Constitution of the European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics

Preamble

1.    In most European countries there are National Organisations
a.    in which the principal defined category of members are persons:-qualified with a University degree or equivalent in physics, mathematics, computing sciences, physical chemistry, mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering and other appropriate natural sciences, and working in alliance with medical staff in hospitals, universities or research Institutes, and
b.    which carry the responsibility of guiding and supporting the professional character of the work of their members and encouraging and promulgating the scientific work of their members. Their activities and field of work will be described in this document by the comprehensive expression: Medical Physics.
2.    These National Organisations believe that their activities will be strengthened and made more effective by bringing about and maintaining systematic exchange of professional and scientific information, and by the formulation of common policies on the responsibilities and roles of their members and on training programmes, etc.
3.    For these reasons the EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF ORGANISATIONS FOR MEDICAL PHYSICS was set up in May 1980 in London.
4.    On 22nd January 2008 the EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF ORGANISATIONS FOR MEDICAL PHYSICS became a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales (Registered Number 6480149).

Section A: Name, scope and extent of activities.

Article 1

The Society bears the name "EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF ORGANISATIONS FOR MEDICAL PHYSICS" (EFOMP), hereinafter called "the Federation". The Company Limited by Guarantee is hereinafter called “the Company”.

Article 2

The Federation extends its activities throughout Europe.
The national boundaries adopted shall be those of member states represented at the United Nations Organisation.
The European region of the World Health Organisation will be recognised as guidance for the geographical interpretation of Europe.

Article 3

The Federation may remain in existence for an unlimited period -the voluntary dissolution of the Federation shall be approved only in accordance with the Articles of this Constitution.

Section B: Aims and purposes.

Article 4

The aims and purposes of the Federation include:

a.    fostering and coordinating the activities of National Member Organisations in the field of Medical Physics and collaborating where appropriate with national and international organisations;

b.    encouraging exchanges between the National Member Organisations and disseminating professional and scientific information through publications and meetings;

c.    encouraging scholarships and the exchange of Medical Physicists between countries;

d.    proposing and developing guidelines for education, training and accreditation programmes;

e.    making recommendations on the appropriate general responsibilities, organisational relationships and roles of workers in the field of Medical Physics;

f.    encouraging the formation of Organisations for Medical Physics where such organisations do not exist; and

g.    liaising with the European Union on professional, scientific and training matters.

The activities of the Federation are not aimed at profit.

Section C: Membership.

Article 5

Membership of the Federation shall consist of:

a.    National Membership,

b.    Honorary Membership,

c.    Additional categories of membership created according to Article 8 (see Appendix).

Article 6

1.    The Organisation in each European country responsible for the professional and scientific work of Medical Physics may apply for National Membership of the Federation. Only one National Member Organisation will be admitted for each country.
2.    Organisations will be admitted to National Membership of the Federation by the Council, if approved by a majority of two-thirds of the votes of members of the Council present and expressed.
3.    Organisations applying for National Membership of the Federation must submit copies of their rules, constitutions or statutes, and a statement giving names and work places of officers, the number of members, and the activities of the Organisation.
4.    Organisations may withdraw from National Membership of the Federation on six months notice.
5.    Cancellation of National Membership may be decided by the Council with a majority of two-thirds of the votes of members of the Council present and expressed. Before voting, the Council must have stated the reasons for proposing cancellation in writing and must have invited the Member Organisation to present a case opposing such cancellation in writing or orally.
6.    The Board may remove a Member Organisation from membership of the Company if it is more than two years in arrears with its subscription, despite two warnings in writing.

Article 7

Individuals who have made a significant special contribution to the advancement of Medical Physics are eligible for admission to the Federation as Honorary Members, subject to the approval of the Council.

Article 8

At its discretion, the Council may create additional categories of membership with associated conditions and may amend or dissolve the membership categories so created. The additional membership categories for the time being in force shall be defined in an appendix of this constitution.

Section D: Administration.

Article 9

1.    The Council is deemed to be the Constitutional Body of the Federation and directs the activities of the Federation.
2.    The Council comprises up to three delegates appointed by each Member Organisation (as defined in Article 11(3)) and the Officers of the Council.
3.    The Officers of the Council are: The President, The Vice President, The Secretary-General, The Treasurer and the Chairpersons of the Committees approved by Council.
4.    The terms of office of the members of the Board are :

5.    The Council will elect a Vice President, who will normally succeed to the post of President after one year. The post of Vice President will normally be filled by the Immediate Past President for the two years immediately following the end of the President's term of office.
6.    The Council will elect a Committee Vice Chairperson, who will normally succeed to the post of Chairperson after a year. The outgoing Committee Chairperson will serve as Committee Past Chairperson for a year.
7.    Officers of the Council can invite individuals, in particular Honorary Members and representatives of co-operating organisations, to attend Council as observers.
8.    In the event that an Officer resigns his post before the end of his term of office, the Officers may appoint a substitute to fill the post until the next available Council meeting.

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