1. The Branch in accordance with the National Rule Book of the Union shall establish a Branch Welfare Fund by apportioning up to 5% of the monies accrued by the Branch Fund each year.
2. The fund shall be known as the Lancs & Cumbria Branch Welfare Fund and all monies paid into the fund shall be accounted for separately from the Branch Fund.
3. The fund shall be used to provide a welfare service to the members of the Branch who have been off work for three weeks or more, who suffer extended illness or who have exceptional domestic and/or financial difficulties of a temporary nature.
4. The fund shall be administered by 5 trustees who will be the Welfare Committee – The Branch Chairperson, Financial Secretary, Branch Secretary, Deputy Branch Secretary and Health & Safety Co-ordinator
5. The trustees shall have the authority to make payments from the fund subject to a maximum of £200. Hardship/Welfare payments may be paid at the discretion of the Trustees dependant on the individual’s circumstances. Usually not more than one payment will be made to any single individual in a period of six months unless the Trustees feels the case to be warranted.
6. The Deputy Branch Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a record of the payments made from the fund.
7. The Trustees shall present a regular report of all cases of payments, visits and welfare services provided to members off work on medical grounds. The report shall bear in mind individual anonymity and the report made in confidence to the committee.
8. A statement showing all income and expenditure of the fund shall be made available each quarter to the Chairperson who shall sign the same.
9. Any expenses incurred in the operation or administration of the fund shall be chargeable to the Branch Fund.
10. The fund shall be subject to annual audit by the Branch Auditors. Copies of the Auditors Report shall be made available to the Branch AGM and to the CWU Head Office.
11. The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a record of payments to members.
March 2019