Royal Navy Photographers’ Association (RNPA)

Rules and Constitution – November 2009

When an Association is formed, certain very basic rules are laid down to protect the interests of the Association and its members, as time passes it will become apparent that the scope of the rules will require updating to accommodate other aspects of the Association as it progresses. It will be the intention of the committee to avoid complex documents and to keep things simple using common sense.

Name

Royal Navy Photographers’ Association (RNPA)
Fleet Regional Photographic Unit (East)
Building 178
Whale Island
Portsmouth PO1 8ER
Tel: 02392 547112

Objectives

1. To promote the Association and the RN Photographic Branch, and to encourage joint social events.
2. To provide a social calendar to enable members to meet on a regular basis; Reunions, AGM’s etc.
3. To provide a central point of contact through the secretary for members.
4. To maintain a close liaison with the parent branch, and the service in general. 5. To provide an accurate history of the branch for factual reference.

The Constitution

1. The association shall have a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary who will be the committee.
2. In addition, other Officers may be created as and when the committee decides it to be necessary.

Eligibility For Membership

1. Membership of the Association is open to:

a. All serving members of the Photographic Branch of the Royal Navy.
b. Anyone who has previously served in the RN Photographic Branch.
c. Any commissioned Officer who is, was a specialist Photographic Officer.
d. The spouses of those eligible for full membership are also invited to join the Association, although if accepted will hold no voting rights.

2. Honorary membership shall only be granted under exceptional rare circumstances, following discussion at an Annual General Meeting.

3. Proof of service may be required by the Association, either by Service Documentation or referee.

Subscriptions

1. Subscriptions shall be payable annually by 1st January, preferably by Standing Order.
Members joining after that date should pay by cheque and then arrange a standing order for the next financial year.
2. Membership is offered free of charge to the registered disabled.
3. Annual subscriptions shall be subject to change and any change shall be made by resolution at the Annual General Meeting.
4. Membership shall cease if the subscriptions remain unpaid for a period of 3 months after the due date, subject to a reminder phone call.
5. If an eligible member and their spouse wish to join the Association together, joint membership is reduced providing the standing order method is used for payment of their subscription.

Membership

1. Members are expected to support the aims of the association and promote it in a positive manner and to encourage membership. Also to support and promote our parent branch and encourage younger serving members to join the Association.
2. Members should advise the secretary of any change of address as soon as possible.
3. No member may negotiate any business, financial or otherwise, in the name of the Royal Navy Photographers Association without approval of the Committee.
4. Any complaints about any aspect of the Association should be made in writing addressed to the secretary, who shall inform the committee at the earliest opportunity. The decision of the committee is final.

Officers Duties

The Chairman

The Chairman shall take the chair at and preside over all Association meetings and all business shall be conducted through him. He shall have the casting vote in the event of a leveled vote.

The Vice-Chairman

The Vice-Chairman shall assume the responsibility of the Chairman in his absence. At meeting s where the Chairman is attending the Vice-Chairman shall form part of the committee.

The Secretary

The Secretary shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Associations business in its many forms. He shall liaise with and seek advice from other Officers as necessary.

The Treasurer

The Treasurer will collect all monies on behalf of the Association and deposit them in the Associations accounts. He is responsible for all the financial aspects of the Association and will be co-signatory to the Associations accounts. The second signatory will be a member of the committee who shall be appointed by the full committee.

The Committee

The committee shall consist of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, and four other committee members elected from the Association membership.

A quorum of four committee members is shall be required to make the transactions of the committee valid, but all committee members are expected to attend meetings whenever possible to represent the membership from the Association.

Election of Officers

Officers shall be elected by open nomination at the Annual General Meeting.

The position of each Officer shall be considered at each Annual General Meeting and serving Officers may remain in office for a minimum of 3 years or until they wish to stand down.

When there is a requirement to fill a vacant office, or when a new office is created by the committee, it will be announced in the next edition of the newsletter, and volunteers invited.

Potential candidates shall advise the secretary in writing of their intention to stand for election no less than two weeks prior to the meeting, and will be expected to attend the next AGM where a nomination process will be conducted.

Annual General Meetings (AGM)

The Annual General Meeting shall be held in October/November of each year, the actual date and venue, will be decided upon by the committee and the membership informed no less than 28 days prior to the meeting. At least 21 days notice is required for items for the Agenda to enable the committee to discuss proposals prior to the AGM.

Any member wishing to make a proposal at an AGM shall be required to attend the meeting in person.

Committee Meetings

Committee meetings shall be held as and when required, at a time and place agreed by the committee. Such meetings shall be open meetings and any member wishing to attend shall be free to do so.

Extra-Ordinary Meetings

Should the need arise; an extra-ordinary general meeting may be called. If so the membership shall be informed at least 28 days prior to the date of the proposed meeting whenever possible, other than an emergency situation when as much notice as possible will be given.

Local Branch

Any local branches of the Association that may be created throughout the country shall first be approved by the committee.

Such branches shall be purely for social purposes and a recognised representative of the branch shall be responsible to the national committee, through the national secretary, in the interests of national unity.

Disclaimer of Liability

The Royal Naval Photographers’ Association shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage to or by any of its members or guests; neither shall it be liable for the conduct or behaviour of any individual attending any function organised by the Association.

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