Constitution
BSTI CONSTITUTION
1. The Group shall be called the British Society of Thoracic Imaging.
2. The objectives of the Group shall be:
- To promote the highest standards of practice of thoracic imaging in the United Kingdom.
- To promote the exchange of information, education and training in all aspects of thoracic imaging.
- To advise the Royal College of Radiologists about thoracic radiology and imaging matters
3. The Group shall be autonomous but will have close links with the Royal College of Radiologists in the form of a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties. Links with other bodies will be made as appropriate.
4. Full Membership shall be open to all Consultant Radiologists and Clinicians practicing thoracic imaging, who have paid the annual subscription, and are registered with the General Medical Council. Associate membership shall be open to all radiology registrars, medical trainees, retired members and non-medical personnel involved in thoracic imaging who have paid the annual subscription, subject to approval by a member of the Executive Committee. The fee for associate membership will be set at 50% of the membership fee.
5. The subscription shall be adjusted by the Executive Committee from time to time and shall be payable to the Group on expiry of membership annually. Any member who fails to pay his subscription within three months of annual membership expiry shall forfeit membership.
6. The management of the Group and its funds shall be entrusted to an Executive Committee of:
- President
- Honorary Secretary
- Treasurer
- Lead for Education
- Up to 5 additional members to bring the total membership to 9
7 of the 9 members must be on the specialist register of the GMC in DiagnosticRadiology.
The Executive Committee shall have the power to transact the business of the Group, to make byelaws for regulating the conduct of the Group and to use the funds of the Group to promote its aims. The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt non-voting members/associate members on an ad hoc basis for up to 3 years, for special advice, or to correct any geographical imbalance of the Executive Committee and to represent members in training.
The President shall be elected by the Executive Committee and any member of Committee may be elected President. The President shall hold office for a 3-year term and does not need to stand for re-election to the committee during this period
7. The Executive Committee shall comprise a minimum of 7 radiologists. All Committee members shall have a significant commitment to thoracic imaging (at least 2 sessions of thoracic imaging/week or equivalent).
8. The Lead for Education shall be elected by the Executive Committee for a 3-year term. He/she will arrange the Scientific Program of the Society Meetings in conjunction with the President and chair (or arrange the chair of) the scientific sessions for the society meetings.
9. The Honorary Secretary shall be elected by the Executive for a 3-year term. He/she will be exempt from standing for re-election to the committee during this period. He/she shall keep a membership list (or instruct 3rd party to undertake this). He/she shall arrange the AGM and business meetings, sending out agendas and keeping records of the proceedings. He/she shall arrange elections for the Executive Committee.
10. The Treasurer shall be elected by the Executive for a 3-year term. He/she will be exempt from standing for re-election to the committee during this period. He/she shall collect annual subscriptions (or instruct 3rd party to undertake this), pay bills and present an annual account of the funds.
11. Other Members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by the membership (all full members who have paid the current subscription) for a 3-year term of office. All Officers are eligible for re-election but no Officer shall hold office for more than 6 years continuously.
12. The Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) shall take place at one of the scientific meetings. A quorum shall be a 25% of total membership.
13. A change in the constitution may be made either
13.1 at an A.G.M. by a majority of 60% or more of the full members present, provided that 21 days' notice of the proposed change has been posted by the Hon. Secretary with notice of the A.G.M; or
13.2 via an electronic vote, sent by electronic mail, with a majority of 60% or more of the current registered full membership
14. Dissolution: The Group shall be dissolved at an annual or special general meeting by a resolution passed by 60% or more of total membership, provided that 21 days’ notice of the meeting has been given.
15. Use of Funds: The funds of the Society shall be solely applied towards promotion of the objectives of the Group as stated in the constitution; no part thereof may be paid as dividend or professional fee or otherwise to any member of the Group, except for the reimbursement of reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the member on behalf of the Group. On dissolution, the residual funds shall belong equally to the paid-up members.
16. Election to the Executive Committee: shall be by electronic voting, each candidate being proposed and seconded in writing, with a letter of acceptance by the candidate. The communication may be in the form of electronic mail.
Oct 2018
BSTI Executive Committee
Approved at AGM on November 2020