Constitution

By-Laws

ARTICLE 7 - ELECTION PROCEDURES

7.1 NOMINATION COMMITTEE

A nominating committee, as appointed by the Council President, will be established to present a slate of officers who are willing to stand for office. The nominating committee will appoint a Chairperson to be responsible for conducting the elections. Annual Elections will take place at the BSCC AGM.

7.2 NOMINATION PROCEDURES

No less than i.e. sixty (60) days prior to the AGM, a list of all Committee positions to be filled along with a nomination form and position descriptions for each office, will be sent (either by post or email) to each registered member/club. This will constitute the Council’s Call for Nominations. Formal nominations are to be received no less than i.e. thirty (30) days prior to the AGM.

In order to be considered, a candidate must be a member of a Club registered with the club.

7.3 ELECTION PROCEDURES

Each registered club will receive a slate of officers, and a “voting card” to ensure that a member/club has a maximum of two votes vote and to ensure non- members attending the AGM don’t vote.

The Chair will read aloud the prepared slate as well as the confirmed names of members willing to stand for that particular office/position. There will be no nominations invited “from the floor”. The Chair will declare the nominations closed.

The Chair will ask each nominee in turn whether s/he is willing to stand for the particular office, and allow him/her the opportunity to address, briefly, ( not to exceed 5 minutes) the members assembled. If there is more than one candidate, voting will be conducted by blind ballot. Scrutineers, selected by the nominating committee, will collect and tally the votes, signing and submitting the count to the Chair.

The candidate receiving a majority of the votes will be declared elected and the results reported to the membership. If a single nomination is received for a particular office, that nominee will be elected by acclamation.

7.4 PROXIES

Proxies will not be considered for the election process.

7.5 SWEARING IN THE NEW OFFICERS

At the conclusion of the elections, the Chair will read the new slate of officers aloud, and the newly-elected officers will be sworn in i.e. “1 do sincerely pledge my honour to the duties of my office to the best of my ability and in accordance with the principles of the BSCC.”

Following the swearing in, the newly-elected officers will assume their new positions and their terms will begin effective 01 January.

A motion to confirm the election will be the first order of business following the election and a motion to destroy the election ballots will be the second order of business at the same meeting.

ARTICLE 8 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A conflict of interest is defined as a situation which an officer, who is in a position of trust, has a professional or personal interest that competes with the best interests of the club and its members. Such competing interests can make it difficult for an officer to perform his/her duties and responsibilities objectively. A conflict of interest exists even if no unethical or improper act results. A conflict of interest can create an appearance of impropriety that can undermine confidence in the club and its efforts.

8.1 DISCLOSING CONFLICT OF INTEREST AT A MEETING

If an officer has, or suspects he/she has a conflict of interest, direct or indirect, in any matter and is present at an Executive meeting, the officer shall:

  • disclose the conflict of interest
  • not take part in the discussion or vote
  • not influence the vote of others
  • leave the meeting when the matter is under consideration

8.2 DISCLOSING CONFLICT OF INTEREST AFTER A MEETING

If an officer is not at the meeting where a conflict of interest arises, he/she shall disclose the conflict of interest at the first meeting attended by the said officer.

9.1 CORE VALUES

  • we act with impartiality and integrity
  • we demonstrate respect, transparency, and accountability

9.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  • we have a responsibility to act in good faith and to place the interest of the club above our own private interests.
  • we know that when we become aware of a real or potential conflict of interest, we must disclose the conflict at the first opportunity.
  • we behave in a way that demonstrates that our behaviour and actfOFlS are respectful, fair and reasonable in the circumstance.
  • we encourage our members to act fairly and ethically.
  • we encourage feedback from our membership creating a welcome environment instead of one of fear of reprisal.