Constitution

The Scottish Palestinian Health Partnership (SPHP)

To collaborate in support of the development of health and health care in Palestine

In order to achieve its aims the SPHP network will

• connect Scottish and Palestinian colleagues working in the health field
• share experience, information, evidence, views and activities
• develop new activities involving Scottish Palestinian health collaboration
• work in partnership with Government, the Scottish NHS, Universities and other bodes supporting health care in Palestine
• use telemedicine for continuing education, audit and quality improvement
• supporting Palestinian health professionals and researchers visiting Scotland
• raise the profile and impact of Scottish Palestinian health collaboration

1. Membership of the Partnership shall be open to any health worker or researcher over 18 or any healthcare-related organisation, charity or NGO in Scotland which is interested in helping the Partnership achieve its aims, is willing to abide by the rules of the Partnership and is willing to pay the subscription agreed by the Core Group.
2. Membership shall be available to anyone without regard to gender, age, nationality, disability, sexual preference or belief.
3. Every individual member and each organisation shall have one vote at General Meetings.
4. The membership of any member may be terminated for good reason by the Core Group but the member has a right to be heard by the Core Group before a final decision is made.
5. Each member organisation shall appoint a representative to attend meetings of the Partnership and notify the Group’s Convenor of that person’s name.
6. The membership subscription will be £10 per annum and collected at the beginning of each calendar year.

1. The Partnership shall be administered by a Core Group of seven Officers elected at the Partnership’s Annual General Meeting. A majority of the Core Group will have experience of working collaboratively in the West Bank or Gaza.
2. The Officers of the Core Group shall be: the Convenor, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, and Leads for Communications, International Liaison, Government Relations and Health Board Engagement.
3. The Core Group may co-opt up to 4 additional members,
4. The role of leading and representing the Partnership in its external affairs will be shared and determined in each case on the basis of expertise and availability.
5. The Core Group shall meet at least 4 times a year and communicate between meetings via a WhatsApp group.
6. The Convenor will chair all meetings of the Core Group.
7. The quorum for meetings of the Core Group will be four members.
8. Voting at Core Group meetings shall be by a show of hands. If there is a tied vote, then the Convenor will have a second vote.
9. The Core Group may, for a good and proper reason and by a two thirds majority vote and remove any Core Group member, provided that person has the right to be heard before a final decision is made.
10. The Core Group may appoint another member of the Partnership as a Core Group member to fill a vacancy provided the maximum number is not exceeded.

The Convenor will call and chair meetings, prepare an agenda and compile a note of the business conducted.

The Membership Secretary will receive and consider applications for membership, maintain a membership list and arrange with the Treasurer for the payment of subscriptions

The Treasurer will handle the Partnership’s finances, maintain a list of Partnership members, collect subscriptions on an annual basis and keep proper accounts that show all monies collected and paid out by the Partnership.

The Lead for Communications will maintain the Partnership website and triage enquiries made to the Partnership’s email address.

The Lead for International Liaison will maintain a list of opportunities for clinical volunteers.

The Lead for Government Relations will lead the Partnership’s engagement with the Scottish Government.

The Lead for Health Board Engagement will maintain a register of experience and effective practice in engaging with Scottish Health Boards to obtain leave arrangements.

1. Any money obtained by the Partnership shall be used only for the Partnership.
2. Any bank accounts opened for the Partnership shall be in the name of the Partnership.
3. Any cheques issued shall be signed by the Treasurer and on other nominated official.

1. The Partnership shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in December of each year.
2. All members of the Partnership shall be given at least 14 days’ notice of the AGM and shall be entitled to attend and vote. The quorum for an AGM shall be 14 members (i.e. the lead Officers plus an equal number of ordinary members)
3. The business of the AGM shall include
   • Receiving a report from the Convenor on the Partnership’s activities over the year
   • Receiving a report from the Membership Secretary
   • Receiving a report from the Treasurer on the finances of the Partnership.
   • Electing a new Core Group
   • Considering any other matter as may be decided.

A Special General Meeting may be called by the Core Group or by any three members to discuss an urgent matter. The Convenor shall give all members 14 days’ notice of any Special General meeting together with notice of the business to be discussed. All members shall be entitled to attend and vote.

Any changes to this Constitution must be agreed by at least two thirds of those members present and voting at any General meeting.