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The group shall be known as Animal Health Information Specialists (UK & Ireland) or AHIS (UK & Ireland).
OBJECTIVES
To bring together all those who are employed or interested in the dissemination of animal health information; to foster co-operation and resource sharing, and to stimulate interest in related matters. The promotion of these objectives shall be by the organisation of meetings, discussions and conferences and by the collection and dissemination of information.
MEMBERSHIP
Anyone interested in the aims and objectives of AHIS (UK & Ireland) may join on application. The committee reserves the right to refuse or terminate membership. Members who are unwaged, unemployed or receiving low income may apply to the committee for a 50% reduction in membership fee. The annual subscription rate should be fixed at the Annual General Meeting.
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE (Link to Current Committee
Member list)
The honorary officers shall consist of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer who shall be elected by ballot and take office from the date of the Annual General Meeting following their election. Officers shall serve for a term of two years and may be reelected but may only serve a maximum of two consectutive terms in the same post.
The affairs of AHIS (UK & Ireland) shall be governed by a Committee consisting of the honorary officers and up to four elected members. The Committee shall have the power to co- opt additional members with the agreement of members present at the Annual General Meeting.
The four elected members of the Committee shall be elected by ballot and shall take office from the date of the Annual General Meeting following their election. Each shall serve for a term of two years and no member shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.
A quorum shall be four of which at least one must be the Chairman or Vice Chairman.
ELECTIONS
The honorary officers and members of the Committee shall be elected by postal ballot. Nominations shall be made in writing signed by two members of AHIS (UK & Ireland) and countersigned by the candidate, who must be a member of AHIS (UK & Ireland). Nominations must be received by the Secretary not later than two months prior to the Annual General Meeting. The Committee shall have the power to nominate.
Voting papers must be sent out to each member of AHIS (UK & Ireland) not later than one month after receipt of nominations. A casual vacancy on the Committee may be filled by a decision of the Committee, the term of office to be until the next Annual General Meeting.
Each member has one vote.
MEETINGS
Non members may attend AHIS (UK & Ireland) activities but they may not vote at Annual General Meetings or elections.
An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year. One month's notice of the meeting shall be given to members. The Committee shall submit a report of its work during the year and an audited financial statement for approval. Notices of motions for consideration at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting must be received by the Secretary in writing not less than 21 days before the meeting. The notice of the meeting and the agenda shall be distributed not less than 10 days before the meeting.
The annual subscription rates shall be fixed at the Annual General Meeting.
A Special General Meeting of AHIS (UK & Ireland) shall be called within one month of the receipt by the Secretary of a requisition in writing signed by at least half of the members of AHIS UK, stating the reason for such a meeting. A Special General Meeting may also be called by the honorary officers.
In the absence of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman, the Committee shall appoint its own chairman.
SECRETARY'S DUTIES
The Secretary shall convene, attend and take minutes of all meetings of the AHIS UK Committee, and conduct the correspondence of AHIS UK, acting on all occasions under the direction of the Committee.
TREASURER'S DUTIES
The funds of AHIS (UK & Ireland) shall be kept in a bank or building society approved by the Committee and no financial liabilities shall be incurred or payments made, except under a special; or general authorization of the Committee. The Treasurer shall receive all monies belonging to AHIS (UK & Ireland) from whatever source derived, for which he/she be held responsible, shall pay all liabilities of AHIS (UK & Ireland) as directed by the Committee, so far as the funds in hand will permit and shall prepare the annual financial statement of AHIS (UK & Ireland). On retiring from office, he/she shall hand over all books, after being duly audited, papers and cash belonging to AHIS (UK & Ireland) to his successor or the Chairman.
HONORARY AUDITORS
Two honorary auditors other than members of the Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
ALTERATION OF THE RULES
The rules shall not be altered or rescinded, except with the consent of at least two thirds of the members present at the Annual General Meeting or the Special General Meeting which has been specially convened for the purpose.
Provided that notice has been posted to members in accordance with the instructions above, rules may be added to or amended by an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting of AHIS (UK & Ireland).
CO-OPERATION
AHIS (UK & Ireland) may work in such co-operation as may be deemed desirable with other bodies.
Document last updated April 1997
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