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FESA Rules

Committee Resources
Committee Resources

Purpose and Operations FESA is an incorporated, not-for-profit society. Its primary purposes are to provide a forum for education and discussion on forensic engineering, promote a high standard of consultancy, inform the community and professional bodies about members' services, and conduct regular meetings and events. Any income or surplus assets must be used solely to further these purposes and cannot be distributed to members.

Membership Anyone who supports the Society's purposes can apply for membership by submitting a written application and paying the entrance fee. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving applications. There are several categories of membership:

  • Full Members: Have full rights, including the right to vote, attend general meetings, submit items of business, and access meeting minutes and the member register.

  • Associate Members: For individuals not yet experienced enough for full membership. After gaining two years of experience as a building consultant, they can apply for full membership.

  • Social Members: For those interested in regularly attending meetings.

  • Retired Members & Honorary Members: For former consultants and individuals of high standing in relevant professions. Note: Associate, Social, Retired, and Honorary members do not have the right to vote, move motions, or hold office.

Disciplinary Procedures and Grievances The Society has a formal process for handling misconduct and disputes.

  • Disciplinary Action: If a member fails to comply with the rules, refuses to support the Society's purposes, or engages in prejudicial conduct, the Committee can appoint a disciplinary subcommittee to investigate. Members have the right to be heard and can appeal any suspension or expulsion at a disciplinary appeal meeting.

  • Grievances: Disputes between members, or between a member and the Committee, must first be addressed directly by the parties involved. If unresolved, the parties must appoint a mediator to help settle the dispute in good faith.

General Meetings

  • Annual General Meetings (AGM): Held within five months of the end of the financial year (which ends on June 30th). The AGM is used to review the annual report and financial statements, and to elect ordinary Committee members every second year.

  • Special General Meetings: Can be convened by the Committee or requested by at least 10% of the voting members.

  • Voting: A quorum for a general meeting is 10% of voting members or 10 voting members, whichever is less. Members can vote in person, via approved technology, or by proxy. Most decisions are made by a simple majority, but "special resolutions" (such as altering the rules) require a 75% majority.

The Committee The business of the Society is managed by a Committee, which must meet at least four times a year.

  • Composition: It consists of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to seven ordinary elected members.

  • Elections and Tenure: Officers are elected by the Committee following the AGM. Officers and ordinary members generally hold office until the second AGM following their election. The President is limited to serving a maximum of two consecutive terms.

  • Duties: Committee members must act in good faith, with reasonable care and diligence, and must not misuse their position or Society information. They must also disclose any material personal conflicts of interest.

Financial and General Matters

  • Funds: The Society's funds come from joining fees, subscriptions, donations, and other approved sources. All payments must be authorised and signed by at least two committee members.

  • Records: Members may request to inspect the member register, minutes of general meetings, and financial records for free, though the Committee can restrict access to confidential or personal documents.

  • Winding Up: If the Society is ever wound up, any surplus assets must be transferred to another organisation with similar purposes, not distributed to members