1. Company Name and Status

1.1 The company’s name is British Assistive Technology Association (BATA).
1.2 BATA is a company limited by guarantee, not having share capital.
1.3 The company is a not-for-profit organisation established to advance the effective use, understanding, and development of assistive technology in education, employment, and daily life.

2. Objects

The objects for which the company is established are:
a. To promote awareness, access, and adoption of assistive technology (AT) across all sectors of society.
b. To support collaboration between educators, policymakers, suppliers, and technology developers.
c. To provide guidance, standards, and professional development for members involved in the AT ecosystem.
d. To influence policy and advocate for inclusive and accessible technology practices in education and beyond.
e. To conduct or commission research and disseminate evidence on the impact of AT.
f. To maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics among members.

3. Powers

To further the above objects, the company may:
a. Organise events, conferences, exhibitions, and training sessions.
b. Publish materials, guidance, and resources related to assistive technology.
c. Collaborate with government departments, educational institutions, and other organisations.
d. Employ staff, contractors, or advisers as necessary to carry out its functions.
e. Acquire and dispose of property and assets solely for the purpose of advancing its objectives.

 f. Apply for grants, funding, and sponsorship to further its charitable and educational aims.
g. Do all such lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects.

4. Income and Property

4.1 The income and property of the company shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its objects.
4.2 No portion of the company’s income or property shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus, or otherwise by way of profit to members.
4.3 No expenses, honoraria, or remuneration of any kind shall be paid to council members or directors, except where explicitly authorised under clause 4.4.
4.4 Council members or directors may only be reimbursed for legitimate third-party expenses incurred on behalf of the company when pre-approved in writing by the Council Treasurer and verified with receipts.
4.5 Staff employed under contract may receive reasonable remuneration for services rendered, but such remuneration must not confer personal financial benefit on any director or council member.

5. Membership

5.1 Membership is open to organisations, individuals, and professionals involved in or supporting assistive technology.
5.2 Categories of membership and associated fees shall be determined by the Council and published annually.
5.3 Each member shall agree to uphold the Association’s values, code of conduct, and mission.
5.4 Membership may be terminated for conduct contrary to the objects or values of BATA, following due process.

6. The Board (Board of Directors)

6.1 The governing body of the Association shall be known as the Board, acting collectively as the Board of Directors under the Companies Act 2006.
6.2 The Board shall consist of a Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and up to 10 additional members.
6.3 Board members shall serve for a term of office for two years, renewable once, after which they must step down for at least one term before being eligible for re-election to the same role.  Upon completion of one or two full terms in the same role they are eligible to apply for an alternative role within the organisation i.e Treasurer to Chair.
6.4 The Board shall meet not fewer than eight times per year, either in person or via secure electronic means.
6.5 A quorum shall be four members, including at least one Officer.
6.6 Board decisions shall be made by majority vote; in the event of a tie, the Chair shall have a casting vote.
6.7 No Director or Board member shall receive any payment or expense reimbursement, except as permitted in clause 4.4.

7. The Council

7.1 The BATA Council sits beneath the Board of Directors and acts as a key advisory group within the organisation. The Council helps to shape strategy, advise on policy, and ensure that BATA’s initiatives stay aligned with the needs of professionals and users alike.
7.2 It is primarily made up of leads from BATA’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and support teams, ensuring that a wide range of voices and practical insights from across the assistive technology community are represented.
7.3 Council members shall serve for a term of office for two years, renewable once, after which they must step down for at least one term before being eligible for re-election to the same role. Upon completion of one or two full terms in the same role they are eligible to apply for an alternative role within the organisation i.e council member to Director upon completion of one term.
7.4 The Council shall meet not fewer than four times per year, either in person or via secure electronic means. Council members must attend a minimum of two meetings per year and must not miss two meetings consecutively.
7.5 No Council member shall receive any payment or expense reimbursement, except as permitted in clause 4.4.

8. Committees and Working Groups

8.1 The Council may delegate specific responsibilities to committees or working groups.
8.2 Each committee shall operate under terms of reference approved by the Council.
8.3 Chairs of committees shall report regularly (quarterly) to the Council on progress/intended outcomes and submit a full work plan outlining the next 12months.

9. General Meetings

9.1 The company shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, within six months of the financial year-end.
9.2 Additional General Meetings may be convened by the Council or by members holding not less than 10% of the voting membership.
9.3 Notice of the AGM shall be given at least 21 clear days in advance.
9.4 Each member shall have one vote, cast in person, by proxy, or electronically.
9.5 Resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority unless otherwise required by law or these Articles.

10. Digital and Hybrid Governance

10.1 Meetings of the Council, committees, or members may be conducted by video conference or other electronic means.
10.2 Electronic attendance and voting shall have the same validity as physical attendance.

11. Conflicts of Interest

11.1 Council members must declare any direct or indirect interest in any matter under discussion.
11.2 A member declaring such an interest shall abstain from voting on that matter.
11.3 The Council shall maintain a Register of Interests available for member inspection on request.

12. Dissolution

12.1 In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be transferred to another organisation with similar objects and values, approved by the Council and members.
12.2 No assets shall be distributed to members or directors.

13. Interpretation and Amendments

13.1 The interpretation of these Articles rests with the Council, provided such interpretation aligns with company law and the objects of the Association.
13.2 These Articles may be amended by a special resolution of Board/Council, passed by not less than 75% of votes cast, following 21 days’ notice.