Constitution

Title

The title of the Clinical Interest Group (CIG) shall be 'the Physiotherapy Pain Association' (PPA).

Objectives

1. To encourage, promote and facilitate interchange of thoughts and ideas between members of the said CIG.
2. To promote the role of physiotherapy in the uni- and multi-professional approaches to the relief and management of pain.
3. To develop standards of practice in the assessment, intervention and outcome of the physiotherapy management of pain.
4. To develop an awareness amongst physiotherapists of the multi-factorial nature of pain and the integrated approach to its management.
5. To identify pre- and postgraduate training and education needs and develop strategies to meet those needs.
6. To provide lectures, workshops, courses, conferences and discussions of interest to members.
7. To encourage and support research relevant to pain.
8. To integrate evidence-based practice into the execution of the preceding seven objectives.

The CIG will take no action in any matter affecting the general policy of the CSP
without the consent of the Council.

Membership

Any physiotherapist who has paid the appropriate current annual subscription of scheme fee to the CSP may join the CIG on payment of the membership fee laid down by the CIG.

Persons who are not members of the CSP can apply for associate membership.

Associated members will not be eligible to vote on the business of the PPA.

Associate members will not be eligible to stand for office on the Executive.

Honorary Officers

Consist of the Hon. Chairperson, Hon. Chairperson-elect, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. PRO, Hon. Scientific Officer and Hon. Education Officer.

The Chairperson shall be elected for a period of three years.

The Chairperson shall give notice of his/her retirement from office one year in advance.

The Chairperson shall serve a period as Chairperson-elect prior to taking up the position of Chairperson.

The Chairperson-elect shall be elected one year before the Chairperson stands down from office.

All other Honorary Officers shall be elected for a period of one year. Any Officer may stand for re-election on completion of their period of office.

Executive Committee

Shall comprise:

1. Honorary Officers.
2. Other elected members.
3. Co-opted members (non-voting), not exceeding 4 people.

The total membership of the elected members (honorary and others) on the Executive Committee shall not exceed 10 people.

The Committee shall nominate a vice-chairperson at the first Executive Committee Meeting after each AGM.

Management of the business both financial and professional shall be vested in the Executive Committee with due regard to the wishes of the membership.

The quorum shall be one third of the total membership of the Committee.

Regional Groups

Regional groups of the PPA may be convened following consultation with the Executive Committee.

Annual General Meeting

The business shall be:

1. To elect by vote or by postal vote the Honorary Officers and the Executive Committee.
2. Postal voting will be allowed at the Annual General Meeting for the election of membership of the Executive. Committee and for voting on motions presented to the AGM.
3. To receive and adopt the Annual Report and Accounts for the previous year.
4. To appoint an Auditor for the ensuing year.
5. To transact any other business.
6. Members will be notified of all candidates seeking election and all motions for discussion at least 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

General Meeting

To be called at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

14 days clear notice shall be given.

To be chaired by the Hon. Chairperson or in their absence the Vice-Chairperson if appropriate.

Extraordinary General Meeting

The Hon. Secretary shall call and arrange an Extraordinary General Meeting:

1. On receipt of instructions from the Executive Committee.
2. On receipt of a written requisition signed by 20% of the membership.

14 days clear notice shall be given to members of an Extraordinary General Meeting.

The Extraordinary General Meeting shall be chaired by the Hon. Chairperson of the CIG.

The business of the Extraordinary General Meeting shall be limited to the business for which it was called.

Proxies may be held at the Annual General Meetings, General Meetings, and Extraordinary General Meetings. The number of proxy votes held by any one member shall not exceed 20 and may be used on a specific agenda item and any amendments arising subsequently.

Quorum

The number required for a quorum at the Annual General Meeting and at Extraordinary Meetings shall be fifteen members.

Cessation of the CIG

This may be done at the Annual General Meeting, General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting.

Notice to be 21 clear days.

The meeting will decide the allocation of the assets of the group.

Notification of the cessation of the CIG shall be lodged with the Council of the CSP.

PPA Cons
HM/20.1.1995
Revised 23.6.1995
Revised 15.2.1997
Revised 14.3.1998
Revised 13.3.1999
Revised 11.3.2000
Revised 15.3.2003