HomeNewsThe TrustPenicuikFeedback

Aims

The Trust is responsible to the Penicuik Community (defined as all those who live within the town of Penicuik and its immediate surroundings, and any others who participate as active members of community organisations based in Penicuik). All members of our community have equal voting rights at the Public Meetings of the Trust where members of its committee are endorsed. The aims of the Trust shall be:
  1. To promote community activities and community regeneration in Penicuik;
  2. To make the Cowan Institute a sustainable focus for community development, seeking to keep it open and active all day, and to restore local responsibility for its management;
  3. To use the Cowan Institute to build confidence in the people of Penicuik to participate in the community and value its assets, making Penicuik a better place to live in for young and old, and a more attractive place to visit and invest in;
  4. To develop activities that generate income for the community but that do not restrict the use of the Cowan Institute for community use;
  5. To work in partnership with Midlothian Council, Penicuik & District Community Council and other local organisations to achieve these aims.

Policy Statement on Public Accountability

  1. The Trust will establish a publicly accessible website in its name. The website will contain at least a list of names of Committee members, a means of contacting the Trust and up-to-date information about its activities.
  2. The time, date and place of the AGM will be published on the website and in the Town Crier, or equivalent newspaper, at least 28 days in advance.
  3. All candidates for membership of the Committee must be endorsed by a General Meeting.
  4. The Annual Report of the past year's activities, prepared for the AGM, will be made available for scrutiny on the website for a period of two weeks.
  5. The full Committee will meet at least four times a year.
  6. The Trust should aim to achieve a Committee with a balanced representation of men and women, of different ages, and with as wide as possible a range of interests and experience.