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About SCTE®

Founded in 1945, the SCTE® is a non-profit, Learned Society. The Society is run by an Executive Committee whose volunteer members are elected for a term of three years at the Society’s AGM. 

The Executive Committee elects three officers; a President, Vice-President and Treasurer who also act as trustees for the Society, whose offices are based in Watford, Hertfordshire. The SCTE also has satellite offices in Benelux, the Balkans and India, and has members worldwide. 

The organisation’s mission is to uphold standards industry-wide and to that end provides comprehensive training courses, lectures, events, webinars, podcasts and publications throughout the year. Members are encouraged to participate in order to maximise their very affordable subscription fees. 

The SCTE® offers training courses, accreditation and certification for its members, giving them professional standing within the industry. Full Members and Fellows are allowed to use the designations MSCTE and FSCTE after their names. Technician and student members can use TMSCTE and SMSCTE respectively after their name.

The Society chairs the British Standards Committee for cable systems and represents the UK at European (CENELEC) and world (IEC) levels.

Aims and Objectives

The Society particularly concerns itself with the training and career advancement of technical professionals in the field. The SCTE® also provides accreditation and certification for its members, giving them professional standing within the industry.

The SCTE® also stages lecture meetings three to four times per year, mainly at One Great George Street in London, in the Balkans and through its Benelux Group at selected European venues including IBC. The Society chairs the British Standards Committee for cable systems and represents the UK at European (CENELEC) and world (IEC) levels.

President's message

anthony bashamPresident’s Message

The leaves are turning colour and that heralds the end of another year. Usually the emphasis is towards the festive season for many of us and the start of a New Year.  In 2020 virtual life has taken over from real life. We all felt this at the SCTE®; March changed all our plans and all our events. Several events did continue at the SCTE®, such as the AGM on 9 October 2020, and I would like to thank all the members that voted and gave their democratic voice to the SCTE®.

The AGM, like many events was a virtual meeting. This made it a different AGM from the usual format as  votes and discussion were all done beforehand. This is one of the main events of the Executive Committee as it decides the construction of the Executive. Three Fellows were elected to the Executive: Rien Baan, Paul Broadhurst and myself. Congratulations to Rien and Paul!  I would also like to thank Mike Thornton for stepping into the Vice President position and covering this for the last year.  I am also grateful to Paul Broadhurst for covering the Treasurer position for the last year.

We have a newly elected Vice President in Rien Baan, a new Treasurer in Les Hampson and, of course, I am delighted to continue my role as President.  Rien and Les are very welcome as officers and trustees of the Society and I look forward to working with them as part of the team.

2020 has also seen other internal changes at the SCTE®. After 13 years as managing editor, Sara Waddington will leave the SCTE® at the end of 2020. Sara has been a big part of the events for the SCTE and many members and corporate members will know her well. Sara has been one of the driving forces of the SCTE over the years and I would like to thank her for all her hard work. She will be sorely missed. At the SCTE® we are lucky to have found a worthy successor for the managing editor position; Melissa Cogavin came on board the middle of October and has already started to make an impression.

The Executive met four times this year; three virtual meetings and one physical meeting back in February. The purpose of these meetings ensures that the Society continues to improve the Broadband industry and create value for every member. The last Executive meeting arranged the structure of the Executive and the committees. These are all now on the SCTE® home page. The Chairs of the committees have a large responsibility to ensure that the Society functions and is representative for all members.

We have all become used to Zoom calls and virtual meetings and it was no different with the trade shows in our industry this year.  Training followed suit; the decision to start a virtual Learning Management System (LMS) was taken in 2018 and was fully implemented through 2019. This has enabled the SCTE® to provide free training courses to the members and to the industry. With more than 100 courses delivered, this has been a positive experience for the SCTE® and the students taking the courses. It has been rewarding for the SCTE® to fulfil its promises to its members and the industry more broadly. 

I would like to add a special thank you to the Executive Committee for the last year; it was my first year as President, coinciding with a global pandemic that took everyone by surprise.  COVID-19 ushered in a host of challenges for us that influenced a lot of the decisions made over the last 12 months.  Therefore, thank you all for keeping the Society on the right track and supporting the change in strategy as the year progressed. I must also thank the office for bearing the brunt of many of those difficult decisions and carrying out the work involved in cancelling the events and arrangements. The office in Watford is still not open and will remain closed until it is safe to open the doors again.

2020 has been a year of challenges, managed expectations and clichés. The ‘New Normal’, Zoom calls and ‘lockdown’ are now commonplace phrases, as is the ubiquitous ‘Virtual’.  We have all learned to live very differently and there is no sign that this will change in the near future.  The SCTE® will be continue to be active in virtual events as well as hosting virtual events, both of which we have found very successful. There were two webinars in 2020 and the SCTE® is expanding on this format in the future. Another phrase applies here: it is clear that ‘social distancing’ will remain a necessity for some considerable time, so our new webinars will allow us to convene online safely until we can meet in person.

The world may be different but it is still hungry for content, training, best practice and communication, and at 75+1 years of age, I am proud that the SCTE still has an important role to play in our industry and for our members.

I hope that all our members and their families are safe and healthy! I look forward to acting as President of the SCTE® and hopefully meeting many of you in the future.

Anthony Basham

History

TheThe Society was originally founded in 1945 as the Society of Relay Engineers, a forum to exchange views and information about radio relay services following World War II. Following the introduction of cable-delivered Television in the early 1950s, it became the Society for Cable Television Engineers and thus the acronym SCTE®. After the duopoly review in the 1990s, when Cable operators started to provide telephony services, the name was changed to the Society for Telecommunication Engineers and finally, with the introduction of broadband and WiFi, to the Society for Broadband Professionals. The Society has a substantial archive of material relating to its foundation and ongoing history. On the occasion of its 50th, Golden Anniversary the Society produced a brochure detailing the early years and its development up to 1995. This was supplemented in 2005 by an updated version on the occasion of its Diamond Anniversary. Both of these documents are available for download together with a sample of early archive material relating to the foundation of the Society.

A more comprehensive archive of correspondence and relevant material on the founding of the Society is available for reference to Members of the Society, and, of course, the development of the Society through subsequent years can be followed by accessing the complete set of Society Journals covering 1945 to date.

Standards

The Society chairs the British Standards Committee for Cable Systems and represents the UK at European (CENELEC) and world (IEC) levels. SCTE® members are therefore regularly provided with worldwide standards update through the SCTE’s Broadband Journal and UK members also have the opportunity to comment on standards development, within the UK, through the SCTE® before they are finalized in Europe.

A full Technical Specification and Standards section, for SCTE® members only, can be found in the Members Handbook or in the link below.

Read SCTE’s latest Standards Update to members.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the SCTE®? 
The SCTE® (Society for Broadband Professionals) is a not-for-profit professional body for all broadband engineers and technicians worldwide. As a learned non-profit Society, it provides accreditation and certification for its members, giving them professional standing within the industry. SCTE® was founded in 1945 and has individual and corporate members all over the world. It will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2020.

2) What do you do? What part of the telecoms market do you operate in?
The SCTE’s main aim is to advance the level of knowledge and standing of its members within the industry. Although its pedigree comes from the cable TV arena, its remit also covers delivery of content over the ‘last mile’; including coax, twisted pair, wireless and fibre. This is achieved by arranging a variety of networking events (technical lecture meetings, conferences, exhibitions etc.) and by disseminating the latest technical and standards data to its membership electronically and in its highly regarded quarterly magazine, Broadband Journal. The Society chairs the British Standards Committee for Cable Systems and represents the UK at European (CENELEC) and world (IEC) levels.

3) Where are you based and how widespread is your organisation globally?
The SCTE® headquarters are in Watford, UK, but the Society has active groups in other regions, notably in India and in the Benelux and Balkan regions. Individual members can be found in 42 countries worldwide with a concentration in traditional ‘PAL’ TV areas; Europe, Hong Kong, Australia and South Africa. SCTE® training courses, for distance learning or instructor-led use, have achieved wide acceptance as the standard for young technicians wishing to enter the field of broadband telecommunications. Courses are also used in-house by many international operating companies and SCTE® instructors can be found working with aspiring engineers in organisations around the world. Over 7,000 students have achieved accreditation over the past 10 years.

4) Why is your organisation important?
The core skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the industry are seldom taught formally in higher education. The SCTE® provides the opportunity for learning through training, seminars, exhibitions and networking as well as a membership structure through accreditation. It also provides a forum for the international exchange of ideas through a variety of networking events worldwide i.e. technical lecture meetings, conferences, exhibitions, dinners, golf and track days etc. The Society also runs its Annual Dinner and Awards event, where excellence in the broadband industry is rewarded. It also provides bursaries for technicians and engineers.

5) Who are your members?
The Society has a wide and diverse membership; professional grades are available for those with training and experience whilst those with an interest in the industry or just starting their career are covered by associate and student grades. Members also have the option to upgrade their membership to ‘Fellow’ status after two years. The SCTE® also has a corporate membership for companies wishing to support and be involved with its mission.

6) What are the benefits of SCTE® membership?
Members receive free admission to all SCTE lectures and seminars as well as receiving our quarterly technical publication ‘Broadband Journal.’ The Society’s networking and social events are highly subsidised, making them affordable to all grades of membership. The grading and accreditation structure provides evidence of professional standing and members may use post-initials on their business cards and stationary. Membership of the SCTE® also comes with an impressive range of member’s discounts to attend key industry exhibitions and events worldwide i.e. CommunicAsia, IBC MENA Content Everywhere etc. Members also benefit from discounts on advertising, training, business stationery, industry market research and specialist PR packages. Members can network directly with each other as well as via SCTE® meetings and events. All members are eligible to apply for SCTE® bursaries as well as nominate products and technologies for SCTE® industry awards.

7) Why should companies/individuals choose to join your organisation rather than one of the other professional bodies?
We concentrate on the skill-sets and technology relevant to the Broadband Industry. We are primarily an institute for individuals rather than a trade organisation. The SCTE® is a truly global organisation with members in over 42 countries.

8) Are you the same organisation as the US SCTE?
No, we are a much older, independent organisation originating in Europe in 1945. We have similar aims but are constituted slightly differently. We have a long history of cooperation but are financially and organisationally separate entities.

Constitution

- as adopted at the SCTE® AGM held on 7 October 2020

1          The Society shall be known as The Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers (hereinafter called ‘the Society’). For descriptive purposes the Society may be called The SCTE®, The Society for Broadband Professionals.

2          OBJECTS

The Objects and purposes for which the Society is hereby constituted are to promote the general advancement of broadband telecommunication engineering and its applications and to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas amongst the members of the Society and otherwise and for that purpose:-

(a)        To raise the standard of broadband telecommunication engineering to the highest technical level which may from time to time be practicable.

(b)        By co-operation among the members and by the specialised knowledge and experience of individual members, to elevate and improve the status and efficiency of those engaged in broadband telecommunication engineering and in particular, of those engaged in that profession who are members of the Society.

(c)        To afford to those who may be elected as Members, Associate Members and Technician Members of the Society the opportunity, through the activities of the Society, to obtain the necessary experience and education to attain the higher levels of membership of the Society.

(d)        To hold meetings of the Society for reading and discussing communications bearing upon broadband telecommunication engineering or its applications.

(e)        To hold or promote exhibitions of instruments, apparatus, machinery or other appliances connected with broadband telecommunication engineering or its applications.

(f)         To print, publish, sell, lend or distribute the proceedings or reports of the Society, or any papers, communications, works or treatises on broadband telecommunication engineering or its applications, or subjects connected therewith, or any abstracts thereof, or extracts therefrom.

(g)        To make grants of money, books, apparatus, or otherwise for the purpose of promoting invention, education and research in broadband telecommunication engineering, or its applications, or in subjects connected therewith.

(h)        To provide and accredit training courses for the advancement of technical skills and knowledge within the broadband industry.

(i)         To organize events, dinners and awards ceremonies in order to promote the Society and afford social and networking opportunities for the members.

(j)         To do all other things incidental or conducive to the attainment of the said Objects and purposes.

3          MEMBERSHIP

3.1        The membership of the Society shall be divided into eight categories:

(a)        Fellows.

(b)        Honorary Fellows.

(c)        Members.

(d)        Technician Members.

(e)        Student Members.

(f)         Associate Members.

(g)        Affiliated Members.

(h)        Corporate Members.

3.2       Detailed qualifications for membership in each category shall be set out in Society’s application for membership form.

3.3       Patron of the Society

            In addition to the eight membership categories defined in 3.1(a) to (h), the Society may seek to appoint a Patron of the Society.  The role of Patron is to represent the Society at the highest level within the Broadband Telecommunications Industry, the Government and regulatory bodies throughout Europe.  The post is elected, titular, non-executive and subject to initial appointment, annual review and renewal by the Executive Committee.

3.4       Communications and Data

By entering into SCTE membership, members agree that:

a) The SCTE will store their personal data, including name, business name, address and email address, and use this data to provide them with regular updates, industry news and information and other communications, by post and/or email. This is in accordance with SCTE’s privacy policy (on the SCTE website).

b) If a member leaves membership, the SCTE will only store their data for as long as it needs to be able to process any complaints arising within 12 months of membership ending.

4          ELIGIBILITY

(a)        Fellows

Any person who is in practice as a Broadband Telecommunication Engineer and who, at the time of their candidature, has attained a standard of efficiency and experience commensurate with that contemplated by the Society and who, at the time of their candidature has been a Member for not less than two years and who in other respects is deemed to be a fit and proper person for election, shall be eligible as a Fellow if approved by a majority of those present and voting at a Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Society.

Fellows of the Society may use the post-initials FSCTE.

(b)        Honorary Fellows

Any person, including those mentioned in sub-clauses 6 (a) – (d) inclusive (not having interests conflicting with those of the Society), may at the discretion of the Executive Committee become an Honorary Fellow of the Society.

Honorary Fellows of the Society may use the post-initials FSCTE.

(c)        Members

Any person whose qualifications are appropriate to Fellowship, or being a specialist in some particular branch or branches of the broadband telecommunication industry, has not attained the general efficiency and experience contemplated as a qualification for Fellowship shall, subject to their candidature being approved by a majority of those present and voting at a Meeting of the Executive Committee, be eligible for election as a Member.

Members of the Society may use the post-initials MSCTE.

(d)        Technician Members

Any person who, while not qualified for election as a Fellow or a Member but who has entered the broadband telecommunication industry in a technical capacity and is desirous of benefiting from the opportunities afforded by the Society for improving their knowledge of broadband telecommunication engineering shall, subject to election in manner herein before provided, be eligible for membership as a Technician Member.

Technician Members of the Society may use the post-initials TMSCTE.

(e)        Student Members

Any student in a further education course designed for a future career in the broadband telecommunication industry shall be eligible for admission as a Student Member, subject to their candidature being approved in manner herein before set forth.

Student Members of the Society may use the post-initials SMSCTE.

(f)         Associate Members

Any person who has attained a reasonable standard of general education and who has entered the cable telecommunication industry in a general capacity, shall be eligible for admission as an Associate Member, subject to their candidature being approved in manner herein before set forth.

Associate Members of the Society may use the post-initials AMSCTE.

(g)        Affiliated Members

Any Society, Institution or Trade Association whose interests coincide with those of the Society, and with which a reciprocal arrangement can be negotiated for publication rights, shall subject to approval of a majority of those present and voting at a meeting of the Executive Committee, be eligible for election as an Affiliated Member.

(h)        Corporate Members

Any organisation engaged in any aspect of broadband telecommunication shall, subject to the approval of a majority of those present and voting at a meeting of the Executive Committee, be eligible for election as a Corporate Member. For those engaged in installation work the principal or at least one employee must be a Member or Fellow of the Society.

To allow appointments of members to proceed expeditiously the Executive may appoint the President and one other Executive Committee Member to jointly assess and approve the election of candidates in all grades. If the credentials provided are subsequently found to be not fulfilling the criteria the Executive Committee has the power to change the decision if this was not discussed and approved in an Executive meeting.

5          SUBSCRIPTIONS

5.1        Every member in any category shall on first becoming a member and also on every subsequent First day of April pay the Annual Membership Fee appropriate to membership of their category. This fee to be in accordance with the scale determined from time to time by the Executive Committee.

5.2        Any member of one category on being admitted as a member in a different category shall pay the difference between their Annual Membership Fee and the Annual Membership Fee payable by them as a member of such new category if the latter is of a greater amount.

5.3        The Executive Committee may from time to time increase or reduce the amount of the Annual Membership fee payable by members of any category or require the payment of Entrance Fees by persons admitted to membership in any category, in addition to the Annual Membership Fees, and may also in its absolute discretion waive payment wholly or in part of Entrance Fees and Annual Membership Fees in any case or cases where it may think fit so to do.

5.4        In addition to the Annual Subscriptions payable by members under this Constitution, the Executive Committee has the right to call upon members to contribute to the funds of the Society such additional sum or sums as may be necessary, up to a maximum of £100, to meet any exceptional or unusual expenses incurred or intended to be incurred by the Society.

5.5        A Member or Fellow of the Society, having been in membership of the Society for at least 10 years, and who has reached the Statutory Retirement Age, shall be eligible to apply for life membership of the Society for a single payment. The amount of such payment shall be fixed by the Executive Committee.

6          CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP

6.1        A member of whatever category shall ipso facto cease to be a member of the Society:

(a)        If their annual membership fee is in arrears for three months.

(b)        If a Receiving Order is made against them, or if they make an arrangement or composition with their creditors.

(c)        If they resign by giving three months’ notice in writing to the Society and at the time of giving such notice pays all fees due. Notice of resignation received within three months of the First of April in any year shall not relieve the member giving the same from payment of their annual subscription fee payable on that date.

(d)        If they, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, cease to be actively engaged in activities which, in accordance with the Constitution, are the qualifications necessary to enable them to be a member of the particular category in which they then stand.

(e)        If they, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, are in breach of the Society’s Code of Conduct and such conduct is deemed to be prejudicial to the interests of the Society.

(f)         If the Society decide by a majority of three-fourths of those present and entitled to vote at a General Meeting of the Society and after investigation and giving the member an opportunity to be heard, that such member has been guilty of discreditable conduct, or of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Society and that by reason thereof they be excluded from membership.

6.2        Any member who fails to pay their annual membership fee within the month from the first day of April in any year shall, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, as from the end of that month be suspended, pending payment thereof, from all rights and privileges of membership.

7          OFFICERS

7.1        The Officers of the Society shall consist of:

(a)        A President.

(b)        A Vice-President.

(c)        A Treasurer.

7.2        No person shall be eligible to be an Officer of the Society unless they be a Fellow or Honorary Fellow and an elected member of the SCTE Executive Committee.  At the Executive Committee Meeting following the Annual General Meeting, Officers of the Society shall be elected for a maximum period of three years to align with their elected term of membership of the Executive Committee but shall be eligible for re-election. Candidates standing for the position of an officer of the Society shall be required to submit an application seconded by a Member of the Executive Committee at least 7 days before the election date. Such application should be accompanied by a manifesto detailing the credentials of the candidate and their intentions should they be elected. The election of Officers shall be by means of secret ballot to be conducted as may be prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee. No member shall vote upon the election to an office for which they are a candidate but shall be entitled to vote in respect of any other office.

7.3        The Officers of the Society shall also be the Trustees of the Society and shall be empowered to sign such legal and other documentation which may from time to time reasonably become necessary on behalf of the Society and the Executive Committee shall be authorised to agree the terms of and execute a Trust Deed appointing the Officers as Trustees in order to satisfy this clause which shall include such limitations on the Trustees powers and liabilities as the Executive Committee deem fit. Failure to agree to act as a Trustee or refusal to provide the necessary legal information for registration will result in the Officer being removed from the position and a replacement for the Officer sought from the current Executive Members.

8          EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

8.1        Where any decision is to be made by the Executive Committee within their powers in the Constitution or as expressly stated in this Constitution or any rules and regulations adopted by the Society then that decision is to be made by a majority (or by some other percentage of votes if expressly stated as a requirement for that decision) of the elected members of the Executive Committee and any reference in this Constitution to the Executive Committee where it refers to a decision of the Executive Committee shall be construed as meaning a decision of the elected members of the Executive Committee.

8.2        The Officers collectively, together with not less than four other Fellows or Honorary Fellows shall constitute the Executive Committee of the Society. Election to the Executive Committee shall be nominally for three years in rotation, with elections for vacancies conducted at Annual General Meetings.  Retiring members shall be eligible for re-election.  For vendor groups, a maximum of two representatives will be allowed on the Executive Committee at any one time and for MSOs, the maximum allowed will be five representatives.

8.3        Subject to the overriding authority of the Society in General Meeting the affairs of the Society shall be conducted by the Executive Committee, who may meet at such time and place as they think fit and whose business shall be conducted in such manner as they may from time to time determine, and their decision on interpretation of the Society’s Constitution or Rules shall be binding on all Members of the Society, subject as hereinafter stated.

8.4        Any decision of the Executive Committee may be revoked or overruled by the vote in General Meeting of a majority of not less than two-thirds in number of all Fellows and/or Honorary Fellows and/or Members for the time being entitled to attend and vote at a General Meeting.

8.5        Any vacancy occurring among the Officers or other members of the Executive Committee between one Annual General Meeting and the next may be filled by the remaining members of the Executive Committee, but any person so appointed shall hold office only until the next Annual General Meeting, when they shall retire but shall be eligible for re-election.

8.6        Any Executive Committee member who is absent from two Executive Committee Meetings in any 12-month period may be required by the appointed officers of the Society to seek re-election at the next occurring Annual General Meeting. The reason for seeking re-election shall be noted on the notice to Members.

8.7        Notice of vacancies occurring for the following term shall be communicated to members in writing at least 56 days prior to the AGM together with a request for nominations suitably proposed and seconded by two separate Fellows, Honorary Fellows or Members of the Society save that such communication may be given by electronic mail for members that have elected to receive communications by electronic means. Nominations must be received within 21 days of the date of the original communication.

8.8        All members of the Executive Committee, whether directly elected, co-opted or contracted, shall be required to enter into a confidentiality agreement the details of which are agreed from time to time by the elected Executive Members in Committee.

9          CO-OPTED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall have the right to co-opt up to four additional members to the Executive Committee whose specialist skills or position are seen to be beneficial to the running of the Society. Such co-opted members are not eligible to vote in committee or to become Officers of the Society. The period of co-option shall expire immediately prior to the first meeting of the Executive Committee following the Society AGM.

10         SUB-COMMITTEES

10.1      Sub-committees may be formed and such powers delegated to them as the Executive Committee may from time to time determine.

10.2      All Officers of the Society shall be ex-officio members of any sub-committee so formed as aforesaid.

11         OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

The power of appointment, remuneration and general terms of employment of a Chief Executive and/or Director shall be vested in the Executive Committee.

12         NATIONAL SECRETARY

The Executive Committee shall have authority to engage a Secretary and/or other staff.

13         ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

13.1      The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held at such time as the Executive Committee shall decide and at such time and place as the Executive Committee may appoint by giving to all members twenty-eight days’ notice in writing save that such notice may be given by electronic mail for members that have elected to receive communications by electronic means.

13.2      At Annual General Meetings the Executive Committee shall submit for consideration their Report on the affairs of the Society and the past year’s transactions, together with the Accounts made up to 31st December of the preceding year, signed by the President and the Treasurer. The above business and the election of Auditors and members of the Executive Committee shall be the ordinary business of an Annual General Meeting unless it shall have been specifically referred to in the Notice convening the meeting or shall be certified in writing by the Officers of the Society to be a matter of extreme urgency.

13.3      Should the Executive Committee fail to convene an Annual General Meeting as herein provided and in accordance with statutory requirements, any ten Fellows and/or Honorary Fellows and/or Members shall be entitled to convene such meeting upon giving not less than twenty-eight days’ notice in writing to the members of the Society save that such notice may be given by electronic mail for members that have elected to receive communications by electronic means, and such meeting shall be held in London at such place and time as the convening members shall appoint. The cost of convening and holding such meeting shall be borne by the Society.

13.4      Notice of Special Resolutions for consideration at Annual General Meetings must be given in writing to the Secretary not less than thirty-five days before the date fixed for an Annual General Meeting.

13.5      Details of any special resolutions received together with details of any candidates standing for election to the Executive Committee shall be given in writing to all members 28 days in advance of the meeting save that such notice may be given by electronic mail for members that have elected to receive communications by electronic means.

14         EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS

14.1      The Executive Committee may convene an Extraordinary General Meeting and shall, upon a Requisition signed by at least ten Fellows and/or Honorary Fellows and/or Members, convene an Extraordinary General Meeting within twenty-eight days of the receipt of the Requisition and every notice convening the Extraordinary General Meeting shall specify the general nature of the business to be dealt with at such meeting and not less than seven days’ notice in writing shall be given to all members entitled to attend at General Meetings save that such notice may be given by electronic mail for members that have elected to receive communications by electronic means.

14.2      If the Executive Committee do not proceed to cause a meeting to be held within twenty-eight days from the date of the Requisition being so given as herein mentioned, those requesting the Requisition or any ten of them may themselves convene the meeting in the manner herein prescribed for the convening of Extraordinary General Meeting, but the notice shall inform members of the circumstances rendering that course necessary. The cost of convening and holding such a meeting shall be borne by the Society.

15         PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

15.1      All members of the Society of whatever category shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend at General Meetings of the Society, subject as hereinafter stated. No member other than a Fellow, Honorary Fellow or Member shall be entitled to propose or second a Resolution or to vote upon any such Resolution. If at any General Meeting a Resolution is duly passed by majority of the Fellows, Honorary Fellows or Members that any class or classes of other members shall retire then such members shall so retire and remain absent until such specified business has been concluded.

15.2      Associate Members, Technician Members, Student Members, Affiliated Members and Corporate Members may take such part in the proceedings of a General Meeting as may be permitted by the Chairman of the Meeting.

15.3      The President, if present, and failing that the Vice-President, shall preside at all General and Executive Committee Meetings of the Society. If neither be present, the Chair shall be taken by such Fellow or Honorary Fellow as may be elected for that purpose at that Meeting.

16         POSTAL & PROXY VOTING

On occasions judged by the Executive Committee to be practicable, Postal and Proxy voting facilities shall be made available to entitled members, excepting that Postal and Proxy voting facilities shall be afforded for the ordinary business of an Annual General Meeting and for the Winding-Up of the Society. Such voting facilities may be provided by letter or by electronic mail for members that have elected to receive communications by electronic means. Details of the Proxy voting facility shall be published at least 28 days prior to the event. The Secretary shall set a deadline for postal or proxy voting applications up to 7 days before the notified event.

17         QUORUM

A Quorum for a General Meeting shall be ten Fellows and/or Honorary Fellows and/or Members present in person.

18         POWERS OF THE ELECTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

In addition to any other powers which they have, the elected members of the Executive Committee may exercise the following powers in furtherance of the Objects:

(a)         Power to raise funds and to invite and receive contributions.

(b)        Power to buy, sell, take on lease or in exchange, any property, and to maintain and equip it for use.

(c)         Power to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of, all or any part of the Society's property.

(d)        Power to borrow money and to mortgage all, or any part of the Society's property, as security for repayment of the money borrowed.

(e)        Power to set up and operate limited liability companies to assist in the achievement of the Objects providing that all profits generated by such companies are remitted to the Society.

(f)         Power to invest the funds of the Society in any of the investments for the time being authorised for the investment of trust funds.

(g)        Power to exercise the voting rights of SCTE shares held in subsidiary companies.  The voting rights for the shares owned by SCTE shall be exercised by a majority decision of the Executive Committee and in the event of a split decision, the Chair of the meeting of the Executive Committee at which the vote is taken shall have the casting vote.

(h)        Power to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the Objects.

19         ACCOUNTS

19.1      The Executive Committee shall cause true accounts to be kept:

(a)        Of the sums of money received and expended by the Society and the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditure take place.

(b)        Of the property credits and liabilities of the Society.

19.2      The books of Accounts shall be kept at the Office or at such other place as the Executive Committee think fit and shall always be open to the inspection of the members of the Executive Committee at that place.

19.3     At the Annual General Meeting in every year, the Executive Committee shall lay before the Society a statement of income and expenditure made up to the 31st December of the previous year, and a Balance Sheet to the 31st December containing a general summary of the assets and liabilities of the Society arranged under suitable headings.

19.4      Every such Balance Sheet shall be signed on behalf of the Executive Committee by the President and the Treasurer and shall be accompanied by the Report of the Executive Committee as to the state of the Society’s affairs and upon the last year’s work of the Society.

20         BANK ACCOUNTS

Bank accounts shall be maintained and operated in the name of the Society as prescribed from time to time by the Executive Committee. The opening and closure of such accounts shall be at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

21         AUDITORS

Auditors of the Society shall be appointed at each Annual General Meeting, who shall certify and shall report on the Accounts, and a copy of such Report shall be inserted at the foot thereof and submitted to the Annual General Meeting at which such Accounts are presented.

22         INDEMNITY

If any prosecution, action or suit at law be commenced against any Officer or the Secretary or any other servant or agent of the Society, for anything done by them in proper and reasonable discharge of their duty, such person shall be defended and indemnified by and at the cost of the Society from all damages, costs and expenses which may be incidental to or result from such prosecution, action or suit at law, and the Executive Committee are hereby empowered to apply the property and funds of the Society for such purpose.

23         WINDING-UP

The Society may by resolution in Extraordinary General Meeting or in General Meeting carried by a majority of not less than three-fourths in number of all Fellows, Honorary Fellows and Members present or voting by Post or by Proxy (such three-fourths being not less than one fourth in number of the Fellows, Honorary Fellows and Members for the time being entitled to vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting or an Ordinary General Meeting) resolve that the Society shall be wound up and by a majority vote may decide that the assets of the Society after payment of all debts and liabilities shall be distributed in any of the following manners:

(a)        By dividing the same among all the then members of the Society on the basis that each member shall receive according to their category an equal share with all other members of the same category and as between members of different categories their shares shall be proportionate to their respective annual subscription; or

(b)        By making the same over to such charities as may be determined by the said resolution; or

(c)        In the event of it being required to wind-up the Society for reconstruction or amalgamation, then the funds of the Society shall be disposed of in such manner as the majority of Fellows, Honorary Fellows and Members present and voting may decide.

24         NO PECUNIARY GAIN

24.1      The income and property of the Society shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the Objects and the Society shall not engage in any trade or business or transaction with a view to the pecuniary gain or profit of the members thereof. No member shall have any personal claim on any property of the Society and no part of the income or property of the Society shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend or bonus or other direct payment to the members of the Society except in the case of and as a salaried employee of the Society.

24.2      Provided that nothing herein or elsewhere contained shall prevent:-

(a)        The payment by the Society in good faith of reasonable and proper remuneration to any member of the Society as an Officer or servant of the Society or to any such member in return for any services rendered to the Society.

(b)        The payment by the Society of interest at a rate equal to the published base lending rate of the Society's bankers per annum on money lent to the Society by any such member or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any such member to the Society.

(c)        The giving by the Society to any such member of prizes whether in cash or otherwise and scholarships and exhibitions.

(d)        The payment to any member of the Executive Committee of reasonable out of pocket expenses, such expenses to be fully documented.

and the Society shall have power to make all such payments and gifts as aforesaid.

25         ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION

No modification of or addition to this Constitution shall be made unless notice calling a General Meeting and intimating the proposed modification or addition shall be given to the members, and such modification or addition shall have been approved by the majority of not less than three-fourths of the Fellows, Honorary Fellows and Members present.

Code of Conduct

The SCTE Code of Conduct
The SCTE is a Learned Society recognised by HMRC as a not-for-profit organisation and membership fees are listed as tax deductible. Together with the Constitution there is, therefore, an implicit expectation of the correct and appropriate behaviour and conduct of both its members and controlling management.
The SCTE Code of Conduct is a recognition that everything we do in connection with the SCTE will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct.
1              Who Must Follow Our Code?
We expect all of our Society’s members, SCTE Executive Committee members and Board members to know and follow the Code. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, including removal from post, termination of membership and/or employment. Moreover, while the Code is specifically written for SCTE Executive Committee Members and SCTE Ltd Board members and employees, we expect SCTE contractors, consultants, and others who may be temporarily assigned to perform work or services for SCTE to follow the Code in connection with their work for us. Failure of a SCTE contractor, consultant, or other covered service provider to follow the Code can result in termination of their relationship with SCTE.
2              What If I Have a Code-Related Question or Concern?
If you have a question or concern, you can contact a member of the SCTE Executive Committee or SCTE Ltd Board Member. You can also submit a question or raise a concern of a suspected violation of our Code or any other SCTE policy through the SCTE Honorary Secretariat. Finally, if you believe a violation of law has occurred, you can always raise that through the SCTE Executive Committee or with a government agency.
3              No Retaliation
SCTE prohibits retaliation against any member who reports or participates in an investigation of a possible violation of our Code, policies, or the law. If you believe you are being retaliated against, please in the first instance, contact a member of the SCTE Executive Committee.
4              Privacy, Security, and Freedom of Expression
Always remember that we are asking members to trust us with their personal information. Preserving that trust requires that each of us respect and protect the privacy and security of that information. Our security procedures strictly limit access to and use of members’ personal information, and require that each of us take measures to protect user data from unauthorised access. Know your responsibilities under these procedures, and collect, use, and access user personal information only as authorised by our Security Policies, our Privacy Policies, and applicable data protection laws (GDPR).
SCTE is committed to advancing privacy and freedom of expression for our members around the world. Where user privacy and freedom of expression face government challenges, we seek to implement internationally recognised standards that respect those rights as we develop our training courses and do business in diverse markets. Contact a member of the SCTE Executive Committee if you have questions on implementing these standards in connection with what you do at the SCTE.
5              Equal Opportunity Employment
Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.
6              Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying
SCTE prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying in any form – verbal, physical, or visual. If you believe you’ve been bullied or harassed by anyone at SCTE, or by a SCTE partner or vendor, we strongly encourage you to immediately report the incident to a member of the SCTE Executive Committee. Similarly, supervisors and managers who learn of any such incident should immediately report it to the SCTE Executive Committee and/or SCTE Honorary Secretariat, they will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action. If you have any inkling that the email, or other communication you are about to send to a SCTE member may be interpreted as unpleasant, aggressive or passive aggressive, preserve your dignity and respect others by not sending it.
7              Drugs and Alcohol
Our position on substance abuse is simple: It is incompatible with the health and safety of our members and employees, and we don’t permit it. Consumption of alcohol is not banned at our offices, but use good judgment and never drink in a way that leads to impaired performance or inappropriate behaviour, endangers the safety of others, or violates the law. Illegal drugs in our offices or at sponsored events are strictly prohibited. If a SCTE Executive or SCTE Ltd Board Member has reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee’s use of drugs and/or alcohol may adversely affect the member, or the employee’s job performance, or the safety of the employee, or others in the workplace, they will be confronted and appropriate action taken at a time specified by the SCTE Executive Committee. A reasonable suspicion may be based on objective symptoms such as the member or employee’s appearance, behaviour, or speech.
8              Safe Workplace
We are committed to a violence-free working environment, and we will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence in the workplace. Under no circumstances should anyone bring a weapon to work. If you become aware of a violation of this policy, you should report it to a member of the SCTE Executive Committee. In case of potential violence, use your discretion and if required, contact the appropriate authorities.
9              Avoid Conflicts of Interest
When you are in a situation in which competing loyalties could cause you to pursue a personal benefit for you, your friends, or your family at the expense of SCTE or our members, you may be faced with a conflict of interest. All of us should avoid conflicts of interest and circumstances that reasonably present the appearance of a conflict.
When considering a course of action, ask yourself whether the action you’re considering could create an incentive for you, or appear to others to create an incentive for you, to benefit yourself, your friends or family, or an associated business at the expense of SCTE. If the answer is “yes,” the action you’re considering is likely to create a conflict of interest situation, and you should avoid it.
10           Business Opportunities Found Through Work
Business opportunities discovered through your work here belong first to SCTE, except as otherwise agreed to by SCTE.
11           Inventions, Training Courses
Developing or helping to develop outside inventions that a) relate to SCTE’s existing or reasonably anticipated training and services, b) relate to your position at SCTE, or c) are developed using SCTE corporate resources may create conflicts of interest and be subject to the provisions of SCTE’s Confidential Information and other employment agreements. If you have any questions about potential conflicts or intellectual property ownership involving an outside invention or other intellectual property, consult a the SCTE Executive Committee.
12           Friends and Relatives; Co-Worker Relationships
Avoid participating in management of or decision-making regarding potential or existing SCTE business relationships that involve your relatives, spouse or significant other, or close friends. This includes being the hiring manager for a position for which your relative or close friend is being considered or being a relationship manager for a Society associated with your spouse or significant other.
To be clear, just because a relative, spouse/significant other, or close friend works at SCTE or becomes a SCTE competitor or business partner doesn’t mean there is a conflict of interest. However, if you are also involved in that SCTE business relationship, it can be very sensitive. The right thing to do in that situation is to discuss the relationship with the SCTE Executive Committee.
13           Accepting Gifts, Entertainment, and Other Business Courtesies
Accepting gifts, entertainment, and other business courtesies from a SCTE competitor or business partner can easily create the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially if the value of the item is significant.
Generally, acceptance of inexpensive “token” non-cash gifts is permissible. In addition, infrequent and moderate business meals and entertainment with clients and infrequent invitations to attend local sporting events and celebratory meals with clients can be appropriate aspects of many SCTE business relationships, provided that they aren’t excessive and don’t create the appearance of impropriety.
14           Use of SCTE Products and Services
Avoiding potential conflicts of interest also means that you should not use SCTE products, services, internal tools, or information in a way that improperly benefits you or someone you know or creates the appearance that you have an unfair advantage over members outside of SCTE. For example, you should never approve SCTE accounts, services, or expenses for yourself, your friends, or family members. Similarly, you should not use the tools, information, or access that you have as a SCTE member. If you find yourself subject to a conflict of interest regarding the use of SCTE’s products, services, tools, or information, discuss the situation with the SCTE Executive Committee.
15           Preserve Confidentiality
Certain kinds of Society information, if leaked prematurely into the press or to competitors, can hurt our training launches, eliminate our competitive advantage and prove costly in other ways. Our responsibilities extend beyond not revealing Confidential SCTE material – we must also:

  • properly secure, label, and (when appropriate) dispose of Confidential SCTE material;
  • safeguard Confidential information that SCTE receives from others under non-disclosure agreements;
  • take steps to keep our confidential intellectual property secret.

16           Confidential Information
There are, of course, “grey areas” in which you will need to apply your best judgment in making sure you don’t disclose any confidential information. If you are in any doubt, you must consult with the SCTE Executive Committee.
And don’t forget about pictures you and your guests take at SCTE – it is up to you to be sure that those pictures don’t disclose confidential information.
Finally, some of us will find ourselves having family or other personal relationships with people employed by our competitors or business partners. As in most cases, common sense applies. Don’t tell your significant other or family members anything confidential, and don’t solicit confidential information from them about their Society.
17           SCTE Partners
Just as you are careful not to disclose confidential SCTE information, it’s equally important not to disclose any confidential information from our partners. Don’t accept confidential information from other companies without first having all parties sign an appropriate Non-disclosure Agreement approved by the SCTE Executive Committee. Even after the agreement is signed, try only to accept as much information as you need to accomplish your business objectives.
18           Competitors/Former Employers
We respect our competitors and want to compete with them fairly. But we don’t want their confidential information. The same goes for confidential information belonging to any SCTE’s former employers. If an opportunity arises to take advantage of a competitor’s or former employer’s confidential information, don’t do it. Should you happen to come into possession of a competitor’s confidential information, it should be immediately and safely disposed of.
19           Outside Communications
Do not disclose confidential proprietary information or represent (or otherwise give the impression) that you are speaking on behalf of SCTE unless you’re authorised to do so by the Society. The same applies to communications with the press. Finally, check with your manager or the SCTE Executive Committee before accepting any public speaking engagement on behalf of the Society. In general, before making any external communication or disclosure, you should consult the SCTE Executive Committee.
20           Intellectual Property
SCTE’s intellectual property rights (our trademarks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, “know-how”, and patents) are among our most valuable assets. Unauthorised use can lead to their loss or serious loss of value. You must respect all copyright and other intellectual property laws, including laws governing the fair use of copyrights, trademarks, and brands. You must never use SCTE’s (or its affiliated entities’) logos, marks, or other protected information or property for any business or commercial venture without pre-clearance from the SCTE Executive Committee. We strongly encourage you to report any suspected misuse of trademarks, logos, or other SCTE intellectual property to the SCTE Honorary Secretariat.
Likewise, respect the intellectual property rights of others. Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose SCTE and you to criminal and civil fines and penalties. Please seek advice from SCTE Legal Counsel before you solicit, accept, or use proprietary information from individuals outside the Society or let them use or have access to SCTE proprietary information. You should also check with Legal if developing a training product that uses content not belonging to SCTE.
21           Society Equipment
SCTE gives us the tools and equipment we need to do our jobs effectively, but counts on us to be responsible and not wasteful. Society funds, equipment, and other physical assets are not to be requisitioned for purely personal use.
22           SCTE Network
SCTE’s communication facilities (which include both our network and the hardware that uses it, like computers and mobile devices) are a critical aspect of our Society’s property, both physical and intellectual. Be sure to follow all security policies. If you have any reason to believe that our network security has been violated – for example, you lose your laptop or smart phone or think that your network password may have been compromised – please promptly report the incident to Information Security. For more information, consult SCTE's Security Policy.
23           Physical Security
Be mindful of your physical security. Always secure your laptop, important equipment, and your personal belongings, even while on SCTE’s premises.

24           Use of SCTE’s Equipment and Facilities

Anything you do using SCTE’s corporate electronic facilities (e.g., our computers, mobile devices, network, etc.) or store on our premises (e.g., letters, memos, and other documents) might be disclosed to people inside and outside the Society. For example, SCTE may be required by law (e.g., in response to a subpoena or warrant) to monitor, access, and disclose the contents of corporate email, voicemail, computer files, and other materials on our electronic facilities or on our premises. In addition, the Society may monitor, access, and disclose employee communications and other information on our corporate electronic facilities or on our premises where there is a business need to do so, such as protecting employees and members, maintaining the security of resources and property, or investigating suspected employee misconduct.
25           Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility
Financial integrity and fiscal responsibility are core aspects of corporate professionalism. The SCTE maintains a system of internal controls to reinforce our compliance with legal, accounting, tax, and other regulatory requirements.
You must stay in full compliance with our system of internal controls, and don’t hesitate to contact the SCTE Executive Committee if you have any questions.
26           Spending SCTE’s Money
When you submit an expense for reimbursement or spend money on SCTE’s behalf, make sure that the cost is reasonable, directly related to Society business, and supported by appropriate documentation. Always record the business purpose.  For the avoidance of doubt the following guidelines relate to expenses

  • Air travel at club class or equivalent provided that bookings are made in due time and not subject to late booking penalties. Bookings should be made at the cheapest rate feasible and fully flexible tickets should be avoided.
  • Rail travel at first class again subject to the lowest fare possible.
  • Car Mileage will be reimbursed at 45p per UK mile.
  • Accommodation should be in the equivalent of 3/4-star standard hotels
  • Sustenance to include meals and reasonable consumption of alcoholic drinks
  • When previously authorised, members undertaking specific tasks for the Society which are outside the normal expectations for Executive Committee members shall be able to claim up to £300 per day.

 

If you’re uncertain about whether you should spend money or submit an expense for reimbursement, check with the SCTE Executive Committee. Managers are responsible for all money spent and expenses incurred by their direct reports, and should carefully review such spend and expenses before approving.
27           Signing a Contract
Each time you enter into a business transaction on SCTE’s behalf, there should be documentation recording that agreement, approved by the SCTE Legal counsel. Never sign any contract on behalf of SCTE unless you are authorised to do so and the contract has been approved by the SCTE Executive Committee. You have studied the contract, understood its terms and decided that entering into the contract is in SCTE’s interest. All contracts at SCTE should be in writing and should contain all of the relevant terms to which the parties are agreeing – SCTE does not permit “side agreements,” oral or written.
28           Hiring Suppliers
When making significant purchases or hiring subcontractors or suppliers over £5k, alternative sources must be considered. This almost always requires that you solicit competing bids to make sure that you’re getting the best offer. While price is very important, it isn’t the only factor worth considering. Quality, service, reliability, and the terms and conditions of the proposed deal may also affect the final decision.
29           Retaining Records
It’s important that we keep records for an appropriate length of time. Keep in mind that legal requirements, accounting rules, and other external sources sometimes specify longer retention periods for certain types of records, and those control where applicable. In addition, if asked by SCTE Legal Counsel to retain records relevant to a litigation, audit, or investigation, do so until Legal Counsel tells you retention is no longer necessary.

30           Use of SCTE email accounts

The Society provides for personal email addresses under the ‘theSCTE.eu’ domain. These should be used whenever possible for SCTE business. In the case of the Executive Committee it is essential that this rule is followed to ensure that an archive is maintained.

31           Code of Conduct at Meetings

  • AGM

Conduct of the AGM is laid down in the SCTE Constitution. Procedural requirements are described in Appendix A of this document.

  • Executive Committee and other meetings

It is important that meetings are conducted in a constructive and positive manner. Procedural requirements are given in Appendix B of this document.

Appendix A – AGM Procedure
The AGM must start at the designated time (not previous – a small delay is acceptable). Adequate time must be allocated for presentation, discussion and voting as appropriate on all agenda items.
The items in the SCTE AGM agenda are as follows:
A G E N D A                                                                                          
1              Apologies for absence.
2              To receive and approve the Minutes of the Society's previous Annual General Meeting
3              Matters arising.
4              To read the Auditor's Report.
5              To receive and approve the Society's Accounts and Balance Sheet for the previous financial year
6              To consider and approve the appointment of Auditors for the ensuing year.       
7              To receive and approve the Report of the Executive Committee to the Members
8              To consider and approve the following Resolution(s) for proposed amendments to Clauses of the SCTE Constitution, as follows (Note: The wording in italics or highlighted is the proposed additional/amended wording respectively)
9              Election of Executive Committee members.
10           To transact any other business that may lawfully be transacted.

NOTES:
Item 1:      This will include notified apologies together with a report of proxy votes allocated to Members/Fellows/Honorary Fellows present at the Meeting.
Item 2:      After asking for and discussing any comments or modifications required to the previous year’s minutes the AGM Chair (Normally the President or Vice President) will ask for a proposer and seconder for the approval of the minutes (to include any agreed corrections) and will then conduct a vote of the qualified attendees*.
Item 3:      The Chair will identify any matters arising from the previous AGM (if any) and provide any further input at his disposal.
Item 4:      This is a formal reading by the Treasurer of the views of the Auditors, taken from the appropriate section of the annual audit. Whilst reference to the appropriate page should be made, the section headed ‘Opinion on Financial Statements’ should be read out to the audience. This typically says
‘In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Society’s affairs as at 31 December 20xx and of its surplus/deficit for the year then ended.’
Item 5:      The Chair will ask the Treasurer to introduce and summarise the annual accounts for the previous year.  Questions will be taken and discussed before the Chair asks for a proposer and seconder for the approval of the accounts and will then conduct a vote of the qualified attendees*.
Item 6:      Unless there are specific reasons identified (cost, performance etc.) the Chair will normally recommend that the existing Auditors are re-appointed for the current year. The Chair will ask for a proposer and seconder for the approval of the appointment of the auditors and will then conduct a vote of the qualified attendees*.
Item 7:      The Chair will introduce the Report of the Executive Committee to the Members and highlight any significant activities during the year. Questions will be taken and discussed. The Chair will then ask for a proposer and seconder for acceptance of the report and will then conduct a vote of the qualified attendees*.
Item 8:      The Chair will introduce each of any previously tabled resolutions (normally but not restricted to amendments to the Constitution). Questions may be taken and discussed but the resolutions must be put to the vote. The Chair will ask for a proposer and seconder for approval of each individual resolution and will then conduct a vote of the qualified attendees*. Note that no new resolutions may be introduced at the Meeting.
Item 9:      If an election is required (more candidates than the vacant posts) then a secret ballot will be conducted. Only Members, Fellows and Honorary Fellows are entitled to vote. Each qualified voter will be given a non-identifiable voting paper. The completed voting papers will be collected by the National Secretary who, together with a third-party, will conduct a count including those designated proxy votes already received. The Chair will announce the successful candidates at the Meeting. The number of votes cast for each candidate will not be made public.
If an election is not required, the Chair will declare that the nominated candidates are elected by default to the Executive Committee.
Item 10:    This is essentially an opportunity for members to raise any issues that they wish to be discussed by the Executive and membership or for additional information to be passed to the members. No resolutions or votes may be taken under this item.
* To save time the Chair will normally ask for any votes against and, if none, declare the motion approved. If there are objections then a full vote will be taken by counting a show of hands (including the proxy votes both present and previously designated).
Note that whilst any member may be present at the Society AGM only Full Members, Fellows and Honorary Fellows are entitled to vote on any item whether in person or by proxy. For the avoidance of doubt the proxy vote of a Full Member, Fellow or Honorary Fellow may by represented by any designated member present.

Appendix B – Code of Conduct at meetings

  • The Chairman is in control of the meetings and his instructions must be followed at all times.  A particularly important point is that only one person should speak at a time. If a committee member wishes to speak, he must be cleared to speak by the Chairman. Raising your hand to gain the attention of the Chairman is the polite way to do this.
  • In the event of a topic being raised that causes a disagreement between two members this should either be taken offline, or at the discretion of the Chairman be put to the vote.
  • Where a change in procedure is requested which is not already covered by the Constitution a proposal for the change must be sent out to all committee members at least 7 days before the meeting. Failing this any such change will only be implemented following the meeting.
  • Sub-committee reports must be submitted before the meeting this removes the need for the reports to be read at the meeting.
  • Members of a sub-committee must attend all executive meetings, in the event of two meetings being missed in one year they will be removed from the sub-committee. If family or health issues are involved then this will be sympathetically taken into account.
  • Criticism of other committee members directly or indirectly is strictly not allowed.
  • If you believe that a member is not behaving correctly this should be reported offline to the Chairman and not discussed at the meeting.
  • Mobile phones to be switched off during the meeting.