PsySSA Constitution

CONSTITUTION of the PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Article 1: Name
Psychological Society of South Africa
The name may be abbreviated as PsySSA.
Article 2: Principles

WHEREAS

We acknowledge psychology’s historical complicity in supporting and perpetuating colonialism and the apartheid system, and mindful of the history and principles underlying the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, we commit ourselves to:

2.1 Transforming and redressing the silences in South African psychology to serve the needs and interests of all South Africa’s people;
2.2 Developing an organisational structure for psychology that reconciles historically opposed groups, gives a voice to hitherto excluded users of psychological knowledge and skills, and ensures transparent accountable governance of the Society to serve the democratically expressed wishes of its membership;
2.3 Ensuring that the Society remains an organ of civil society without an overt or covert loyalty to any political party;
2.4 Advancing psychology as a science, profession and as a means of promoting human well-being;
2.5 Actively striving for social justice, opposing policies that deny individuals or groups access to the material and psychological conditions necessary for optimal human development, and protesting against any violations of basic human rights;
2.6 Promoting rigorous research and encouraging the application of research findings in the advancement of public well-being;
2.7 Establishing and maintaining the highest standards of ethics, conduct and lifelong education of psychologists;
2.8 Engaging in policy development processes that are relevant to social enhancement and psychological practice in South Africa;
2.9 Promoting the rendering of and advancing mental health services to all in South Africa.

Article 3: Principal Object

To promote the common interests of the members of the Society, who are practitioners of or who are involved in the field of psychology.

Article 4: Legal Status

4.3 To fulfill its objectives and obligations, PsySSA shall have the right to accept contributions from any person, organisation or body  within or outside the boundaries of South Africa. However, PsySSA will only initiate fund-raising campaigns amongst the people, organisations and/or bodies within South Africa.
4.4 No income or property shall be distributed to any person, except as reasonable compensation for services rendered, and the funds of the Society will be utilised solely for investment or the objects for which it was established.
4.5 Funds available for investment may only be invested with registered financial institutions as defined in Section 1 of the Financial Institutions (Investment of Funds) Act, 1984, and in securities listed on a stock exchange as defined in the Stock Exchanges Control Act, 1985 (Act No. 1 of 1985).
4.6 The Society will not carry on any profit making activities, or participate in any business, profession or occupation carried on by any of its members, or provide any financial assistance, premises, continuous services, or facilities to its members for the purpose of carrying on any business, profession or occupation by them.
4.7 The Society may not have the power to carry on any business, including, inter alia, ordinary trading operations in the commercial sense, speculative transactions, dividend stripping activities as well as the letting of property on a systematic or regular basis.
4.8 The Society will conduct its financial transactions by means of banking accounts held with appropriate financial institutions.
4.9 The Society’s financial year will end on 31 December annually.

 

Article 5: Membership, Voting Rights and Subscriptions

5.1 Classes of Membership
The Society makes provision for the following classes of membership:
5.1.1 Honorary Members, who pay no dues, need not be psychologists, and have this distinction bestowed upon them at the recommendation of Council, ratified by the AGM;
5.1.2 Fellows shall be Full Members who have made an outstanding contribution to psychology and are proposed for this honour by Council or a Division of the Society; Hereinafter, all references to full members shall include Fellows.
5.1.3 Full Members shall be persons with at least a Master’s degree in psychology and shall include Fellows and Honorary Members.
5.1.4 Associates shall be persons with an Honours or a Bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology.
5.1.5 Student Members shall be currently registered students of psychology at the undergraduate, Honours or Masters level, and registered interns.
5.1.6 Affiliates shall be persons with an interest in or working in the field of psychology or related areas.
5.1.7 Foreign Affiliates: Persons living abroad who are members of an acknowledged foreign psychological association and/or who can provide proof of qualifications in the field of psychology as required by Council.
5.1.8 Exempted Members, are members in good standing for at least five years, who apply after retirement to the Treasurer for exemption from the payment of annual dues and may be granted such status on terms determined by Council. This class of member
shall include those referred to in 5.7.5 below.
5.2 The above classes of membership shall hereafter be collectively described as “the Members”.
5.3 Persons shall be enrolled in the highest class of Membership for which they are eligible as determined by this Constitution,  provided that in the case of any uncertainty as to the Class of Membership for which an applicant qualifies, Council shall make a final determination.
5.4 Application for Membership
5.4.1 Applications for membership of the Society shall be made on the Society’s website using the electronic format for consideration by Council. A person admitted to Membership will automatically become a member of the Branch operating in the Region where the person resides.
5.4.2 Membership of Division(s) shall be determined by personal choice and in accordance with the Domestic Rules of the particular Division(s).
5.5 Termination of Membership
5.5.1 A Member may terminate Membership by written notice to the Head Office of the Society. The Head Office shall thereafter notify the relevant Branch and Division(s) of such resignation.
5.5.2 Council may, upon the recommendation of the Ethics Committee, terminate the membership of any person who is in violation of the Society’s Constitution or its Ethical Code.
5.5.3 Upon termination of Membership, paid up subscriptions shall not be refundable.
5.6 Voting Rights and Procedures
5.6.1 Full Members in good standing (see paragraph 5.7.1) shall have voting rights.
5.6.2 Associates, Student Members, and Affiliates have limited voting rights as prescribed by this Constitution, but enjoy all other privileges of membership of the Society.
5.6.3 Voting at the General Meeting shall take place by show of hands or by secret ballot if requested by two-thirds of those present.
5.7 Subscriptions
5.7.1 The maintenance of good standing in the Society requires payment of the Annual Membership Fee specified in the rules, to be paid to the Head Office of the Society.
5.7.2 The Executive shall suspend the Voting Rights of persons more than three months in arrears with their fees and shall drop from Membership persons more than six months in arrears.
5.7.3.1 The Head Office shall, when membership fees become two months overdue at the end of February, advise the person that Voting Rights shall be suspended at the end of March, and further advise persons in arrears at the end of March that they shall be
dropped from Membership at the end of June.
5.7.3.2 For this purpose, letters sent by ordinary mail or electronically to the address in the Society’s records shall be deemed to be adequate notice.
5.7.3.3 The Executive may impose a penalty not exceeding the Membership Enrollment Fee for any fee payment in default of this section.
5.7.4 Arrears membership fees shall be due and payable and the Society shall have legal right to collect such arrears.
5.7.5 The annual fee payable by each class of membership shall be determined by Council.
5.7.6 Persons unable to afford the Society’s fees may apply to the Treasurer for hardship dues.
5.8 Eligibility for election
Persons shall not be eligible for election to any office of the Society unless they are Members in good standing, have been nominated and seconded in writing on the prescribed form as in Appendix 1 and have by their signature on this form confirmed their eligibility for office and commitment to serve the Society in the office in question.

Article 6: General Meetings

6.1 An Annual General Meeting shall be held in each calendar year and may be at the time and place of the Annual Congress of the Society.
6.2 A Special General Meeting shall be convened by the President of the Society at the written request of at least 50 Members, or at the request of Council, such request to include the agenda for that meeting. Hereafter, Annual General Meetings and Special
General Meetings are collectively referred to as “General Meetings”.
6.3 The Executive shall give the Membership at least 30 day’s written notice of a General Meeting that shall include the agenda of the meeting, together with duly proposed and seconded amendments to the Constitution or the Rules to be laid before the meeting.
6.4 The Notice convening the Annual General Meeting shall include reports and relevant documents that are available at the time.
6.5 The office bearers of the Society are also office bearers at a General Meeting.
6.6 Decisions shall be taken by majority vote at General Meetings. The President shall have an ordinary and a casting vote.
6.7 Voting at a General Meeting shall be by full Members present in person.
6.8 General Meetings shall be open to the Membership, the public and the press. Members shall have the right to address the meeting.
6.9 A General Meeting may by majority vote go into closed session, at which only Members may be present, and such other persons who may be requested by the President to attend.
6.10 The decisions of a General Meeting shall be binding on Council.
6.11 Quorum
6.11.1 A quorum for a General Meeting, for the Council and the Executive shall be as specified in the Rules.
6.11.2 A meeting that remains inquorate 30 minutes after the appointed starting time shall be adjourned to a date not less than 24 hours and not more than 30 days later at a time and place announced by the President. The Members present at such an adjourned meeting shall constitute a quorum.
6.12 Function
The General Meeting shall:
6.12.1 Consider resolutions recommended to it by Council, Divisions, Branches, Standing Committees, or proposed by individual Members, on matters affecting the policy of the Society;
6.12.2 Instruct Council to devise and implement policies that will further the Society’s Constitution;
6.12.3 Consider, and if it deems fit, adopt the Annual Reports on the affairs of the Society by the office-bearers, staff and any Standing Committees, Branches or Divisions as may be required by the Rules or on instructions of the President to report to the General Meeting.
6.12.4 Elect such office bearers as it is required to do by the Constitution.
6.13 Disciplinary and Other Steps
A General Meeting may instruct Council, or Council may upon the recommendation of the Executive, Standing Committee, Branch or Division, establish a Committee or Enquiry into the affairs and actions of any Division, Branch, Committee or Member of the Society should there exist prima facie evidence that the Constitution or the Rules have been violated.

Article 7: Structure

7.1 The Society shall have the following structures: Council, the Executive, Divisions, Branches and Standing Committees; the appropriate staff shall be appointed by and be accountable to the Executive.
7.2 Any office bearer including staff or person contracted to perform certain functions, duties or services for PsySSA shall not be held personally liable for his/her actions unless such action is dishonest, mala fide or grossly negligent and is designed to bring PsySSA into disrepute.

Article 8: Council

8.1 Meetings
8.1.1 Council shall meet at least thrice during its term of office which shall be for two years.
8.1.2 50 % of the members of Council present in person at the commencement of a meeting shall constitute a quorum.
8.2 Duties
Council’s duties shall be:
8.2.1 To guide the Society’s affairs, and to conduct its relations with professional bodies, civil society and the state, so as to conform to and attain the Principles and Principal Object set out in Articles 2 and 3 above.
8.2.2 To take such steps as may be necessary to implement policy decisions embodied in resolutions adopted by General Meetings or by Council itself;
8.2.3 To guide the Executive and the Society’s structures in the implementation of policy and the conduct of the Society’s affairs so as to further the Society’s Constitution, when necessary establishing specialist Council Committees in order to do so.
8.2.4 To determine just and appropriate disciplinary measures.
8.3 Composition
Council shall be so constituted as to be broadly representative of psychology in its full diversity as a science and a profession. Specifically, each Branch or Division shall have the right to appoint one Representative for each 200 full members, provided that a Branch/Division with less than 200 full members shall have one Representative.

8.4 Members of Council
8.4.1 The Executive
8.4.2 Representatives of the Divisions.
8.4.3 Representatives of the Branches.
8.4.4 One Representative of each Standing Committee.
8.4.5 A person serving as President-Elect, President, or Past President shall not concurrently serve on Council as Branch representative or Division Representative.
8.4.6 Council shall appoint an officer or officers to manage the affairs of the Society. Such officers may attend Council meetings, but shall have no vote.
8.5 Co-option
8.5.1 Council may fill vacancies that occur on the Executive between elections by co-option, such persons having voting rights.
8.5.2 Council may co-opt additional members who shall not have voting rights to serve Council as specialists.
8.6 It is the responsibility of Divisions, Branches and Standing Committees to ensure that they are represented on Council by their elected representative or an alternate; Council may not fill such vacancies by co-option.

Article 9: The Executive

9.1 Functions
The Executive shall be the Management Committee of the Council. The Executive shall manage the day-to-day affairs of the Society, take such decisions as are necessary, conduct the liaison and communication activities necessary to attain the Society’s objectives and issue statements on behalf of the Society.
9.2 Composition
Members of the Executive shall be the President, the President-Elect, the Past President, the Treasurer, and five additional members.
9.3 Election
The Office Bearers designated in 9.2 shall be Full Members in good standing, and directly elected by the Society’s Annual General  meeting as determined by this Constitution and as may further be provided for in Rules for the election of the Executive.
9.3.1 Those members nominated but not elected into the positions of President and President-Elect are automatically added to the list of nominees for “additional members” to the Executive, unless they indicate otherwise.
9.4 Voting
Decisions by the Executive shall be by a majority vote. The President shall have both an ordinary and a casting vote.

Article 10: Term of Office Bearers

10.1 Council Member’s Term of Office shall commence directly upon the conclusion of the first Annual General Meeting following upon their election.
10.2 Office Bearers in Branches, Divisions, the Executive and Council shall not hold office in the same position for more than two consecutive Terms, a Term being two years in duration, save that the term of office of the President Elect, the President and the
Past President shall be for one year.
10.3 Office bearers of Divisions may be elected through a electronic vote system should a specific Division so wish. Divisions should ensure that their Constitutions and Rules be appropriately amended to incorporate this Standing Order if this electoral system is presently not permitted.
10.4 An office bearer on any PsySSA structure shall not concurrently hold office in any external association or society which may, in the view of Council, be in conflict with the aims, mission and values of PsySSA.

Article 11: Branch, Division and Standing Committee Membership of Council

11.1 Membership of the Society’s Council is a privilege conferred in terms of this Constitution on Standing Committees, and on Branches and Divisions in good standing.
11.2 The Term of Office on Council of a Standing Committee, Branch or Division Chairperson shall not exceed two consecutive terms.
11.3 No Member may represent a Standing Committee, Branch or a Division at more than two consecutive Council meetings if the Standing Committee, Branch or Division does not function as specified by this Constitution.

Article 12: Branches

12.1 A Branch shall consist of Members of the Society living in a particular geographical area, provided that there shall not be more than one Branch in a single metropolitan area.
12.2 A Branch shall be informed by Divisions of their activities in that particular Branch.
12.3 Functions
Branches shall undertake any activities that are required for the promotion of the Society’s Principles and Principal Object in a particular Branch by:
12.3.1 Canvassing new Members.
12.3.2 Facilitating communication between the Society and Members residing in that particular Branch.
12.3.3 Assisting local bodies concerning matters in respect of which Branch Members have expertise.
12.3.4 Assisting in coordination of the activities of Divisions in that particular Branch.
12.3.5 Arranging meetings of Members as required.
12.3.6 Conveying news and information concerning Branch activities to the Editor of the Society’s newsletter.
12.3.7 Conveying proposals and suggestions to the Society in respect of matters affecting the particular Branch, the creation of Standing Committees or the nomination of Members to stand for election to Standing Committees.
12.4 Foundation and Dissolution
12.4.1 A Branch may be constituted by petition of Members of whatever class resident in that region.
12.4.2 Should the number of Members of the Society in a Branch fall below 10, Council may resolve to dissolve the Branch and/or incorporate the Branch into an adjoining Branch.
12.4.3 Council shall determine the disposal of the assets and the liabilities of the particular Branch in consultation with the Branch Executive.
12.5 Executive
12.5.1 A Branch Executive shall have a Chairperson, a Secretary and such Additional Members as may be determined by the requirements of that particular Branch.
12.5.2 Each Branch shall hold a General Meeting at least once annually.
12.5.3 Only Members in good standing may hold executive office in Branches.
12.6 Management and Finances
12.6.1 All classes of Members have an equal vote in the management of affairs of the Branch and are eligible to serve on the Branch Executive.
12.6.2 Branches may generate their own income as they see fit, and may negotiate with Council for subsidization by the Society of their running expenses.

Article 13: Divisions

13.1 A Division shall function as a structure of the Society subject to the corporate governance of Council notwithstanding the nature of the legal persona created by its Constitution. Members of a Division consist of members of the Society who are active in a particular area of interest and who wish to develop such area of interest for the promotion of the principal and principle object of the Society. The Council may establish guidelines, duties and responsibilities for Divisions from time to time for this purpose.
13.2 New Members of a Division shall be members of the Society.
13.3 Any number of Divisions may exist within the Society and they may function at a national or regional level.
13.4 The name of a Division shall include the descriptor “Division of the Psychological Society of South Africa”.
13.5 Functions
13.5.1 Development of the particular area of interest in respect of training, research and practice.
13.5.2 Provided, however, that where such Rules of a Division conflict with the provisions of this Constitution, the provisions of this Constitution shall prevail and a Division shall forthwith amend such Rules in accordance with the Society’s Constitution when so instructed by Council.
13.5.3 Promotion of communication, cooperation and coordination within the same area of interest. In pursuit of this aim, a Division may at its discretion open its educational events to all interested persons, whether or not they are members of the Society, but subject to the provisions of 13.5.1 and 13.5.6.
13.5.4 Conveying proposals and suggestions to the Society in respect of matters pertaining to the particular field of interest, the creation of Council Committees or the nomination of Members to stand for election to Council Committees.
13.5.5 Publishing a newsletter and/or conveying news or information affecting the Divisional activities to the Editor of the Society’s  newsletter.
13.5.6 Promoting Continuing Education (CE) Programmes.
13.6 Foundation and Dissolution
13.6.1 Divisions may be constituted at the written request of 50 or more Full Members to advance the development of recognised psychological specialties or areas of special interest.
13.6.2 Notwithstanding the contents or interpretation of the Constitution or Domestic Rules of a Division, any provision or interpretation of such Constitution or Domestic Rules which conflicts with the Constitution of the Society shall be of no force and effect. A Division shall at all times be subject to the ultimate corporate governance of the Society and its Council.
13.6.3 When the Membership of a Division has been below 50 over a period of two successive years, and such Division will in the opinion of Council not revive, Council shall recommend to a General Meeting that the Division be disbanded; Council shall dispose of the assets and liabilities of a disbanded Division.
13.7 Executive
A Division shall constitute its Executive in accordance with its own Constitution and Domestic Rules within the framework of this Constitution in order to comply with its own requirements.
13.8 Management and Finances
13.8.1 Divisions conduct their own affairs in conformity with their own Constitution and Domestic Rules, and retain their income generated by activities such as seminars and workshops.
13.8.2 Divisional Membership fees are collected by the Society, which may charge an administration fee that shall be set by Council on an annual basis.
13.9 Division for Student Affairs
13.9.1 Membership of this Division shall be limited to persons currently registered for Bachelors, Honours, and Master’s degrees, including persons registered as psychology interns.
13.9.2 In this Division, Associates and Student Members shall have the vote.

Article 14: Rules

14.1 Rules setting out the operational and managerial procedures by which the affairs of the Society shall be conducted in accordance with the Constitution shall be enacted, amended or repealed by majority vote of a General Meeting, provided that no Rule shall amend any provision of the Constitution.
14.2 Council may promulgate Interim Rules which shall have the status of Rules, subject to confirmation by the following AGM.

Article 15: Standing Committees

Any number of Standing Committees may be established by the Executive subject to ratification by Council.

Article 16: Constitutional Amendments

16.1 Written notice of proposals to amend the Constitution, proposed and seconded by Full Members, shall be circulated to Members at least 30 days prior to the General Meeting at which the Amendment is to be considered.
16.2 Constitutional Amendments require a two-thirds majority of a quorate General Meeting of the Society.
16.3 A Constitutional Amendment by electronic vote may be conducted by Council, to be ratified at the following Annual General Meeting, with a two thirds majority of responding Members.
16.4 Any amendments to the Constitution will be submitted to the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Services.

Article 17: Dissolution

17.1 The Society shall dissolve if such a resolution is passed in accordance with this Constitution and the decision of a Special General Meeting called for this purpose.
17.2 Upon dissolution the assets of the Society shall, after payment of outstanding liabilities, be given or transferred to another organisation recommended by Council with objects similar to those of the Society and which is itself exempt from income tax in terms of Sec 10(1)(cB)(i)(ff) of the Income Tax Act.

RULES of the Psychological Society of South Africa

1. Quorum
1.1 Any 30 members present in person at the commencement of a General Meeting shall constitute a quorum.
1.2 50% of the members of Council present in person at the commencement of a meeting shall constitute a quorum.
1.3 A quorum for the Executive consists of four Members of that committee.
2. Membership Fees
The annual fee payable by each class of Membership shall be determined by Council.
3. Election
3.1 The Members of Standing Committees shall be from any Membership Class of the Society, excepting that the Chairperson shall be a Full Member of the Society.
3.2 The Chairperson of each of the Standing Committees shall be appointed by the Executive, and other Members shall be appointed in consultation between the Executive and the Chairperson.
3.3 Members also in good standing.
4. Standing Committees
Council has the power to appoint any relevant Standing Committee, which shall comprise at least three members. Each Division shall have the right to nominate one Member on any Standing Committee, provided that no Committee approved by Council shall comprise more than seven Members. Standing Committees may co-opt further Members with specialized knowledge. All Standing Committees may fill vacancies that occur during their term of office by co-option. Council shall have the right to nominate a member on behalf of a Division that fails or refuses to do so should Council deem this action necessary in the best interests of the Society.

4.1 Ethics Committee
4.1.1 This Committee shall consist of Fellows or Members widely representative of the diversity of psychology; the Committee may co-opt persons who are not psychologists and who represent community interests.
4.1.2 The Ethics Committee has an educational, advisory and consultative function. In relation to disciplinary issues its role is mediatory rather than disciplinary.
4.1.3 Written complaints of unethical conduct may be directed to the Committee by Members of the Society or the public for resolution.
4.1.4 Investigative procedures shall be formulated as Rules of the Society.
4.1.5 The Ethical Code shall be continuously revised by the Ethics Committee or a special working group of this Committee following international models and with regard to local needs, and shall remain the subject of wide consultation, so that the code reflects the full diversity of the profession of psychology in its human interest and guild concerns.
4.2 Congress Committee
4.2.1 This Committee shall plan policies and procedures for the Annual Congress, arrange for programmes of general and specific interest, and coordinate Divisional programmes at Congress. This Committee shall always strive to improve the quality of each  Congress.
4.2.2 This Committee shall, after approval of the Executive Committee, appoint a Scientific Committee within three months after the preceding Congress to suggest themes and featured speakers, and to review abstracts.
4.2.3 Although Council shall set dates for Annual Congresses no later than the preceding AGM, subject to any change that may arise due to unforeseen circumstances that the Executive may direct, this Committee shall arrange dates and venues for Congresses at least two years in advance.
4.2.4 In order to afford members the full opportunity to attend the Annual Congress and avoid any scheduling conflict for members, structures shall not hold any event two months before and one month after the Annual Congress, save for regular business meetings as required in terms of the Constitution and Rules. The Executive may make an exception where compelling circumstances arise.
4.3 Publications Committee
4.3.1 This Committee shall include the Editor of the South African Journal of Psychology, and the editors of such other publications as  may from time to time be designated by the Rules as requiring representation on this Committee.
4.3.2 The Committee shall encourage publications in all formats and advise Council on developing a range of journals and other publications deemed to further the Society’s
objectives. This Committee shall also be responsible for oversight of PsyTalk and support mechanisms for improving channels of communication, including social media.
4.4 Equity and Transformation Committee
4.4.1 Whereas Articles 2.1, 2.2 and 2.5 of this Constitution has contained the principles of “Transforming and redressing the silences in South African psychology to serve the needs and interests of all South Africa’s people; Developing an organizational structure for psychology that reconciles historically opposed groups, gives a voice to hitherto excluded users of psychological knowledge and skills, and ensures transparent accountable governance of the Society to serve the democratically expressed wishes of its membership;” and “Actively striving for social justice, opposing policies that deny individuals or groups access to the material and psychological conditions necessary for optimal human development, and protesting against any violations of basic human rights;” since PsySSA’s founding, this Committee’s primary objective is to address any possible forms of discrimination on grounds such as race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and language within the Society or outside the Society as it affects prospective or present
members of the professional community of psychologists.
4.4.2 This Committee shall review and report on the transformation initiatives within South African psychology generally and the  Society specifically.
4.5 Tariffs Committee
4.5.1 This Committee shall consist of Full Members in private practice.
4.5.2 This Committee shall be responsible for monitoring the various tariffs payable to psychologists and other practitioners and shall,  after approval of the Executive, lobby relevant public and private agencies, including medical schemes, in this regard.
4.5.3 This Committee shall work closely with other structures, especially Branches and the Practice Issues Standing Committee, to ensure that members’ needs are addressed through adequate tariffs for practitioners.
4.6 Practice Issues Committee
4.6.1 This Committee shall consist of Full Members in private practice.
4.6.2 The Committee shall monitor the needs of psychologists, registered counsellors, psychometrists and other practitioners in private practice and shall address those needs.
4.6.3 The Committee shall promote the credibility of psychologists, registered counsellors and psychometrists in private practice and shall represent them on matters affecting practice.
4.7 International Relations Committee
4.7.1 This Committee, like all the other structures, operates under the direction of Council and the Executive.
4.7.2 This Committee is responsible for PsySSA’s international relations activities, including but not restricted to, engagements with MOU and other partners, involvement in the South African National Committee for IUPsyS (part of the SA National ICSU Board at the NRF), and membership of regional and international organisations.
4.7.3 This Committee shall !ensure that in all its dealings it shall promote the best interests of PsySSA and its members and enter into relationships with external organisations for the betterment of psychology as a science and practice in South Africa.
4.8 Psychological Testing and Assessment Committee
4.8.1 This Committee shall advise the Executive on developments in the psychological testing and assessment environment as these may impact on the discipline and the greater South African society, especially in terms of the rights-based constitutional dispensation in the country.
4.8.2 This Committee shall review current instruments and advise the Executive on possible improvements that cater for the diverse South African population.
4.8.3 This Committee may engage in relevant research so that the diverse South African population may enjoy more valid and reliable  instruments.
4.9 Nominations Committee
4.9.1 This Committee shall comprise not less than three and not more than five Past Presidents of the Society who are not nominees  for Executive office.
4.9.2 At least two months prior to the Society’s AGM where an election is to be held, the Committee shall call upon the Society’s  membership to nominate full members in good standing for such Executive positions that may become vacant.
4.9.3 The Committee shall review such nominations on the requisite form (APPENDIX 1)
together with any supporting documentation that may be deemed appropriate. Should there be insufficient eligible candidates or any  position to be filled, the Committee shall call for further nominations and shall encourage eligible candidates to avail themselves for  nomination.
4.9.4 The Committee’s Report shall be included in the reports to be tabled at the AGM (Section 6.4 of the PsySSA Constitution) which shall elect the candidates to office in terms of Section 6.12.4 of the Constitution.
4.10 Continuing Education Committee
4.10.1 Whereas Article 2.7 of this Constitution has contained the principle of “Establishing and maintaining the highest standards of ethics, conduct and lifelong education of psychologists” since PsySSA’s founding, a system of regulated continuing professional  development requiring practitioners to earn 30 Continuing Education Units per 12-month period has been established. 10.2 While this Committee shall monitor the regulated continuing education environment, in overseeing PsySSA continuing education activities it shall also consider those cutting-edge issues emerging internationally as well as those concerns requiring remediation that may be raised  by structures.
4.10.3 This Committee shall be responsible for reviewing all continuing education activities offered by PsySSA and others requiring  accreditation.
4.10.4 This Committee shall keep abreast of the CPD developments at the HPCSA, be part of the Providers Forum thereof, and  engage directly with the CPD section at the HPCSA.
4.10.5 The Executive Committee shall review at its regularly constituted meetings and be the final arbiter of any appeal or dispute  arising from this Committee’s deliberations.
4.11 Awards Committee
4.11.1 To review the criteria for Awards that the Society may offer from time to time relying on national and international best practices.
4.11.2 To appoint, after consultation with the Executive, jurors for specific awards and to widely announce such awards, including in  the Society’s publications and social media platforms and other relevant media.
4.11.3 To carefully consider if and when the Society should award Fellowship of the Society, and make recommendations to the  Executive in this regard.
4.11.4 To ensure that the Society’s awards retain the requisite stature and quest for excellence. To this end, should there be doubts at  any time about the offering of any award, this Committee shall deliberate on the matter and may suggest to the Executive that such  award not be made at that time.
4.11.5 Members of this Committee or the Executive shall only be eligible for an award when a significant period of time has elapsed  since their membership of these structures of the Society.
4.12 Science of Psychology Committee
4.12.1 This Committee shall review the state of South African psychology to ensure that the discipline generally and specialties  specifically are able to benchmark their science and practice on international best practices.
4.12.2 This Committee shall advise the Executive on scientific matters that require the Executive’s attention and action. To this end,  this Committee shall make recommendations for planning and executing such enhancements so that the quality of South African psychology education, training and applications constantly improve.
4.12.3 This Committee shall report to the Executive at least biennially on its key findings so that the Executive may decide on the  appropriate forum, including the Annual Congress, for publication of such findings.

5. Council’s Authority
The Executive, a Division, a Branch and Standing Committee of the Society shall abide by any general or specific guidelines, policies and best management practices which Council may from time to time establish in the best interests of the Society.
6. Disciplinary Process
6.1 Introduction
The harmonious functioning of any organization is dependent on behaviour and attitude. It is the responsibility of Council to provide  the means by which any deviation from acceptable standards can be brought to the attention of the Society without the necessity of  immediate punitive action being taken. The Disciplinary Procedure stated herein shall be used mutatis mutandis as a Grievance  Procedure. The application of this Disciplinary Process will ensure that, through a fair and equitable process, each Division,  Committee, Branch, Member and other structure of the Society will be made aware of any unacceptable standards of behaviour prior to the action being taken. Alternatively, assistance may be offered to the relevant structure or Member of the Society in order to  achieve the required change in standard. Only when these efforts (specifically within a structure) have failed (with the exception of severe contraventions), will it be necessary to resort to punitive actions. A Disciplinary Enquiry may only be set up by a structure with  the approval of Council, and where Council is unlikely to meet within a month of the enquiry, the Executive of the Society may approve the constitution of any such Disciplinary Enquiry.
6.2 Objective
The objectives of this Disciplinary Process are:
6.2.1 To provide a framework by which structures and Members of the Society can be made aware of any contravention of the  Constitution and Rules of the Society or any of its structures and/or deviation from the acceptable norms in the Ethical Code of Professional Conduct.
6.2.2 To promote and foster the development of harmonious relationships within the Society through the application of a corrective  approach to discipline with the aim of creating understanding and mutual co-operation between the Society’s structures and Members.
6.2.3 To ensure disciplinary action is taken in a fair manner within the Society.
6.2.4 To provide the structures and Members of the Society with an opportunity to defend themselves against allegations levied,  without fear of victimisation.
6.2.5 To provide an appeal process to afford structures and Members the opportunity to appeal against any decision of a disciplinary  nature.
6.3 Procedure
This disciplinary procedure is based on a progressive application wherein the consequences of continued unacceptable behaviour shall be dealt with by means of formal progressive disciplinary actions, bearing in mind that deviation from the Constitution and Rules of the Society or its structures or bringing the Society into disrepute shall lead directly to a disciplinary enquiry. The objective of this  two-stage approach is to attempt to avoid the necessity of further discipline and provide the affected structure or Member the  opportunity to make immediate redress for minor transgressions.
6.4 Stages
The procedure consists of a two-stage process:
6.4.1 Written Warning
The objective of the written warning is to ensure that there would be a written record of the offence and the corrective actions recommended. Any affected structure or Member may, if dissatisfied with the written warning, request that the matter be considered by a Disciplinary Enquiry.
6.4.2 Disciplinary Enquiry
A compulsory enquiry offence may be instituted at any time where the type of offence requires it. The use of this procedure lies in the  discretion of Council or the Executive of the Society.
6.4.3 Compulsory Disciplinary Enquiry Offences
The objective of this listing is not to provide an exhaustive list of compulsory enquiry offences, but simply to bring to the attention of  the various structures and Members of the Society the type of offences that would fall into this category namely:
6.4.3.1 Breach of confidentially;
6.4.3.2 Bringing the name of the Society, any of its structures or Member’s name into disrepute;
6.4.3.3 Violation of the Constitution and Rules of the Society or its structures;
6.4.3.4 Intimidation or incitement against the Society, its structures or Members;
6.4.3.5 Maintaining unacceptable standards;
6.4.3.6 Breach of the Ethical Code of Professional Conduct.
6.5 Disciplinary Procedure
6.5.1 Council, through the Executive of the Society or the authorized structures shall give at least fourteen (14) days written notice to  the affected structure or Member of the enquiry to be held;
6.5.2 Such notice shall include the charge/s, the date, time and place of the enquiry to be held;
6.5.3 The affected structure or Member shall be present to effectively apply the audi alteram partem rule. Should the structure or  Member not appear before the Disciplinary Enquiry on the date and time as specified in the notice, a decision may be taken in their  absence;
6.5.4 The decision of a Disciplinary Enquiry may be taken on appeal to the Executive of the Society within fourteen days of the finding;
6.5.5 The Executive shall appoint an ad hoc Appeal Committee consisting of not more than three persons to consider appeals as and  when required, save that when the Executive or one of its Members is the appellant Council shall appoint the Appeal Committee.
6.6 Representation
The notice may call upon specific Members or, alternatively, may request a structure to send a minimum number of representatives  and whose names have to be submitted to Council within five (5) days after receipt of the notice. The number of representatives to be  called will lie in the discretion of the Council, Executive or authorized structure.
6.7. Unresolved dispute
Any unresolved dispute between structures (the Executive, Divisions, Branches, Standing Committees and Committees) of the  Society, or between the Council and structures of the Society or between a member or members and the Council and/or structures  arising out of or in connection with the Constitution of the Society, these Rules, Standing Orders or By-laws of the Council, shall be  submitted to and decided by arbitration in terms of The Arbitration Act, 1965, of the Republic of South Africa, subject to the following  provisions:
6.7.1 The tribunal shall consist of one arbitrator.
6.7.2 The arbitration proceedings shall be in accordance with the formalities and/ or procedures determined by the arbitrator.
6.7.3 The arbitration shall be held at a convenient venue to be agreed upon failing which in Johannesburg, Sandton or Pretoria.
6.7.4 The language of the arbitration shall be English.
6.7.5 The arbitration shall be binding and not be appealable to any court in any jurisdiction unless otherwise agreed to in an arbitration agreement.
6.7.6 The Parties shall endeavour to ensure that the arbitration is completed within 90 days after notice requiring the dispute to be referred to arbitration is given.
6.7.7 The decision of the arbitrator shall be in writing. The arbitrator shall give reasons for the award.
6.7.8 The proceedings and decision shall be confidential to the Parties and their advisers.
6.8 The arbitrator shall be a retired judge, practicing attorney or advocate of not less than 10 years standing, who, in the absence of  agreement reached within 14 days of the arbitration being demanded, shall be appointed by the president or acting president of the Law Society of the Northern Provinces.
6.9 Notwithstanding the contents of this Rule 6, the Council may approach the High Court of South Africa for appropriate relief in any  matter should the Council deem such action necessary in the best interests of the Society.
APPENDIX 1
PsySSA in good standing and hereby make myself available to serve in the position for which I have been nominated. I
declare that I am committed to the PsySSA Constitution, and undertake, if elected, to serve PsySSA with loyalty and to the best of my abilities.

Place:.………………………………… Witness:……………………………………
Witness Name*:……………………………………………………………………..
Nominator* #:.………………………………………………………………………..
Address:………………………………………………………………………………
Signed:……………………………….. Date:……………………………………….
Place:.………………………………… Witness:……………………………………
Witness Name*:………………………………………………………………………
Seconder* #:…………………………………………………………………………
Address:………………………………………………………………………………
Signed:……………………………….. Date:……………………………………….
Place:.………………………………… Witness:……………………………………
Witness Name*:………………………………………………………………………
* Last name followed by other names in full.
# The nominator and seconder of this nomination shall be PsySSA members in good standing.

FOR OFFICE USE:
Received by:………………………………! At……………………………………..
Attached:………………………………………………………………………………………
Nominations Committee:………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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