voting requirements. All are encouraged to acknowledge any communications in respect of Branch meetings. The committee will be notified of meetings through the WhatsApp account and/or email. Any membership involvement in monthly meetings and notification of the AGM shall be by personal email. All meeting agenda shall consist of a Rolling Agendas, with the first items being standard: Item1 – Attendance, Item 2 – Apologies, Item 3 – Obituaries, Item 4  Review of previous months actions, followed by opportunity for each committee member to update on their particular role. On completion of the aforementioned new proposal/matters/concerns will be taken. Any new proposals should be made known 1 week prior to the meeting allowing sufficient time to add to the agenda. The Branch Secretary will record and produce the minutes for all meetings. Minutes of meetings should ideally be produced and made available within 7 days of any meeting, and certainly not longer that 14 days, this allowing sufficient time for any required actions to be taken prior to the next scheduled meeting.

Social Rules:
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Dont discredit or be disrespectful any fellow members.
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When attending functions enjoy them
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When drinking, at functions know your limits.
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Be polite and courteous always.
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Be willing to assist fellow members.
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If having difficulties, tell someone, speak up.
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If requested to stop an activity, please do so.
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Refrain from bad language at social events, particularly in the presence of ladies.
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Actively engage in Branch Meetings when requested.

11.
Branch Facebook Webpage: As a Branch we have our own dedicated Facebook Account. The Facebook Account is available to the following:
a. All Serving, Reservist and Veteran Recovery Mechanics.
b. Wifes/husbands/Partners, daughters, sons, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law of a Serving, Reservist or Veteran Member, subject to having completed and satisfied the Branch application criteria, with no voting rights.
c. Wifes/husband/Partners, daughters, sons, daughters-in- law and sons-in-law of a deceased Branch Member, as an Honorary Member with no voting rights.
d. Honorary Members external to Honorary Members of the deceased who have been voted in by the Branch Committee, with no voting rights.
e. Gaining membership can only be possible by submission of an application form through the Branch normal channels.
f. Submissions must be either directly by the individual wishing to join or by a Branch Member who can verify the individual has a family connection leading back to a Branch Member.
g. External Honorary Members will have been vetted by the Branch Committee prior to acceptance.
h. Where there is a voting requirement to elect an Honorary Member, it does not require a meeting, it may be done by using the Committee WhatsApp Account.
i. All members, regardless of membership status are subject to the Branch General Rules.
j. Records will be maintained of all such members.

12.
General Rules
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If you post on the branch page and wish a response, try using the term thoughts please.
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Do not be disrespectful or discredit any fellow members in any posts.
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Refrain from using foul language in any articles you post.
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Think before you post, consider any negative impact a post could have on a friend or other member before making the post.
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Be honest and do not mislead any members with your posts.
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Do not be an addict and allow Facebook to interfere with your work.
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Protect yourself by not posting information that a friend or acquaintance could later use against you or the Branch and do not give out details of other members without their prior permission.
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Always apply the common sense rule prior to posting anything  think twice before posting.
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The use of the Branch Facebook Platform as a sales/promoting of events/raising of funds etc. tool will only be permitted if the item has a direct link to the Recovery Mechanics Branch and can be beneficial to the branch and its membership.
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Moderators and Administrators of the Branch Facebook Webpage will have the power to remove any post communications they believe to be unsuitable.
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Individuals who might repeatedly post unworthy content will be advised by the Moderators or Administrators to refrain from doing so or face being removed from the group.
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The committee has the powers to remove any individual member who takes no heed of any given warnings.

Branch Rule Amendments Record.
1.
First Edition of rules issued 08 December 2020 (BC)
2.
First amendment made and applied to section 12 Branch Facebook Webpage. Amendment lays out conditions of membership. Rules Edition 2 issued on 26 May 2022 (BC)
3.
Second amendments of the Rules reflect a complete review of all as result of dropping the Communication Member Role from the Committee. Duties of the role have been shared out mainly between the Membership Member and the Veterans member. The Communications Role has been replaced by a Committee Member Role. Amendments to all Committee roles reflect responsibilities in much more detail. Amendments also give more clarity to who can and who cant gain membership of both Branch and Facebook and the conditions the Branch operate under for all the functions that are undertaken. Rules Edition 3 issued on 31 October 2022. (BC)
4.
Third amendment to the Branch Rules, a complete rewrite of section 12, Branch Facebook Webpage. Sectio 2, Temporary Membership, completely removed. Section 4, Membership, line removed from 1st paragraph about pin badges under rule 12. Paragraph 4 of Section 4 amended. Section 3, Aims of the Branch, addition of help families where possible in the event of a member passing. Committee Member replaced with Cenotaph Member. Added a Non-voting Events Committee Member. Added the role of Non-Voting Events Coordinator Committee Member. These 3rd amendments to the Branch Rules were made on 29 November 2022. (BC)
5.
Fourth amendment – Branch Rules, a complete rewrite to Section 10 Meetings, reflecting the change to monthly meetings and the use of a Rolling Agenda, which became effective from 17 January 2023.
6.
Paragraph 4 Membership has been amended and updated. Paragraph 5 Honorary Membership has been amended and updated. Paragraph 8 Bereavement & Condolences has been amended and updated. Paragraph 11 Branch Facebook Webpage has been amended and updated. Paragraph 12 General Rules has been amended and updated. All updates completed on 14 February 2023. (BC)
7.
Item number 9 Committee Overview has been updated to reflect a complete review of Committee Roles and Responsibilities of its members, including an additional post added, (Welfare Coordinator), the amalgamation of two (2) roles. (Veteran & Reservist) and the Temporary Role of Cenotaph Coordinator. All changes are as agreed and voted as Accepted on Committee Meeting Number 3 on 9 March 2023. Updates completed on 30 April 2023 (BC)
8.
Additional information added to Item 8, Bereavement & Condolences, pages 3 & 4. The information reflects ownership and entitlement concerning the Recovery Mechanic Memorial Wall. Lyneham. (Based on Branch Committee Meeting Number 6, on 8 June 2023) Update completed on 13 June 2023.
9.
Concerning Non-voting Events Coordinator Members. Deleted overseas to reflect events and added the right to attend Committee Meetings. Update completed on 13 June 2023.
10.
Due to the changes and adding of the Committee Member roles of Treasurer, Merchandising, Events Coordinator and reinstatement of a Reservist Role, Section 9 has been updated to reflect the new posts, and with some minor adjustments where roles have been split. Furthermore, adjustments have been made to Sections 4 & 5 under Membership, so that there is better and clear understanding of the various levels of Membership within the Branch. These changes have been made and updated onto the Branch Facebook page on 16 October 2023. Section 8 Bereavement has also been updated to reflect the email address of the Branch Welfare officer.
Issue 8 recymecybranch@gmail.com Amended 16 October 2023