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 Constitution of Christian Nurses and Midwives (CNM) Introduction: This constitution was amended and adopted by CNM at its first Annual General Meeting on 9th March 2002. A further amendment was adopted at the Annual General Meeting held on 6th March 2005. Clause 1 The Fellowship constituted hereby shall be the union of Christians who are currently on the Professional Register of Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors. Christians who have retired from the register and those involved in Nursing but not on the register (such as Health Care Assistants and Students) who accept the conditions of membership and who sincerely desire to promote the aims of the fellowship may join the union. Clause 2 The full name of this group, formerly known as ‘The Fellowship of Christian Nurses’ shall be ‘Christian Nurses and Midwives’ hereinafter referred to as CNM. This name being adopted as of 18th February 2001. Clause 3 The aims of CNM (see "CNM Aims" below) Clause 4 Doctrinal Basis CNM has adopted the UCCF (Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship) Doctrinal Basis (see "Beliefs" below) Clause 5 Enrolment in CNM shall be open to all stated in clause 1 who are in full sympathy with the aims of CNM and who sign the declaration of membership: ‘I am in sympathy with the aims of CNM and its doctrinal basis. I declare my personal faith in Jesus Christ who is my Saviour and I accept the Bible as the supreme authority in matters of faith and conduct’. Clause 6 Conferences A conference will be held at least once each year consistently with this constitution at which an Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place. Clause 7 Administration and Finance CNM shall operate through the Executive Council (hereinafter defined). Clause 8 The Executive Council 8.1 The day to day affairs of CNM shall be managed by a council known as the Executive Council of CNM, hereinafter referred to as the Council. 8.2 The Council shall meet in open session at least once a year at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting convened for the purpose. 8.3 The Council shall consist of the following minimum posts: Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The current Executive Council will propose its successor, the decision to be ratified by a simple majority of members attending the conference. Individual nominations can be suggested to the Council not less than eight weeks prior to the AGM. 8.4 It shall be understood that each member of the Executive Council and any future Council shall be in full agreement with the aims of clause 3. Each individual member shall signify their agreement with the doctrinal basis jointly with the other proposed Council members. 8.5 Quorum of the Executive Council A Council meetings decision will be by simple majority of total members (including absent members). Clause 9 The Annual General Meeting, hereinafter referred to as the AGM 9.1 Notification of the business agenda including Council nominations will be sent to members not less than four weeks prior to the AGM. 9.2 Individual members may propose items for the agenda and nominations for the Council not less than eight weeks prior to the AGM. The Executive Council will, at its discretion, add such items to the agenda. Clause 10 The Election 10.1 Nominations for the Executive Council may be made by the retiring members and any member of CNM. These nominations must be made not less than eight weeks before the AGM. 10.2 The nominated Council members will be elected by a simple majority of those attending and voting at the AGM. Clause 11 Co-option The Executive Council during its term of office shall have the power to co-opt an ‘expert adviser’ to assist the Council in its work. Clause 12 Speakers Only those speakers whose views are known to be in sympathy with the aims and doctrinal basis of CNM shall be invited to take part in its conferences or meetings. Clause 13 Relations with other societies Joint activities may be arranged with any other organisation which substantially upholds the aims and beliefs of CNM. Clause 14 Amendments Alteration of this constitution shall be by a simple majority of members attending the AGM. A resolution for an amendment must be received by the Executive Council not less than eight weeks prior to the AGM and may only proceed with the unanimous approval of the Executive Council to proceed. Clause 15 Dissolution 15.1 CNM may be dissolved by a simple majority of those present and voting at the AGM. A proposal for dissolution must be received by the Executive Council of CNM not less than eight weeks prior to the AGM and may only proceed with the unanimous approval of the Executive Council. 15.2 The assets of CNM may not be used to benefit any individual members but must be given to another group which shares the same doctrinal basis and ideally, not dissimilar aims. Personal information will be disposed of in a manner consistent with Data Protection Legislation current at that time. Clause 16 Affiliation CNM shall be affiliated to UCCF and shall operate generally in consultation with it and in keeping with its aims. Clause 17 Local Groups A local group shall be defined as an association of two or more members of CNM, at least one of whom has formerly contracted with CNM Council to fully support the beliefs and aims of CNM and to represent the interest of CNM within a defined locality. Such a group may use the CNM name and logo and display material on the CNM web-site. The contract terminates at the Council’s discretion or when the contractor/s retire/s. |
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