The name of the association shall be the Association of Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners (UK). Hereafter referred to as AOHNP (UK).
Article 2 - AIMS
The intentions of the AOHNP (UK) members as set out in this constitution are:
2.1 to be the leading professional Association representing occupational health nursing
2.2 to actively represent and promote the practice of occupational health nursing
2.3 to support and influence the learning and development of occupational health nursing through participation in curriculum and occupational health standards development
2.4 to support and promote the continuing professional development of occupational health nurses
2.5 to work in association with other relevant agencies to benchmark and research occupational health nursing practice
2.6 to provide a network of professional expertise and support.
Article 3 - MEMBERSHIP
3.1 Classes of Membership
3.1.1 Full - A nurse, whose name appears on the live register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and who is employed in, studying, or has an interest in, occupational health.
3.1.2 Associate - individuals interested in and supportive of the AOHNP (UK) but who do not qualify for full membership.
3.1.3 Honorary - Honorary membership may be conferred upon an individual approved by the Board of Directors for outstanding service to occupational health or AOHNP (UK).
3.2 Voting Only full members shall be eligible to vote on professional nursing matters.
3.3 Subscriptions
3.3.1 Subscriptions will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and a vote of full members will be taken if any change is proposed. Any change shall be agreed by a two thirds vote of those voting at the Annual General Meeting, provided that the notice of recommendation for change shall have been sent with the call to the Annual General Meeting.
3.3.2 Annual subscriptions of current members are payable annually. Reminder letters will be issued during the two months preceding the renewal date. Subscriptions shall be defaulted after 30 days past the renewal date.
3.4 Termination of Membership
3.4.1 Membership shall be terminated:
3.4.1.1 If annual subscriptions have not been received by the default date.
3.4.1.2 On revocation of registration.
3.4.2 Censure
The Board of Directors may censure any member contravening the aims of the AOHNP (UK). Any censure shall have the approval of two thirds of the entire Board of Directors. Re-instatement will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Article 4 - OFFICERS
4.1 Officers The AOHNP (UK) will be administered by a Board of Directors elected by the full members. Officers shall include: President, Vice President, Professional Development Director and Directors. To be eligible for election, candidates must be full members of the AOHNP (UK). The board will be assisted by a part-time administrator who will also take on the roles of Treasurer and Secretary. The administrator will have no voting rights and may only issue payments on behalf of the Association once written approval has been given by the President or Vice President.
4.2 Term of Office
4.2.1 All offices will be offered for election each year. A term of office shall begin at the close of the Annual General Meeting in the year of election. Any Board Member may remain in office until another candidate is elected and may volunteer for an alternative office if they wish.
4.2.2 The Immediate Past President may remain as an ex-officio Board member for a period of twelve months.
4.3 Vacancy in Office A vacancy during the term of office of President shall be filled by the Vice President and the post of Vice President shall remain vacant. Any other vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled as determined by the entire Board of Directors until the next Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
4.4 Duties The duties will be such as are implied by the respective titles and shall be in line with the job descriptions prepared by the Board of Directors. Adequate representation will be ensured at Board meetings, either in person or writing. Board members unable to fulfil these duties may be asked to stand down.
Article 5 - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
5.1 Nominations and elections shall be conducted according to policies and procedures established by this constitution.
5.2 No member shall be a candidate for more than one office.
5.3 Elections shall be held annually by postal vote at least six weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.
5.4 Names of all nominees shall be placed on the ballot. Where there is only one nomination, no ballot will take place.
Article 6 - FINANCE
6.1 The fiscal year shall end on the 30th June each year.
6.2 All assets, funds and properties shall be in the ownership of the AOHNP (UK) as the corporate body and administered through the Board of Directors who will be directly accountable to the membership. Disposal of all assets, funds and properties will be as agreed by a Special Meeting of Full members.
6.3 A financial review shall be undertaken by an appropriately qualified accountant.
6.4 Full members shall be entitled to the most recent statement of accounts within a period not exceeding 21 days from the date of a written request. If requested, an up to date, accurate statement of accounts will be prepared for a special meeting.
Article 7 - MEETINGS
7.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM) There shall be an Annual General Meeting held in the fourth quarter of each year at such time and place as determined by the Board of Directors. In the event of cancellation, as a result of an emergency, the Board of Directors shall hold the Annual General Meeting within one month of the original date.
7.2 Special Meeting A Special Meeting may be called by the President or by the Vice President upon a detailed written request by twenty full members.
7.3 Board Meetings Board Meetings shall be held at least four times a year at dates as agreed by two thirds of the Board of Directors.
7.4 Records The proceedings of all formal meetings of the AOHNP (UK) shall be recorded. They shall be available to any full member upon request, either in writing or via email.
7.5 Conference The idea of a national conference should be reviewed each year, when a new board is elected and the financial position of the Association determined.
Article 8 - OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS/WEBSITE
AOHNP (UK) shall produce publications/website in support of the aims of the Association. The distribution of any directory or publication shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Article 9 - PATRONAGE
A Patron may be appointed at the discretion and with the agreement of two thirds of the Board.
Article 10 - SPONSORSHIP/ADVERTISING
10.1 The Board of Directors shall not divulge the details of individual members without their written permission; in compliance with the Data Protection Act. Furthermore, the name and details of any member will be removed from the current list of members on termination of membership.
10.2 Any sponsorship agreements will be approved by the President.
Article 11 - TITLE AND OFFICIAL LOGO
The Association title and official logo may only be altered or reproduced with the written approval of the Board of Directors.
Signed: Jeremy Smith Date: 1 November 2008 President of the Association of Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners (UK)
