Sub Branches

Australian College of Midwives NSW Branch Incorporated 
GUIDELINES for SUB-BRANCHES OF THE ACM NSW

Structure
International Confederation of Midwives
Australian College of Midwives Incorporated
Australian College of Midwives NSW Branch Incorporated
Regional Sub-Branches

Preamble
Among the stated objects of the ACM NSW are:
-   to facilitate communication with and between members
- to represent the professional, educational and political interests of midwives and midwifery at all levels within the state

Effective representation can only be achieved with comprehensive consultation, particularly with reference to local and individual concerns.

Due to the geographical distances involved, it is logistically difficult for all members to attend Executive Committee meetings that are held in the Sydney CBD. Therefore it is reasonable to suggest that the formation of Sub-Branches of the ACM NSW Branch is a desirable option.

Formation of Sub-Branches will facilitate interaction between Midwives and help to further their education and social interests as well as their professional growth and development.

Rules for Sub-Branches
Sub-Branches shall be formed in accordance with the Constitution of the ACM NSW Branch Inc. and the Constitution of the Australian College of Midwives Incorporated.
A Sub-Branch shall be autonomous in matters relating to the sub-branch but shall be subject to the control and direction of the Executive Committee of the ACM NSW Branch in matters affecting more than one Sub-Branch or the interests of the Association as a whole.

Nomenclature
The name of the Sub-branch must reflect its status as a Sub-branch of the ACM NSW Branch Inc. This is to be apparent on all sub-branch letterhead.

Membership
1. All members of Sub-Branches must be financial members of the ACM NSW Branch Inc.

2. Sub-Branches must:
- keep a register of members, a copy of which shall be sent to the Secretary of the ACM NSW Branch at the completion of each financial year together with a copy of the financial statement
- hold regular meetings, the minutes of which will be sent to the Secretary of the ACM NSW Branch Inc.

3. The Sub-Branch may:
- send a delegate or delegates to the Executive Committee meetings in the capacity of Observers, as detailed in section 20.9 of the Constitution.
- submit resolutions or items for discussion to the Secretary for inclusion on the agenda, prior to the date of the meeting, or, with the assent of the person presiding, at the time of the meeting.

Funds
1. The Sub-Branch may charge a fee for membership of the Sub-Branch (in addition to that charged by the ACM NSW Branch).
2. The Sub-Branch makes arrangements for the collection of fees nominated by them. Records must show that their members are current financial members of the ACM NSW Branch Inc.
3. Funds raised by the Sub-Branch remain the property of the Sub-Branch unless raised in the name of the ACM NSW Branch Inc
4. All debts incurred by the Sub-branch remain the business of the Sub-Branch and may not be passed on to the ACM NSW Branch Inc.
5. A copy of the financial records of the Sub-branch must be forwarded to the Treasurer of the ACM NSW Branch Inc, for the purposes of auditing, within July of each following financial year.

Dissolution of a Sub-Branch
In the event of the dissolution or temporary suspension of activities of a Sub-Branch, all monies should be transferred to the ACM NSW Branch Inc., for the use of members across NSW.
Alternatively, following negotiation with the Executive Committee the monies may be held in trust by the ACM NSW Branch Inc against future reformation of the Sub-Branch.

Media Statements and Press Releases
1. Media statements may not be made on behalf of the ACM NSW Branch unless authorised. (Governance Policy 3).


ACM NSW
2011