N.A.L.N.E.C.T. Sturcture
This document sets out the structure, the roles and the expected conduct of NALNECT, any alteration to this document can only be carried out with the consent of the Chairperson of NALNECT.
Index of Contents
| Page 2 | 1, NALNECT structure, definition and aims |
| 1a, The Executive. | |
| 1b, The Members. | |
| 1c, Honorary member/s. | |
| 1d, NALNECT partners. | |
| 1e, Change to structure and dissolution of NALMECT | |
| Page 3 | 2, Structure description. |
| 2a, The Executive. | |
| 2b, The NALNECT Members. | |
| 2c, Honorary members. | |
| 2d, NALNECT’s partner’s/associates. | |
| Page 4 | 3, Meetings |
| 3a, Frequency. | |
| 3b Competences of the general membership meeting | |
| 3c, Annual General Meeting (AGM). | |
| 3d, Quorum. | |
| 3e, Extra Ordinary meeting. (EOM). | |
| 3f, Resignations | |
| Page 5 | 4, Voting. |
| 4a, Voting –executive. | |
| 4b, Voting – General. | |
| Page 6 | 5, SIG formulation / structure |
| 5a, SIG Guests. | |
| Page 7 | 6, Roles and Responsibilities |
| 6a, The Chairperson. | |
| 6b, The Deputy Chairperson. | |
| 6c, The Secretary. | |
| 6d, The Treasurer. | |
| 6e, The Technology, literature and events officer. | |
| 6f, The Events / Co-Treasurer. | |
| 6g, SIG Chairpersons / representatives. | |
| 6h, Honorary members. | |
| 6i, Representation of NALNECT | |
| 6j, NALNECT partners. | |
| 6j, a, R.C.Psychiatrists ECT committee NALNECT representative | |
| 6j, b, ECTAS representative (Advisory). | |
| 6j, c, ECTAS reference group representative. | |
| 6j, d, RCN member (Advisory). | |
| Page 10 | 7, Terms of reference. |
1, NALNECT structure, definition and aims
NALNECT by definition is an association of Nurses who are involved in the practise of providing Electro Convulsive Therapies. A nurse member must hold a current NMC registration. The Association conducts its business in accordance to the ” terms of reference” and will have an Annual General meeting that is open to all the membership.
The association is a ‘not for profit organisation’ however NALNECT can accept financial support from sponsors, and in the event of the termination of the association any funds will be equally divided amongst its SIG membership or donated to a suitable charity of the Chairperson, deputy chairpersons and secretaries choice
The association aims to promote access to safe and effective ECT for patients across England, Wales and Ireland.
NALNECT aims to promote ECT research, to combat the stigma associated with ECT, to educate health professionals about ECT, to inform the general public about ECT, and to work towards a high standard of ECT nurse practice across England, Wales and Ireland.
NALNECT will operate independently from commercial, political, and other vested interests.
NALNECT will collaborate with other organizations which share these aims.
The association consists of three component parts, The Executive, The Members, and NALNECT Partners.
The association has as its seat: Information provide on request via contact US.
The Executive:-
The executive is appointed from “the Members”. There must be sufficient executive positions to ensure the functioning of the association in order to ensure it is “fit for Purpose” in accordance to the association “terms of reference”. (The positions are outlined below).
1a, The Executive.
The “Executive” consists of the following positions:-
Chairperson.
Deputy Chairperson.
Secretary.
Treasurer.
Technology, Literature and Press officer.
Conference and events manager.
Events and co-treasurer.
1b, The Members.
The “Members” consists of Special Interest Group (SIG) Chairperson / representative:-
North West, England (including Isle of Man).
North East, England.
Midlands, England.
Wales (south).
South West, England.
South East, England. (including London)
Northern Ireland.
1c, Honorary member/s.
1d, NALNECT partners/associates
Royal college of Psychiatrists ECT committee representative.
ECTAS representative (Advisory).
ECTAS reference group representative.
RCN member (Advisory).
1e, Change to structure and dissolution of NALNECT
Changes in these regulations can only be made during a general membership meeting. A written proposal for change must be delivered to the executive board at least four months prior to the meeting. A proposal for change of the regulations will be sent by the executive board to the members at least one month prior to the annual general membership meeting. The general membership meeting can only validly deliberate on the proposition if 2/3 of members are present or represented. A decision to change the regulations is valid only if at least 2/3 of the voting members support the change.
If less than 2/3 of the members are present or represented a second meeting will be convened. During this second general membership meeting the proposed change is accepted if at least 2/3 of the members present or represented supports the change irrespective of the number of members present or represented.
If circumstances arise which require the dissolution of NALNECT, then this will be decided on two consecutive membership meetings, one of which is the annual membership meeting.
A proposal to dissolve NALNECT or a proposal to change the foundation (for example joining an association, which endorses the goals of NALNECT) will be sent by the executive board to the members at least one month prior to the meeting.
A decision of dissolution must be taken by a majority of at least 2/3.
2. Structure description.
2a, The Executive
The Executive is responsible for the solvency of the association and where necessary complies with any legislation regarding income generation and expenditure.
Elections for “The Executive” will take place on a 3 yearly basis following which the NALNECT structure will be reviewed. The general membership meeting appoints the chairperson and vice chairperson of the executive board; other executive board tasks will be distributed by the executive board itself.
Professionals other than E.C.T. Nurses may hold positions within the “Executive” however such position will be “advisory. They will not have any decision-making or voting powers.
The body of the executive is elected from the NALNECT membership (excluding those with Honorary / advisory positions).
The executive board deals with all matters concerning NALNECT except those belonging to the general membership meeting. It serves the interests of NALNECT, and decides on matters not included in the regulations. Decisions of principal or precedential nature will be put to the general membership meeting first.
The functioning of the executive board members will end due to death, dismissal, civil incompetence, removal or expiration of the term of mandate.
Member of the executive board can be removed by the general membership meeting with a 2/3 majority of the members present or represented.
2b, The NALNECT Members
The “NALNECT members” are elected representatives of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that have been formally recognised by the NALNECT executive. In most case this is the chairperson or their representative. (see SIG formulation / structure below).
2c, Honorary members
Honorary members are positions that are created by NALNECT to recognise the service given to NALNECT, SIGs or their contributions to E.C.T.
Appointments are made by the executive board. A proposal for appointment of an honorary member can be made by the executive board or an individual member. Honorary members have the right to attend the general membership meetings.
Honorary member’s attendances will be supported by NALNECT in the absence of other funding being available.
Honorary members should notify the Chairman of their attendance.
2d, NALNECT’s partners/associates
NALNECT Partners are “Advisory” positions that are filled by organisations that are of benefit to NALNECT such as ECTAS, RCN, The Partner’s organisations nominate an individual to fill the position and are expected to fund their attendance.
A request for associate membership has to be supported by two ordinary members. The executive board decides on the admission of the associate member. Associate members are allowed to attend the general membership meetings.
Members can terminate membership at his/her request. Members who undermine the goals of the association can be struck off the membership roll by the executive board. The expulsion should be confirmed during a general membership meeting by a 2/3 majority. The executive board can suspend the person concerned until the decision by the general membership meeting.
In circumstances where funding cannot be gained from another source, then funding may be available upon fulfilling the appropriate criteria. No financial gain will be given for attendance by the way of a fee, wage or compensation.
3, Meetings
3a, Frequency
NALNECT holds three, one day meetings per year (rotating venue) in the months of March, July and November.
3b Competences of the general membership meeting
The general members are competent to achieve the aims and activities of the association. The right of general members to participate in the management of joint matters concerning the association will be exercised at the general membership meeting.
The exclusive competences of the general members are as follows:
a) Changing the regulations;
b) Appointment and removal of members of the executive board;
c) Approval of the budget and annual report;
d) The discharge to the members of the executive board;
e) Voluntary dissolution of the association;
f) Exclusion of a member;
g) Approval of the by-laws.
3c, Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The AGM will take place at the November meeting or at the nearest opportunity.
Standing items will include:-
Chairperson report
Deputy chairperson report,
Secretary’s report
Treasurer’s report.
Election (if appropriate next 2013)
Review of terms of reference. (reviewed annually).
Review of the NALNECT structure (for review 2013).
Member’s agenda items.
3d, Quorum
In order for a meeting to be valid with voting powers there must be a minimum attendance of:
The Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson.
3 x other executives.
3 x members.
3e, Extra Ordinary meeting. (EOM).
In circumstances where a need to convene a meeting occurs, an Extra Ordinary Meeting will take place, where the minimum attendance must be as above.
An extra ordinary meeting (EOM) may take place, with elections, in the event of the following:-
An executive member resigns.
An executive member’s failure to attend 3 consecutive meeting. (Exclusion may apply dependant on circumstances).
A” No Confidence” Vote takes place that results in a 2/3rds majority against the position holder.
Formal meeting of the Association cannot take place without the attendance of the either the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson.
3f Resignations. When the chairman receives notification of the resignation of an executive member of NALNECT, he will ensure the post is advertised as vacant to all members of SIGs. There must then be a hand over period of 3 months when the post has been filled between the incoming and the outgoing executive member.
4, Voting
4a, Voting –executive.
All executives (with the exception of the chairperson) will, on executive voting matters, issues or elections have a single vote.
The chairperson will have the “casting” and final vote if required.
4b, Voting – General
On general issues, where a vote is required, all NALNECT executives and members present at the meeting, (With the exemption of Honorary Members and NALNECT partners/associates) will have a single vote. All votes cast will be of equal value.
In the absence of a SIG group Chairperson / Representative, a single proxy vote can be cast on behalf of the SIG by another NALNECT member. That member must be a member of the SIG for whom the proxy vote is being cast.
This proxy vote will be the same as that original vote they cast. If the NALNECT member voted to abstain with their original personal vote, then she / he must place a positive vote either for or against the motion / issue when proxy voting on behalf of the SIG group chairperson / representative.
Where two or more executives from the same SIG group are present and there is no SIG Chairperson / Representative, a collective decision must be made as to which way to vote.
If a collective decision cannot be made, then the NALNECT chairperson will not accept a SIG vote.
No decision-making can take place on subjects not included in the agenda.
The decisions taken will be announced to all members through the notes of the meeting. These notes will be distributed and kept by the secretary.
A member of the executive board cannot participate in a vote concerning his/her own exemption of liability.
All voting will be open and transparent and no secret voting will ever take place.
5, SIG formulation / structure
A SIG must have a “body of members” that allows for the minimum structure of a SIG chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Secretary.
All SIG members must have a job description defining a role within an ECT service.
Preferably all SIG members will be active in providing an E.C.T. service.
SIGs are responsible for determining what constitutes their membership and their terms of reference.
The SIG chairperson / representative will by right be eligible to attend NALNECT meetings, unless otherwise stated.
Where a SIG chairperson / representative is on the executive, a nominated deputy should fill the vacant position of “NALNECT Member” from the relevant SIG members. (see representative and guests) Ideally this should follow the executive structure of the SIG for example Deputy Chairperson, Secretary etc.
The SIG chairpersons (except NALNECT executives) or representatives are responsible to their SIG Members.
Where a SIG chairman fails to attend two NALNECT meetings in a calendar year, the NALNECT chairperson will write to the SIG chairman in question. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be obtained, the NALNECT chairperson reserves the right to contact the SIGs membership.
Where a SIG representative is a recognised member of NALNECT, the automatic right of attendance at NALNECT meeting of the SIG chairperson is retracted. Should the SIG Chairperson wish to attend the guidance for SIG Guests should be followed
Where a SIG is multi-disciplinary, then the NALNECT member should be a Nurse. If a nurse is not available to be the NALNECT member, then that member will follow the guidance of NALNECT partners position and will not have any voting powers.
The SIG chairperson is responsible for a membership database which will be shared with NALNECT.
5a, SIG Guests
A SIG chairperson or the representative of the SIG may, by formal agreement of the NALNECT chairperson, invite members of their own SIG group (SIG Guests) to attend NALNECT meetings. SIG Guests can make representations or contribute to the meeting, but will be excluded from any financial affairs (See executive responsibilities). No SIG guest will receive financial assistance from NALNECT unless otherwise agreed in advance by the NALNECT executives having followed the funding request process.
6, Roles and Responsiblities
6a, The Chairperson
The chairperson is an elective position from the NALNECT members.
The term of office is not for a predetermined period of time.
The Chairperson / Chairman’s function will be to represent the views of the NALNECT Membership, and will remain neutral / impartial. The chairman will chair all meetings when present. If an absence is predicted then the deputy Chairperson / Chairman will chair the meeting.
The Chairperson / Chairman will formally ask the deputy to take the chair when discussing any items in which the Chairperson has an interest or has tabled.
The Chairperson will have the casting and final vote or make a bidding decision in the event that a majority decision cannot be made by the executive and members.
The Chairperson will present a statement for the AGM which is accessible to all members.
6b, The Deputy Chairperson
The Deputy Chairperson, will support the Chairperson and were appropriate act up as the chair when the Chairperson cannot, for whatever reason, fulfil their role within the constitution.
The deputy Chairperson is not governed by the voting constraints of the Chairperson (Unless they are Acting Chair) and is free to exercise their vote in the same manner as any executive member. However the interest of the Association must be priority over those of the SIG.
The Deputy chair will deal with all Health & Safety matters / issues.
S/he will, in liaison with the Technology, Literature and Press officer, formulate responses to such issues on behalf of NALNECT.
6c, The Secretary.
The secretary is responsible for all the administrative processes of the Association. Central to the role is the process of “taking Minutes”, and the preparation, distribution and archiving of these minutes.
Establish and maintain membership records and attendances.
The secretary will be advised by the membership of Agenda items and will prepare a daft Agenda for presentation to the Chairperson for final approval.
The secretary will, if they are to be absent from any meeting of the Association, hand over the responsibility of taking the minutes to the Events and co-treasurer executive.
The secretary will approach each SIG chairperson or their nominated representative for a submission of their SIG minutes and archive them.
The secretary will present a statement for the AGM which is accessible to all members.
6d, The Treasurer.
The Treasurer is responsible for the fiscal management of the Association.
The Treasurer with the Co-Treasurer and one other executive member be named signatories of the Association bank account.
The Treasurer must present a financial statement for the “standing items section of the Agenda,” for all meetings of the association.
Such statement must contain details of all debits, credits, claims, standing financial commitments and a balance.
The Treasurer will be responsible to the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson and must report directly if, the association funds are predicted to fall below the desired minimum to ensure solvency.
In the event that the Treasurer has any concerns, queries or difficulties with non payers they must inform the Chairperson and Secretary.
The Treasurer will present a written statement for the AGM, which will be accessible to all members.
6e, Technology, literature and events officer.
The Technology, literature and events officer is responsible for all aspects of technology, literature that may affect the Association.
Central to the role is the development and maintenance of the Association’s web site and use of information technology.
They will act as the link with manufacturers of equipment used in the provision E.C.T. and co-ordinating feedback, responses and requests to those manufacturers. Health and safety Issues will be addressed with the Deputy Chairperson who will make the final response.
They will be responsible for literature subscriptions and dissemination of the information from articles.
Events organisation and collaborative events are the responsibility of this position. Events are inclusive of conferences, meetings etc
6f, Events / co-treasurer.
This member is responsible for ensuring that all events are financially viable and that all financial plans have been agreed with the Technology, literature and events officer.
The events co-treasurer will be responsible for the collection of any generated income from events and organise the settlement of bills with the treasurer’s approval.
The events co–treasurer will be one of the co-signatories to the associations bank account.
The events and co-treasurer will be responsible directly to the Treasurer and will act on his behalf in the event of his absence. The co-treasurer will follow the fiscal disciplines set out, and followed, by the Treasurer.
In the absence of the Treasurer, the co-treasurer will report to the Chairperson / Chairman.
In the absence of the Secretary at meetings the co-treasurer will take minutes.
6g, Special Interest Group (SIG) Chairperson / Representative.
The Chairperson’s / Representative main function is to represent the members of their SIG. The Chairperson / Representative must make available the minutes of their SIG to the NALNECT secretary. All Chairpersons / Representatives present will give verbal feedback of their latest SIG meeting (standing item).
The Chairperson’s representative is by definition a replacement for the SIG Chairperson if unable to attend. The representative should be drawn from the SIGs executive i.e. Secretary or Treasurer.
Where the SIG Chairperson is a NALNECT executive, a SIG Representative may be appointed by the SIG. This will aid the democracy and help offset any conflict of interests between NALNECT and the SIG membership.
6h, Honorary members
Honorary member are created by the NALNECT Executive, for Nurses in recognition of their services to NALNECT & E.C.T.
The awarding of Honorary membership is “life” or until resigned.
6i, Representation of NALNECT
The chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer and secretary are authorized to sign on behalf of NALNECT. At least two members of the executive board should sign.
The executive board represents the association as plaintiff or defendant in lawsuits and will be represented by two members of the executive board or by an appointed representative. NALNECT will be represented in the proceedings by two executive board members or a representative appointed by the executive board
6j, NALNECT partners/associates
6j, a, Royal college of Psychiatrists ECT committee NALNECT representative.
There exists a unique collaboration between the RCPsych and NALNECT. The representative is selected by NALNECT from the E.C.T. Nursing community via the SIG chairmen. The NALNECT Nominee is proposed to the Chairman of the RCPsych E.C.T. committee. If accepted, the NALNECT representative is expected to attend both group meetings. Each group will provide, where appropriate, the financial support necessary for that attendance.
The representative’s primary purpose is to represent the interests of NALNECT and feedback to the association. Uppermost must be the interests of NALNECT. Any literary contribution as a part of this collaboration by the representative must be authorised by the NALNECT executive.
The representative is responsible to the NALNECT Chairperson / Chairman.
The RCPsych E.C.T. committee chairman maintains the right to terminate the NALNECT representatives attendance, should this happen, the chairmen will consult as to the way forward. The NALNECT representative will hold the position as long has they are accepted by the RCPsych E.C.T. Chairman.
6j, b, ECTAS representative (Advisory).
ECTAS provide a representative to advise, inform, consult and support the functioning of NALNECT. The ECTAS representative has no decision or voting rights. The attendance of the ECTAS representative at NALNECT meetings is financed by ECTAS, however NALNECT assistance is available.
6j, c, ECTAS reference group representative.
ECTAS reference group is a subgroup within ECTAS and consists of a body of individuals drawn from disciplines involved in the delivery or support services of E.C.T. Standards are developed, modified and evaluated by this group.
NALNECT has a nominated member on this group.
The nominee will be taken from the “Members” and will be responsible to NALNECT it is their responsibly to:
- Attend a minimum of 2 NALNECT meetings, preferably July and November.
- Report to NALNECT pre and post the annual ECTAS reference group standards review meeting (October).
- Represent NALNECT and its interests.
- Promote nursing standards.
- Raise the profile of NALNECT.
6j, d, RCN member (Advisory).
RCN provide a representative to advise, inform, consult and supports the functioning of NALNECT. The RCN representative has no decision or voting rights. The attendance of the RCN representative at NALNECT meetings is financed by the RCN, however NALNECT assistance is available.
7, Terms of reference.
To influence, implement and disseminate ECT policies/procedures in consultation with ECT nurses, users, carers and colleagues from other disciplines.
To develop and maintain links and work closely with other national and international professional bodies.
To explore and meet any governance issues relating to national bodies including the NHSLA, ECTAS, Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST), the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
To work with the ECT Accreditation Service (ECTAS) to improve and maintain standards and to develop training
To propose solutions and advise on ECT delivery, practice development and policy implementation, contributing to the translation of national policy into local practice via regional and local special interest groups
To be a resource and directly influence the implementation for evidence-based best practice and to be positive role models to the wider community encouraging media involvement as appropriate
To promote and advise on ECT research, audit and bench marking
To promote training at a level in order to give validated recognition for ECT nurses as specialist practitioners
| Title | NALNECT structure |
| Developed | March – November 2010 |
| Date ratified | November 2010 |
| Next review date | November 2013 |