Constitution (page 1 of 3)

1. TITLE

The organisation shall be known as “The Institute of Fire Safety Managers” (IFSM)

2. AIMS AND OBJECTS

The aims and objects of the Institute shall be:

(a) to represent the views of professional fire safety managers in all areas of their work.

(b) to encourage the exchange of ideas between IFSM members and Diploma Holders primarily within the UK and Europe, but also world-wide.

(c) to promote fire safety management, sound fire prevention and recognised fire safety practices in all places of work.

(d) to encourage recognition of the FPA and CFPA Diploma throughout Industry and Commerce, and to encourage liaison with other similar fire and safety organisations.

(e) to liaise with all official agencies connected with fire safety enforcement, fire prevention and fire safety including other institutions, Government departments, and other agencies.

3. MEMBERSHIP

(A) Membership of the IFSM will be available in the following Grades: Fellow, Member, Associate and Student

.1) Membership as a Student Member (SIFSM) will be available to all persons who have recently commenced an involvement in fire safety management. All applications to be approved by the Membership Committee.

.2) Membership as Associate Member (AIFSM) will be available to all persons who have passed the Ordinary CFPA Diploma and are engaged in fire safety management or a related position, or where the person has a responsibility for fire prevention advice or fire safety in either an advisory or enforcement role. All applications to be approved by the Membership Committee.

.3) Membership as a Member (MIFSM) will be available to all persons who have passed the CFPA ‘Advanced’ Diploma Examination. Existing MIFSM Members (as at the date of the 2005 SGM – 13/04/05) will inherit ‘grandfather rights’ to continue as MIFSM without the need to sit the Advanced Diploma Examination. Existing MIFSM Members who pass the Advanced CFPA Diploma will be granted an IFSM Endorsement to their original Diploma. Exceptionally, the MIFSM Grade may be extended to other eminently qualified persons who, in the opinion of the Membership Committee, hold equivalent qualifications. Any such application must however also be approved by the Council.

.4) Membership as a Fellow (FISM) will only be by election at an Annual General Meeting following a recommendation by the Council and in recognition of a substantive contribution being made by the person in furthering the aims and objects of the Institute.

(B) All applications for membership shall be submitted to the Membership Committee of the Council on the prescribed form, which shall include an undertaking to abide by the Constitution, Bye-Laws and Rules of the Institute. The Membership Committee shall be empowered to refuse membership.

(C) The Council shall be empowered to suspend or terminate membership for conduct or action which is deemed to be prejudicial to, or in direct contravention of, the Constitution Bye-Laws and Rules, without explanation but subject to an appeal to the Trustees who will decide if such an appeal should be upheld or be submitted to the Annual general Meeting. The suspension or termination of membership shall be effective from the date of the final passing of a resolution.

(D) The person involved will be informed of the decision of the Membership Committee by the Secretary General in writing within one calendar month of the decision being made.

4. RESIGNATION, EXPULSION OR RE-INSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP

.1 A Member may resign at anytime by giving written notice to the Secretary General at the Head Office address. The resignation will become effective at the next Council Meeting and his/her name erased from the Register of Members - Subject to Clause 4.3

.2 Any Member more than three months in arrears with their subscriptions, and after due notice in writing by the Treasurer, shall cease to be a Member. Any re-instatement shall be in accordance with Clause 4.3

.3 The re-instatement of a former Member shall be subject to a decision of a Council Meeting. The Council shall have the power to impose a probationary period of membership, or such other re-entry conditions as they may decide without explanation.

.4 Any Member reaching the age of 65 years shall be eligible to be included on the retired list of members.

.5 Retired Members are not precluded from holding office within the Institution, provided they are eligible to do so.

.6 In the event of the death of a Member, the Secretary General shall remove the Member’s name from the Register.

.5 ORGANISATION

(A) BRANCHES

.1 Branches may be formed by at least 5 members within their own geographic area based upon a County or Group of Counties whichever is the more suitable. The formation of a Branch must be approved by the Council.

.2 Branches may elect their own Officers and Committee and formulate their own Rules provided these are first submitted for approval by the Council.

.3 In addition to appointed Officers (e.g. Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer) each Branch may elect a Council Representative from their area.

.4 Branches must conform with the Institute’s Standing Orders

.5 Records of business transacted at Branch level shall be maintained and copies of Minutes must be sent to the Secretary General within one week following the date of a Branch Meeting when the Minutes are confirmed.

.6 Meetings of Branches must be held regularly and at least twice per year.

.7 The Accounts of all Branches in the name of the Institute must be examined and audited at least once per year by appointed Auditors, and copies of signed audited accounts must be submitted to the Institute’s Treasurer within one month of the audit.