The Defence Police Federation was formed in 1971. These Rules were adopted at Annual Conference, October 2002.

RULE 1 NAME

The organisation shall be known as the DEFENCE POLICE FEDERATION hereinafter referred to as "FEDERATION".

RULE 2 OBJECTS

The objects of the Federation shall be:

1. To protect and improve the conditions of employment of its members and to enhance the efficiency and raise the status of the Defence Police Force by all legitimate means, and in particular through the machinery of consultation and representation jointly established by the Federation, the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury.

2. To maintain and administer welfare funds: to provide benefit on death; to provide arrangements for convalescence for members in need thereof; to secure for members access to any group insurance scheme approved by the National Executive Committee.

3. To provide legal advice and assistance to members on matters arising from their employment including disciplinary proceedings. Such advice and assistance shall be wholly within the absolute discretion of the National Executive Committee. Legal advice and assistance not connected with members' employment and for members families may be provided and such provision shall also be wholly within the absolute discretion of the National Executive Committee.

RULE 3 MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership shall be open to all ranks of the Defence Police Force up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent.

2. Application for membership shall be made to the Branch Representative, except that the National Executive Committee may, in its discretion, make arrangements for new entrants into the Defence Police Force to be enrolled into the Federation during their initial training course.

3. Ex-members who wish to rejoin shall apply to their respective Branch Representative , the decision of whom shall be notified to the Area Officials who shall submit the matter to the National Executive Committee with the appropriate recommendation as to whether membership shall be granted and on what terms.

4. Any person making application for re-entry to the Federation and who has been a non-member for more than one year, shall be required to repay at least six months subscriptions if re-entry is ratified by the National Executive Committee.

5. Members will be provided with a copy of these Rules and a Membership Card free of charge.

6. Membership of the Federation shall ordinarily cease when a member ceases to be employed by the Defence Police Force. Conditional membership may be retained by a person who has been dismissed or obliged to resign from the Defence Police Force for so long as that person is the subject of disciplinary or legal proceedings to adjudicate on that dismissal or resignation, or to continue with an existing personal injury claim, subject always to a decision by the National Executive Committee in its discretion to support that person in those proceedings. Such conditional membership shall be retained only for the purpose of receiving such support and gives rise to no other rights or benefits under these rules. Conditional membership shall thereafter cease when the National Executive Committee in its discretion decides that it can no longer support that person in such proceedings.

RULE 4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

It shall be the responsibility of a member of the Federation:

1. To assist in maintaining the integrity of the Federation and to work for the unity and harmony of the membership as a whole. In furtherance of this end he will ensure that any complaint he may have against any member, Officer or Committee of the Federation or any disagreement on policy is duly registered through the proper channels and in no other way. Should he wish to dispute the decision or action of an Official of the Federation he will make a written report to his appropriate committee and await investigation.

2. To ensure that his contributions are paid regularly.

3. To attend his Branch Meetings and to keep himself versed in the current policies of the Federation.

The supreme authority of the Federation is the Annual Conference. The Management of the Federation is vested in the National Executive Committee and the Officers of the Federation. It shall be the duty of the National Executive Committee to present to Annual Conference a report of all major decisions it has taken since the last Conference.

RULE 6 OFFICERS

The Officers of the Federation shall be the Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary and National Treasurer.

RULE 7 THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The National Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Federation and two members from each Area and from the Senior Supervisory Grade members. One of the two members from each Area and one of the two SSG members shall be the Area/SSG NAC Chairman respectively and the remaining members shall be elected in accordance with these Rules. The General Secretary, Vice Chairman and National Treasurer shall be members by virtue of their office, but without the power to vote save the Chairman's casting vote and the Vice Chairman's casting vote when acting as Chairman.

RULE 8 POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Subject to these Rules and decisions of Annual Conference, the affairs of the Federation shall be administered by the National Executive Committee who shall take action as considered necessary in the interests of the Federation and its members. The three elected members from the Areas shall be given by the National Executive Committee an allocated portfolio of responsibility.

2. The National Executive Committee shall meet not less than once every three months and five voting members shall form a quorum.

3. The National Executive Committee may at any time by resolution of a Special Meeting specially summoned for that purpose remove any of its members from membership of the National Executive Committee. Any member so removed may appeal against removal under Rule 30(c) within 14 days of receiving notice of the decision of the National Executive Committee. Where an appeal is lodged the vacancy may be filled pending the appeal by the respective Area Committee nominating a substitute from among its elected members. Where there is no appeal or any appeal is rejected by Annual Conference the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term by an election under Rule 9.

4. The National Executive Committee shall have the power to remove from office any Officer if it deems this necessary for the conduct of the business of the Federation. Any officer so removed may appeal against removal under Rule 30(c) within 14 days of receiving notice of the decision of the National Executive Committee. Where an appeal is lodged the vacancy may be filled pending the appeal as the National Executive Committee determine from among its members. Where there is no appeal or any appeal is rejected by Annual Conference the vacancy shall be filled (for the remainder of the term of office in respect of the Chairman and Vice Chairman) by an election under these Rules.

5. The National Executive Committee shall have the powers to make levies on the membership to keep the funds solvent.

6. The National Executive Committee shall have the power to appoint such sub committees as it feels appropriate and may co-opt on to such committees additional members of the Federation in an advisory capacity.

7. The National Executive Committee shall ensure that timely and adequate reports on its deliberations are provided to the membership and that it is represented at all Annual Area Meetings of Branch Representatives by at least one National Executive Committee member from the respective Area.

8. Any member of the National Executive Committee may attend any lower committee of the Federation within their respective Area, ex-officio.

1. No member may stand for election, who is not fully paid up and has at least three years unbroken membership at the time of nomination and has served at least three years membership on an Area Committee (one year in the case of SSG members). This qualification does not include membership by virtue of an ex officio post.

2. Branches may nominate one candidate from the membership within their Area (other than SSG membership) and will be supplied with a nomination paper at least six weeks before the closure of nominations. A nomination paper not completed in accordance with the instructions thereon, or delivered after the closure shall be null and void.

3. Members nominated and wishing to stand for office shall give confirmation to that effect in writing to the Conference Arrangements and Standing Orders Committee.

4. A list of Candidates in each Area prepared as a voting paper, shall be issued to members. The list shall state each candidate's full name, age, length of membership, past and present offices held in the Federation and the name or names of Branches nominating him.

5. A voting paper on which the vote recorded is not in accordance with the instructions thereon shall be disqualified.

6. The Conference Arrangements and Standing Orders Committee shall be responsible for the supervision of the elections to the National Executive Committee, for the counting and scrutiny of votes and for the declaration of returns and results to Annual Conference.

7. Appeals as to qualifications and candidates, and complaints as to alleged breaches of election procedures shall be made to the National Executive Committee whose decision shall be followed. A right to appeal to Annual Conference shall exist. Conference decision shall be final.

8. Subject to the following paragraphs, members of the National Executive Committee shall hold office for three years. Where any such members retire from National Executive Committee within the three year period, elections to fill consequential vacancies shall be held as soon as reasonably practicable and successful candidates shall then hold office for three years from that election.

9. In respect of the SSG position on the National Executive Committee the General Secretary shall seek applications for election to this position by notice to SSG members. Such notice may be in a general circular to branches or such other similar means as the General Secretary considers appropriate. Any eligible SSG member may apply in writing to the General Secretary for election to this position. In the case of a contested election the ballot paper shall be distributed to all SSG members and shall be produced in accordance with paragraph (d) of this Rule save that the list of candidates shall not be confined to respective Areas and the reference to Branch nominations shall not apply. Paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of this Rule shall apply to such elections.

10. Members of the National Executive Committee shall retire in accordance with paragraph (h) of this Rule. Such members shall be entitled to seek re-election , in accordance with this rule. The election and retirement of the Area Chairmen and SSG/NAC Chairman shall be in accordance with Rules 19 and 22 respectively.

11. A member of the National Executive Committee who is a member of the Area Committee (except the Area Chairman) shall resign from his Area Committee. The SSG Chairman shall remain in that post but the elected SSG member, if also a member of the SSG/NAC shall resign such position.

12. For the transitional year 2001/2002 the two members of the National Executive Committee elected by each of the former Areas (and nominated by SSG/NAC) having resigned from membership of the National Executive Committee and the election of the single member from each Area and SSGs having been conducted on the basis of candidates confined to those retiring members such procedures and the composition of the National Executive Committee including the Area and SSG/NAC Chairmen shall be deemed to have been required by and carried out in accordance with these Rules. The members of National Executive Committee so elected shall hold such positions for three years when elections shall be conducted under this Rule. The Area and SSG/NAC Chairmen shall hold such position until expiry of their respective three year terms of office.

1. The National Executive Committee shall have discretion in determining the method to be used in filling any casual vacancy, taking into account the timetable involved if that particular vacancy were to be filled by election.

2. In respect of all offices and positions elected for a period of years, a candidate for that office/position may stand notwithstanding that, if elected, he may be unable to serve for the full term whether due to pending retirement from the Ministry of Defence Police or otherwise.

RULE 11 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN

1. The Chairman shall be elected by the membership of the Federation from the members of the National Executive Committee, excluding the General Secretary and National Treasurer, his term of office shall be three years. The retiring Chairman will by virtue of his office be eligible for re-election. The Chairman of CASOC will seek nominations for Chairman of the Federation at the time of the third anniversary conference coinciding with the retiring Chairman's original nomination. In the event of there being more than one nomination an election will take place immediately following conference and will be conducted in accordance with these rules. The ballot will be completed no later than the first National Executive Committee meeting of the following calendar year whereupon the successful candidate will commence his term of office as Chairman of the Federation.

   The retiring Chairman if unsuccessful in his re-election will, subject to the provisions of Rule 13c, immediately relinquish his office.

2. The Vice Chairman shall be chosen from the members of the National Executive Committee (except the General Secretary and National Treasurer) by the delegates at Annual Conference. Upon election he shall cease to be a member of the National Executive Committee in his former capacity (but shall be an exofficio member pursuant to Rule 7) and except as otherwise determined by National Executive Committee shall cease to hold any other office under these Rules. His period of office shall be three years. He shall be eligible for re-election.

3. For the transitional year 2001/2002 the Vice chairman shall retire at Annual Conference 2002 when the vacancy shall be filled pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Rule.

The Officers of the Federation shall collectively be responsible for the administration of the Federation affairs and for the pursuance of Federation policy in periods between meetings of the National Executive Committee.

RULE 13 DUTIES OF CHAIRMAN

1. The Chairman shall preside at Annual Conference of the Federation, at meetings of the National Executive Committee and at such other meetings of the Federation as directed by the National Executive Committee. He shall represent the Federation at the Ministry of Defence, at Her Majesty's Treasury and at such other Ministries and Departments to which the Federation may from time to time make representations. He shall lead all deputations to those aforementioned Ministries and Departments. He shall lead the Federation Representatives at the quarterly and any other periodic meetings with the Chief Constable or his deputies. Where directed by the National Executive Committee he shall represent the Federation at National Conferences and occasions sponsored by other police organisations to which the Federation may be invited.

2. On accepting office he shall, at the discretion of the National Executive Committee and subject to the co-operation of the Ministry of Defence take up a place of residence such as will enable him constantly to be available for consultation at the Federation Office and which will enable him to discharge his supervisory and executive duties on a day to day basis at that office.

3. On relinquishing his position at the end of his term of office, the retiring Chairman may be required for a period before transfer to assist in the induction of his successor in all these duties.

In addition to his responsibilities under Rule 12, the Vice Chairman shall in the absence of the Chairman, act with the full authority of Rule 13(a).

RULE 15 APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL SECRETARY

1. The National Executive Committee shall appoint a General Secretary from amongst the members of the Federation. The procedure to be followed and the conditions of the appointment attached to the post shall be at the discretion of the National Executive Committee who shall have due regard to the responsibilities and duties of the member holding this post as set out in Rule 16.

2. Should any member of the National Executive Committee, SSG National Advisory, or Area Committee be appointed to this position, he shall upon appointment cease to be a member of the respective committee (except as provided in Rule 7) and the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the Rules.

3. The power to terminate the General Secretary's period of office linked to performance reviews/appraisals shall be introduced upon Annual Conference approving full details thereof.

1. The General Secretary in addition to his responsibilities under Rule 12, shall be responsible for the administration of the Federation Office. With the Chairman he shall be responsible for convening the National Executive Committee, the preparation of its agenda and the recording of its minutes. In the discharge of his duties, he shall be provided with such assistance as the National Executive Committee deems necessary.

2. The General Secretary shall be responsible for the management of the Area Secretaries and shall delegate such of his functions and duties to the Area Secretaries as he considers appropriate.

1. The Organising Secretary is chosen by and from within the National Executive Committee. He is responsible for the enrolment of new members at PTC, maintaining a record of membership and the issuing of membership cards.

2. He shall maintain a record of the membership of each Area including the method of payment of each member and to make such returns as required to the National Executive Committee.

3. To record the details of members transferred out of one Area and into another

1. The National Executive Committee shall appoint a National Treasurer from amongst the members of the Federation. The procedure to be followed and the conditions of appointment attached to the post shall be at the discretion of the National Executive Committee who shall have due regard to the responsibilities and duties of the member holding this post as set out in Rule 25(l).

2. Should any member of the National Executive, SSG National Advisory, or Area Committee be appointed to this position, he shall upon appointment cease to be a member of the respective committee (except as provided in Rule 7) and the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the Rules.

1. The Branches of the Federation shall be divided into three geographical areas , Midwest, Southern, and Northern. Area boundaries shall be determined by National Executive Committee in consultation with Area Committees.

2. Each area shall have an Area Committee comprised of eight members elected pursuant to Rule 20 and two or more members appointed under Rule 19(j).

3. Each Area shall be divided into constituencies for the purpose of this Rule. Each constituency shall be comprised of Branches decided by the Area Committee from time to time as required. The Area Committee may decide upon one constituency for the Area as a whole.

4. Each constituency shall elect one or more members to the Area Committee as agreed by the Area Committee pursuant to Rule 19(c). Each elected member shall serve for a period of three years, but where such member (except the Area Chairman) ceases to be a Branch Representative at the same branch, that member's position on the Area Committee shall also be vacated. Where this arises at the Branch AGM the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with Rule 20 at the next Annual Meeting of Branch Representatives. In other cases the Rule 20 election shall take place forthwith and shall not await the next Annual Meeting of Branch Representatives. Retiring members may stand for reelection if otherwise qualified to do so.

5. Each elected member shall have responsibility for the Branches within his constituency.

6. The Area Committee shall in every third year, put forward nominations for the post of Area Chairman, from among the elected members of the Committee which members may include the retiring Chairman whether or not he has been re-elected as a member of the Area Committee. In the case of a contest for this post, the Area Chairman shall be elected by Branch Representatives at the Annual Meeting of Branch Representatives. Upon election as Area Chairman, he shall continue to be an elected member of the Area Committee with voting rights as such. At meetings of the Committee he shall also have a casting vote in the event of a tie. If an Area Chairman be not nominated for election or elected upon the expiry of his term of office, he shall cease to be a member of the Area Committee unless he has been re-elected as an ordinary member of the Area Committee having retained the office of Branch representative to be eligible to stand in such an election.

7. Where upon expiry of his term of office the retiring Area Chairman intends to seek re-election as Area Chairman but prior to that election does not seek re-election as an ordinary member of the Area Committee that vacancy shall not be filled unless he fails to be re-elected as Area Chairman under Rule 19(f). Where that vacancy then arises the retiring Area Chairman may stand provided he has retained the office of Branch representative.

8. The Area Chairman shall preside at the annual meeting of Branch Representatives, at meetings of the Area Committee, and at such other meetings as directed by the Area Committee. He shall lead Area representatives at quarterly meetings and at any other meetings with the OCU/Divisional Commander or their equivalent. With the approval of the Area Committee he may represent the Area at events sponsored by other police organisations to which the Federation has been invited.

9. The quorum at meetings of the Area Committee shall be five elected members.

10. The Area Committee shall appoint (from members within the area ) an Area Secretary/Treasurer and Welfare Officer. The National Executive Committee may permit some or all Areas to appoint more than one Welfare Officer. Such officers shall be members ex-officio of the Area Committee but without voting powers. The term of office, duties, terms and conditions of such appointment shall be at the discretion of the General Secretary in the case of Area Secretaries and the Area Committee in the case of Welfare Officers. The power to terminate an Area Secretary's period of office linked to performance reviews/appraisals shall be introduced upon Annual Conference approving full details thereof. The Area officers collectively shall be responsible for the conduct of Federation business in the Area between meetings of the Area Committee. In the event of the Area Committee wishing to appoint a person who is an elected member, that person shall forthwith resign from the Area Committee.

11. The Area Committee shall meet four times during each year, provided that additional extraordinary meetings may be held with the approval of the National Executive Committee.

12. The Area Committee shall supervise the conduct of the business of the Federation within the Area, within the rules and policy of the Federation and under the direction of the National Executive Committee. Where matters require to be negotiated on which policies have not been decided by the Federation, the Area Committee shall seek guidance from the National Executive Committee.

13. Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Area Committee shall have the following responsibilities:

    1. The growth and organisation of membership within the Area.

    2. To receive and consider resolutions from Branches in the Area and matters raised with the Area Committee and determine the most efficient and expeditious means of resolving the issue raised therein. This may include but is not limited to rejection of the resolution/matter raised, referral to other committees or bodies, referral to the National Executive Committee or to Annual Conference through CASOC. A Branch dissatisfied with the manner in which its resolution has been dealt with may appeal to CASOC. To initiate discussion and to pass resolutions for the attention of the National Executive Committee.

14. The Area Secretary/Treasurer shall be responsible for the duties set out in Rule 25(3) below and also the administration of the Area, including preparation of agendas, recording of minutes and the convening of the annual meetings of Branch Representatives, meetings of the Area Committee, and any other meetings held on behalf of the Area Committee. The Secretary/Treasurer shall deal with correspondence on behalf of the Area and the conduct of any ballot within the Area.

15. The duties of the Area Welfare Officer, are defined in Rule 23(2) below.

16. For the transitional year 2001/2002 the members of the former Area Committees having retired from membership of those Committees and the Area Committees having been elected at the Annual Meetings of Branch Representatives such procedures and the composition of the Area Committees including the Area Chairmen shall be deemed to have been required by and carried out in accordance with these Rules. The members of the Area Committees so elected shall hold such positions for three years when elections shall be conducted under this Rule. The Area Chairmen shall hold such position until expiry of their respective three year terms of office.

17. For the transitional year 2001/2002 the three remaining Area Secretaries having acted as and carried out the functions of Area Secretaries, this shall be deemed to have been required by and carried out in accordance with these Rules. Such Area Secretaries shall be deemed to have been appointed by the respective Area Committees pursuant to Rule 19(j).

1. In each Area there shall be held annually a Meeting of Branch Representatives , consisting of one Representative or Deputy Representative from each Branch, convened by the Area Secretary/Treasurer and presided over by the Area Chairman. The Area Committee shall be in attendance in their capacity as Branch Representatives of their respective Branches. Where the Area Chairman has retained the position of Branch Representative, a Deputy shall attend from that Branch and fulfil the functions of Branch Representative in place of the Area Chairman. A report of the work of the Area Committee shall be presented to the meeting by the Area Secretary/Treasurer.

2. Where vacancies have arisen, the Branch Representatives and Deputy Representatives present from each Constituency of Branches shall elect from the Branch Representatives within that Constituency a Member to the Area Committee to serve for the ensuing three years. No Branch shall have more than one elected member on the Area Committee, whether as a member of the Area Committee or as Area Chairman.

3. In the event of a tied vote in the election, and neither candidate conceding to the other, the election may be held a second time. In the event of a second tied vote, the position on the Area Committee in respect of which there has been a tied vote shall be elected from the tied candidates by the members of the Branches in the Constituency by balloting at branches under the supervision of the Area Chairman and Area Secretary/Treasurer. The election shall be decided on the basis of one vote for each Branch, with each vote decided by the majority at that Branch.

4. The functions of the Annual Meeting of Branch Representatives shall include:

   1. the raising of issues and concerns to Federation Officials and Force Management in open forum;

   2. the provision of training relevant to the post of Branch Representative

   3. consideration of the Area Committee Report

   4. elections to the Area Committee where vacancies have arisen.

1. Branches of the Federation shall be formed at each station or, subject to the approval of the Area Committee, at appropriate groups of stations where members of the Defence Police Force are employed.

2. Members of the Branch shall elect at each Branch AGM a Branch Representative who shall have overall responsibility for all matters concerning the Branch. The Branch may as the Branch deems necessary also elect one or more Deputy Branch Representatives to assist the Branch Representative.

3. In matters of purely Station concern, the Branch Representative shall have direct responsibility for the protection and promotion of the interest of the members of the Branch. When disagreement on such a matter exists between the Branch Representative and the appropriate Senior Police Officer which cannot be resolved at that level, the matter may be referred to the Area Committee who may require a Branch resolution on the matter before taking it as an agenda item.

4. It shall be the duty of the Branches to furnish timely returns or information as the National Executive Committee or Area Committee may require, and to recruit and maintain membership, and generally to assist the Area and National Executive Committee in carrying out the Rules and Objects of the Federation.

5. The Annual Meeting of Branch Representatives shall be attended by the Branch Representative unless he is unable to do so or is also Area Chairman in which case a Deputy shall attend with full voting rights .

6. Branch Meetings shall be held as considered necessary by the Branch Representative provided that an AGM is held each year in the last quarter of each calendar year . A majority of Branch members may by requisition oblige the Branch Representative to call a special Branch Meeting. The National Executive Committee may determine procedural requirements for Branch Meetings including provision as to notice to members, the quorum, minutes and other such matters.

1. There shall be established a National Senior Supervisory Grades Advisory Committee (SSG/NAC) comprised of two elected SSG members from each Area. The National Executive Committee may provide for constituency elections. The Chairman and Secretary of the SSG/NAC shall be members of and elected by the Committee. They shall retain their power to vote as elected members of the SSG/NAC but the Chairman shall have an additional casting vote in the event of a tie. Each member shall serve for three years.

2. The SSG/NAC shall meet at least twice during each year, and additional meetings shall be subject to approval by the National Executive Committee.

3. A member of the Committee who is subject to a posting outside the Area/Constituency in which he was elected may remain a member of the Committee until a replacement is found.

4. This Committee shall be responsible for advising the National Executive Committee on all matters especially appertaining to Senior Supervisory Grade members and for assisting the establishment of machinery at National level for the negotiation of matters specifically concerning Senior Supervisory Grade members as they may be considered necessary.

5. The Committee shall maintain liaison between senior supervisory grades and members in the various areas and between those SSG members and the National Executive Committee.

1. The National Executive Committee shall appoint from its number a Welfare Liaison Officer.

2. His duties are to co-ordinate all Area Welfare Officers' quarterly report in a Welfare Liaison Officer's Report which will be submitted to the National Executive Committee.

3. To raise matters of National interest in welfare matters at any time with the General Secretary/National Chairman.

4. To liaise with the Area Welfare Officers concerning visits to members requiring welfare assistance and to ensure that such visits are reported to the General Secretary before they take place.

5. To meet with Area Welfare Officer twice a year and attend the Welfare Sub-Committee of the JCC.

RULE 23(2) AREA WELFARE OFFICER

1. Area Welfare Officers shall be appointed as defined under Rule 19 and be responsible for the welfare of Defence Police Federation members in their Area. They shall process all applications for loans and grants through the National Treasurer.

2. They shall submit quarterly reports to the Welfare Liaison Officer of the National Executive Committee and Area Committees.

3. Any matters that may impinge on National Agreement, cover legal matters, including legal advice, injury on duty, conditions of service, must be forwarded to the General Secretary for immediate action by the National Executive Committee.

4. To forward to the National Treasurer details of members within their Area who are not in receipt of full pay due to long term sickness.

1. The Treasurer's Annual Financial Statement and the Accounts of the Federation shall be examined by qualified Chartered Accountants appointed by the National Executive Committee. They shall have access to all books and papers necessary for the fulfilment of their duties and shall have such assistance from the Officers and the National Executive Committee as they may require. The Chartered Accountants shall report to the Federation whether in their opinion, the Accounts give a true and fair view of the Income and Expenditure to the Federation for the year of Account and the state of affairs of the Federation as at the end of the year of account.

2. The independent auditor shall be a person who is a member, or a firm all of the partners wherein are members, of one or more of the following bodies, that is to say:-

   1. the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;

   2. the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland;

   3. the Association of Certified and Corporate Accountants;

   4. the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland;

   5. any other body of Accountant established in the United Kingdom and for the time being recognised for the purposes of section 389(1)(a) of the Companies Act 1985 by the Department of Trade and Industry.

1. The annual subscriptions shall be as determined by Annual Conference. Arrangements may be made for the collection of subscriptions in any manner convenient to the member concerned and approved by the National Executive Committee.

2. A member shall be exempt from payment of subscriptions while he is not in receipt of full salary on grounds of ill health.

3. A member more than three months in arrears with subscriptions shall forfeit all rights and title to the funds and property of the Federation. Unless the arrears are cleared before a further three months have elapsed the member's name will be erased from the membership of the Federation.

4. All subscriptions shall be remitted to the General Account and under no circumstances are to be retained for Branch or Area expenses. Local expenditure will be met from the General Account in accordance with Rule 25(2) and (3).

5. The National Executive Committee shall have the overall responsibility to the membership through Annual Conference for the custody and administration of the Federation financial affairs and property, with the right to delegate such responsibility as necessary for the conduct of Federation business to Officials and Sub Committees.

6. Federation Officers, Delegates to Conference, Members of authorised committees either by rule or by minute and other such members who may be required to travel on Federation business, other than members attending their own Branch Meetings, shall be entitled to necessary travel expenses in accordance with the conditions directed by the National Executive Committee and show on Form DPF/FIN/1. When the Federation business requires overnight absence from home there shall be an entitlement to an overnight allowance as directed by the National Executive Committee. Day subsistence allowance shall also be allowed to members travelling on Federation business according to circumstances. Levels of the various allowances and the qualifications attached to the entitlement shall be reviewed periodically by the National Executive Committee.

7. Members who suffer loss of salary whilst on Federation business shall be reimbursed.

8. Subject to the approval of Annual Conference the National Executive Committee may award honoraria for services rendered.

9. All cheques issued on behalf of the Defence Police Federation shall be signed as follows:

   1. General Account - National Treasurer and one other of the following: National Chairman, General Secretary, Vice Chairman.

   2. Area Accounts - Area Secretary/Treasurer, and one other of the following: Area Chairman, and one other Committee member appointed by the Area Committee.

   3. Welfare Account - National Treasurer and one other of the following: National Chairman, General Secretary, Vice Chairman.

10. It shall be open to any member at his/her own expense to inspect the books of the Federation at the Head Office of the Federation by giving suitable notice in writing to the General Secretary.

In addition to the responsibilities under Rule 12, it shall be the responsibility of the National Treasurer:-

1. To maintain books and records for the purposes of accounting for the Federation finances in accordance with the system directed by the National Executive Committee, and maintain an account known as the 'General Account' in the name of the Defence Police Federation at a branch of a bank nominated by the National Executive Committee for that purpose.

2. To make payment in respect of authorised expenditure by and on behalf of the membership of the Federation. To receive and pay into the appropriate account, membership subscriptions and such other monies due to the Federation.

3. To process applications on behalf of Area Welfare Officers for any loans or grants for approval by the National Executive Committee.

4. To maintain, in addition to the account shown in (a), a reserve fund in a deposit or similar account as directed by the National Executive Committee.

5. In consultation with the Finance Advisers and the Federation Brokers and with the authority of the National Executive Committee, transfer such funds that may become available to long term investment funds.

6. To advise the Trustees of the Federation's Death Benefit Scheme of the strength of the Federation as at the last day of each month.

7. To maintain such records as are required by the Taxes and Social Security acts in respect of PAYE and Statutory Sick Pay and make such returns as may be required on behalf of the National Executive Committee to the appropriate authority.

8. To oversee the activities of and receive monthly reports from the holders of subsidiary accounts and to report to each meeting of the National Executive Committee on the state of the Federation Finance and to obtain approval for expenditure not covered by Rule and to ensure that such approval is recorded in the minutes of meetings.

9. In conjunction with the holders of subsidiary accounts and the Federation Auditors, to prepare and present on behalf of the National Executive Committee to Annual Conference a duly audited Statement of Accounts and Financial Report.

10. To receive all subscriptions by way of deduction from payroll and any cheques in respect of subscriptions.

11. To report to the National Executive Committee upon details of arrears within each Area as defined in Rule 25(1)(c) including details of members in arrears.

It shall be the responsibility of the Area Secretary/Treasurer:-

1. To obtain such finance necessary for Area Expenditure , from the National Treasurer and to maintain an Area Account in the name of the Defence Police Federation at a branch of a bank approved by the National Executive Committee.

2. To maintain books and records to account for such finances in accordance with the system directed by the National Executive Committee. Such books and records will be required for audit purposes at the end of each financial year and also may be called for at any time at the discretion of the National Executive Committee.

3. To report on the membership and Area finances to the Area Committee at each quarterly meeting and obtain approval for any expenditure not covered by Rule and ensure that such approval is recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

4. To report to the National Executive Committee through the National Treasurer no later than the 10th day of each month, the state of the Area Finances.

5. To forward to the National Treasurer no later than the 14th day of each month, in a manner agreed with the National Treasurer, any moneys received on behalf of the Federation. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MONEYS RECEIVED IN THE FORM OF SUBSCRIPTIONS TO BE RETAINED FOR AREA EXPENSES.

6. To notify without delay the National Treasurer, of the death of any member within the Area together with details shown in Rule 25(4). IN THE EVENT OF BEING UNABLE TO CONTACT THE NATIONAL TREASURER OR ANY OTHER NATIONAL OFFICER to make payment of death benefits properly due having checked all appropriate records at the Federation Office.

It shall be the responsibility of the Branch Representative:-

1. To maintain a record of Branch membership, and to make such returns as required to the National Executive Committee.

2. Any moneys received in respect of subscriptions will be forwarded to the Area Secretary/Treasurer and dealt with pursuant to Rule 25(3)(f). Under no circumstances are moneys collected in the form of subscriptions to be retained for Branch expense.

3. To advise the National Treasurer through the Area Secretary/Treasurer details of any member who is not in receipt of FULL pay in consequence of long term sickness and to inform that member on the procedure for re-claiming subscriptions and to advise the member that on resumption of full pay it may be necessary to ensure that deductions of subscriptions have been resumed.

4. To advise without delay the Area Secretary/Treasurer of the death of a member or retired member in accordance with Rule 28 with the following details:-

   1. Full name:
   2. Membership number:
   3. Staff No:
   4. Date of Birth:
   5. Date of joining Force, date of joining Federation:
   6. Date of Death with cause if known:
   7. Details of Nominee including address and family circumstances:
   8. Name of member prepared to accept and convey to the nominee the death benefit cheque:
   9. Retired members Date of Retirement.

5. To notify the Area Secretary/Treasurer and Branch Representative of the gaining Branch, details of members transferred out and to advise the Area Secretary/Treasurer of the details of members transferred in.

There shall be an account known as the 'Head Office Petty Cash Account' held at Defence Police Federation Head Office and it shall be the responsibility of the General Secretary.

1. To obtain from the National Treasurer such funds as necessary to conduct this account, and to keep a recorded account of all transactions in respect of this account together with supporting documentation.

2. To prepare at the end of each financial year a Statement of Account in respect of the account for inclusion in the Annual Audit.

1. It shall be the responsibility of the National Treasurer to obtain from the General Account, finances for the purposes of conducting the affairs of the Defence Police Federation Welfare Fund and to maintain books and records to account for such finance in accordance with the system directed by the National Executive Committee. He shall maintain an account known as the "Welfare Account" at a branch of a bank nominated by the National Executive Committee and present to Annual Conference a duly audited Statement of Account of the Fund.

2. The purpose of the Welfare Fund shall be to enable the Federation to assist any of its members who through ill-health, misfortune or any other reason not otherwise provided for under this Rule. Payment made under this Rule shall be solely at the discretion of the National Executive Committee or any other Committee authorised by the National Executive Committee to administer the Welfare Fund.

3. The Welfare Fund will be supported by such various forms of activity generally approved by the National Executive Committee.

1. The property, funds and investment income of the Federation shall be vested in Trustees who shall hold the same and act upon the directions of the National Executive Committee in accordance with the Trust Deed dated 28 August 1984 and any supplementary and amending deeds.

2. The appointment and removal of the Trustees shall be exercised by resolution of the National Executive Committee.

3. The number of Trustees shall be not less than two and not more than five in number.

1. The Annual Conference shall be held at such times and places as the National Executive Committee shall decide.

2. The voting delegates at the Annual Conference shall be the elected Members of the Area Committees including those elected unopposed and those elected to fill casual vacancies and including the Chairmen and those members of National Executive Committee specified as voting delegates in Rule 26(c). In the event of an elected Member being unable to attend the Annual Conference his place at Annual Conference shall remain vacant.

3. The General Secretary, National Chairman, Vice Chairman, National Treasurer, Area Secretaries and Area Welfare Officers shall be non-voting delegates at the Annual Conference except that the National Chairman has a casting vote as does the Vice-Chairman when acting as Chairman. Such delegates are permitted to speak at the Conference, (including the proposing and seconding of Reports and Motions). Other members of the National Executive Committee shall be voting delegates at Annual Conference but no delegate shall have more than one vote.

1. There shall be established a Conference Arrangements and Standing Orders Committee comprised of four members as follows:

   1. one member appointed annually by the National Executive Committee from amongst its number and who will normally be an SSG member.

   2. three members elected by Annual Conference from its delegates ("Delegate-Members"). The term of office of a Delegate-Member shall be three years provided he continues to be elected as a member of his Area Committee. The election of a new Delegate-Member shall be made from among delegates of the Area of the retiring Delegate-Member (not including for this purpose SSG delegates) but the voting shall be by Conference as a whole. The Committee shall appoint one of its Delegate- Members to act as Chairman.

2. The Committee shall make the necessary arrangements, in consultation with the National Executive Committee, for the holding of Annual Conference, and arrange the procedure to be followed by Area Committees in submitting Resolutions and Amendments to Rules. The Committee shall also prepare the Agenda for Conference and submit reports on the Order of Business during the Conference as considered necessary. A resolution defeated at Annual Conference shall not be permitted to appear on the Agenda in the same or substantially similar form until the third Annual Conference after that at which it was defeated , except where a material change of circumstances has occurred to justify this (as judged by the Committee or by express resolution of the National Executive Committee).

3. The Committee shall supervise the elections to National Executive Committee in accordance with Rule 9.

4. The Committee shall also determine any questions in respect of interpretation of these Rules. Such questions shall be referred in the first instance to National Executive Committee by any member, branch or Committee who may refer the matter to CASOC for final determination. National Executive Committee may also refer such questions to CASOC whether of its own motion or following a referral to it by any member, branch or Committee.

5. The Committee shall also determine appeals as to resolutions pursuant to Rule 19(m)(ii)

1. A member may nominate a person to receive a benefit to be paid upon his/her death whilst in service, provided he had not forfeited rights under Rule 25(1)(c). A separate benefit shall also be paid to the nominee of a member who dies within 12 months of his retirement, provided that at retirement he had not forfeited right under Rule 25(1)(c).

2. If it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Trustees and National Executive Committee, that the forfeiture of rights arose through no fault of the deceased member, it shall be within the Trustees and National Executive Committee's discretion to award an ex-gratia benefit.

3. The benefit to be paid under the Death Benefit Scheme shall be as determined by Annual Conference.

1. Any member requiring legal assistance or advice for himself or a member of his family , may make application to the National Executive Committee which may, at its discretion, grant such assistance or advice. National Executive Committee may delegate all powers of discretion under this Rule to a person nominated whose decision in any case shall be immediately effective provided always that National Executive Committee shall determine any disputes as to such decisions which shall remain effective pending such determination. Applications for legal advice and assistance shall be in such form as National Executive Committee may determine.

2. The provision, continuation and withdrawal of legal advice and assistance shall be wholly within the absolute discretion of the National Executive Committee.

3. Assistance shall not be given under this rule in respect of incidents occurring before the member joined the Federation.

4. The National Executive Committee will normally withdraw legal assistance or advice in any case where:

   1. a member fails to co-operate fully with the solicitor appointed by the Federation in providing information, attending appointments or otherwise, and causes the abandonment of the investigation, case-preparation or litigation;

   2. a member fails to follow the reasonable advice of the Federation solicitor and/or the National Executive Committee concerning the conduct of his/her case;

   3. a member elects to appoint other solicitors in place of the Federation solicitors to take over the conduct of his case;

   4. a member falls into arrears of contributions as provided by these rules or otherwise ceases to remain a member of the Federation;

   5. it is established that the case in relation to which legal assistance or advice has been provided has been lost or has had to be abandoned as a result of false statements made by the member.

5. Save where legal assistance or advice is withdrawn, the Federation shall indemnify the member against all legal costs arising from his/her case. Alternatively the Federation may require protection in respect of such costs by means of insurance or otherwise. Where legal assistance or advice is withdrawn, the member will not be entitled to any indemnity for costs incurred in the course of his/her case and the Federation shall be entitled to recover from the member any costs already incurred by the Federation.

6. The Federation shall have no liability for the costs incurred by any member instructing a solicitor and/or commencing any litigation on his own account where no instructions have been given by the National Executive Committee under this rule.

1. No member shall conduct any activity which undermines the confidence of the members of the Federation. A member so acting or wilfully acting contrary to these Rules or to the instructions of the National Executive Committee may be suspended from membership, removed from office or from membership of any committee or expelled by National Executive Committee.

2. A member so suspended or expelled shall forfeit all rights and titles to funds and properties of the Federation.

3. A member upon whom the penalty of suspension or expulsion has been imposed, or an official or committee member (including members of National Executive Committee) who has been removed from office or membership of a committee by the National Executive Committee shall, provided he has in the meantime respected the decision of the National Executive Committee, have the right to appeal against his/her suspension, expulsion or removal from office to Annual Conference.

4. Procedures in respect of proceedings under this Rule may be issued by National Executive Committee.

1. The interpretation of these Rules is a matter for the Federation and decisions of the Conference Arrangements and Standing Orders Committee under Rule 27(d) shall be final and binding.

2. In these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears, words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine.

Provision shall be made at every third Annual Conference for the consideration of such amendments or alterations to these Rules as may be submitted by Area Committees. The National Executive Committee may submit amendments or alterations at any Annual Conference. No amendment or alteration shall be effective except that it has received a majority vote at Conference provided that additionally those Rules which relate to the Senior Supervisory Grade members upon the National Executive Committee or at Annual Conference shall not be altered or amended except with the prior consultation of the National Senior Supervisory Grades Advisory Committee.

RULE 33 DISSOLUTION

The Federation shall not be dissolved except with the consent of not less than five-sixths of the members voting in ballot.

The following information contains materials for the use of members but do not constitute part of the Rules of the Federation.

STANDING ORDERS FOR RULE AMENDMENTS

1. The following Standing Orders shall be observed for the handling of any proposals for amendment to rules under Rule 32 of the Federation Rules.

2. In a year in which proposals can be received from an Area Committee (including for the purpose of these standing orders only the National SSG Advisory Committee), an Area Committee which intends to propose an amendment shall submit the text of the amendment in writing to the General Secretary not later than the last day of March prior to the Annual Conference.

3. The National Executive Committee may in its discretion appoint a Rule Revision Sub-Committee (RRSC) to examine the text of all proposed amendments and to make recommendations as to acceptance or rejection and to draft any amendment of its own which it considers to be in the interests of the Federation and its members.

4. The composition of the RRSC shall be decided by the National Executive Committee and may include persons who are not members of the National Executive Committee. The RRSC may, subject to the consent of the National Executive Committee, seek such legal or otherwise expert advice as it considers necessary to carry out its duties. The RRSC shall be automatically dissolved at the end of conference but a new RRSC may be appointed thereafter at any time of the National Executive Committee's choosing.

5. The RRSC may meet at any time of its choosing before or after receipt of amendments from Area Committees and may be set up in any year to consider the Rules of the Federation on behalf of the National Executive Committee, whether or not it is a year in which amendments are generally received under Rule 32.

6. The RRSC shall be advisory to the National Executive Committee and shall have no power to propose amendments at Conference except as shall have been endorsed by the National Executive Committee. The National Executive Committee shall have power to propose its own amendments whether or not recommended by the RRSC.

7. Any member of the RRSC who is a delegate to Conference and wishes to oppose or dissent in supporting an amendment proposed or endorsed by the National Executive Committee, shall not be precluded from doing so by reason of being a member of the RRSC.

8. The text of all amendments received from Area Committees (and the text of any recommended amendments by the RRSC available at that time) shall be set out in a circular prepared by the General Secretary and sent to all Area Committees for consideration at meetings held in June prior to Conference.

9. An Area Committee, having received the text of amendments proposed by other Area Committees (or text of any amendments to be recommended by the RRSC) may make representations or suggestions for consideration by the RRSC or National Executive Committee through the General Secretary at any time prior to conference, but without the right to have the text of any further amendment on the Order Paper except as accepted and approved by the National Executive Committee (and such further amendment shall stand in the name of the National Executive Committee).

10. The RRSC shall not be bound by the closure date in Paragraph 2 herein but may recommend amendments at any stage to the National Executive Committee, and the National Executive Committee may propose amendments at any stage before a vote on a particular provision at conference.

11. No amendment proposed by the National Executive Committee shall be ruled out of order by reason only that the text was not previously circulated to the Area Committees in advance of Conference, but no amendment may be carried unless the written text of such amendment shall have been given to each delegate before the vote is taken.

12. In any year in which amendments to the rules are not generally received from Area Committees, amendments proposed by the National Executive Committee may nevertheless be the subject of suggestions and representations by Area Committee for consideration by the National Executive Committee at conference in that year.

13. If an amendment submitted by an Area Committee is approved by the National Executive Committee (whether or not approved by the RRSC) the motion proposing the amendment shall nevertheless stand in the name of the Area Committee and shall be moved by one of its delegates (save that, once an amendment has been sent to the General Secretary under Paragraph 2, the motion may be moved by the National Executive Committee if, in the event, the Area Committee no longer wishes to support its own proposed amendment). A speaker on behalf of the National Executive Committee may speak on each amendment before the vote is taken to indicate whether or not the proposal is supported or opposed by the National Executive Committee.

14. For the convenience of conference each separate amendment shall bear a serial number. Where conflicting amendments to the same provision are being proposed, the conference may choose to debate all amendments at the same time, but the voting shall be taken by serial number. If an amendment is carried, any further and conflicting amendment to the same provision shall be deemed to have fallen and shall not be voted upon.

15. Where a group of amendments to a rule are considered by the proposers to stand or fall together (by reason of interacting provisions) an amendment may, in the discretion of the Conference Arrangements and Standing Orders Committee, bear a single serial number, and be proposed by a single motion to be accepted or rejected by conference.

16. An amendment shall be carried at conference by a simple majority of delegates voting. The Chairman shall exercise a casting vote in the event of a tie.

17. The conference may decide to receive advice from any legal adviser to the Federation during the course of debate before the vote is taken.

18. At the end of debate on each proposed amendment the proposer shall have the right of reply before the vote is taken.

19. The conference may at any time before or during the course of debate on a proposed amendment decide to adjourn the matter to allow the text of any further amendment, likely to receive the support of the conference, to be set out in writing for the delegates, and may proceed to the next proposed amendment.

DEFENCE POLICE FEDERATION RULES OF DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME

1. INTERPRETATION The following words shall have the following meaning:-

   Contributions - The membership contribution paid to the Federation under Rule 25 of the Rule Book.

   Dependent - In relation to a member means his spouse or any person or persons who in the opinion of the Trustees is financially dependent on the Member on the date of his death.

   Federation - The Defence Police Federation.

   Federation - A member of the Federation within the meaning of Rule 3 Member of the Rule Book.

   Force - The Ministry of Defence Police.

   Member - A person who, being a Federation member and in the service of the Force, is a member of this scheme.

   Nominee - A person or persons nominated by a Member to the Federation to receive benefit under this scheme in the event of his death.

   Rule Book - The Rules of the Federation.

   Where the context admits, words importing the singular number include the plural and vice versa, and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine. Any reference to a rule in the Rule Book shall include any rule of the Federation having the same substantial effect which may be substituted for the Rule Book at the time of the adoption of these rules.

2. CONSTITUTION OF THIS SCHEME The Scheme shall be governed by a Trust Deed and be administered by Trustees who shall be indemnified by the Federation in respect of any benefits payable under this scheme. The Trustees shall receive moneys for the payment of benefits as and when monies are required for the purposes of the scheme.

3. ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY INTO MEMBERSHIP All persons being Federation Members and serving in the force shall become members of the scheme by virtue of being a Federation Member.

4. COST OF THE SCHEME The cost of the Scheme shall be borne by the membership contributions paid by the Federation Member under Rule 25 of the Rule Book and the payment of money for the purpose of benefits shall be made from the funds of the Federation.

5. BENEFIT (a) In the event of the death of a Member, a benefit of £2,500 shall be payable. (b) In the event of the death of a former member within one calendar year of his retirement from the Force, a benefit of £1,250 shall be payable, provided the Member had retired at normal retirement age or on grounds of ill health, and was a paid up member of the Federation at the date of his retirement.

6. PAYMENT OF BENEFIT The disposal of any benefit under this Scheme shall be governed by the discretionary provisions of the Trust Deed. The benefit shall normally be paid to the Member's Nominee but may be paid wholly or in part to one or more Dependents or may be paid to the legal representative of a Member. In exercising their power under the Trust Deed the Trustees shall normally have regard to but shall not be bound by any written nomination of the Member.

7. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP Membership of this Scheme and eligibility for benefit shall cease in the event of any of the following, or whichever of them is first to occur:- (a) the Member's 60th birthday, upon retirement from service with the Force. (Provided that this sub-rule shall refer to the 65th birthday of a member who is entitled to remain in the service of the Force to age 65 by reason of preserved rights upon transfer from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary.) (b) a Member ceasing to be in the service of the Force whether by reason of resignation, dismissal, retirement or otherwise. (c) a Member ceasing to be a Federation Member.

8. TEMPORARY ABSENCE FROM DUTY So long as he continues to pay his Contributions to the Federation, a member who is absent from duty be reason of ill health or disablement or is absent for some other reason but who remains in the service of the Force shall retain his entitlement to benefit.

9. DISCONTINUANCE OR AMENDMENT OF THE SCHEME The Federation may discontinue or amend the scheme at any time in accordance with the Rule Book.

TENURE FOR GENERAL SECRETARY AND AREA SECRETARIES

The General Secretary and Area Secretaries are subject to a 5 year tenure to reflect the commitment they make to the Federation. This should be automatically renewed subject to satisfactory annual performance reviews at each 5-year renewal date.

The current appraisal system introduced to ensure compliance with Force Management appraisal procedures requires an annual appraisal. That should continue but the endorsement stage set out below will apply for Federation purposes. At that stage of the annual appraisal, the report to the endorsement stage will be verbal only where there has been a satisfactory review at the first reporting stage. In the absence of a satisfactory review at the first reporting stage the first reporting officer will provide at the endorsement stage a short summary giving the reasons for this. No right of appeal will arise at annual appraisals but the General/Area Secretary may register their disagreement with the performance assessment in the report.

At each 5-year renewal date, in order to secure automatic renewal the relevant personnel will be required to obtain a satisfactory performance review, which will be a review of their performance over the 5-year period. The Federation annual performance reviews will be taken into account at this review. For the purpose of this 5 year report a brief summary will be prepared by the first reporting officer for the endorsing body and this shall contain the overall performance marking for each of the 5 years, an overall marking for the 5 year period and a short summary of the reasons if that overall marking is not satisfactory. But where the General/Area Secretary has registered their disagreement with one or more of the annual performance assessments, this shall also be taken into account with particular emphasis on the fact that such disagreements will not have been resolved by appeal as no appeal arises on annual reports.

A performance review is satisfactory where both at the first reporting stage and endorsement stage the officer/committee conducting the report/endorsement certify that performance has been satisfactory. Where either of these does not so certify at the 5-year review, automatic renewal applies only if the relevant official appeals and the appeal is successful in that the appeals body certifies that performance has been satisfactory.

The relevant first reporting officer, endorsing officer/committee and appeals body is set out below:

POSITION	1ST REPORTING	ENDORSEMENT	APPEALS
General Secretary	National Chairman	National Executive Committee	Annual Conference
Area Secretaries	National Chairman	Area Committee General Secretary	National Executive Committee

INTRODUCTION TIMETABLE Automatic renewal is deemed to apply from the relevant Annual Conference in the fifth year - this will usually be in October of the fifth year. For any new General Secretary or Area Secretaries the five years would run from the date they take up their post so the first renewal date would be the fifth Annual Conference after appointment.

For the current General Secretary and Area Secretaries, the first renewal date shall be Annual Conference in October 2007.

The aim will be for the endorsement stage to take place at the last meeting of the relevant endorsing body before the week of Annual Conference. This will normally be the September meetings of Area Committees and the National Executive Committee.

SUMMARY

This procedure provides for adequate accountability of the General Secretary and Area Secretaries. It also contains adequate safeguards in terms of appeal rights for the General Secretary and Area Secretaries.

It is consistent with the current appraisal system introduced to ensure compliance with Force Management appraisal procedures whilst retaining the appropriate independence of the Federation from MDP.

This procedure has been endorsed by BSI Business Solutions Ltd and approved by Conference 2002.