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Constitution

NAME:

The society will be called The Irish Rheumatology Health Professionals Society (IRHPS).



THE AIM OF THE SOCIETY:

Through multidisciplinary and multi-centre representation, to promote the optimal care of patients with rheumatic diseases throughout Ireland, and to enhance the study of diseases which can compromise musculo-skeletal function.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY ARE:


  • To provide a focus for members to participate with the varying professionals and have an appreciation of other multi-professional roles 

  • To provide an expert resource for all members 

  • To provide opportunities to network locally, nationally and internationally 

  • To improve the quality and standards of multi-professional care to patients 

  • To provide opportunities for professional exchange of expertise, knowledge, skills so as to enhance the varying professionals in their clinical practice 

  • To formalise education from a multi-professional perspective.
  • To facilitate the development and dissemination of multi centre multi-professional research 

  • To foster links with the voluntary sector.

MEMBERSHIP: 

Membership is open to all registered allied health professionals with an established commitment to the aim of the group. Applicants for membership should be proposed and seconded by a member of the society. Applications for membership will be considered at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) each autumn. Applications for Honorary membership should be submitted to the Secretary for individuals who have contributed significantly to the aim of the society. These names to be considered for Honorary Membership should be proposed and seconded by a quorum of members and submitted to the secretary at least two months before the AGM. Honorary members shall be entitled to attend all meetings and activities of the IRHPS but shall not have the right to vote at meetings or to eligibility for holding office. An individual's membership may be revoked or suspended in the event that he/she has been deemed by Council to bring the Society, the Speciality of Rheumatology into serious disrepute. Such a decision will require a two-thirds or greater majority of Council.


SUBSCRIPTIONS: 

The annual subscription for membership will be determined yearly by the Council and ratified at the AGM. Subscription rates apply to a calendar year and, are due annually on OCTOBER 1st. A member who fails to pay his/her annual subscription will receive one reminder only. Non-members may attend meetings but will incur a surcharge.



MEETINGS: 

The Society will meet twice yearly. One of the meetings (Autumn) will constitute the AGM. The quorum for the AGM shall be ten. An Extraordinary General (EGM) meeting can be called at the request of four members to the Secretary. Four weeks notice in writing to the membership of an EGM will be required. The time and the discretion of the meeting will be at the discretion of the president. Decisions taken by a vote will require an absolute majority of the members present if they are to be binding. The Chairperson of the Society will have a casting vote in the event of a tie.



COUNCIL: 

The Council is the Executive Committee governing the Society. IRHPS members at AGM elect the 8 council members. Officers are subsequently elected by council. The council consists of 4 officers, and either the immediate past Chairperson, who shall serve one year after the term of presidency, or the chair elect, who shall serve one year before assuming the Chair, and three other elected members. Each member must stand for election annually and will not be eligible for more than three consecutive terms , unless serving as an officer or as Chair elect. Members who have served on the Council are eligible for re-election after one year out of office. The quorum for a Council Meeting shall be four, of whom one must be an Officer of the Society. The Council shall meet at least twice a year.



OFFICERS: 

The Officers of the Society shall be:

Honorary Chairperson : The Chairperson shall be elected by council at the AGM (Autumn). The duration of the office of the Chairperson will be TWO years. The Chairperson shall not normally be eligible for re-election to that office.

Honorary Secretary: The Secretary shall be elected by council at the AGM (Autumn). Duration of office of the secretary shall be THREE years. The Secretary shall not be eligible for election to two consecutive terms of office.

Honorary Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be elected by council at the AGM (Autumn). Duration of office of the Treasurer shall be THREE years. The Treasurer shall not be eligible for election to two consecutive terms of office.

Honorary Educational Officer: The education officer shall be elected by council at the AGM (Autumn). Duration of office shall be TWO years. The Educational Officer shall be eligible for election to two consecutive terms of office.

Bernard Conner Representative - The Bernard Conner representative shall be elected by council at the AGM (Autumn). Duration of office shall be TWO years. The Bernard Conner representative shall be eligible for election to two consecutive terms of office

AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION:
Amendments to the Constitution should be requested in writing, submitted to the Secretary at least one month before the AGM and must be passed by a two-thirds majority at the AGM.