ASPiH Constitution

1. The name of the organisation is the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare, known hereafter as ASPiH.
2. The purpose of ASPiH is to improve the quality and safety of healthcare by drawing together a body of knowledge and expertise to support the effective and innovative use of simulated practice and its translation into enhancing clinical practice and workforce development. ASPiH will:
   1. provide an effective communication network for those involved in simulated practice in the UK and beyond
   2. provide quality exemplars of best practice in the application of simulated practice for assessment, research and education in healthcare
   3. develop and share key operational and strategic resources for members drawn from experience within the association and from links with relevant educational bodies nationally and internationally
   4. encourage and support scholarly development and recognition of members through wider dissemination of innovative practice at scientific meetings and publications
3. Membership
   1. ASPiH invites membership from all of those involved in the organisation and delivery of healthcare education, training and research using any forms of simulation.
   2. Membership will be:
      1. By application via the ASPiH website or as part of registration for the annual ASPiH conference
      2. Renewable annually by credit card or direct debit / standing order. The option of linking renewal as a component of the annual conference registration fee will be available
      3. Membership is automatically cancelled if the membership fee is not paid.
      4. Membership is discontinued upon death and/or dissolution/termination of the institution.
4. Resignations from ASPiH will be via email to the ASPiH President.
5. Membership fees are renewable annually. The fee will be set by the Executive Committee and approved each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
6. All monies raised by or on behalf of ASPiH will be used to further the aims and objectives of the Association. No payments shall be made to members of the Executive Committee other than reasonable expenses. All cheques shall be signed by two members of the Executive Committee, one of which must be the Treasurer or President.
7. ASPiH is represented by an interprofessional Executive Committee. Committee members normally serve a term of 2 years and can be re-elected for up to two further terms.
8. The Executive Committee consists of: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and at least two additional places for ordinary members. The Executive Committee will also include the respective Chairs of the Local Organising Committees for the previous year’s annual ASPiH conference and the current year’s conference that is being planned.
9. Executive Committee members are sought from and approved by the membership. Applications to join the Executive Committee shall be via the approved ASPiH proforma and submitted by email to the current President. Applications can be made at any point in the year and approval confirmed at the AGM.
10. In case of the resignation of a member of the Executive Committee, the Executive Committee is required to find a replacement. This action must be confirmed at the next AGM.
11. If an Executive Committee member resigns membership from ASPiH, the member automatically steps down from the Executive Committee.
12. The Executive Committee is empowered to represent ASPiH for legal purposes.
13. The AGM takes place each year in conjunction with the annual conference. The agenda will be made available electronically to all members via the ASPiH website one month in advance of the AGM and will include presentation of a statement of the accounts.
14. Resolutions of the AGM shall be carried by a simple majority of the members present. A quorum of members shall be no less than 4 members.
15. Minutes of the AGM and meetings of the Executive Committee shall contain a record of all proceedings, resolutions and decisions. These minutes will be made available for viewing by members electronically via the ASPiH website. The draft AGM minutes shall invite members to comment on matters of accuracy in advance of being accepted formally as part of the subsequent AGM.
16. An Extraordinary General Meeting can be requested by one third of members via a written request to the President. The meeting should take place within two months of receipt of the request.
17. Alterations to the constitution shall require the agreement by the majority of members present at the AGM. Notice of any alterations must be sent to the membership a minimum of 14 days prior to the meeting at which the alterations will be proposed.

The constitution is also available to download as a PDF here.