WONCA Europe Bylaws

Approved at the WONCA Europe Council Meeting, Brussels – 07. June 2023
 

Article 1: NAME AND DEFINITION  

1.1 The name of the Organisation is:

WONCA – Region Europe, European Society of General Practice/Family Medicine, (Acronym: WONCA – WONCA Europe).  WONCA is the acronym for the World Organisation of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians, short name World Organisation of Family Doctors. 

The Organisation is the European Region of WONCA – termed ‘WONCA Europe’ within the Bylaws.

 

Article 2: PURPOSE   

2.1 Objective

The objective of the Organisation is to improve the quality of life of the peoples of the world and in particular within the WONCA Europe Region through fostering and maintaining high standards of care in general practice/family medicine. 

 

2.2 Aims

The objective of the Organisation shall be achieved by: 

2.2.1 Providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge and information between Member Organisations of general practitioners/family physicians 

2.2.2 Encouraging and supporting the development of academic organisations of general practitioners/family physicians in Europe 

2.2.3 Representing the educational, research and service provision activities of general practitioners/family physicians before other organisations and/or forums concerned with health and medical care within the WONCA Europe Region. 

2.2.4 Promulgating the pivotal role of gender as a determination of health, promoting the equitable inclusion and advancement of women general practitioners/family physicians in WONCA Europe, and implementing gender equity in all activities in WONCA Europe, in particular the scientific programs of its meetings.

 

2.3 Function

The activities of the Organisation shall be so directed that they serve the Member Organisations by: 

2.3.1 Collecting, collating and disseminating information concerning the educational, research and service provision aspects of general practice/family medicine, and 

2.3.2 Representing the consensus view of Member Organisations in European and national forums. 

 

2.4 Alteration to the Statement of Purpose

2.4.1 Any proposed amendments, additions or deletions to the Statement of Purpose shall be in accordance with the requirements of Article 19, except that any such duly accepted amendments, additions or deletions shall not be operative unless confirmed at the next regular WONCA Europe Council Meeting.

 

Article 3: MEMBERSHIP 

3.1 Eligibility

3.1.1 The Membership of the Organisation shall consist of: 

3.1.1.1 National Colleges, Academies, or Academic Associations of General Practice/Family Medicine which are representative of General Practitioners/Family Physicians of that country and which are Full Members (WONCA World Bylaws ARTICLE 3 Section 2.1) or Associate Members (WONCA World Bylaws ARTICLE 3 Section 2.2) within the WONCA Europe Region. 

3.1.1.2 The European Academy of Teachers in General Practice /Family Medicine (Acronym: EURACT), the European General Practice Research Network (Acronym: EGPRN) and the WONCA European Working Party on Quality Assurance in Family Practice (Acronym: EQuiP), the European Young Family Doctors Movement (Acronym: EYFDM), the European Rural and Isolated Practitioners Association (Acronym: EURIPA) and the European Network for Prevention and Health Promotion in Family Medicine and General Practice (Acronym: EUROPREV), in accordance with Section 2.5 of Article 11 of these Bylaws. 

3.1.1.3 Individual Members, who are Direct Members of WONCA World. 

3.1.1.4 Honorary Life Direct Members of WONCA World. 

 

3.2 Classification

3.2.1 Full Members 

3.2.1.1 National Colleges, Academies, or Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians representing the General Practitioners/Family Physicians of that country.  There can be more than one Full Member Organisation from any one country. The organisations objectives shall be based on scholarly principles for the advancement of the teaching, research and improvement of patient care and the discipline of General Practice/Family Medicine. The constituent voting membership of such organisations shall consist mainly of legally qualified medical practitioners or medical practitioners in training. 

3.2.1.2 Each Full National Member Organisation shall have membership on the WONCA Europe Council.  If there is more than one National Member Organisation from a single country within the WONCA Europe Region, the National Member Organisations from that country shall form a delegation, who are to put forward a single candidate to attend the WONCA Europe Council. The delegation should comprise a single member from each National Member Organisation in the respective country. The voting intentions of delegation members should be discussed within the delegation in advance of the WONCA Europe Council meeting. In case that agreement on voting on a certain matter or identification of a single candidate for attending the WONCA Europe Council cannot be reached, voting by the respective country will not be valid.  

Each Member Organisations certified representative may hold office in accordance with the requirements of Article 11 of these Bylaws. 

3.2.2 Direct Members 

3.2.2.1 Individual persons who are members of a recognised health profession, and who are Direct Members of WONCA World. 
3.2.2.2 Direct Members shall be issued with a Certificate of Membership by the Chief Executive Officer of WONCA World, shall receive copies of any newsletter or other publication which is regularly circulated by the Organisation, and shall be provided with some form of recognition at meetings of the Organisation, the nature of such recognition being determined from time to time by WONCA Europe Council. 

3.2.3 Honorary Members
3.2.3.1 Honorary Life Direct Membership of WONCA World may be awarded in recognition of contributions to the work of the Organisation, to WONCA World and/or to general practice/family medicine. 

3.2.4 Associate Members

3.2.4.1 Associate Member Organisations, National Organisations or a group of National Organisations whose missions and objectives are consistent with those of WONCA Europe and are not eligible for, or do not seek, Full Membership and of which the majority of the constituent voting membership are members of the recognised health professions as defined in these Bylaws. 

 

3.3 Application

3.3.1 Full Members 

3.3.1.1 National Colleges, Academies or Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians seeking Full Membership shall submit to WONCA World Council through the WONCA World Membership Committee an application in such form as is approved from time to time by the WONCA World Council.

3.3.2 Direct Members 

3.3.2.1 Individuals seeking Direct Membership shall submit to the Chief Executive Officer of WONCA an application with supporting evidence of their qualifications. 

3.3.2.2 Upon determination by the Chief Executive Officer of eligibility for Direct Membership, the Chief Executive Officer shall inform World Council and issue the applicant with a Certificate of Membership. 

3.3.2.3 Direct Members of WONCA World shall also be members of the region of WONCA World where they live, and offered any privileges of the region. 

3.3.3 Honorary Membership 

3.3.3.1 Nominations for Fellowship or Honorary Life Direct Membership may be made by Member Organisations, WONCA Europe Executive or WONCA Europe Council. 

3.3.3.2 All such nominations shall be forwarded to and considered by the European Nominating Committee which shall report all nominations to  WONCA Europe Council and shall make recommendations to WONCA Europe Council. WONCA Europe Council shall pass any nominations it endorses to the Nomination and Awards Committee of the World Council, which shall make recommendations to World Council which shall bestow such Honorary Life Direct Membership. 

3.3.3.3 In making their recommendations the European Nominating Committee shall ensure that the prestigious nature of the Fellowship is at all times maintained, and shall ensure that the total number of persons holding Honorary Life Direct Membership is restricted to a number which shall be determined from time to time by World Council.  


3.4 Termination of Membership

3.4.1 A Member Organisation's Membership in the Organisation shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following: 

3.4.1.1 Resignation. 

3.4.1.2 Default in the payment of dues to the Organisation or Revocation of Membership as in the WONCA World Bylaws.

 

Article 4: ORGANISATIONS IN COLLABORATIVE RELATIONS AT REGIONAL LEVEL

4.1 Eligibility

4.1.1 European Organisations whose objectives are consistent with those of WONCA Europe, and are based on the scholarly principles for the advancement of the teaching, research and improvement of patient care and the discipline of general practice/family medicine, and who are not eligible for or who do not seek Full Membership. The constituent voting membership of the Governing Bodies of such organisations shall have a majority of legally qualified medical practitioners. 
4.1.2 Collaborative Organisations may be represented at WONCA Europe Council. The certified representatives shall have the privileges of the floor, but shall not have the right to vote. The certified representatives are not eligible to hold office in accordance with the requirements of Article 11 of the Bylaws. 

 

4.2 Application

4.2.1 European Organisations whose objectives are similar to those of WONCA Europe and who are deemed ineligible for Full Membership, or who do not seek Full Membership, shall submit an application to the WONCA Europe Council through the European Membership Committee in such form as is approved at the next meeting of WONCA Europe Council. 
4.2.2 Upon determination by WONCA Europe Council that an applicant is eligible for collaborative relations with the Organisation, WONCA Europe Council shall issue an applicant an appropriate Certificate. 

 

4.3 Review of Relations

4.3.1 Collaborative relations shall be reviewed by WONCA Europe Council at its regular meetings.

 

Article 5: DUES (SUBSCRIPTIONS) AND FUNDRAISING  

5.1 Annual Dues of Member Organisations

5.1.1 Dues 

Each Member Organisation shall be required to pay annual dues, as a supplement to the WONCA World  dues, which shall be recommended by the WONCA Europe Executive and prescribed by the WONCA Europe Council at an annual WONCA Europe Council meeting. Special assessments in any one year may be levied by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of WONCA Europe Council. 

5.1.2 Time of payment 
Membership dues shall be payable in advance on the first day of January of each year. Dues of a new Member shall be prorated as follows: If enrolment occurs after July 1 but prior to December 1, dues for the balance of the calendar year shall amount to one-half (1/2) the annual dues; if enrolment is completed after December 1, dues for the current calendar year shall be waived, but annual dues for the ensuing calendar year shall immediately become due and payable. 

5.1.3 Non-payment 

Any Member Organisation which has not paid its dues or assessments at the time of the WONCA Europe Council Meeting shall be handled according to the WONCA World Bylaws.  

 

5.2 Annual Dues of Direct Members
5.2.1 Each Direct Member may be offered a Regional Benefit Package for an additional fee. This fee will be a supplement to the WONCA World dues, and shall be recommended by WONCA Europe Executive and prescribed by WONCA Europe Council for the following three years at the triennial meeting. 

5.2.2 Membership dues shall be payable in advance of the first day of January of each year. If election occurs after the first day of July, annual dues for the current calendar year shall be waived. 
5.2.3 If annual dues are not paid by the first day of July, then the Chief Executive Officer of WONCA World shall cause a reminder notice of payment to be sent to the Direct Member by the 31st day of July. If no payment is received by the 31st December of the same calendar year then Direct Membership shall be ceased, and Direct Membership shall only be acquired in the manner set forth in the WONCA World Bylaws. 

 

5.3 Raising of Funds

In furtherance of the Purposes of the Organisation as contained in Article 2, the Organisation may raise or acquire funds by way of levies, requests, donations, grants, bequests, legacies or in such similar manner.

 

Article 6: WONCA EUROPE MEETINGS

6.1 Regular European Meetings 

6.1.1 There shall be a Regular European Meeting of the Organisation held in every year. The meeting can take place either physically or online/hybrid if a physical meeting is not possible. The conclusion that a physical meeting is not possible has to be taken by the executive board of WONCA Europe.  This meeting shall be designated as a WONCA regional conference after receiving approval as prescribed in the WONCA Europe Bylaws.  

6.1.2 Such a Regular European Meeting shall include a meeting of the  WONCA Europe Executive, a meeting of WONCA Europe Council, a Scientific and/or Educational Conference and such other working party or committee meetings as shall be determined from time to time by WONCA Europe Executive or WONCA Europe Council. 

6.1.3 At each regular European Meeting,  the WONCA Europe Council shall designate the time and place for the calendar year + 3 succeeding Regular European Meeting. 

 

6.2 European Scientific and/or Educational Conferences

6.2.1 In pursuance of Section 1.2 of this Article, WONCA Europe Council may by a majority decision either accept responsibility for arranging a European Scientific and/or Educational Conference or delegate such authority to a Member Organisation, which shall be identified as the Host Organisation.  
6.2.2 If responsibility for arranging a European Scientific and/or Educational Conference is delegated to a Member Organisation then WONCA Europe Executive shall: 

6.2.2.1 Appoint one member of the WONCA Europe Executive who shall be designated the Conference Liaison Person and who shall be responsible for liaison between the WONCA Europe Council and WONCA Europe Executive, and the Host Organisation in respect of the planning of the Conference. The WONCA Europe President shall be responsible for liaison between WONCA Executive Committee and the Host Organisation. 

6.2.2.2 Appoint a Conference Planning Committee which shall consist of the Conference Liaison Person, the Honorary Secretary of the Organisation and the Chairperson of the Committee within the Host Organisation which is responsible for the Conference.   

6.2.2.3 The Conference Planning Committee shall meet at least annually during the planning of the Conference. 

6.2.2.3.1 Facilities for the meetings shall be provided by the Host Organisation. 

6.2.2.3.2 The most economical transportation cost by the shortest convenient route and subsistence for the duration of the meeting for the members of the Committee, unless provided in pursuance of Section 5.1 of Article 8 of these Bylaws, shall be the responsibility of the Host Organising Committee. 

6.2.3 Levy 

6.2.3.1 Each fully paid registrant at a designated European Regional Conference shall pay a monetary levy which shall be divided between WONCA World and WONCA Europe.

6.2.3.2 The amount of levy for each Regular European Meeting shall be determined by the WONCA Europe Executive in consultation with the WONCA Europe Council and the Host Organisation. 

6.2.3.3 The levy shall be included in and form part of the registration fee payable by each fully paid registrant to the meeting.

6.2.3.4 The Host Organisation shall be responsible for collecting the levy. Payment of 90% of the estimated total levy will be paid to WONCA Europe within 60 days of the closing of the conference. The outstanding balance will be paid within 90 days of the closing. WONCA Europe will remit, upon receipt, the agreed portion of the levy to WONCA World. 

 

Article 7: EUROPEAN COUNCIL 

7.1 General Powers

The control and administration of the Organisation shall be vested in the European Council (WONCA Europe Council) provided that the overall control and responsibility rests with World Council. 

 

7.2 Composition

The WONCA Europe Council shall have one representative appointed by each Full Member Organisation (ARTICLE 3 Section 1.1.1). If there are more than one Full Member Organisation from one country, they shall form a delegation, who has one vote at the WONCA Europe Council. 

 

7.3 Members of  WONCA Europe –Council

7.3.1 Election 

7.3.1.1 Each Member Organisation which are Full Member and has received a Certificate of Membership pursuant to ARTICLE 3 Section 3.1.3 of these Bylaws shall be entitled to appoint one member of WONCA Europe Council. 

7.3.1.2 The tenure of office of each appointed Member of WONCA Europe Council shall be determined by that member's organisation. 

7.3.2 Qualifications 

7.3.2.1 Each Member of WONCA Europe Council must 

7.3.2.1.1 hold a diploma or degree in medicine recognized and registered by the statutory licensing authority of the country in which the member resides. 

7.3.2.1.2 be licensed to practise medicine in that country. 

7.3.2.1.3 be a full member of the Member Organisation of that country. 
7.3.2.2 If after election to WONCA Europe Council, any WONCA Europe Council Member does not continue to meet these qualifications, the seat shall be declared vacant and shall be filled by appointment by the Member Organisation which the WONCA Europe Council Member represents. 

7.3.3 Certification 
7.3.3.1 Each Member Organisation shall notify the Honorary Secretary of the name and address of its Member of WONCA Europe Council following appointment and of any subsequent changes. 
7.3.3.2 Such notification shall be in the form of a Certificate which shall certify the credentials of the Member of WONCA Europe Council. 

7.4 Observers

7.4.1 Official Observers 

The WONCA Europe Council shall admit as observers to its meetings: 

7.4.1.1 Regional Presidents of WONCA World  
7.4.1.2 Past Presidents of WONCA Europe  
7.4.1.3 Presidents of WONCA Europe National Member Organisations  
7.4.1.4 Convenors or Chairpersons of WONCA Europe Working Parties or WONCA Europe Standing Committees elected pursuant to Article 10 of these Bylaws  

7.4.1.5 The Editor of any journal or newsletter produced under the auspices of WONCA Europe Council. 

7.4.1.6 The chairpersons of the WONCA Europe Special Interest Groups (WESIG)

7.4.2 Other Observers 

The President and Chairperson, with the concurrence of WONCA Europe Council, may invite as observers one representative of other National or International Organisations for part or whole of the meeting. 

7.4.3 Privileges 

All observers to WONCA Europe Council shall have, at the discretion of the Chairperson, privilege of the floor, but shall have no voting rights.  

 

7.5 Meetings of  WONCA Europe Council

7.5.1 WONCA Europe Council shall meet yearly either physically or online/hybrid if a physical meeting is not possible. The conclusion that a physical meeting is not possible has to be taken by the WONCA Europe Executive.

7.5.2 Special Meetings of  WONCA Europe Council may be called by the President or upon the written request of not less than a quarter (1/4) of the current membership countries of WONCA Europe Council, provided that written notice of such a meeting is given not less than 120 days thereto. The meeting can take place either physically or online/hybrid if a physical meeting is not possible. The conclusion that a physical meeting is not possible has to be taken by the executive board of WONCA Europe.

7.5.3 The President of WONCA World may attend, ex officio. 

 

7.6 Voting

Each country represented in WONCA Europe Council is entitled to one vote and unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws or by law, all matters shall be decided by a majority vote of WONCA Europe Council member countries.

 

7.7 Proxies 

7.7.1 A Member Organisation in good standing (or its delegation, if there are more full National Member Organisations within the country (see article 3.2.1.2) which is unable to send a member of WONCA Europe to a meeting of the WONCA Europe Council, may authorise another National Member Organisation (or its delegation), through its appointed Member of WONCA Europe Council, to represent it (or its delegation) in person at the Meeting, providing that no Member of WONCA Europe Council (or its delegation) represents more than one additional National Member Organisation (or its delegation).  

7.7.2 The National Member Organisation (or its delegation)  authorising another National Member Organisation (or its delegation) to represent it must furnish the Chairperson of WONCA Europe Council such authorisation in writing signed by two officers of that Organisation. 

 

7.8 Quorum

A quorum for the transaction of business of WONCA Europe shall consist of a simple majority of the Member Countries of WONCA Europe (including proxies) who have paid their dues.

 

7.9 Languages

7.9.1 The discussions at any meetings of WONCA Europe Council shall be conducted in English. 

7.9.2 WONCA Europe Council shall, if appropriate, facilitate the provision of translation to and from other languages. 

 

7.10 Records

7.10.1 The Honorary Secretary shall keep minutes in English of each meeting of WONCA Europe Council. 

7.10.2 The minutes of each meeting shall be transmitted to each Member Organisation and to each member of WONCA Europe Council not later than sixty (60) days following the meeting of WONCA Europe Council.

 

Article 8: WONCA EUROPE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE  

8.1 Composition

There shall be an executive committee from the WONCA Europe Region (The WONCA Europe Executive) composed of the President of the Organisation, who shall be Chairperson, the President-elect, the Immediate Past President, the Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer and six Members at Large. Not more than two members of the WONCA Europe Executive shall be from a single member country of WONCA Europe. Both sexes shall normally be represented in the WONCA Europe Executive Committee.

 

8.2 Powers

The WONCA Europe Executive Committee, by a majority vote of its members shall have full authority to act for and on behalf of the WONCA Europe Council whenever the business of the Organisation demands prompt action in the interim between meetings of WONCA Europe Council or when it is impracticable to convene WONCA Europe Council. 

 

8.3 Quorum

A majority of the members of the WONCA Europe Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

 

8.4 Meetings

8.4.1 WONCA Europe Executive Committee shall normally meet (online or in person) three times during each calendar year.  

8.4.2 WONCA Europe Executive Committee shall meet immediately prior to and following the meeting of the yearly  WONCA Europe Council Meeting. 

 

8.5 Travelling and Per Diem Expenses

8.5.1 Each member of WONCA Europe Executive shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending meetings of the  WONCA Europe Executive Committee, including the most economical transportation costs by the shortest convenient route and a per diem payment for other expenses. 

8.5.2 The amount of the per diem payment shall include payment for the actual days of the meeting of the WONCA Europe Executive. 

8.5.3 The level of the per diem payment shall be determined by WONCA Europe Executive and confirmed by WONCA Europe Council, but it shall not exceed that approved by World Council.

 

Article 9: EUROPEAN STATUTORY COMMITTEES  


9.1 European Nominating Committee

9.1.1 Powers and duties 

There shall be a European Nominating Committee which shall be responsible to receive all nominations for Officers in WONCA Europe. 

9.1.1.1 The European Nominating Committee shall at least six months prior to each regular European Meeting call from each Member Organisation nominations for Officers of WONCA Europe. 

9.1.1.2 The European Nominating Committee shall meet immediately prior to each regular European Council Meeting online, and online if necessary in between, and shall consider all nominations received from member organisations and any nominations from WONCA Europe Executive and WONCA Europe Council which are made pursuant to the Bylaws. 

9.1.1.3 The European Nominating Committee shall report to the WONCA Europe Executive and to WONCA Europe Council at their meetings prior to a Regular European Council Meeting. Such report shall consist of all nominations made and received and a slate of recommended nominations. 

9.1.2 Composition and election 

9.1.2.1 The European Nominating Committee shall consist of the President Elect, who shall be Chairperson, and two other members, who shall be Members of WONCA Europe Council. 

9.1.2.2 The WONCA Europe Council shall elect at the triennial meeting the members of the European Nominating Committee. 


9.2 European Finance Committee

9.2.1 Powers and duties 
There shall be a European Finance Committee which shall be responsible to WONCA Europe Executive and WONCA Europe Council. It shall: 

9.2.1.1 Approve of triennial budgets for presentation to WONCA Europe Executive and approval by WONCA Europe Council. 

9.2.1.2 Prepare annual budgets for approval by WONCA Europe Council

9.2.1.3 Recommend financial policy to WONCA Europe Executive. 

9.2.1.4 Recommend policy for the investment of the Organisation's assets to WONCA Europe Executive. 

9.2.1.5 Advise WONCA Europe Executive on expenditure of money not provided for in an annual or triennial budget. 

9.2.1.6 Recommend an Auditor for the Organisation for appointment by the WONCA Europe Council. 

9.2.1.7 Consider and make recommendations on other matters referred to it from time to time by WONCA Europe Executive or WONCA Europe Council. 

9.2.2 Composition and election 

9.2.2.1 The Committee shall consist of the Honorary Treasurer, a member of the WONCA Europe- Executive who shall be Chairperson, and two other members of WONCA Europe Council who are not members of the WONCA Europe Executive. 

9.2.2.2 WONCA Europe Council shall elect at the triennial meeting the members of the European Finance Committee. 

 

9.3 European Membership Committee

9.3.1 Powers and duties 
There shall be European Membership Committee which shall be responsible to WONCA Europe Council and shall: 

9.3.1.1 Consider all applications for membership to the Organisation and for organisations in collaborative relations. 

9.3.1.2 Advise WONCA Europe Council on such applicant's eligibility for membership or collaborative relations in accordance with the requirements of Articles 3 and 4 of these Bylaws.  

9.3.2 Composition and election 

9.3.2.1 The Committee shall consist of three members, not all necessarily members of WONCA Europe Council.  One of the members shall be a member of the WONCA Europe Executive and shall be the Chairperson. 

9.3.2.2 The WONCA Europe Council shall elect at the triennial meeting the members of the European Membership Committee. 

 

9.4 European Bylaws Committee

9.4.1 Powers and duties 

There shall be a European Bylaws Committee which shall be responsible to WONCA Europe Council and shall: 

9.4.1.1 Advise WONCA Europe Council on the interpretation and implementation of the Bylaws of the Organisation. 

9.4.1.2 Draft any alterations to or additions to the WONCA Europe Bylaws which would be required to implement any decisions of WONCA Europe Council. 

9.4.1.3 Submit such alterations and additions for the consideration of WONCA Europe Executive and prior to the giving of notice of amendments to the Bylaws as required by Article 19 of these Bylaws.  

9.4.2 Composition and election  

9.4.2.1 The Committee shall consist of three members, at least one of whom shall be a member of the WONCA Europe Executive. 

9.4.2.2 The Chairperson shall be elected by WONCA Europe Council on recommendation of WONCA Europe – Executive.

9.4.2.3  WONCA Europe Council shall elect at the triennial meeting the members of the WONCA Europe Bylaws Committee. 

 

9.5 Eligibility

Any member appointed to any Statutory Committee shall have the same qualifications as those of Members of WONCA Europe Council as outlined in Section 3.2 of Article 7 of these Bylaws.

 

Article 10: EUROPEAN WORKING PARTIES AND COMMITTEES

10.1 European Working Parties of WONCA Europe –Council

10.1.1 WONCA Europe Council may appoint European Working Parties to facilitate its business. 
10.1.2 Such European Working Parties shall be given defined tasks and a defined term of appointment. 

10.1.3 On completion of their tasks, European Working Parties shall report to WONCA Europe Council and then shall cease to exist unless otherwise directed by WONCA Europe Council. 

 

10.2 European Standing Committees of WONCA Europe Council 

10.2.1 WONCA Europe Council may appoint European Standing Committees when it is of the opinion that the objectives determined by WONCA Europe Council could not be achieved by a working party as constituted in pursuance of Section 1 of this Article.  

10.2.2 European Standing Committees shall continue to exist until such time as they are disbanded by WONCA Europe Council. 

 

10.3 Qualifications

10.3.1 Members appointed by WONCA Europe Council to a Working Party or a Standing Committee shall be members of a Member Organisation and shall receive endorsement of that Member Organisation before membership of a Working Party or Standing Committee is confirmed. 

10.3.2 Members appointed to a Working Party or Standing Committee shall be recognised as having special expertise in or knowledge of the objectives of such a Working Party or Standing Committee. 

10.3.3 The Convenors of European Working Parties and the Chairpersons of European Standing Committees shall be appointed by WONCA Europe Council after the respective term is due.

 

10.4 Composition

10.4.1 The number of persons appointed to a Working Party or Standing Committee shall be no more than is reasonably necessary to achieve the allotted task. 

10.4.2 The members shall be selected from Member Organisations so as to provide representation on an international basis, but it shall not be a requirement that all Member Organisations are represented on any or all European Working Parties or European Standing Committees. 

10.4.3 Each Working Party and Standing Committee in order to achieve the defined tasks or the determined objectives may appoint consulting members who need not necessarily fulfil the requirements of Section 5 of this Article, nor need they require endorsement of a Member Organisation. 

 

10.5 Eligibility

Any member appointed by WONCA Europe Council to any Working Party or Committee of WONCA Europe Council shall have the same qualifications as those of Members of WONCA Europe Council as outlined in Section 3.2 of Article 7 of these Bylaws.

 

Article 11: OFFICERS OF THE ORGANISATION 

11.1 Composition

The Officers of the Organisation shall be: 

11.1.1  The President

11.1.2. The President-elect  

11.1.3  The Immediate Past President

11.1.4. The Honorary Secretary  

11.1.5  The Honorary Treasurer  

11.1.6  Six Members at Large 

 

11.2 Duties and Terms of Office

11.2.0 Terms of Office

Executive board membership in any capacity will be for a maximum of ten years.

11.2.1 The President 

11.2.1.1 The President shall act as Chairperson of the WONCA Europe Executive, and WONCA Europe Council. The President shall be a Member of WONCA Europe Council and an ex official member of all European Working Parties and European Standing Committees of WONCA Europe Council and of all European Statutory Committees of the Organisation. 
11.2.1.2 The President shall perform all other duties that custom and parliamentary practice and usage may require. 

11.2.1.3 The term of office of the President shall begin at the conclusion of the Regular European Meeting at which the installation as President occurs, and will last approximately 3 years until the conclusion of the next Regular European Meeting in which voting has occurred.

11.2.1.4 The President will become Immediate Past President automatically after the term as President.

11.2.1.5 In the event of the death or resignation of the President during the President's term of office or if the President shall for any reason be unable or unqualified to serve, the President elect shall succeed to the office of President for the unexpired portion of the President's term.

11.2.2 The President-elect

11.2.2.1 The President-elect shall be a member of the WONCA Europe Executive and of the WONCA Europe Council. 
11.2.2.2 The term of office of the President-elect shall commence at the conclusion of the Regular European Meeting at which election occurs and will be approximately 3 years.

11.2.2.3 The President-elect shall be eligible to stand for one term of this specific office.

11.2.2.4 The President-elect will become President automatically after the term as President-elect. 

11.2.2.5 If the President-elect succeeds the President in accordance with Section 2.1.5 of this article he/she shall still become President in the next term.
11.2.2.6 The President-elect shall serve as Chairperson of the European Nominating Committee. 
11.2.3 The Immediate Past President

11.2.3.1 The Immediate Past President shall be a member of the WONCA Europe Executive and of the WONCA Europe Council.

11.2.3.2 The term of office of the Immediate Past President shall commence at the conclusion of the Regular European Meeting at which election occurs and will be 1 year.

11.2.3.3 The Immediate Past President will have no voting rights.

11.2.4 The Honorary Secretary 

11.2.4.1 The Honorary Secretary shall be a member of the WONCA Europe Executive and of the WONCA Europe Council. 

11.2.4.2 The term of office of the Honorary Secretary shall commence at the conclusion of the Regular European Meeting at which election occurs, and will last around 3 years until the conclusion of the next Regular European Meeting in which voting has occurred.
11.2.4.3 The Honorary Secretary shall be eligible for re-election for one further term of this specific office.

11.2.4.4 As Honorary Secretary of the Organisation the Honorary Secretary shall under the direction of WONCA Europe Council: 

11.2.4.4.1 Do all such duties as the title of the office ordinarily connotes 

11.2.4.4.2 Serve as Secretary of the WONCA Europe Executive Committee and WONCA Europe Council. 

11.2.4.4.3 Act as Public Relation Officer for the Organisation. 

11.2.4.4.4 Keep or cause to be kept accurate records of the minutes and transactions of the WONCA Europe Executive and WONCA Europe Council meetings as provided in Section 10 of Article 7 of these Bylaws. 

11.2.4.4.5 Render to WONCA Europe Council and WONCA Europe Executive whenever they so request an account of the activities and transactions as Secretary of the Organisation. 

11.2.4.4.6 Have such other powers and duties as prescribed by WONCA Europe Council or the Bylaws. 
11.2.5 The Honorary Treasurer 

11.2.5.1 The Honorary Treasurer shall be a member of the WONCA Europe Executive, WONCA Europe Council and the European Finance Committee. 

11.2.5.2 The term of office of the Honorary Treasurer shall commence at the conclusion of the Regular European Meeting at which election occurs, and will last around 3 years until the conclusion of the next Regular European Meeting in which voting has occurred.
11.2.5.3 The Honorary Treasurer shall be eligible for re-election for one further term of this specific office. 
11.2.5.4 The Honorary Treasurer shall take a surety bond in respect of the funds and assets of the Organisation in an amount to be determined by WONCA Europe Council, the premium thereon to be paid by the Organisation. 

11.2.5.5 As Honorary Treasurer of the Organisation the Honorary Treasurer shall under the direction of WONCA Europe Council: 

11.2.5.5.1 Keep or cause to be kept adequate and proper accounts of the property and funds of the Organisation. 

11.2.5.5.2 Deposit or cause to be deposited all monies and other valuables in the name of, and to the credit of the Organisation with such depositories as may be designated by WONCA Europe Council. 

11.2.5.5.3 Disburse or cause to be disbursed the funds of the Organisation as may be ordered by WONCA Europe Council.

11.2.5.5.4 Render to WONCA Europe Council and WONCA Europe Executive whenever they so request an account of all the transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Organisation. 

11.2.5.5.5 Have such other powers and duties as prescribed by WONCA Europe Council or these Bylaws. 

11.2.6 The Members at Large of the WONCA Europe Executive 

11.2.6.1 There shall be six Members at Large of the WONCA Europe Executive. 

11.2.6.2 They shall be appointed by the EURACT, EGPRN, EQuiP, EYFDM, EURIPA and EUROPREV, one member each. 

11.2.6.3 They shall be members of the WONCA Europe Executive. 

11.2.6.4 Their term of office shall commence at the conclusion of the Regular European Meeting at which they are elected and will last around 3 years until the conclusion of the next Regular European Meeting in which voting has occurred. 

11.2.6.5 They shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term of this specific office. 

 

11.3 Elections and Appointments

11.3.1 President-elect, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer of the WONCA Europe Executive

11.3.1.1 The WONCA Europe Council at a Council meeting shall elect a President-elect, an Honorary Secretary and an Honorary Treasurer of the WONCA Europe Executive.

11.3.1.2 Nominations shall be made by the WONCA Europe Nominating Committee in accordance with Section 1 of Article 9 of these Bylaws. 

11.3.1.3 Nothing shall preclude additional nominations being made from the floor at the WONCA Europe Council meeting. 

11.3.1.4 All nominations, however made, shall be certified in writing by a Member Organisation indicating that the nominee is a recognized member of that Member Organisation, has its support and endorsement, and agrees to accept nomination.

11.3.2 Voting 

11.3.2.1 The election of the President-elect, the Honorary Secretary and the Honorary Treasurer of WONCA Europe Executive shall be by ballot. 

11.3.2.1.1 If only one nomination for each office has been received at the time of closing of nominations, then that candidate shall be declared elected by the Chairperson. 

11.3.2.1.2 If there are only two nominations for any of the above officers, then election shall be by a majority vote of those present (including proxies) and voting. If there is a tie, then the president will have a casting vote.

11.3.2.1.3 If there are three or more nominations and no one receives a majority vote on the first ballot, then a second ballot shall be taken between the candidates receiving the highest number of votes on the first ballot, providing, however, that if there is a tie for the second place, the candidate receiving the highest numbers and those tying for second place shall be included in the second ballot. If there is a tie, then the president will have a casting vote.

11.3.3 Death, resignation or incapacity 

11.3.3.1 In the event of the death, resignation or incapacity of the President, or if the President should become ineligible for the office, the President-elect shall assume the office of President. In the event of the death, resignation, or incapacity of the President-elect, then WONCA Europe Council shall elect another President-elect, in such a manner as outlined here. 

11.3.3.1.1 The Honorary Secretary shall call for nominations from Member Organisations for the position of President-elect and at the same time inform members of WONCA Europe Council that there will be an election by secure electronic ballot voting by members of WONCA Europe Council to be held 56 days following the time notified for the closing of nominations.

11.3.3.1.2 The Honorary Secretary shall inform Member Organisations and members of WONCA Europe Council the names of those so nominated together with a biographic sketch of each nominee no later than 28 days after the closing of nominations. 

11.3.3.1.3 The Honorary Secretary shall conduct the electronic ballot voting as outlined above. 

11.3.3.1.4 The Honorary Treasurer, or in the case that he/she be one of the nominees for the position, a member of the WONCA Europe Executive who is not a nominee, appointed by the WONCA Europe Executive, shall act as scrutineer for the election and shall declare the successful candidate elected. 

11.3.3.2 In the event of the death, resignation or incapacity of the Honorary Secretary and the Honorary Treasurer, or if they should become ineligible to continue to hold office, the WONCA Europe Executive shall within 3 calendar months of such offices becoming vacant, elect, either by secure electronic ballot voting or at a personal or hybrid meeting of WONCA Europe Executive members present and voting, a person or persons to fulfil the unexpired portion of the appropriate term or terms.

 

Article 12: PUBLICATIONS  

12.1 Regular Newsletter, Periodical or Journal

12.1.1 WONCA Europe Council may from time to time approve of the publication of a regular newsletter, periodical and/or journal and make such arrangements as it sees suitable for the preparation, publication and circulation of such newsletter, periodical and/or journal. 

12.1.2 WONCA Europe Council from time to time at its regular European meetings shall appoint an editor of any newsletter, periodical and/or journal which it establishes. 

12.1.3 The editor of the journal so appointed shall be responsible to WONCA Europe Council and shall have observer status at any Regular Meeting of WONCA Europe Council. 

12.1.4 The editor shall report to WONCA Europe Council at each of its meetings and to WONCA Europe Executive Committee at its meetings if requested. 

 

12.2 Books, Manuscripts, Publications, Audio Visual Material, Computer Material

12.2.1 No books, manuscripts, publications, audio visual material, or computer material may be published and/or distributed in the name of the Organisation in any manner whatever without the approval of WONCA Europe Executive. 

12.2.2 Any royalties which result from the sale, publication or distribution of any such book, manuscript, publication, audio visual material or computer material shall be payable to WONCA Europe which may disburse such funds in any way it so decides.

 

Article 13: CONTRACTS AND CHEQUES 

13.1 Contracts

13.1.1 The WONCA Europe Council may authorise any officer or officers, agent or agents of the Organisation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of, and on behalf of the Organisation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. 


13.2 Cheques and Drafts 

13.2.1 All cheques, drafts and other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Organisation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Organisation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of WONCA Europe Council, providing that at all times the Honorary Treasurer and the President are given separately such authority. 

13.2.2 Such officer or officers so determined by WONCA Europe Council shall give a surety bond in an amount to be determined by WONCA Europe Council, the premium thereon to be paid by the Organisation. 

 

Article 14: FINANCIAL RECORDS AND REPORT  

14.1 Balance and financial statement

14.1.1 The WONCA Europe Executive shall present to the WONCA Europe Council Meeting held in the following year, a balance sheet and financial statement for the past year ending 31 December, audited and certified by a public accountant and approved by WONCA Europe Executive. 

14.1.2 Full Members of the Organisation shall at all times have the right and privilege to inspect all financial books, records and documents of the Organisation and the Honorary Treasurer shall be responsible to facilitate such inspections when so requested providing such requests do not imply any financial responsibility for the process of inspection by the Organisation. 

 

Article 15: WAIVER OF NOTICE 

Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given under the provisions of the laws of the state or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. 

 

Article 16: RULES OF ORDER  

The most current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Revised, except when the same are in conflict with these Bylaws, shall control all parliamentary proceedings of the meetings of WONCA Europe Council and the WONCA Europe Executive. 

 

Article 17: OFFICIAL LANGUAGES  

The official language of the Organisation shall be English.  

 

Article 18: DISSOLUTION

18.1 Decision to Dissolve

18.1.1 A decision to dissolve the Organisation shall require a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Member Countries and shall be made at a meeting of WONCA Europe Council specifically called for that purpose. 

18.1.2 In the event two thirds (2/3) of the Member Countries are not present at such meeting, the question of dissolution shall be determined by a written referendum conducted under the direction of WONCA Europe Council.  

 

18.2 Distribution of Assets. 

If in accordance with Section 1 of this Article a decision to dissolve the Organisation is resolved in the affirmative, then

18.2.1 A distribution of any surplus assets (after all liabilities have been discharged) should be made to those Member Organisations which have been members for the six (6) consecutive calendar years immediately preceding the date of dissolution and the basis of distribution of assets is made to them in the same proportion as their respective dues paid bear to the total of dues paid by all other Members.

18.2.2 Should a Member not have completed six (6) years' continuous Membership then the proportionate dues paid will rank for distribution.

18.2.3 If any Member has ceased to be a member within a period of six years from the date of dissolution then the proportionate dues paid by it in the previous six years, immediately prior to dissolution, will rank for the return of surplus assets. 

18.2.4 EURACT, EGPRN, EQuiP, EYFDM, EURIPA, EUROPREV, and Direct Members shall not be entitled to rank for any return of surplus assets. 

18.2.5 The return of the surplus assets will be made on the express provision that the surplus funds so returned to members will be utilised for charitable, scientific or educational purposes with their organisation or their country.

 

Article 19: ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS   

Bylaws may be adopted or amended by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the member countries of WONCA Europe Council present (including proxies) and voting at any meeting of WONCA Europe Council, provided such proposed amendments shall be given by one or more Members of the Organisation to the Honorary Secretary at least four (4) calendar months prior to the said meeting, and notice shall be given by the Honorary Secretary of such proposed amendments to the Members of the Organisation in a written form (postal or email) or official publication at least forty five (45) calendar days before the meeting at which such proposed amendments are to be acted upon. 

WONCA Europe Executive Committee or WONCA Europe Council also may propose changes in the Bylaws provided that the same conditions for notification apply as for Member Organisations.

 

Last modified on 27 Nov 2023.