Sunderland Public Transport User Group Constitution Announcement
Sunderland Public Transport Users Group
(SPTUG)
1. Name
The group shall be known as the Sunderland Public Transport Users Group (SPTUG).
Area covered:
The City of Sunderland and its surrounding district, including wider North East and national
issues where appropriate.
2. Aims and Objectives
SPTUG exists to:
Represent and give a voice to public transport users and transport workers across
Sunderland, the wider North East, and nationally when appropriate.
Liaise and advise:
o The North East Mayor and Deputy Mayor
o Sunderland City Council
o Nexus
o Local Transport Union organisations (RMT, GMB, Unite, ASLEF)
o The National Pensioners Convention (NPC)
o The Transport Minister and relevant Select Committees
Play a full and active role on the Sunderland City Bus Board.
Advocate to all transport companies, regardless of ownership.
Operate as an open, democratic forum to benefit both passengers and transport
workers.
SPTUG will:
Promote public transport, walking, and cycling over private car use to:
o Cut air pollution
o Combat climate change
o Support healthier lifestyles
Support decarbonisation across all transport modes.
Key activities:
Research transport issues
Gather passenger and worker information
Campaign for better services
Advise public bodies, unions, and user groups
3. Membership
Who can join:
Anyone living or working in the City of Sunderland or surrounding areas who supports
SPTUG’s aims.
How to join:
By attending a meeting and agreeing to the group’s aims.
Membership fee:
Free at this time (subject to annual review).
Meetings:
Normally bi-monthly
Held early evening Thursdays
At The Fan Museum, Sunderland (or other agreed venues)
Code of Conduct:
All members are expected to:
Respect one another.
Engage positively and constructively. Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour may
result in membership being reviewed.
4. Officers
Election:
Two officers will be elected annually at the March meeting:
Chair: Leads meetings, works closely with the Secretary, and represents the group
externally.
Secretary: Records minutes, manages communication with members and outside
bodies, and supports group administration.
Vacancies:
If an officer steps down, members may appoint someone to fill the role until the next election.
5. Meetings
Format:
Bi-monthly (approximately every two months)
Thursdays, early evening
Location: The Fan Museum or another suitable venue
Decision Making:
Decisions are made by consensus where possible.
If a vote is needed, a simple majority decides. The Chair has a casting vote in case of
a tie.
Quorum:
Meetings require at least 5 members present, including at least one officer, to make
binding decisions.
6. Relationships with Other Groups
SPTUG will work closely with the North East Public Transport Users Group
(NEPTUG) and other transport, community, and union organisations.
Members can freely be part of both SPTUG and NEPTUG.
7. Finance
Membership is free and SPTUG does not currently hold funds.
Should any money be received (e.g., donations or grants), it will be managed
transparently by the officers.
Financial reports will be shared with members when applicable.
All spending must be agreed at meetings.
8. Changes to the Constitution
Changes must be proposed in writing, circulated to members 14 days in advance, and
agreed by a two-thirds majority at a General or Annual General Meeting.
9. Dissolution
If it is decided to close the group, a resolution must pass at a General Meeting with a
two-thirds majority.
Any remaining funds or assets will be transferred to a similar not-for-profit
organisation chosen by members.
Key Principles
Simple and clear language
Protects democracy, transparency, and accountability
Makes it easy to participate
Prevents abuse or confusion
