Constitution
The Christian Healthcare Professional Network (CHPNet-UK) is a christian medical professional society and part of The Church of Pentecost-UK (Charity no. 1123975).
1. Interpretation
1.1. In this Constitution:
“Committee”
means the committee in charge of the Network (which is a committee of the National Executive Council of COP-UK exercising the powers delegated to them at clause 4) and which shall be comprised of the persons set out at clause 8.2
“Committee Meeting”
means a meeting of the Committee
“COP-UK”
means the charitable company limited by guarantee known as The Church of Pentecost – UK and registered with charity number 1123975 and company number 06550075
“General Meeting”
means a meeting of the Members
“Healthcare Professionals”
means a person working in the healthcare profession who is registered with a medical regulatory body in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland and includes (but is not limited to) resident doctors, nurses, midwives and trainee and allied healthcare professionals
“Member”
means a person admitted into membership of the Network for the time being in accordance with clause 5
“Mission Statement”
means the statement of the Network’s mission, values, and Christian faith set out in the Schedule
“National Executive Council”
means National Executive Council of COP-UK as defined in its Articles of Association
“Network”
means the network of Christian medical professionals intended to be governed by this Constitution and which operates as part of COP-UK
“Objectives”
means the objectives of the Network as set out in clause 3.2
“Officer”
means a person elected to the Committee to serve in a role set out at clause 8.2.1
“Secretary”
means the secretary of the Network
“Treasurer”
means the treasurer of the Network
“United Kingdom”
means Great Britain and Northern Ireland
“working day”
means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, bank holiday or public holiday
1.2. In this Constitution:
1.2.1.
references to the singular include the plural and vice-versa and to the masculine include the feminine and neuter and vice-versa;
1.2.2.
references to “organisations” or “persons” include but are not limited to corporate bodies, public bodies, unincorporated associations, trusts and partnerships;
1.2.3.
references to legislation, regulations, determinations and directions include all amendments, replacements or re-enactments and references to legislation (where appropriate) include all regulations, determinations and directions made or given under it; and
1.2.4.
references to clauses and schedules are to those within the Constitution.
1.3. For the avoidance of doubt the system of law governing the Constitution is the law of England and Wales.
2. Name
The name of the Network is The Christian Healthcare Professionals Network.
3. Objectives
3.1. The charitable objects of COP-UK are set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association as follows:
“To advance the Christian faith, the word of God and the full Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in accordance with the tenets of faith in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the National Executive Council may from time to time think fit;
To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, including the provision of pastoral support and counselling in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the National Executive Council may from time to time think fit; and
To advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the National Executive Council may from time to time think fit.” (“COP-UK Objects”)
3.2. The Network has been established to further the COP-UK Objects by:
3.2.1.
relieving sickness, promoting good health, and advancing education for the benefit of the public;
3.2.2.
raising and promoting existing standards of training in healthcare, including but not limited to, the provision of a network of support through discussion, study, and communication;
3.2.3.
aiding an effective clinical network of care for patients throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and globally; and
3.2.4.
providing a forum for practitioners with interest in or experience of healthcare throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and globally.
4. Powers
The Committee has the following powers, delegated to it by the National Executive Council, and which may be exercised only when carrying out the Objectives:
4.1.
to work closely with other organisations to carry out the Objectives of the Network;
4.2.
to promote and assist in establishing appropriate standards and clinical management guidelines in the healthcare sector;
4.3.
to assist with training and development of future healthcare professionals;
4.4.
to promote or assist in promoting or carrying out research, surveys and investigations and to publish the useful results thereof for the benefit of the members of the Network, the medical profession and the public;
4.5.
to procure, write, print, publish, issue, and circulate the above-mentioned information using publications, papers, books, electronic information or other documentation or share it in the form of films, videos or recorded tapes should it be useful towards the fulfilment of the Objectives;
4.6.
to organise meetings involving the conference members of the Network, and where appropriate other allied organisations, patient support groups, relevant government bodies, statutory authorities, and individuals;
4.7.
to coordinate or be involved in the coordination of events such as exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars, and training courses for the benefit of its Members;
4.8.
to interact and exchange information with other bodies and societies that share similar objectives in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland or overseas;
4.9.
to interact with and disseminate information to healthcare professionals and support groups in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and overseas;
4.10.
to make such rules or by-laws as they may deem necessary, expedient or convenient for the proper conduct of the administration of the Network (provided that no such rule or by-law shall be inconsistent with or have the effect of repealing anything contained in this Constitution);
4.11.
to delegate any of its powers under this Constitution to any one or more of the members of the Committee or to such other persons as the Committee at its discretion thinks fit; and
4.12.
to carry out any lawful other tasks which the National Executive Council shall further delegate to the Committee from time to time.
5. Membership
5.1. Admission of new Members and eligibility
5.1.1.
Membership of the Network is open to the following persons:
5.1.1.1.
Healthcare Professionals;
5.1.1.2.
a person who, in its absolute discretion, the Committee believes to be suitably qualified by having relevant experience, training or both.
5.1.2.
All applicants for membership must sign a declaration or statement confirming their agreement to the Mission Statement.
5.1.3.
Membership is personal and cannot be transferred to anyone else.
5.2. Admission procedure
5.2.1.
The Committee:
5.2.1.1.
may require applications for membership to be made in any reasonable way that they decide;
5.2.1.2.
may refuse an application for membership;
5.2.1.3.
shall, if they decide to refuse an application for membership, give the applicant their reasons for doing so and give the applicant 14 days to appeal against the refusal; and
5.2.1.4.
shall give fair consideration to any such appeal and shall inform the applicant of their decision within 28 days of the appeal being made but any decision to confirm refusal of the application for membership shall be final.
5.3. Termination of membership
5.3.1.
Membership of the Network shall come to an end if:
5.3.1.1.
the Member dies; or
5.3.1.2.
the Member sends a notice of termination to the Secretary; or
5.3.1.3.
the Member is expelled from their role as a Healthcare Professional by their regulatory body; or
5.3.1.4.
the Committee decides that it is in the best interests of the Network that the Member in question should be removed from Membership and pass a resolution to that effect, always provided that the Member has been given the prior opportunity to state why they should not be removed; or
5.3.1.5.
the National Executive Council decides that it is in the best interests of COP-UK that the Member in question should be removed from Membership and pass a resolution to that effect, again provided that the Member has been given the prior opportunity to state why they should not be removed.
5.3.2.
Membership will be automatically suspended if a Member becomes subject to an investigation by their regulatory body for the period for which the investigation lasts.
5.3.3.
If a Member is removed from Membership in accordance with clause 5.3.1.4:
5.3.3.1.
the former Member may appeal against the decision to remove them from Membership;
5.3.3.2.
such an appeal must be made in writing to the Committee within 14 days of the decision to remove the former Member; and
5.3.3.3.
the Committee shall give fair consideration to any such appeal and shall inform the appellant of their decision within 28 days of the appeal being made but any decision to confirm their removal from Membership shall be final.
6. Membership fees
6.1. The Committee may from time to time require Members to pay reasonable membership fees.
6.2. If a membership fee is not imposed, Members are encouraged to make donations to the Network.
7. General Meetings of Members
7.1. Types of General Meetings
7.1.1.
The Network shall hold an Annual General Meeting once per year at such time (not being more than 15 months after the holding of the preceding Annual General Meeting) and place as the Committee shall determine.
7.1.2.
The Annual General Meeting agenda shall include:
7.1.2.1.
the election of the Officers;
7.1.2.2.
the consideration of an annual report of the work done by or under the auspices of the Committee and the part of the COP-UK’s accounts which are relevant to the Network; and
7.1.2.3.
the transaction of such other matters as may from time to time be necessary.
7.1.3.
Other General Meetings may be held at any time.
7.1.4.
All General Meeting must be held in accordance with the provisions of this clause 7.
7.2. Calling General Meetings
7.2.1.
The Committee may at any time and at its discretion call a General Meeting.
7.2.2.
The Secretary shall within 21 days of receiving a written request so to do signed by not less than five Members and giving reasons for the request, call a General Meeting.
7.3. Notice of General Meetings
7.3.1.
At least 21 clear days’ notice of a General Meeting shall be given in writing by the Secretary to each Member.
7.3.2.
Any notice convening a General Meeting shall specify the time, date and place of such meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted.
7.4. Chairing General Meetings
7.4.1.
The President shall, if present at the General Meeting and willing to act, preside as chair of the General Meeting. In his absence, the Vice-President shall, if present at the General Meeting and willing to act, preside as chair of the General Meeting.
7.4.2.
Subject to clause 7.4.1, the Members who are present at a General Meeting may elect a chair to preside at the meeting.
7.5. Quorum
7.5.1.
No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum is present.
7.5.2.
The quorum for a General Meeting shall be not less than 20 Members entitled to attend and vote on the business to be transacted.
7.6. Voting
7.6.1.
Each Member shall have one vote on a proposed resolution at a General Meeting.
7.6.2.
Any decision shall be decided by a simple majority vote of those present and entitled to vote.
7.6.3.
In the case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
7.6.4.
A resolution put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a show of hands (or suitable electronic equivalent), unless:
7.6.4.1.
before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands a secret ballot is duly demanded; or
7.6.4.2.
before the General Meeting, the Committee determines that a secret ballot shall be held.
7.6.5.
The votes cast in a secret ballot shall be counted at the General Meeting and the results of the secret ballot shall be declared at the General Meeting immediately following the ballot.
7.7. Participating in General Meetings by electronic means
7.7.1.
A General Meeting may be held with some or all Members attending by suitable electronic means agreed by the Committee in which each participant may communicate with the other participants.
7.7.2.
Any Member participating at a General Meeting by suitable electronic means agreed by the Committee in which a participant or participants may communicate with the other participants shall qualify as being present at the meeting whether or not all are assembled in one place.
8. The Committee
8.1. Function and duties of the Committee
8.1.1.
The Network shall be administered by the Committee who may exercise all the powers delegated to them by the National Executive Council set out at clause 4.
8.1.2.
The Committee shall provide regular reports (at least every six months) to the National Executive Council regarding the Network’s activities and finances (and other matters as the National Executive Council shall require from time to time).
8.1.3.
The Committee must provide any information regarding the Network to the National Executive Council at its request as soon as possible (but at least within 10 working days).
8.1.4.
The Committee may establish sub-committees for specific tasks but the Committee shall be responsible for the decisions and actions of any sub-committee. All acts and proceedings of such sub-committees shall be reported back to the Committee at the next Committee Meeting.
8.2. Composition of the Committee
8.2.1.
Subject to clause 8.4.1, the Members shall elect the following Officers to the Committee:
8.2.1.1.
President;
8.2.1.2.
Vice-President;
8.2.1.3.
Treasurer;
8.2.1.4.
Secretary;
8.2.1.5.
Media, Communications and Events Officer;
8.2.1.6.
National Network Coordinator;
8.2.1.7.
Trainee Representative Officer;
8.2.1.8.
Academic Representative; and
8.2.1.9.
Legal Officer.
8.2.2.
The National Executive Council shall appoint one person to the role of National Executive Council Liaison.
8.3. Eligibility
8.3.1.
In addition to the eligibility requirements of a particular role set out in this clause 8, all members of the Committee must:
8.3.1.1.
be Christians who subscribe fully to the tenets of faith, beliefs and core values of COP-UK;
8.3.1.2.
be an active member of COP-UK;
8.3.1.3.
agree to the Mission Statement; and
8.3.1.4.
sign a declaration to this effect.
8.3.2.
Every member of the Committee must be a natural person aged 18 or over.
8.4. Election of the Officers
8.4.1.
The National Executive Committee shall appoint the first Officers who shall serve for fixed terms of three years (subject to clause 8.6). At the end of their terms of office, the Members shall elect the Officers in accordance with this Constitution.
8.4.2.
Subject to clause 8.4.1. above, the election of the Officers will be conducted as follows:
8.4.2.1.
potential candidates will express their interest to the Committee and will submit a nomination form to the Secretary;
8.4.2.2.
all eligible candidates will put forward by the Committee to be considered by the National Executive Council;
8.4.2.3.
if the National Executive Council pass a resolution with a majority of 60% voting in favour of a candidate, that candidate will be put forward for election by the Members;
8.5. Appointment of the National Executive Council Liaison
8.5.1.
The National Executive Council shall appoint a person to be the National Executive Council Liaison at a meeting held according to the ordinary practice of the National Executive Council.
8.5.2.
Subject to clause 8.6, the appointment of the National Executive Council Liaison shall be for a fixed term of three years.
8.5.3.
The appointment will be effective from the later of the date of the vacancy or the date on which the Committee is informed of the appointment.
8.5.4.
The appointment will be effective from the later of the date of the vacancy or the date on which the Committee is informed of the appointment.
8.5.4.1.
ensuring that the National Executive Council have up to date knowledge of the activities of the Network;
8.5.4.2.
facilitating communication and efficiency of decision-making where matters in the Network need to be brought to the National Executive Council; and
8.5.4.3.
making decisions at Committee Meetings on behalf of the National Executive Council (provided that the National Executive Council has specifically delegated such decision-making powers to the National Executive Council Liaison in writing).
8.6. Retirement and removal of Committee members
8.6.1.
A member of the Committee ceases to hold office if:
8.6.1.1.
his term of office comes to an end and he is not re-elected by the Members or reappointed by the National Executive Council;
8.6.1.2.
he resigns by notifying the Committee in writing;
8.6.1.3.
he is absent without the permission of the Committee from all their meetings held within a period of six months and the other Committee members resolve that his office be vacated;
8.6.1.4.
he dies;
8.6.1.5.
in the reasonable opinion of the other Committee members, he becomes incapable of fulfilling his duties and responsibilities as a Committee member because of illness or injury and the Committee resolves that he be removed from the Committee;
8.6.1.6.
he is removed by a resolution passed by the National Executive Council including (without limitation) if he ceases (in the reasonable opinion of the National Executive Council) to subscribe and adhere to the Mission Statement and/or the tenets of faith of COP-UK provided that he has been given the prior opportunity to state why he should not be so removed; or
8.6.1.7.
he is expelled from his role as a Healthcare Professional by their regulatory body.
9. The Officers of the Committee
9.1. The President
9.1.1.
The President is the chair of the Committee meetings of the Network.
9.1.2.
The President will act as the main representative of the Network and will be the principal link with other local, national or international societies.
9.2. The Vice-President
9.2.1.
The Vice-President shall deputise for the President when he is unable to fulfil his duties.
9.3. The Treasurer
9.3.1.
The Treasurer shall:
9.3.1.1.
have responsibility for all day to day financial matters and keeping clear and accessible accounts records;
9.3.1.2.
oversee all the financial affairs of the Network including the collection of donations and payment of invoices;
9.3.1.3.
ensure that the Network abides by all current financial regulations relevant to the Committee (as a committee of the National Executive Council);
9.3.1.4.
advise the Committee on its subscription policy, donations and fundraising;
9.3.1.5.
present financial reports to the Committee and the National Executive Council (at least every six months); and
9.3.1.6.
present annual financial reports including the collection of any fees and payment of invoices at the Annual General Meeting.
9.4. The Secretary
9.4.1.
The Secretary shall oversee the administration of the Network and shall work closely with the President.
9.4.2.
He shall ensure that accurate records of all Committee Meetings and General Meeting are kept.
9.5. Media, Communications and Events Officer
9.5.1.
He shall ensure that accurate records of all Committee Meetings and General Meeting are kept.
9.5.1.1.
the development and maintenance of the Membership database;
9.5.1.2.
ensuring adherence to data protection laws;
9.5.1.3.
the future development and maintenance of website and all other promotional media outlets;
9.5.1.4.
organising events and fundraising activities; and
9.5.1.5.
promoting events on social media.
9.6. National Network Co-ordinator
9.6.1.
The National Network Co-ordinator shall work collaboratively with regional representatives of the Network and shall be responsible for reporting the regional viewpoint to the Committee.
9.7. Trainee Representative
9.7.1.
The Trainee Representative shall be responsible for representing Healthcare Professionals who are in training.
9.8. Academic Representative
9.8.1.
The Academic Representative shall be responsible for professional training, CPDs, research and innovation.
9.8.2.
To be eligible for election as an Academic Representative, a person must (in the opinion of the National Executive Council) have an excellent academic record.
9.9. Legal Officer
9.9.1.
The Legal Officer shall be responsible for advising the Network in relation to legal matters including:
9.9.1.1.
COP-UK’s views on bioethical issues; and
9.9.1.2.
where Christian beliefs are challenged in the healthcare profession.
10. Committee Meetings
10.1. Calling Committee Meetings
10.1.1.
The Committee shall meet as often as it sees fit, but in any event, not less than four times per year.
10.1.2.
Any member of the Committee may call for a Committee Meeting by requesting the Secretary to give notice of such meeting to the Members of the Committee.
10.2. Proceedings at a Committee Meeting
10.2.1.
The President (and in his absence the Vice-President) shall chair Committee Meetings.
10.2.2.
In the absence of the President and the Vice-President, the Committee may appoint one of their number to chair the meeting.
10.2.3.
The quorum for Committee Meeting shall be four members of the Committee. No decision shall be taken at a Committee Meeting unless a quorum is present at the time when the decision is taken.
10.2.4.
Questions arising at a meeting shall be decided by a majority of those eligible to vote.
10.2.5.
In the case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
10.2.6.
Members of the Committee shall promptly disclose any material interests to the chair of the meeting in any transaction or arrangement with a commercial enterprise that may constitute a conflict of interest with the COP-UK and/or the Network.
10.3. Participating in Committee Meetings by electronic means
10.3.1.
A Committee Meeting may be held with some or all members of the Committee attending by suitable electronic means agreed by the Committee in which each participant may communicate with the other participants.
10.3.2.
Any member of the Committee participating at a Committee Meeting by suitable electronic means agreed by the Committee in which a participant or participants may communicate with the other participants shall qualify as being present at the meeting whether or not all are assembled in one place.
11. Property and funds
11.1.
All property and funds of COP-UK which are allocated to the Network by the National Executive Council must only be used in accordance with the powers delegated to the Committee for the Objectives in furtherance of the COP-UK Charitable Objects.
11.2.
All property and funds of COP-UK which are allocated to the Network by the National Executive Council must only be used in accordance with the powers delegated to the Committee for the Objectives in furtherance of the COP-UK Charitable Objects.
11.3.
The Network shall have a bank account. At least two members of the National Executive Council shall be authorised signatories to the bank account alongside the President and Treasurer.
11.4.
All cheques must be signed by at least two of the authorised signatories.
11.5.
Notwithstanding clause 11.6, the Treasurer may keep petty cash for the Network at a total not exceeding £100.
11.6.
All cash must be deposited into the Network’s account within 3 working days.
11.7.
The Committee shall comply with and adhere to all financial policies of COP-UK.
11.8.
No Committee member (other than those authorised by the National Executive Council) shall be entitled to receive any payment of money or other material benefit from the Society except reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including travel costs) actually incurred in the administration of the Network.
11.9.
The National Executive Committee shall have access at all times to all financial information (including information on donors and donations to COP-UK for the use of the Network).
12. Records and Accounts
12.1.
Proper and up-do-date financial records shall be kept by the Committee and provided to the National Executive Council for inclusion in COP-UK’s annual accounts.
12.2.
Those parts of the audited and examined accounts for COP-UK which are relevant to the Network shall be presented to the Members by the Committee at the Annual General Meeting.
12.3.
The Committee shall keep appropriate records of all professional advice obtained.
12.4.
Minutes of all Committee Meetings, sub-committee meetings and General Meetings shall be recorded and kept by the Committee.
13. Amendments to the Constitution
13.1.
The Committee may make recommendations to the National Executive Council (and vice versa) regarding amendments to this Constitution.
13.2.
This Constitution may only be altered by a resolution of the National Executive Council following consultation with the Committee.