Public and Commercial Services Union

Principal rules
Supplementary rules
Section 1: Name
Section 2: Powers
Section 3: Membership
Section 4: Branches
Section 5: Representational structure
Section 6: Delegate conferences
Section 7: National executive committee
Section 8: Full-time officers and staff
Section 9: Finances
Section 10: Disciplinary procedures
Section 11: Rules
Appendix A: Conferences standing orders
Appendix B: Model branch constitution
Appendix C: Deleted July 2007
Appendix D: Transitional election rules
Appendix E: Transfer of engagements of AMO to the union
Appendix F: Political fund rules (Great Britain)
Appendix G: Political fund rules (Northern Ireland)

Updates

 

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Principle rules

Objects

PR1 The Union's Objects shall be to:

(a) Protect and promote the interests of its members.

(b) Regulate relations between members and their employers, and improve members' employment conditions and promotion prospects.

(c) Provide benefits and services for its members and employees, and for other persons.

(d) Provide financial and other help to members, former members (including former members of antecedent unions), and dependants of deceased members, who are in need.

(e) Maintain the effectiveness and professional status of the services in which members are employed.

(f) To promote equality for all:

 (i) Through collective bargaining, publicity material and campaigning, representation, union organisation, and structures, education and training, organising and recruitment, the provision of all other services and benefits and all other activities including the union’s
employment practices and

 (ii) By opposing actively, all forms of harassment, prejudice and unfair treatment whether on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, class, caring responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, disability, age or other status or personal
characteristic.

(g) Promote the educational and cultural well-being of members.

(h) Promote the most effective available trade union structure for the representation of employees in public and commercial services.

(i) Co-operate with TUC unions to protect the interests of working people generally.

(j) Do anything which the National Executive Committee ("NEC") considers incidental or conducive to achieving any of the above Objects.

Policies of the union

PR2 Delegate Conference shall be the principal policy-making body of the Union, and shall determine the policies of the Union, subject to the following:

(a) Between Delegate Conferences, the NEC shall have discretion to determine the policy of the Union on any matter, consistent with the policies established by Delegate Conference or by the overriding authority of a membership ballot.

(b) On any matter which the NEC considers to be an issue of major policy, the NEC may hold a membership ballot under these Principal Rules, and the result of such a ballot shall where appropriate prevail over any decision taken by any body or unit of the Union.

Branches

PR3 Branch officers and other Branch Executive Committee ("BEC") members (other than local or senior representatives) shall be elected by secret, individual ballot of the members in the Branch.

PR4 Local (or senior) representatives shall be elected by means of secret, individual voting by the members within the constituency (or constituencies) concerned.

Representational structure

PR5 The election of Group Executive Committees ("GECs") shall be conducted on the same basis as that laid down for membership ballots under these Principal Rules.

PR6 Where either (a) the NEC; or (b) the relevant Group Executive Committee; or (c) the relevant body of the Union designated by the NEC as responsible for the conduct of negotiations with an employer, considers that an employer is proposing a major change in members' terms and conditions of employment, that change shall not be endorsed by the Union except with the support of the members concerned as determined by a majority of those voting in a ballot
conducted on the same basis as that laid down for membership ballots under these Principal Rules.

Delegate conference

PR7 A Delegate Conference (other than Special Delegate Conferences) shall be held annually.

National executive committee

PR8 The management and control of the Union, and the handling of its whole affairs, shall be vested in the National Executive Committee ("NEC"). The NEC shall conduct its affairs in accordance with: (a) the Rules of the Union; and (b) the policies determined by Delegate Conference or by membership ballot.

PR9 The NEC shall be elected annually. NEC elections shall be conducted on the same basis as that laid down for membership ballots under these Principal Rules, except that the General Secretary shall, after consulting the Independent Scrutineer, issue regulations for the conduct of the elections which shall be published to Branches and be binding on all members.

PR10 Industrial action shall only be authorised or endorsed by the Union following a membership ballot of the members concerned under these Principal Rules in which a majority of those voting vote in favour of such action.

PR10A (a) The NEC shall consist of the President, Deputy President, three Vice-Presidents together referred to as the Senior Lay Officers and 30 ordinary members, in each case elected by a ballot of the whole membership, and any Senior Full-Time Officer elected in accordance with principal rule PR11.

(b) There shall be an election for President by a ballot of the whole membership.

(c) There shall be an election for Deputy and Vice-Presidents by a ballot of the whole membership. The candidate securing the highest number of votes shall be elected Deputy President and the three candidates securing the next highest number of votes shall be
elected Vice-Presidents. If, but for this rule, more than one member employed by a particular employer would be elected as Deputy or Vice-President in the same election, the candidate or candidates with the lower or lowest votes of such members shall be displaced by the
member or members with the highest votes employed by an employer who does not employ any of the members otherwise elected as Deputy or Vice-President in that election, so that each Deputy and Vice-President shall be a member employed by a different employer.

(d) There shall be a Senior Vice-President who shall be the Vice-President elected in accordance with

(c) above who has the longest continuous service as a Senior Lay
Officer/Vice-President or, in the event of an equality of such service, who has the longest aggregate service, whether or not continuous, on the NEC and/or on the national executive body of the union’s antecedents (whether as a Senior Lay Officer or otherwise).

(e) There shall be an election for ordinary members of the NEC by a ballot of the whole membership. This shall be subject to the provisions of the Transitional Election Rules set out in Appendix D which shall have effect from 28 February 2003 and shall remain in effect, superseding the relevant parts of the union’s rules for such time as shall be specified in Appendix D and shall not be amended except in accordance with the procedures set out in principal rule PR13, except as otherwise provided in Appendix D.

(f) If, but for this rule, fewer than two seats for ordinary members of the NEC would be filled by a member who on being nominated identified themselves as being from a black racial group, the highest polling member or members who did so identify themselves shall displace the member or members with fewest votes (out of those who would otherwise have been elected) who did not so identify themselves (only if such replacement member or members is available).

(g) If, but for this rule and after the application of paragraphs (f) above, 9 or more seats for ordinary members of the NEC would be filled by members employed by the same employer,the highest polling member or members from other employers shall displace the member or members with fewest votes (out of those who would otherwise be elected), but only if such replacement member or members is available, so that the number of ordinary members who are employed by the same employer does not exceed 8, save that this rule shall not operate so as to reduce below two the number of seats filled by members who on being nominated identified themselves as being from a black racial group.

(h) This principal rule shall prevail over any provisions in the supplementary rules and, in particular, over supplementary rules 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6 and 7.8. #

Senior full time officers

PR11 The Senior Full Time Officers shall consist of a General Secretary, a Deputy General Secretary and an Assistant General Secretary. The Assistant General Secretary shall also be the National Treasurer of the Union. The General Secretary and other Senior Full-Time Officers posts shall be filled by an election, conducted on the same basis as that laid down for membership ballots under these Principal Rules. The first elections for the Deputy General Secretary and the Assistant General Secretary shall be conducted in the spring of 2004. A person so elected shall serve for a period of five years, subject to not having reached their normal retirement date (as specified under their contract of employment). In the event of a
casual vacancy arising of any of the Senior Full-time Officers during their five-year term of office, the vacancy shall be filled by an election, conducted in accordance with this rule. 

Rules of the union

PR12 The Union's Rules shall consist of the Principal Rules, the Supplementary Rules, and the Appendices thereto.

PR13 The Principal Rules shall be amended, deleted or added to only where any such amendment, deletion or addition has been approved by (a) not less than two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by delegates present at a Delegate Conference, or (b) not less than two-thirds of those present and voting at a meeting of the NEC; and, in either case, where it has thereafter been approved by a simple majority of those members voting in a membership ballot. Any such ballot shall be conducted in accordance with these Principal Rules. Where the NEC proposes to hold a membership ballot under this rule, it shall give sufficient notice thereof to allow prior consultation with Branches.

PR14 In the case of conflict between a principal rule and any other rule of the Union, the principal rule shall prevail.

PR15 Subject to principal rule PR14, the Supplementary Rules and Appendices A-B thereto shall not be amended except: (a) by a Delegate Conference (in order to be carried, a motion proposing an amendment shall require the support of not less than two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by delegates present, subject to supplementary rule 6.10 relating to card votes); or (b) by the National Executive Committee where it considers it necessary to accommodate the transfer of engagements, or the transfer of membership, of any other union to the Union; or (c) by the National Executive Committee in order to make or amend political fund rules and political fund ballot rules in accordance with statutory requirements.

Membership ballots

PR16 Subject to these principal rules, a membership ballot shall be held by the NEC: (a) at its discretion; or (b) where so requested by Delegate Conference; or (c) where so requested by Branches together representing a majority of the members of the Union(provided that such request has been endorsed at a properly constituted General Meeting of each Branch concerned, subject to supplementary rule 4.4). In any case where the NEC has been requested under this rule to hold a ballot, the ballot shall be completed by not later than six months after the date of the request.

PR17 Membership ballots shall be conducted on the basis that all eligible members: (a) have an equal entitlement to vote; and (so far as is reasonably practicable): (b) are given an equal opportunity to vote, which shall not be conditional on attendance at a meeting; and (c) are able to vote in secret. Elections for the NEC and for any Senior Full-time Officer post filled by election in accordance with principal rule PR11 shall, in addition to the foregoing provisions, be conducted so far as is reasonably practicable on the basis that those members entitled to vote shall: (a) be sent a voting paper by post; and (b) be given a convenient opportunity to vote by post.

PR18 Subject to these Principal Rules, the NEC may issue regulations for the conduct of any membership ballot. Such regulations shall be published to Branches and shall be binding on all members. In any ballot on policy or an amendment to the rules (where, and only where, the NEC is asking members to reject a motion carried by Delegate Conference), the following provisions shall apply:

(a) The ballot paper shall include the text of the policy motion or rule amendment carried by Conference, a note stating that it was carried by Conference, and the question which shall ask if the member agrees with the policy or rule amendment.

(b) There shall be included with the ballot paper two A4 sheets of paper putting the arguments for and against the proposal. One shall be prepared by the NEC, and the other by the Branch which proposed the motion at Conference. Both shall contain only the PCS logo, the text on one or both sides at the author’s discretion, and a bold heading YES (for the Conference motion) or NO (against the Conference motion) as appropriate.

(c) No other National or Group publications, leaflets or circulars, including the PCS magazine and Group Journals, shall contain any material arguing for or against the motion in question until after the ballot has closed.

Dissolution

PR19 A Delegate Conference may, by a two-thirds majority of delegates present, pass a resolution to dissolve the Union. If such a resolution is carried, a resolution shall be taken as to the disposition of all residual assets, including the appointment of a person(s) to carry out the dissolution and deal with any consequential matters. The resolutions shall be put to all members in a membership ballot, and both shall require a two-thirds majority of those voting in order for the dissolution to proceed.

 

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Supplementary rules

 

Section 1: Name

1.1 The Union's name shall be the "Public and Commercial Services Union" (hereafter "the Union").

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Section 2: Powers

2.1 Without prejudice to any other rule, the Union may in furthering its Objects:

(a) Raise moneys by way of subscription, levies or otherwise, accept gifts and operate trusts in relation to any such gifts which conform to any of the Objects, and maintain funds containing those moneys.

(b) Acquire, purchase, lease, hold, charge, exchange, sell or otherwise deal with land and buildings of any tenure and property of all kinds.

(c) Contribute to the funds of or guarantee money for or otherwise aid, or combine with or affiliate to or enter into agreement with, any other organisation, whether corporate or incorporate, having similar objects or interests.

(d) Maintain pension schemes and/or funds for the benefit of employees or past employees of the Union (and of its antecedent unions) or their dependants, and/or effect policies of insurance for these purposes.

(e) Carry out educational work and publish books, journals and other material.

(f) Take any action which the NEC considers will further any of the Objects.

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Section 3: Membership

Ordinary membership

3.1 A person shall be qualified for ordinary membership if they are employed by a government department or agency, by a public body, or by a private body designated by the NEC. Any person dismissed from GCHQ on grounds of union membership shall be qualified for ordinary membership.

3.2 The procedure for admission shall be as follows:

(a) Application shall be made to a local representative, Branch Secretary, or the General Secretary, in such form as the NEC may prescribe. A decision as to whether an application shall be accepted or rejected shall be communicated to the applicant within three months of the application being received.

(b) A decision under (a) to accept an application shall be subject to ratification by the NEC (or by a person or body acting under delegated powers), and shall not take effect until then. A former member shall be readmitted only after paying subscriptions accruing since the last payment: these subscriptions may be waived in whole or part by the NEC.

(c) Where a local representative or Branch Secretary considers that an application should not be accepted, they shall refer it to the Branch Executive Committee ("BEC"). Where a BEC considers that an application should not be accepted, it shall refer it to the General Secretary.

(d) Where the General Secretary considers that an application should not be accepted, the applicant shall be so informed and given reasons. The applicant shall be informed that they may within 14 days make written representations to the NEC, whose decision shall be final.

3.3 Ordinary members who are dismissed from their employment shall continue as ordinary members for such time as the Union is taking action to secure a remedy for them.

3.4 Except where the Union's Rules provide otherwise, an ordinary member may take part in Branch activities, vote, hold office, and be entitled to Union benefits.

3.5 deleted

Associate membership

3.6 The following shall be qualified for associate membership:

(a) A member who has retired (whether due to ill health or reaching retirement age or under an early retirement scheme).

(b) A member who is made redundant, or who resigns from their employment.

(c) A Full-time Officer of the Union. Any former full-time officer of the Inland Revenue Staff Federation ("IRSF") shall continue to receive those benefits to which they would otherwise have been entitled as an ordinary member of the IRSF.

Application shall be made in such form as the NEC may prescribe.

3.7 Associate membership shall cease automatically where a member either:

(a) takes up a post not represented by the Union, unless (i) they have been an ordinary member for the 2 previous years, and (ii) they belong to a union which the NEC considers an appropriate union, and which is recognised as independent by the Certification Officer for Trade Unions and Employers' Associations; or

(b) becomes qualified again for ordinary membership.

3.8 An associate member may attend General Meetings of the Branch of which they were last an ordinary member or which is nearest to their place of residence. They may not speak (except at the invitation of the Branch), or propose or second any motion or amendment, or vote on any issue, or hold any Union office specified in the Union's Rules (subject to supplementary rule 3.19(f)). They shall have those rights and benefits expressly provided for in the Union's Rules, and those determined by the NEC. Nothing in this rule shall limit the powers of a Full-time Officer to perform the duties of their post.

3.9 The NEC shall establish machinery for representing the interests of associate members who
are retired.

Life membership

3.10 In recognition of services to the Union, life membership may be conferred on any person who has ceased to be qualified as an ordinary member. Life membership may be honorary or distinguished, and may be awarded posthumously.

3.11 No one with fewer than 15 years' ordinary membership (of the Union and/or one of its antecedents) shall be eligible for life membership, except where the NEC considers they have given exceptional service.

3.12 Branches, Groups and Associations may make nominations for life membership. The final decision as to the award of honorary life membership shall be taken by the NEC, and as to the award of distinguished life membership by Annual Delegate Conference on the recommendation of the NEC. Group, Association or Branch life members may be created under the constitution of the Group, Association or Branch concerned, but shall not be deemed to be life members of the Union for the purposes of the Union's Rules.

3.13 A life member who is also an associate member shall enjoy the rights and benefits of, and be subject to the duties of, associate membership; except that a life member may be a Member Trustee subject to supplementary rule 9.1.

Subscriptions

3.14 Subscription rates shall be as follows:

(a) The subscription for ordinary members shall be a common percentage equal to 0.6 percent of gross, basic pay, subject to a maximum rate. This maximum rate shall be increased on 1 January each year by a percentage amount not exceeding the estimate by the NEC of cumulative average pay increases for Union members. The NEC may suspend any such increase at its discretion.

(b) (i) Associate members who receive a Civil Service pension shall pay 0.3 per cent of their pension, subject to a maximum (increased each year by reference to any increase in the ordinary members’ maximum rate).
(ii)Associate members who do not receive a Civil Service pension shall pay a subscription equal to the rate determined from time to time under (c) for certain members working fewer than 25 hours a week.

(c) Members not covered by collective bargaining arrangements shall pay a rate equal to one half of the ordinary maximum a rate a month, or one quarter of the ordinary rate if they work fewer than 25 hours a week.

(d) In any case where subscriptions are not deducted from pay or delivered by direct debit, the NEC shall determine pay bandings, and shall set subscriptions in accordance with the average subscription otherwise paid.

(e) Casual workers, and workers on fixed-term contracts, shall pay no subscription for the first six months from the date of signing their membership application form.

(f) Annually, at its first full meeting following ADC the NEC shall consider a “Subscriptions Policy Document”. This document will have full regard to the policies set by ADC and will cover issues concerning:
(i) harmonisation rates for sections of members transferring from other employee organisations;

(ii) non-standard workers not covered by any other part of this rule;

(iii) subscription waivers and refunds.

(g) The subscriptions rates determined via (a), (b), (c) and (d) shall be published annually with
the PCS Rules.

(h) The NEC shall determine the level of subscriptions in any case where doubt arises.

3.15 No subscriptions shall be payable by a life member, or by an associate member who is a Full-time Officer.

3.16 A member in arrears by 3 months' subscriptions or more shall be given written notice by the Branch that they may be excluded from the Union unless within 28 days of the notice date:

(a) The arrears are paid, or arrangements satisfactory to the BEC for their payment are made; or

(b) A written explanation is given which is satisfactory to the BEC.

If at the end of the 28 days the conditions provided for in (a) and (b) above have not been satisfied, the person's membership shall terminate. The BEC or Head Office shall confirm to any such person, in writing, that their membership has terminated and that any appeal to the NEC against loss of membership must be received by the General Secretary within 14 days of the date of the letter confirming termination. The NEC decision on the appeal shall be final.

Membership: general

3.17 Any person who is, or becomes, a member of an organisation which the NEC considers to be a fascist or racist organisation, or who supports, or speaks or circulates material on behalf of, any organisation concerned with disseminating racist beliefs, attitudes and ideas, or who undertakes actions against others (whether members or non members) designed to discriminate on grounds of sex, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, class, caring responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, disability, age or other status or personal characteristic, shall be subject to the disciplinary procedures under these Rules and may be expelled from the Union.

3.18 Where any doubt arises as to whether a person is qualified to be a member, the decision of the NEC shall be final.

3.19 All members shall:

(a) Belong to such Branch as the NEC may direct.

(b) Pay all subscriptions and other sums payable under the Union's Rules, when due.

(c) Abide by the Rules and any decision made under them; and carry out any duty or direction arising under them.

(d) Ensure that the Head Office is informed of their proper address at all times.

(e) On ceasing to be a member, give up any right in the Union's funds and property.

(f) On ceasing to be an ordinary member, immediately resign any office and cease to represent the Union, except that:

(i) a National Appeals Committee member or Standing Orders Committee member who becomes a member of another type shall not be required to resign until the next appropriate election, and

(ii) a Member Trustee shall not be required to
resign.

Termination of membership

3.20 Notwithstanding the Union's Rules the NEC may by giving 6 weeks' written notice terminate the membership of any member if necessary to comply with a decision of a TUC Dispute Committee.

3.21 A member may resign by giving not fewer than 4 weeks' written notice to the Branch Secretary.

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Section 4: Branches

Composition of branches

4.1 Members shall be organised into Branches at the discretion of the NEC, wherever practicable on the basis of those sharing the same employer or bargaining group located within reasonable proximity to one another or in a single place of work. The minimum number of members in a Branch shall be 50, unless the NEC considers there are exceptional circumstances.

4.2 Each Branch shall:

(a) Take action, subject to the authority of the NEC, to protect and promote the interests of its members.

(b) Recruit and retain members.

(c) Promote the most effective practicable system of local and  workplace representation.

(d) Promptly furnish any information, and complete any returns, required by the NEC.

(e) Assist the NEC to carry out the Objects, and comply with the Rules, of the Union.

4.3 The NEC may allocate to a Headquarters Branch any person qualified to be a member whom it is not practicable to include in any other Branch. The Union's President and General Secretary shall be the Chairperson and Secretary respectively.

Branch general meetings

4.4 Except where the NEC considers that the scattered location of members makes it impracticable, each Branch Executive Committee ("BEC") shall arrange Branch General Meetings as follows:

(a) An Annual General Meeting ("AGM").

(b) One or more General Meetings to determine motions and nominations for the Annual Delegate Conference; where such a meeting is not the AGM it shall be convened on the same basis as it.

(c) One or more General Meetings to instruct the Branch delegate(s) on motions and other Delegate Conference business.

4.5 Each Branch's constitution shall provide for a Special General Meeting to be convened at the request of a minimum number or proportion of members, and for an Extraordinary General Meeting to be convened by the BEC.

Branch executive committees

4.6 Each Branch shall elect a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The name and address of a newly elected officer shall be notified to the General Secretary by the Branch Secretary within 7 days. Where a new Branch is formed (other than by a Branch merger), a Branch Secretary may be appointed by the NEC; the member so appointed shall convene a General Branch Meeting within 6 weeks to approve the Branch constitution.

4.7 Each Branch shall have a BEC composed of:

(a) Branch officers and other members elected by all Branch members.

(b) Local (or senior) representatives.

Local (or senior) representatives shall constitute a majority on the BEC, except where the NEC after consulting the Branch considers it impracticable.

4.8 Where a Branch has members from more than one category of grades, its constitution shall ensure that the interests of members from each category are adequately represented.

Local representatives

4.9 Each Branch shall have a system of local representatives, except where the NEC after consulting the Branch considers it impracticable. Members shall be grouped into constituencies by workplace, location, grade, or function. Each constituency shall elect annually a local representative.

4.10 Each local representative shall be a BEC member, except that Branches may establish a system of senior representatives, elected by local representatives, who may replace them in their entirety on the BEC. A local representative elected as a Branch officer may be replaced as local representative by further election.

Branch accounts

4.11 Each Branch shall at its AGM elect 2 auditors, who shall not be BEC members, to audit the Branch accounts.

4.12 The Branch Treasurer shall present to the AGM a financial report and audited accounts for the preceding year in the form prescribed by the NEC. A copy shall be sent to the Head Office as soon as practicable, and in any event by not later than 31 March. Branch accounts shall be kept available for inspection for 6 years following the last date to which they relate.

4.13 Any subscriptions paid in cash shall be sent by the Branch Treasurer to the Head Office as soon as practicable (and in any event not later than the last week in each quarter).

Funding of branches

4.14 The NEC shall make payments to each Branch for Branch expenses, on a per capita basis for each ordinary member. The level of payment shall be determined by the NEC, and shall take into account special circumstances affecting Branches. If a Branch considers that it requires a supplementary payment it may apply to the NEC: applications shall be accompanied by a budget statement detailing all Branch spending since the last annual financial return, and all proposed Branch spending. Applications for supplementary payments covering local education or campaign spending shall be made separately. The NEC's decision on any application shall be final.

4.15 A Branch's membership shall be that used to determine representation at Delegate Conferences, except that a new Branch shall be assessed for the first year by the General Secretary.

4.16 Payments to a Branch shall be varied by the NEC to reflect the balance of a Branch's funds at the end of the previous financial year, after excluding funds raised by the Branch's own activities; except that a Branch which has complied with this Section of the Rules shall be permitted an operating balance at the start of the financial year of not less than one instalment of the payment to it determined in accordance with supplementary rule 4.14.

4.17 Payments to Branches shall be used solely to meet expenditure on activities which the NEC considers to be in conformity with the Union's policies.

Branch constitution

4.18 Each Branch shall be governed in accordance with the Model Branch Constitution contained in Appendix B to these Rules. Branches may amend their constitution, except that any amendment must be consistent with this Section of the Rules and shall not take effect unless:

(a) Supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes cast at an AGM or at a General Meeting convened for the purpose of considering it; and:

(b) Subject to NEC approval, or the approval of a body or officer delegated by the NEC, and not valid or binding until then.

Local trade union sides

4.19 Co-ordinating committees shall be established where more than one Branch is involved in a local trade union side. Branch representatives on a local trade union side shall be accountable to the co-ordinating committee or BEC (where no co-ordinating committee exists) and act in conformity with Union policy. No member shall sit on a local trade union side without Union authority.

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Section 5: Representational structure

5.1 The Union shall be organised so as to promote the method which is most effective for representing members' interests in negotiations with employing bodies, and for the representation of their professional and occupational concerns. In pursuance of this rule, Employer Groups ("Groups"), Occupational Associations ("Associations"), and other bodies of the Union shall be established covering spheres of employment, occupations or grades designated by the NEC.

Employer groups

5.2 Where the members employed by an employing body do not all belong to the same Branch, the Branches to which such members belong may be formed by the NEC into a Group. A Branch may have members in more than one Group.

5.3 The management of the affairs of each Group shall, subject to the overriding authority of the NEC and to the Group constitution, be vested in a Group Executive Committee. Each Group Executive Committee shall, within the sphere of employment covered by it:

(a) Protect and promote the interests of members.

(b) Organise Branches effectively and give them such help as they may require.

(c) Ensure the effective recruitment and retention of members.

(d) Keep such records, and render such returns and information, as the NEC may require.

(e) Co-operate with the NEC in the conduct of the Union's affairs.

5.4 Each Group shall have autonomy in formulating policy specifically affecting members covered by it. On matters which the NEC considers affect the Union's general interest, policy decisions shall be subject to consultation with, and the final direction of, the NEC.

5.5 Each Group constitution shall specify the frequency of Group Executive Committee elections and of Group Delegate Conferences. An Annual Group Delegate Conference shall be held once every year no sooner than 1 May and no later than 15 June at such time and place as the GEC decides. Group Executive Committee Elections shall be held annually. Group constitutions shall not be valid until approved by the NEC.

5.6 The funds of each Group shall consist of the money remitted to it by the NEC, and may only be expended on purposes consistent with the policies of the Union. Annual accounts for the preceding year shall be prepared in the form prescribed by the NEC, and submitted to the Head Office as soon as practicable (not later than 28 February); the NEC may request the Union's professional accountants to audit them.

Government Communications Group

5.7 There shall be a Government Communications Group, to which members employed in GCHQ shall be allocated. The Group shall have autonomy in determining policy on any issue solely affecting members within it. The affairs of the Group shall be managed by a General Executive Council ("GEC"). The GEC may at its absolute discretion request the assistance of Full-time Officers in negotiations with GCHQ.

5.8 Members of the Group shall not take part in any industrial action which has not been duly endorsed by a majority of the members concerned voting in a secret, individual ballot under the rules of the Group.

5.9 The Group shall be provided with funds necessary to maintain its membership services, office facilities, and democratic functions (including GEC meetings and Delegate Conferences). All moneys and property held by the Union’s Member trustees which had been previously owned by the Government Communications Staff Federation (“GCSF”) shall be: (a) accounted for in a separate fund, or funds; and (b) applied (together with any interest or income earned therefrom) by the GEC for the sole benefit of members in the Group.

5.10 The Group may not be dissolved except in accordance with a simple majority of the members who vote in the Group, or on the dissolution of the Union.

Occupational associations

5.11 Where members with common professional or occupational concerns do not all belong to the same Branch, the Branches to which such members belong may be formed by the NEC into an Association. A Branch may have members in more than one Association.

5.12 The management of the affairs of each Association shall, subject to the overriding authority of the NEC and to the Association constitution, be vested in an Association Committee. Each Association Committee shall, within the area covered by it:

(a) Protect and promote the interests of members.

(b) Ensure that the professional and occupational concerns of members are effectively
represented in dealings with employers and other official bodies.

(c) Keep such records, and render such returns and information, as the NEC may require.

(d) Co-operate with the NEC in the conduct of the Union's affairs.

5.13 Each Association shall have autonomy in formulating policy specifically affecting members within the Association, except that matters affecting the Union's general interest shall be subject to consultation with, and the final direction of, the NEC.

5.14 Each Association constitution shall not be valid until approved by the NEC. No person may be an Association President for more than 4 consecutive years.

5.15 The funds of each Association shall consist of the money remitted to it by the NEC, and may only be expended on purposes consistent with the principles and policies of the Union. Annual accounts for the preceding year shall be prepared in the form prescribed by the NEC, and submitted to the Head Office as soon as practicable (not later than 28 February); the NEC may request the Union's professional accountants to audit them.

Affiliate groups

5.16 The NEC may establish an Affiliate Group, on such terms as it may agree, in any case where an independent trade union or professional body, having aims and objectives similar to those of the Union, wishes to affiliate to the Union.

Geographical structure

5.17 Branches shall be organised by the NEC into units based on geographical areas, wherever the NEC considers that a sufficient degree of participation by Branches can be maintained.

5.18 Units established under this Section shall, subject to NEC direction, co-ordinate the Union's educational, recruitment, organisational, and campaigning activities within the geographical area concerned, and help the NEC carry out the Union's Objects.

5.19 The constitution governing units established under this Section shall be subject to endorsement by the NEC.

Equal opportunities

5.20 The NEC shall establish an Equality, Health and Safety Department and such bodies as it considers necessary to represent the interests of women members, black members, young members, gay and lesbian members, and disabled members.

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Section 6: Delegate conferences

Annual Delegate Conference

6.1 A Annual Delegate Conference ("ADC") shall be held once every year, no sooner than 1 May and no later than 15 June, at such time and place as the NEC decides.

6.2 The following documents shall be sent to Branches by the dates indicated:

Table showing when documents are sent to branches before ADC

	Weeks before ADC
Annual reports	14
Conference papers	12
Financial report	8
Booklet of motions	4

6.3 A Conference paper may be issued after the due date only if the President confirms that it could not reasonably have been issued by the due date.

6.4 The ADC shall be attended by Branch delegates, Observers elected at Branch AGMs, Standing Orders Committee ("SOC") members, NEC members, Member Trustees, Full-time Officers, and such other persons as the General Secretary after consulting the NEC may authorise.

6.5 The ADC minutes, which shall be a record of decisions taken, shall be circulated to Branches by the end of the year in which the ADC is held, on the basis of one copy per delegate.

Special delegate conference

6.6 A Special Delegate Conference may be called by the NEC, or on receipt by the General Secretary of a written application by Branches together representing one quarter or more of the membership.

6.7 The NEC shall determine the timetable for a Special Delegate Conference. Branches shall be given at least one month's notice. Only business detailed on the notice paper shall be dealt with.

Delegate conferences: general

6.8 Delegate Conferences shall be governed by the Standing Orders in Appendix A, and shall not be invalidated by any accidental omission to give any notice required, or by any defect in the election or qualification of any delegate. The quorum shall be a majority of delegates entitled to attend.

6.9 The President or (in the absence of the President) the Deputy President or one of the Vice Presidents shall preside as Chairperson.

6.10 Voting shall be by show of hands except when a card vote is either called by the Chairperson or demanded by at least 50 delegates. A card vote may take place either before a vote is taken or immediately after the result of one is declared. The basis of a card vote shall be one vote for every ordinary member of the Branch. Only Branch delegates may cast a vote, except that the Chairperson shall have a casting vote where an equal number of votes are cast for and against a motion. For the purpose of determining the level of support for any motion at Conference, the total of those present shall be deemed to be the total of Branch delegates duly registered as being in attendance at Conference.

Conference representation

6.11 Representation shall be from Branches on the basis of membership (excluding those 3 months or more in arrears with subscriptions) on the qualifying dates as follows:

(a) The preceding 31 December for Conferences between April and September.

(b) The preceding 30 June for Conferences between October and March.

6.12 Branches shall send the Head Office a membership return within 15 days of each qualifying date. Any Branch not complying shall be notified in writing. If it fails to submit a return within 14 days thereafter, the number of members in the Branch shall be determined by the NEC. The NEC may accept a later date for the receipt of information, where it considers there are factors outside the Branch's control.

6.13 Branches may send delegates to Delegate Conferences on the following basis:

up to 250 members: 1 delegate

251-500: 2

501-1000: 3

1001-1500: 4

Plus one delegate for each complete additional 1000 members.

6.14 Branches may combine in a consortium to elect a delegate, on a basis approved by the NEC, provided they notify the General Secretary in writing at least six weeks before Conference. For card votes, the votes of consortium Branches shall be aggregated.

6.15 A Branch outside the UK may send delegates on the same basis as one inside, except that:

(a) It may nominate a member of a UK Branch, and

(b) The Union shall pay travel expenses not exceeding those to and from the farthest point in the UK.

6.16 Delegates shall be fully paid-up members of their Branch (subject to supplementary rule 6.15(a)). NEC members may not be Branch delegates. If a delegate cannot attend due to illness, bereavement or other emergency, another member of their Branch may, if the Branch wishes, take their place as delegate; where it is not practicable to ascertain the wishes of the Branch, they may do so with Conference approval.

6.17 The NEC may, in consultation with Branches, appoint Conference trainees. Trainees may not speak or vote on Conference business.

Conference motions

6.18 Motions shall be received by the General Secretary not later than 8 weeks before the ADC, by a date determined by the NEC. Motions amending a Conference paper issued after the normal due date shall be received by the General Secretary not later than 4 weeks after the paper was sent to Branches.

6.19 Motions may only be submitted by Branches or by the NEC. Branch motions shall have been passed at a properly constituted General Meeting of members (except where the NEC under supplementary rule 4.4 considers that the scattered location of members makes it impracticable), and submitted on official forms signed by the Branch Chairperson and Secretary (or in the case of absence, by another Branch officer). NEC motions shall have been passed at a properly constituted meeting.

Standing orders committee

6.20 There shall be a Standing Orders Committee ("SOC") of 5 members. Not more than one member employed by a particular employer shall be a member of the Standing Orders Committee at the same time, save that a member of the Standing Orders Committee shall not be required to resign by reason of a change in their employer provided they remain qualified for ordinary membership (see also SR6.25b). The Chairperson shall be elected by the SOC from among those of its members next due to reach the end of their term of office. Where the Chairperson is absent, the SOC shall elect a temporary substitute. The Secretary shall be a Full-time Officer designated by the General Secretary. The quorum shall be 3. No SOC member may attend Delegate Conferences in any other capacity, or vote on Conference business, or while so acting be a member of the NEC. SOC members shall serve for 4 years.

6.21 In the event of a casual vacancy on the SOC, the first eligible runner-up then available at the last relevant election shall be called upon to fill the vacancy until the conclusion of the next ADC, at which the vacancy shall be filled by election.

6.22 The SOC shall, pursuant to the objectives in principal rule PR1:

(a) Arrange motions into a convenient agenda, and construct composite motions, so as to provide for the efficient despatch of business.

(b) Ensure that the President is supplied with copies of all motions as received from Branches, and consult the President before rejecting any motion.

(c) Supply the General Secretary with all necessary material to enable the booklet of motions to be issued according to the Union's Rules.

(d) Consult the President and General Secretary before making recommendations in relation to the Conference timetable.

(e) Submit an agenda, timetable and such other recommendations as it sees fit, to Conference for consideration.

(f) During Conference, consult the Chairperson of Conference on all matters relating to the agenda, timetable and procedure (including the admission of emergency motions), and report and recommend thereon as necessary.

(g) Exclude any motion which the Standing Orders Committee consider (after taking written legal advice) may provide grounds for any legal proceedings against the Union or any of its officers or agents or printers. A copy of the written legal advice shall be provided to the submitting Branch.

Elections at delegate conferences

6.23 The ADC shall elect by ballot where necessary:

(a) 1 or more SOC members.

(b) 5 Editorial Board members.

(c) Distinguished life members.

(d) members of the National Appeals Committee as specified in Rule 10.11.

Elections shall be completed before the close of Conference.

6.24 Subject to eligibility and to supplementary rule 7.34, the ADC shall elect one half of the Union's delegates to:

(a) Trades Union Congress.

(b) TUC Women's Conference.

(c) TUC Youth Conference.

(d) Scottish TUC.

(e) Scottish TUC Women's Conference.

(f) Scottish TUC Youth Conference.

(g) Wales TUC.

(h) Wales TUC Women's Conference.

(i) Wales TUC Youth Conference.

No NEC member shall be eligible for election under this rule. Only women shall be eligible for election under (b), (e) and (h). Delegates shall hold office until the end of the next ADC or until they cease to be eligible, whichever is first.

6.25 (a) The NEC shall take steps to ensure that, wherever practicable and subject to the Union's Rules, the number of women members elected under each part of supplementary rule 6.24 shall be not less as a proportion of the total elected than the proportion of women members in the Union. The Annual Report shall state whether the proportions actually achieved were (i)
more or less than the proportion of women members in the Union, and (ii) more or less than any proportions required under TUC policies or rules; and shall indicate the steps taken by
the NEC to discharge its responsibilities under this rule.

(b) If, but for this rule, the identity of members elected by ADC in any election under supplementary rule 6.23(a) or 6.24 would mean that the number of members elected who were employed by the same employer exceeded any limitation, restriction or requirement applicable in the Union rules, the highest polling member or members employed by other employers shall displace the member or members with fewest votes (out of those who would otherwise be elected), but only if such replacement member or members is available, so that the number of members elected who are employed by the same employer does not exceed the applicable limitation, restriction or requirement.”

Nominations

6.26 Nominations may be made only by Branches, and (except where the NEC under supplementary rule 4.4 considers that the scattered location of members makes it impracticable) at a properly constituted Branch General Meeting; except that nominations for distinguished life membership may be made only by the NEC. The consent of a nominee shall be obtained.

6.27 Official nomination papers shall be sent to Branches not later than 14 weeks before the ADC. They shall be received by the General Secretary duly completed not later than 8 weeks before the ADC, by a date determined by the NEC.

6.28 A nomination by a Branch shall only be valid if made on an official nomination paper with a certificate signed by the Branch Chairperson and Secretary (or, if either is absent, by another Branch officer) that the rule relating to the holding of a Branch General Meeting has been complied with, and giving the date and place of the meeting. Nominations by the NEC under supplementary rule 6.26 shall be signed by the General Secretary.

6.29 A nomination is a promise of a Branch's vote; it may only be changed by a specially convened Branch General Meeting, and any change shall be notified to the General Secretary before the ADC.

6.30 If there are insufficient nominations for any position, nominations for the unfilled positions shall be called for from the floor of Conference, and a vote shall be taken. If any position remains unfilled, the NEC may fill it.

Conduct of elections

6.31 Subject to the Union's Rules, the NEC shall, after consulting the Member Trustees, issue regulations to Branches for the conduct of the elections. These regulations shall be binding on all members. The General Secretary shall, with the help of the Member Trustees, make all necessary arrangements for the conduct of the elections.

6.32 The General Secretary shall satisfy themself that the nomination rules have been complied with, and that the consent of each nominee has been given. The General Secretary shall refer any case of doubt to the Member Trustees for decision.

6.33 The Member Trustees shall supervise the elections and give the President a certified statement of the results.

6.34 Voting shall be by ballot paper and a card vote.

6.35 Any complaint as to an alleged breach of these rules shall be made in writing to the Member Trustees. Any complaint as to the validity of a nomination shall be made not later than 2 weeks before the ADC. If the Member Trustees consider that the rules have been breached they shall, after consulting the President, decide what action if any should be taken, including whether the election should be declared void or any candidate disqualified. The Member Trustees' decision shall be final and binding on all members. The General Secretary shall publish the decision, together with the reasons for it, to Branches.

Visitors and Observers

6.36 The NEC shall invite any Group or Association President not elected as a delegate, and may invite other visitors, at the expense of the Union.

6.37 Branches may apply to send observers to Annual Delegate Conference. The NEC will pay the expenses for up to 30 observers from Branches provided that: -

• The Conference accommodation allows such a number to be seated.
• Such observers have been properly elected at Branch AGMs.

The NEC shall invite branches to apply and the NEC will determine who the paid observers shall be with preference given to assisting observers from under represented groups.

Branches failing to get NEC funding for Branch observers can also raise their own funds by their own activities and apply for Conference observer credentials. All observers can also raise their own funds by their own activities and apply for Conference observer credentials. All observers shall be supplied with PCS official Conference documents issued to delegates.

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Section 7: National Executive Committee

Composition

7.1 The NEC shall consist of the President, Deputy President, three Vice-Presidents together referred to as the Senior Lay Officers and 30 ordinary members, in each case elected by a ballot of the whole membership, and any Senior Full-Time Officer elected in accordance with principal rule PR11.

7.2 The Senior Lay Officers and the ordinary members shall be elected for a term of office of one year.

7.3 There shall be an election for President by a ballot of the whole membership.

7.4 There shall be an election for Deputy and Vice-Presidents by a ballot of the whole membership. The candidate securing the highest number of votes shall be elected Deputy President and the three candidates securing the next highest number of votes shall be elected Vice-Presidents. If, but for this rule, more than one member employed by a particular employer would be elected as Deputy or Vice-President in the same election, the candidate or candidates with the lower or lowest votes of such members shall be displaced by the member or members with the highest votes employed by an employer who does not employ any of the members otherwise elected as Deputy or Vice-President in that election, so that each Deputy and Vice-President shall be a member employed by a different employer.

7.5 There shall be a Senior Vice-President who shall be the Vice-President elected in accordance with 7.4 above who has the longest continuous service as a Senior Lay Officer/Vice-President or, in the event of an equality of such service, who has the longest aggregate service, whether or not continuous, on the NEC and/or on the national executive body of the union’s antecedents (whether as a Senior Lay Officer or otherwise).

7.6 There shall be an election for ordinary members of the NEC by a ballot of the whole membership. This shall be subject to the provisions of the Transitional Election Rules set out in Appendix D which shall have effect from 28 February 2003 and shall remain in effect, superseding the relevant parts of the union’s rules for such time as shall be specified in Appendix D and shall not be amended except in accordance with the procedures set out in principal rule PR13, except as otherwise provided in Appendix D.

7.7 Senior Full-time Officers shall not have voting rights at meetings of the NEC.

7.8 If, but for this rule, fewer than two seats for ordinary members of the NEC would be filled by a member who on being nominated identified themselves as being from a black racial group, the highest polling member or members who did so identify themselves shall displace the member or members with fewest votes (out of those who would otherwise have been elected) who did not so identify themselves (only if such replacement member or members is available).

7.9 If, but for this rule and after the application of rule 7.8 above, 9 or more seats for ordinary members of the NEC would be filled by members employed by the same employer, the highest polling member or members from other employers shall displace the member or members with fewest votes (out of those who would otherwise be elected), but only if such replacement member or members is available, so that the number of ordinary members who are employed by the same employer does not exceed 8, save that this rule shall not operate so as to reduce below two the number of seats filled by members who on being nominated
identified themselves as being from a black racial group.

7.10 An NEC member shall not be required to resign by reason of a change in their grade category or employer, provided they remain qualified for ordinary membership.

Powers

7.11 The NEC shall (subject to supplementary rules 4.1, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.13) have authority to exercise those powers in supplementary rule 2.1, and without prejudice to the generality of those powers shall further have the powers to:

(a) Organise, open, amalgamate, sub-divide or close Branches, Groups, Associations, or other parts of the Union, including units for the purpose of co-ordinating the Union's activities within particular geographical areas.

(b) Make, vary, suspend or rescind regulations governing the conduct of the Union's business and subsidiary parts of the Union.

(c) Fill any casual vacancy.

(d) Require the attendance at its meetings of any Full-time Officer, member of staff, or member of the Union, to provide factual information or technical or professional advice.

(e) Invite to its meetings any non-member.

(f) Appoint NEC Committees.

(g) Appoint advisory committees which may include members who are not NEC members.

(h) Engage and discharge Full-time Officers, determine their pay and terms and conditions of employment, and enter into any agreement with them it considers appropriate.

(i) Make such levies, in addition to subscriptions, as it considers necessary.

(j) Convene consultative conferences of members or officers.

Powers and duties of president

7.12 The President shall preside at all NEC meetings, put such motions to the vote as may be seconded, and be the judge of order. The President may speak and vote on all questions. A decision of the President shall be complied with immediately, unless formally challenged by an NEC member. Any challenge shall be decided without debate and only upheld if supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. The President shall sign all minutes of NEC meetings once confirmed.

7.13 The President may attend any meeting of members to consider Union business, and speak on any question.

7.14 In the President's absence the Deputy President shall preside, and act with the authority of the President.

NEC committees

7.15 NEC Committee decisions shall be subject to ratification by the NEC.

7.16 There shall be a Policy and Resources Committee of the NEC, of which the lay members shall consist of:

(a) the Senior Lay Officers, and

(b) such other number of members as the NEC determines, on such a basis that not more than one third (rounded to the nearest whole number) of [the Committee/such members] shall be members employed by the same employer. A member of the Policy and Resources Committee shall not required to resign by reason of a change in their employer provided they remain a member of the NEC and qualified for ordinary membership.

National Disputes Committee

7.17 The NEC shall appoint a National Disputes Committee ('NDC') consisting of the Senior Lay Officers and the Senior Full-time Officers; only the Senior Lay Officers and Senior Full-time Officers elected in accordance with principal rule PR11 shall have voting powers. A quorum shall consist of 3 voting members, of which one shall be either the President, Deputy President or a Vice President.

7.18 Industrial action shall only be authorised or endorsed by the Union when so approved by the NDC or the NEC, following a ballot of the members concerned under the Principal Rules of the Union in which a majority of those voting vote in favour of such action. The NDC shall decide whether strike pay shall be paid, and if so at what rate, in any particular dispute.

7.19 The NDC shall take decisions in the name of the NEC. Decisions shall be reported to the next NEC meeting, but be binding until then.

Editorial Board

7.20 There shall be an Editorial Board comprising 5 members elected at the ADC, 2 members appointed by the NEC, and a Senior Lay Officer (who shall act as Chairperson). The Board shall have editorial control of the Union’s national journal.

Groups with 10,000 or more members, and any other Group as the NEC shall decide, shall have a Group Journal. Editorial control of these publications shall rest with representatives from within the appropriate Group.

NEC procedures

7.21 The NEC shall meet not fewer than 4 times each year, and at such other times as either (a) the President or General Secretary considers necessary, or (b) a majority of NEC members request in writing (in such a case only to deal with the matters specified), or (c) the NEC decides under its standing orders. The quorum for any meeting of the NEC or its Committees (except for the National Disputes Committee) shall be a majority of the voting members.

7.22 The Annual Report shall state the number of NEC and NEC Committee meetings during the previous calendar year and the attendance of members. Any member absent from an NEC meeting shall give a reason. Any member absent from 2 consecutive regular meetings shall be deemed to have resigned, unless absence is caused by ill-health or some other reason which the NEC considers satisfactory.

7.23 Issues shall be decided by a majority of the total votes cast, except those which by the Union's Rules or by any agreement or contract are to be decided in a special manner. In the event of an equality of votes the President shall have a casting vote. In exercising their vote no NEC member shall be bound by collective responsibility arising from their membership of an NEC Committee.

NEC elections

7.24 NEC elections shall be conducted on the basis of secret, individual voting. The NEC shall appoint an Independent Scrutineer who shall supervise the production and distribution of voting papers and the counting of votes. The General Secretary shall, after consulting the Independent Scrutineer, issue regulations for the conduct of the elections which shall be published to Branches and be binding on all members.

7.25 Nominations may be submitted only by Branches, and (except where the NEC under supplementary rule 4.4 considers that the scattered location of members makes it impracticable) following endorsement by a properly constituted Branch General Meeting.
Branches may make nominations only for elections in which one or more Branch members may vote, and as determined by a meeting of those members concerned. The consent of a nominee shall be obtained.

7.26 Official nomination papers shall be issued to Branches not later than 14 weeks before the ADC. They shall be received by the General Secretary duly completed not later than 8 weeks before the ADC, by a date determined by the NEC.

7.27 A nomination shall only be valid if made on an official nomination paper with a certificate signed by the Branch Chairperson and Secretary (or, if either is absent, by another Branch officer) that the rule relating to the holding of a Branch General Meeting has been complied with, and giving the date and place of the meeting.

7.28 Nominees must be members entitled to vote in the part of the elections to which their nomination relates.

7.29 Nominees may submit a written election address (including biographical information) not exceeding 400 words. Election addresses shall be received by the General Secretary not later than 7 weeks before the ADC, on a date determined by the NEC.

7.30 The General Secretary shall satisfy themself that the rules relating to nominations have been complied with and that the consent of the nominee has been given.

7.31 Any complaint as to an alleged breach of rules 7.24 to 7.30 (or of the regulations made under Rule 7.24) concerning, solely or mainly, the validity of nominations shall be made in writing to the Independent Scrutineer and shall be made not later than one week before the issue of ballot papers. If the independent scrutineer considers that the rules (or the regulations made under rule 7.24) have been breached the independent scrutineer shall, after consulting the president, decide what action if any be taken, including whether the election should be declared void or any candidate disqualified. The independent scrutineer’s decision shall be final and binding on all members. The independent scrutineer shall publish the decision, together with the reasons for it, to branches.

Any complaint as to an alleged breach of rules 7.24 to 7.30 (or of the regulations made under Rule 7.24) otherwise than concerning, solely or mainly, the validity of nominations shall be made in writing to the General Secretary. Any such complaint must be submitted in good time and in any event within 7 days of the declaration of the results of the election and the General Secretary will arrange that an independent person with suitable legal qualifications and experience considers the complaint as soon as practicable. If the person so appointed upholds the complaint that a candidate by his/her own act or through the act or acts of those supporting the candidate has caused a breach of these rules or the regulations made under Rule 7.24 the candidate may be de-barred from the election and/or his or her election may be declared null and void. Any action taken by or on behalf of a candidate by his/her supporters will be deemed to be the action of the candidate. All candidates should make their supporters aware of these elections and the consequences of any breach of this rule and the regulations made under Rule 7.24. The decision of the person appointed shall be final and binding on all members. The General Secretary shall publish the decision, together with the reasons for it,
to branches.

7.32 A successful candidate for Senior Lay Officer shall accept that post and decline any more junior post (including another Senior Lay Officer post) to which they may have been elected.

Representation of the union

7.33 Except as provided for elsewhere in the Union's Rules, the Union's representatives on any other organisation shall be appointed by the NEC. Only a member or a Full-time Officer or member of staff shall represent the Union.

7.34 The representation of the Union at TUC Conferences shall be as follows:

(a) The President and General Secretary shall represent the Union as delegates to the TUC.

(b) Thereafter, half of the remaining delegation to the TUC (after rounding up to the nearest whole number) shall be elected at the ADC in accordance with Section 6 of the Supplementary Rules, together with half of each delegation to the other TUC Conferences
referred to therein. Not more than one third (rounded to the nearest whole number) of those so elected (excluding those to youth conferences) shall be members employed by the same
employer.

(c) Subject to (a) and (b) the remaining delegates shall be appointed by the NEC. Not more than one third (rounded to the nearest whole number) of those so appointed (excluding those to youth conferences) shall be members employed by the same employer.

(d) A member elected or appointed to a delegation in accordance with this rule shall not be required to resign by reason of a change in their employer provided they remain qualified for ordinary membership (see also SR6.25b).

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Section 8: Full-time Officers and Staff

8.1 Subject to the Union's Rules, the Full-time Officers shall be appointed by the NEC, and subject to its control and direction.

Senior Full-time Officers

8.2 The General Secretary shall:

(a) Supervise the general work of the Union.

(b) Keep the minutes and attendance record for meetings of the Conference, NEC and NEC Committees. Bound copies of the minutes, signed by the relevant chairperson, shall be kept by the General Secretary at the Head Office.

(c) Keep the books and documents of the Union in such manner and for such purposes as the NEC may appoint, and prepare all documents and returns required by law.

8.3 The General Secretary may:

(a) Convene (after consulting the President) meetings of the NEC and its Committees.

(b) Attend any meeting of the Union or of its subsidiary parts.

(c) Employ staff as necessary on terms and conditions, and on the basis of procedures,
approved by the NEC.

(d) Delegate the rights and duties of the General Secretary to any other Full-time Officer.

8.4 In the event of a vacancy in any Senior Full-time Officer post filled by election in accordance with principal rule PR11, the NEC shall make the necessary arrangements for an election to be held, including the appointment of an Independent Scrutineer. The vacancy shall be advertised, and open to members of the Union. The NEC shall, after consulting the Independent Scrutineer, approve regulations for the conduct of the elections which shall be published to Branches and be binding on all members. An election address of not more than 1,000 words (including biographical information) shall be permitted.

8.5 Those elected shall be appointed by the NEC on such terms and conditions as the NEC may determine.

8.6 The Deputy General Secretary (or Secretaries, as the case may be) shall co-operate with the General Secretary, and in the absence of the General Secretary shall have the powers and authority of that office.

Other Full-time Officers

8.7 Other Full-time Officer appointments shall be made by the NEC, initially for a probationary period of 12 months.

Employees

8.8 The Union shall recognise and deal with an independent trade union or trade unions representing the Union's employees for the purpose of collective bargaining.

8.9 The Union shall pursue a policy of equal opportunity for its employees.

Section 9: Finances

9.1 There shall be 3 Member Trustees, who shall be present or former ordinary members of the Union, appointed by the NEC. Not more than one member employed by a particular employer shall be a Member Trustee at the same time, save that a Member Trustee shall not be required to resign by reason of a change in their employer provided they remain qualified for ordinary membership. Each Member Trustee shall serve for 3 years. A casual vacancy may be filled by the NEC. A Member Trustee may not occupy any other Union office. A Member Trustee shall immediately resign on becoming bankrupt or on being disqualified from
holding office as a company director.

9.2 All Union property and funds (including all those held by subsidiary parts of the Union, but excluding that held and owned by the Inland Revenue Group) shall vest in the Member Trustees, who shall act with the consent of, and in accordance with the directions of, the NEC. The NEC shall ensure that the Union's finances are conducted in accordance with the Union's Rules and any direction given or decision made under them. The Union's finances shall be managed by the General Secretary, subject to the direction of the NEC.

9.3 All monies, funds, accounts, books, records and other Union properties (real and personal), including all those held by subsidiary parts of the Union, shall (subject to supplementary rule 9.2) be surrendered to the NEC at its request.

9.4 The Trustees may sell, exchange, lease, charge, or agree to let, any real or personal property
of the Union; borrow or lend money with or without security; cause bank accounts to be opened or closed; and accept any real or personal property given to the Union or lawfully acquired by it.

9.5 The NEC may authorise the payment of any monies required to carry on the Union's affairs,the investment by the Trustees of the Union's funds in any lawful way, and the raising of monies by way of mortgage, loan or charge on any Union asset.

9.6 The National Treasurer of the Union, who shall be an Assistant General Secretary designated by the NEC, shall in conjunction with the Director of Finance take charge of those funds which are not invested.They may hold petty cash up to such amount as the NEC may direct. They shall, as directed by the NEC, pay all demands, render a full and clear account of the Union's finances, and give up all monies, books, records and other Union property in their possession.

9.7 Cheques or other payments drawn on the Union's bank account shall require 2 signatories, who shall be determined by the NEC. No person may act as both first and second signatory in respect of the same payment.

9.8 Expenses shall be paid from the Union's central fund, as approved by the NEC, to members attending Delegate Conferences or Union committees, and to any member or Full-time Officer or member of staff representing the Union. Member shall sign a declaration that the expenses have been incurred on Union business and are not chargeable in whole or in part to any other body.

General Fund

9.9 There shall be a General Fund which shall be credited with all subscriptions and other income intended to be used for the general purposes of the Union, and debited with all associated expenses. The Fund may be used for any purpose that the NEC considers to be in accordance with the Objects, except for any purpose which may only be supported by spending from the Political Fund.

Benevolent service

9.10 There shall be a benevolent service available to members, funded from the General Fund. Awards may be made to members on redundancy or retirement, during sickness or incapacity, for injury, for funeral expenses of a member or for the partner or children of a deceased member, or for any compassionate purpose. Payments may be in the form of grants and/or loans. The Union shall not pay to any person a lump sum award exceeding £4,000 or an annuity exceeding £825.

Campaign and Disputes Fund

9.11 There shall be a Campaign and Disputes Fund, which shall be credited with such proportion of subscription income as the