The Equine Podiatry Association

Membership Rules for the Equine Podiatry Association (UK)

Issue:1.4
Last updated: 14th January 2008

These Rules are made in accordance with the Articles of Association and relate to membership requirements of the Association.

There shall be two classes of membership:

“Full Membership”. This class of membership is available to any person practising as an Equine Podiatrist who fulfils the criteria described in the Training and Qualification Standard.
“Associate Membership”. This class of membership is open to those who have taken part in training in Equine Podiatry, or have a strong interest in the future of the profession. Associate membership shall be denied to those who have demonstrated that they do not support the published Aims of the Association.

Applications for membership must be submitted to the Association Secretary on official application forms. Such information shall remain confidential excepting the minimum information which is required to be entered on the register of members or published in any directory of members.
Applicants for membership shall agree to be bound by the Memorandum and Articles of Association and all published Association Rules and specifically to abide by the Standard for Practice and Code of Conduct where applicable.
Applications shall be considered promptly by the Membership Committee who has the power to reject applications if deemed unsuitable. Where an application is rejected, the Membership Committee must give reasons in writing. Where an application for membership is rejected, the applicant has the right to request that this decision be reviewed by the Association Council at it's next scheduled meeting. Such requests should be made in writing to the Association Secretary.
Applications shall be acknowledged promptly and decisions advised to the applicant without delay.
Benefits of membership shall not be awarded until the fees due have been paid.
The Council may, at their discretion, elect any person to be an Honorary Member of the Association. An Honorary Member shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the Association or to be elected as a Member of the Council and shall not be subject to the payment of any subscription or fee as a condition of such Honorary Membership.
The Council may make recommendations for fee structures and rates up to three years ahead. Fee structures may include incentives or penalties to encourage prompt payment. Annual fees are approved at a General Meeting of Members.
All Members must renew their membership annually on 1st June. Any fees due as a result of membership changes through the year will be payable on a pro-rata basis to bring them into line with the annual membership renewal date.
Annual fees shall be invoiced and paid promptly. If not paid within the due time a penalty fee may be imposed automatically.
The number of the Members of the Association is unlimited.
Full Members must satisfy the requirements for Continuing Professional Development as laid down in the Continuing Professional Development Standard. Any members who have not complied with the minimum requirements shall have their membership reviewed by the Membership Committee, who have the power to cancel membership if they deem it necessary.
At the point of becoming a Member, at the point of any change in membership class and at each annual renewal, each Member must pay the appropriate fee for their class of membership as published from time to time by the Association. Failure to pay the fee within a period of 30 days of the date of renewal shall result in a cessation of membership.
Where an Associate Member qualifies for Full Membership, the appropriate annual fee for Full Membership shall become due on the date of acceptance of their application less any Associate member fees already paid.
Past members whose membership has ceased for any reason may re-apply for membership, but may be expected to provide suitable evidence of being qualified and up-to-date with training and Continuing Professional Development.
An alphabetical register of the Members for the time being shall be kept by the Association Secretary and shall contain in addition to each Member’s name, his or her class of membership, address and contact details. Full members agree to having their contact details published by the Association.
Full Members may be required to provide both a suitable photograph of themselves and a short biography for inclusion on the Association Web Site.
All members are required to notify any change of name or contact details to the Association Secretary in writing or by electronic means within 30 days of that change.
A Member wishing to discontinue Membership shall give written notice thereof to the Council one month at least before the expiration of their subscription year, and on the expiration of such year shall cease to be a Member. A Member who gives such a notice less than one month before the expiration of their current subscription year shall cease to be a Member on the expiration of that year but shall nonetheless be liable for his subscription for the ensuing year.
The Association may terminate any membership by following the due processes set down in the Memorandum and Articles of Association or in any Association Rules. In the event of termination by the Association any fees due or other sums owing to the Association shall be payable immediately. In the event of non-payment sums owed may be pursued as a debt to the Association.