Below is a browser friendly version of the HSI Constitution

** Below is a brief description of the constitution **

• Article 1. NAME OF ORGANIZATION / DEFINITION
  

Section 1.01 The Organization shall be called “The Herpetological Society of Ireland” and hereinafter known as the “Organisation” or the “Society”}
Section 1.02 Affiliated Organisation shall be affiliated under the status of “Affiliated to The Herpetological Society of Ireland”

• Article 2. ADDRESS OF THE ORGANISATION
  

• Article 3. OBJECTIVES
  

The objectives of The Herpetological Society of Ireland are
Section 3.01 to exist as a herpetological organization, for non-profit purposes
Section 3.02 to provide a forum for people interested in all aspects of Reptiles and Amphibians (known collectively as, and herein after referred to as, herpetiles), and to extend to interests in invertebrates (including, but not limited to, Arachnids and Insects).
Section 3.03 To generally provide for the Advancement of Education, Knowledge in Science, Conservation of Exotic and Native afore mentioned animals and their natural environment, and Husbandry of herpetiles in captivity.
Section 3.04 to specifically promote interest in Herpetiles in Ireland
Section 3.05 to collect information relating to the husbandry, science and conservation of herpetiles;
Section 3.06 to disseminate information concerning the husbandry, breeding or development of herpetiles, and conservation of exotic and native animals, by means of exhibitions, lectures, publications, or otherwise;
Section 3.07 to assist those engaged in the keeping of herpetiles by such researches and dissemination;
Section 3.08 to promote, carry on and aid in every way the development, improvement and preservation of herpetiles of all kinds, including, but not by way of limitation, the improvement by husbandry and breeding of exotic herpetiles and the preservation and
perpetuation of native and non-native herpetiles;
Section 3.09 to conduct, welcome, encourage, or cause to be conducted, researches for or towards improvement, development, preservation or conservation of {Preview of Draft Constitution Articles and Instruments either in Full or by Article Header for inspection at Launch.} herpetiles and for the promotion of a higher degree of efficiency in the husbandry thereof;
Section 3.10 to generally extend the knowledge, production, use, and appreciation of herpetiles of any kind and in any manner, including, but not limited, their representation in art, literature and film.
Section 3.11 to form links with other Herpetological societies and organisations
Section 3.12 to draft policy on Society standing on the care of animals, the pet trade, and relevant legislation
Section 3.13 to do all such other lawful things as shall be necessary to attain the above objectives.

• Article 4. POLICY ON ANIMAL CARE, PET TRADE, AND LEGISLATION
  

Section 4.01 The Society will maintain and publicise its policy on the care and import of herpetiles such as, but not limited to, Reptiles and Amphibians in captivity.
Section 4.02 The Society will further define and publicise its policy on working with the Pet Trade and recognition of any provisions within Legislation or acceptance of International Codes of Best Practice.

• Article 5. POWERS
  

In furtherance of the objectivess, but not otherwise, the Management Committee may exercise the power to:
Section 5.01 Promote the Objectives of the Society by educating, encouraging and assisting members of the Society and the general public, and working in partnership with similar organisations.
Section 5.02 Invite and receive contributions and raise funds where appropriate, including, but not limited to, membership fee, to finance the work of the Society, and to open a bank account to manage such funds.
Section 5.03 Publicise and promote the work of the Society and organise meetings, training courses, events or seminars etc.
Section 5.04 Conduct research in furtherance of the objectives of the Society.
Section 5.05 Work with groups of a similar nature and exchange information, advice and knowledge with them, including cooperation with other voluntary bodies, charities, and statutory and non-statutory organisations.
{Preview of Draft Constitution Articles and Instruments either in Full or by Article Header for
inspection at Launch.}
Section 5.06 Employ staff and volunteers (who shall not be members of the Management Committee) as are
necessary to conduct activities to meet the objectives.
Section 5.07 To confer or rescind the status of Affiliated Organisation upon any organisation of similar interest.
(a) Such Affiliated Organisations may include international, trans-national, national and regional organisation in any country.
(b) No other rights are conferred upon an Affiliated Organization.
Section 5.08 To define Working Groups to achieve or advance the Objectives of the Society
Section 5.09 To rent premises or to purchase or to hire or by other means acquire necessary equipment or publications or other items as is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Society
Section 5.10 Take any form of action that is lawful, which is necessary to achieve the objectives and fulfil any powers of the Society

• Article 6. MANAGEMENT OF THE ORGANISATION
  

Section 6.01 The affairs of the Society will be managed by a committee.
Section 6.02 The committee shall have the power to co-opt two additional members for one term of office.

• Article 7. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE (Office Bearers and Management Committee)
  

• Article 8. REMOVAL OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS FROM OFFICE
  

• Article 9. POWER OF THE COMMITTEE
  

Section 9.01 The affairs of the Society shall be managed by the Committee who may exercise all the powers of the society subject to the Constitution and any further regulation which may be passed in General Meetings.
Section 9.02 The committee shall be empowered to appoint subcommittees for specific matters from among members of the Society who show a willingness to serve on such sub-committees. One duly elected committee member shall participate in all sub-committee
deliberations
Section 9.03 The Committee shall be empowered to appoint nonmembers as observers in afore stated sub-committees.
{Preview of Draft Constitution Articles and Instruments either in Full or by Article Header for
inspection at Launch.}

• Article 10. DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE
  

• Article 11. FINANCES
  

Section 11.01 The funds of the Society shall be in the name of the Society and shall be administered by the Honorary Treasurer.
Section 11.02 The Society shall open a Bank Account.
Section 11.03 Any money acquired by the Societies, including, but not by limitation to, donations, contributions, bequests and membership fees, shall be paid into the afore stated account operated by the Management Committee in the name of the Society.
Section 11.04 The income and property of the Society shall be applied solely towards fulfilling the Objectives of the Society within the provision of the Powers.
Section 11.05 no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly, by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of profit to the members of the Society and no member of the Management Committee of the Society shall be appointed to any office of the Society paid by salary or fees or receive any remuneration or other benefit in money or money’s worth from the Society.

• Article 12. SIGNING OFFICER
  

Section 12.01 Cheques shall be signed by the Honorary Chairperson and the Honorary Treasurer who shall not be related or co-habiting as if related.

• Article 13. FINANCIAL YEAR
  

• Article 14. AUDITORS
  

Section 14.01 Auditors shall be appointed by the Committee and shall audit the Financial Records of the Society and submit a report to the Committee, at least annually, when called to do so.

• Article 15. PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY
  

• Article 16. PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS
  

• Article 17. MEMBERSHIP
  

{Preview of Draft Constitution Articles and Instruments either in Full or by Article Header for
inspection at Launch.}

• Article 18. ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
  

• Article 19. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
  

• Article 20. EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
  

• Article 21. FEES
  

• Article 22. QUORUM
  

• Article 23. COMMITTEE MEETINGS
  

• Article 24. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
  

• Article 25. ORDINARY MEETINGS
  

• Article 26. SPECIAL MEETINGS
  

• Article 27. EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS
  

• Article 28. VOTING
  

• Article 29. AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION
  

Section 29.01 No rule shall be made, altered or deleted from this constitution except at an Annual General Meeting and/or Extraordinary General Meeting.
Section 29.02 Any member is entitled to suggest an amendment, prior to a general meeting, by submitting the suggested change in writing to the Honorary Secretary
Section 29.03 All amendments to the Constitution shall be by way of Notice of Motion and approved by at least a two-thirds majority at any General Meeting
Section 29.04 The Notice of Motion shall be given with the notice of such a meeting to the general membership.
Section 29.05 All notices shall be made to Members at least three weeks prior to the general meeting at which amendments are proposed.
Section 29.06 Amendments themselves can be amended at a general meeting with the consent of the person suggesting the amendment.
{Preview of Draft Constitution Articles and Instruments either in Full or by Article Header for
inspection at Launch.}

• Article 30. DOCUMENTATION
  

• Article 31. DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANISATION
  

Section 31.01 If the committee by a simple majority decide at any time that on the ground of expense or otherwise it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Organisation, it shall call a special meeting of the Organisation not less than 21 days notice (stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed at the meeting) shall be given.
Section 31.02 If such a decision is confirmed by a two thirds majority of the votes cast in relation to the resolution at such meeting, the committee shall sell such of the assets of the Organisation as they may consider appropriate for the best price reasonably attainable and settle the debts and liabilities of the Organisation. Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of such debts and liabilities shall, of originally received from grant or similar, be returned to the awarding body, or otherwise given or transferred to such other charitable
organisation or organisations having similar objectives to the Organisation as the committee may determine.
Certified as a true copy of the Constitution as adopted by the Management
Committee at a meeting on
……………………………