DRAFT	
  Review	
  of	
  IFSW	  Constitution	  	
  current	
  constitution	  Constitution and by laws
PREAMBLE
The International Federation of Social Workers recognises thatsocial work originates variously from humanitarian, religious anddemocratic ideals and philosophies; and that it has universal
application to meet human needs arising frompersonal-societal interactions, and to develop human potential.
Professional social workers are dedicated to service for thewelfare and self-fulfilment of human beings; to the development
and disciplined use of scientific knowledge regarding humanbehaviour and society; to the development of resources to meet
individual, group, national and international needs andaspirations; to the enhancement and improvement of the qualityof life of people; and to the achievement of social justice.

Art. 1 NAME AND COMPOSITIONa) The name of the Federation is

Proposed	
  language	
  or	
  change	
  PREAMBLE
The International Federation of Social Workers ( IFSW) is a globalorganization comprising National Social Work Organizations
worldwide . The Mission of IFSW is to enhance and improve thequality of life of people by advocating for social justice, humanrights and social development through plans, actions, programsand the promotion of best practice models in social work within aframework of international cooperation.
The current IFSW was constitutionally incorporated in 1956 in
Munich Germany, succeeding the International Permanent
Secretariat of Social Workers dating back to 1932. The IFSW
Constitution and By-Laws are subject to review by the General
Assembly as they deem appropriate in order to ensure the effective
operation of the Federation and continued relevance as thecomposition and roles of our Federation evolves over time.
	  Art. 1 NAME AND COMPOSITIONa)The name of the Federation is;International Federation of Social Workers
Fédération internationale des travailleurs sociaux
Federación Internacional de Trabajadores Sociales

International Federation of Social Workersb) The Federation shall be composed of national professionalsocial work organisations or national Co-ordinating Bodies.

b) The Federation shall be composed of national professionalsocial work organisations or national Co-ordinating Bodies.

Rationale	
  for	
  amendments	
  
	
  
	
  
Preamble	
  should	
  be	
  a	
  simple	
  statement	
  on	
  the	  historical	
  	
  background	
  of	
  the	
  iFSW	  constitution	  and	  the	  reason	
  for	
  it’s	  development.	
  We	
  cannot	  capture	
  	
  the	
  role	  of	
  social	
  workers	
  in	
  
the	
  socio-­‐economic	
  development	
  of	
  each	  country	  in	  a	  preamble	
  to	
  a	
  constitution	
  as	
  this	  is	
  better	  suited	
  in	
  a	
  	
  definition	
  of	
  social	
  work	  that	
  
can	
  be	
  reviewed	
  periodically	
  without	
  having	
  to	
  change	  the	  constitution.	
  
	
  
	
  

Delete	  reference	
  to	
  translations	
  in	
  Spanish	
  and	
  french	  	  Article	  1	
  (a)	  as	
  currently	
  written	
  limits	
  the	  Federation	
  
to	
  3	
  names.	
  In	
  actuality,	
  the	
  name	  of	
  the	  Federation	
  
can	
  be	
  translated	  	
  into	
  French	
  ,Spanish,	
  or	
  any	
  other	  language.	
  There	
  is	
  no	
  rationale	
  to	
  specifically	
  state	  only	  the	
  Spanish	
  or	
  French	
  name	  in	
  an	
  English	
  version	
  of	
  the	
  Constitution	
  nor	
  would	
  it	
  be	
  feasible	
  to	
  include	
  an	
  extensive	  list	  of	
  names	
  representing	  every	
  language	
  of	
  
the	
  members	
  of	
  the	  Federation	  	
  within	
  this	  clause.	
  c) The Federation shall be a non-profit making organisation
Art. 2 INCORPORATIONThe Federation shall be incorporated under the relevant
Articles of the Civil Code in the country where it is seated. The
Federation may, by decision of the General Meeting,incorporate under relevant laws in an alternative countryc) The Federation shall be a non-profit making organisation	  Art. 2 INCORPORATIONThe Federation shall be incorporated under the relevant
Articles of the Civil Code in the country where it is seated. The
Federation may, by decision of the General Meeting,incorporate under relevant laws in an alternative country
	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  

	
  

Art. 3 SEAT AND DURATION

Art. 3 SEATThe Federation’s seat shall be at Bern, Switzerland, or at any
such other place as may be determined by the General Meetingin accordance with the Federation’s Articles.

The Federation’s seat shall be in Switzerland, or at any
such other place as may be determined by the General Meetingin accordance with the Federation’s Articles.

Art. 4 AIMS

Art. 4 AIMS OF THE FEDERATION

a. The aims of the Federation are:I) to promote social work as a profession through international cooperation, especially regarding professional values, standards,
ethics, human rights, recognition, training and working
conditions;II) to promote the establishment of national organisations ofsocial workers or professional unions for social workers andwhen needed national Co-ordinating Bodies (collectively“Social Work Organisations”) where they do not exist;
III) to support Social Work Organisations in promoting theparticipation of social workers in social planning and theformulation of social policies, nationally and internationally,
the recognition of social work, the enhancement of social work
training and the values and professional standards of social
work.
b. In order to achieve these Aims the Federation shall:I) encourage co-operation between social workers of all
countries;II) provide means for discussion and the exchange of ideas andexperience through meetings, study visits, research projects,
exchanges, publications and other methods of communication;III) establish and maintain relationships with, and present andpromote the views of Social Work Organisations and theirmembers to international organisations relevant to social
development and welfare.

"Social workers make a unique and critical contribution to society.
They facilitate sustainable social outcomes that enable people andtheir communities to reach their potential for this and future
generations. IFSW supports social workers to achieve this throughthe following aims:

MEMBERSHIP
Art. 5 MEMBERSHIP CRITERIANational Social Work Organisationsa) Membership is open to national Social Work Organisations of
any country, whose core members must have completed post
secondary education in social work and must practice (orintend to practice or have practiced) social work. (For the
purpose of such membership criteria the Executive Committee
shall in its discretion determine the applicable definition of“social work”, in accordance with any applicable resolution on
the subject passed at any General Meeting of the Federation).

MEMBERSHIP
Art. 5 MEMBERSHIP CRITERIAa)Membership is open to national Social Work Organizations of
any country, whose core members must have completed postsecondary education in social work and must practice or intend topractice or have practiced social work.

·
Partnerships Building external partnerships with people
who use social work services and their wider communities; toensure that social services recognise people’s inherent strengths
and build on them to meet community aspirations.
Action Facilitating international and regional cooperation forshared learning and joint action.
·
Policy Developing ethical statements and policies thatenhance best social work practice.
·
Advocacy Advocating at global, regional and national levels
for social justice, and individual, group, civic and cultural humanrights.".

	
  Deleted	
  reference	
  to	
  Bern	  as	
  it	
  may	  not	
  necessarily	
  be	
  
in	
  that	  City	  as	
  well	  as	
  Duration	
  in	
  the	
  title.	
  	
  
	
  
	
  

	
  
Deleted	
  current	
  clause	
  and	
  replaced	
  with	
  new	
  updated	
  clause	
  
	
  
It	
  has	  been	  a	
  number	
  of	
  years	
  since	  IFSW	
  undertook	  a	
  review	
  of	
  our	
  aims	  which	  are	
  meant	
  to	
  provide	
  direction	
  to	
  the	
  Executive	  Committee	
  and	  the	  membership	
  in	
  general.	
  	
  
The	
  aims	  that	  the	  constitutional	
  committee	
  propose	
  
are	
  in	
  line	  with	  the	  new	
  definition	
  of	
  social	
  work	
  as	
  
well	
  as	
  our	
  profile	
  as	
  an	
  International	
  Association	
  that	  promotes	
  self-­‐determination	
  of	
  individuals	
  and	
  communities.	
  Our	
  aims	  also	
  focus	
  on	
  enhancing	  both	  regional	
  and	
  global	
  action	  to	
  advocate	
  for	
  social	
  justice	  and	
  human	
  rights.	
  	
  

	
  
Deleted	  last	  paragraph	
  	
  in	
  a)	
  which	  prescribes	
  procedure	
  for	
  executive	
  committee	
  to	
  evaluate	
  if	
  applicant	
  is	
  practicing	  social	
  work	  in	
  line	  with	  definition.	
  Now	
  that	  we	
  have	  accepted	
  definition	
  this	  paragraph	
  is	
  no	
  longer	
  relevant.	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  

	
  

b) Membership is limited to one such national Social Work
Organisation in any country.

b)Membership of the Federation shall be limited to one National
Social Work Association in any one country.
1)

If more than one Social Work Organisation in a country isinterested in becoming a new member of the Federation
only a national Coordinating Body representing every suchorganisation may be admitted as a member of theFederation.

2)

If there is already a Social Work Organization that is amember in good standing of the federation as arepresentative of their country, any other interested party
would have to come to an agreement with that member toform a Coordinating Body in order to achieve membershipstatus within the Federation

Co-ordinating Bodiesc) If more than one Social Work Organisation in a country isinterested in membership of the Federation only a national
Coordinating Body representing every such organisation may be
admitted as a Member of the Federation.
d) If there is an existing Member from any country andanother national Social Work Organisation from that country,
otherwise fulfilling the eligibility criteria, confirms a wish to
become involved with the Federation, the existing Member isobliged to endeavour to facilitate the development of a
Coordinating Body to succeed it as the Member from thatcountry, in accordance with the By Laws and any General
Meeting resolution giving such direction.
e) All the Social Work Organisations wishing to be involved in a
Co-ordinating Body must individually meet the criteria for full
membership. If one or more organisation does not meet themembership criteria, the other interested organisation(s) may still
pursue an application through a Co-ordinating Body.
f) A Co-ordinating Body will be comprised of representatives
from each of the national Social Work Organisations that meetthe membership criteria and wish to become involved with theFederation.
g) The Co-ordinating Body will establish procedures withrespect to Federation elections; voting at meetings;
organisation of international conferences; co-ordinating ofmailing lists; and, identification of social workers to serve onFederation committees.
h) In the event that one Member of the Co-ordinating Body
ceases to operate or otherwise to be involved with the
Coordinating Body this need not effect the status of the body.
i) Co-ordinating Bodies shall have the same right andobligations as any other Member of equivalent status.
j) Organisations or bodies, other than national Social Work
Organisations wanting to be associated with the Federation
may join the Federation’s Friends’ Program.

c) All the Social Work Organisations wishing to be involved in a
Co-ordinating Body must individually meet the criteria for full
membership. If one or more organisation does not meet themembership criteria, the other interested organisation(s) may still
pursue an application through a Co-ordinating Body.

d) The Coordinating Body shall establish procedures with respect
to Federation elections; voting at meetings; organization ofinternational conferences; coordination of mailing lists; andidentification of social workers to serve on Federation committees.

	  Proposed	
  to	
  maintain	  stipulation	
  of	
  only	  one	
  national	
  Social	  Work	  Association	
  per	
  country.	
  	
  If	
  more	  than	
  one	
  Social	  Work	  Organisation	
  in	
  a	
  country	
  is	
  interested	
  in	
  membership	
  of	
  the	  Federation	
  it	
  can	
  only	  happen	
  through	  a	
  national	
  Coordinating	  Body	  representing	
  every	  such	  organisation	
  .	
  Our	
  purpose	  in	
  maintaining	
  this	
  clause	
  is	
  to	
  foster	
  and	
  support	
  cooperation	
  on	
  the	
  national	
  scene	  and	
  every	
  effort	
  should	
  be	
  made	  in	
  this	  regard.	
  
It	
  is	
  recognized	
  that	  there	  have	  been	  exceptions	
  whereby	  this	  clause	
  was	
  over-­‐ruled	
  by	
  a	
  75%	  majority	  of	
  voting	
  members	
  at	
  a	
  General	
  Meeting.	
  We	
  are	  nevertheless	
  not	  recommending	  a	
  change	
  to	
  the	
  clause,	  thus	  making	
  it	
  clear	
  that	  only	  the	  General	  Meeting	
  can	
  over-­‐rule	
  the	
  clause	
  where	
  the	
  75%	  majority	
  deem	  there	  are	  	
  exceptional	
  circumstances	
  to	
  
do	
  so.	  	
  former	  clause	
  )c	
  is	
  included	
  in	
  	
  new	
  clause	
  b)	
  
	
  
Clause	
  d)	
  ,	
  f)	
  ,	
  	
  are	
  both	  	
  deleted	
  as	
  they	  are	
  clauses	  that	
  are	
  deemed	  too	  prescriptive	  for	  a	  constitution	  and	
  would	  be	
  more	  fitting	
  	
  in	
  an	
  administrative	
  procedures	  manual	
  .	
  
	
  
clause	  e)	
  is	
  re-­‐numbered	
  	
  c)	
  	
  
	
  
clause	  g)	
  is	
  re-­‐numbered	
  	
  d)	
  and	
  substitute	
  word	  will	  with	
  shall	  as	
  they	  must	  sort	  out	
  and	
  come	
  to	
  an	
  
agreement	
  as	
  to	
  how	  they	  will	
  cast	  their	
  one	
  vote	  for	
  elections	  and	
  federation	
  meetings.	
  
	
  
	
  
There	
  also	  needs	
  to	
  be	
  a	
  method	
  of	
  a	
  coordinating	  body	
  informing	
  us	
  of	
  changes	
  in	
  membership	
  and	  covered	  in	
  the	
  by-­‐laws.	
  	
  	
  
	
  
Clause,	
  	
  i)	
  	
  and	  j)	  	
  are	
  deleted	
  as	
  they	  are	
  clauses	
  that	  are	
  deemed	  too	  prescriptive	  for	  a	  constitution	  and	
  would	  be	
  more	  fitting	
  	
  in	
  an	
  administrative	
  procedures	  manual	
  .	
  

	
  
Propose	  to	
  delete	
  this	  article	
  in	
  it’s	
  entirety	
  as	
  it	
  refers	  to	
  specific	
  criteria	
  adopted	
  at	
  the	
  2002	
  General	
  meeting.	
  The	  distinction	
  between	
  a	
  provisional	
  member	  and	  a	
  full	  member	  has	  not	  been	  conducive	  to	
  achieving	
  greater	
  participation	
  of	
  member	  organizations	
  over	  the	
  years	
  nor	
  has	  it	
  been	  feasible	
  or	
  practical	
  to	
  apply	
  this	  particular	
  clause	
  for	
  members	
  who	
  are	
  delinquent	
  in	
  the	
  payment	
  of	
  their	
  dues.	
  Art. 6 CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIPa) There shall be the following categories of membership:
Full Member
Provisional Memberb) A Full Member shall be an existing Member as at the 2002
General Meeting which fulfils the eligibility criteria adopted atthat meeting and every Candidate or Provisional Member
which is admitted to full membership by resolution of theGeneral Meeting (provided they continue to fulfil applicableeligibility criteria).
c) A Provisional Member shall be a Member which has
previously fulfilled the criteria for full membership, but hasceased to do so as a result of the adoption of new criteria at the2002 General Meeting or otherwise and which is engaged in
the process of fulfilling such criteria and regaining its Full
Member status. A Provisional Member which has not been
admitted as a Full Member within six years of the date itceased to be a Full Member shall cease to be a Member of theFederation.
d) All applications for membership shall be subject to theapplicable procedures set out in the By Laws.
Art. 7 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIPa) All Members shall:submit such documents to the Secretary General, at such times
and in such forms as is prescribed in the By Laws
observe these Articles and the By Laws
endorse and promote among its membership the document“The Ethics of Social Work, Principles and Standards” and thepolicies currently approved by the Federation
pay membership dues as prescribed by resolution of theGeneral Meeting, in accordance with applicable procedures set
out in the By Laws
promote the profession within their country and at theinternational level
apply the ethical principles of the Federation
contribute to and promote Federation activities in theirrespective countries.
support international conferences promoted by the Federation
through promotion to their members and endeavouring to send
official representation
support and endeavour to express international solidarity inrelation to international standards of human rights
shall participate in the work of Committees
shall support the Federation’s international conferences by
ongoing promotion among its members and by making efforts
to send official representation
pay regional membership dues as prescribed by the region

Art. 6 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIPa)All Members shall observe the Articles and the By Laws of theFederation, and the Statement of Ethical Standardsb) Members in good standing ( have paid their dues and have notbeen expelled or suspended) shall be entitled to receive directcommunication and all member publications and materials fromthe Federationc)Members in good standing shall be entitled to full participationin Federation elections in accordance with these Articles and the
By Lawsd) Members in good standing shall be eligible to participate in thework of Federation committees	  Article	
  7	
  a)	
  	
  	
  is	
  re-­‐written	
  as	
  proposed	
  in	
  order	
  to	
  have	  clear	
  and	
  simple	
  language	
  as	
  to	
  the	
  obligations	
  of	
  all	  members.	
  	
  
	
  
Article	
  7	
  a)	
  b)	
  and	  c)	  	
  are	
  re-­‐written	
  to	
  include	
  the	
  clause	  	
  in	
  good	  standing.in	
  order	
  to	
  make	  it	
  clear	
  that	
  
only	
  	
  those	  members	
  that	  have	  	
  paid	  their	
  dues	  and	  have	
  not	  been	  expelled	
  or	
  suspended	
  retain	
  the	
  specific	
  rights	  listed	
  in	
  b)	
  c)	
  and	
  d)	
  .	
  
	
  
	
  

b) Full Members shall:be entitled to receive direct communication and all Member
publications and materials from the Federation
be entitled to full participation in Federation elections inaccordance with these Articles and the By Laws
be eligible to participate in the work of Federation committeesc) Provisional Members shall be entitled to all rights of Full
Members, except the right to present nominations forFederation offices and to voteArt. 8 CANDIDATES FOR MEMBERSHIPa) A prospective Full Member which has applied formembership and has been assessed as being eligible for full
membership, but which has not yet been admitted to Full
Membership at a General Meeting shall be known as a
Candidate.
b) Candidates shall:be entitled to observer status in General Meetingscorrespond with their Region, rather than directly with theSecretariat

Art. 9 SUSPENSION, EXPULSION AND REINSTATEMENTa) A Member that does not pay its dues, that violates the
Articles of this Constitution and/or the By Laws of theFederation or in any other form counteracts the basic
interests, aims and policies of the Federation or its Members
may be suspended or expelled by the General Meeting uponrecommendation by at least two Members or the Executive
Committee. A two-thirds majority shall be required forsuspension or expulsion.
b) A suspended Member may be reinstated to membership by
the General Meeting. Evidence that the grounds for suspension nolonger exist shall be provided to the Executive Committee by or on
behalf of the suspended Member. Such evidence shall beconsidered by the Executive Committee, and circulated toMembers not less than thirty days before the General Meeting at
which the proposal is to be put. The evidence may be accompanied
by an Executive Committee recommendation: a recommendation
shall be made by the Executive Committee to the General Meeting.
A two-thirds majority of Members voting shall be required forreinstatement.

Art. 7 CENSORSHIP’, SUSPENSION, EXPULSION AND
REINSTATEMENTa) A Member that does not pay its dues may be suspended by amajority decision of the Executive Committee.
b) A Member that violates the Articles of this Constitution and/or
the By Laws of the Federation or in any other form or mannercounteracts the basic interests, aims and policies of the Federation
or its Members may be censored by a majority decision of the
Executive Committee.
c) A Member that violates the Articles of this Constitution and/or
the By Laws of the Federation or in any other form or mannercounteracts the basic interests, aims and policies of the Federation
or its Members may be either censored, suspended or expelled by
a 75% majority of members of the General Meeting present andvotingc)A Member that was suspended because of non-payment of theirdues may be reinstated to membership by a majority decision of
the Executive Committee upon making satisfactory arrangements
for repayment of dues in arrears.
d)A Member that has been suspended or expelled because of aviolation of the Articles of this Constitution and/or the By Laws of
the Federation or because they have in any other form or mannercounteracted the basic interests, aims and policies of theFederation or its Members, may be reinstated upon

Proposal	
  to	
  delete	
  this	  article	
  in	
  it’s	
  entirety.	
  An	
  Organization	
  who	  is	
  eligible	
  for	
  membership	
  by	
  having	  completed	
  questionnaire	
  and	
  paid	  their	
  dues	
  should	  not	
  have	  to	
  be	
  granted	
  observer	
  status	
  if	
  they	  are	  in	
  attendance	
  at	
  a	
  General	
  meeting.	
  There	
  is	
  in	
  fact	  the	  means	  to	
  grant	  them	  membership	
  status	
  before	
  and	  in	
  between	
  General	
  Meetings	
  if	
  they	  have	  paid	  their	
  dues	  and	
  been	
  approved	
  by	
  the	
  Executive	  Committee	
  .	
  	
  
See	
  new	
  article	
  19	
  b)	
  	
  
Add	
  possibility	
  of	
  censorship	
  in	
  addition	
  to	
  suspension	
  or	
  expulsion	
  which	  provides	
  another	  option	
  to	
  suspension	
  or	
  expulsion	
  in	
  certain	
  circumstances.	
  Proposal	
  is	
  to	
  delete	  requirement	
  	
  in	
  a)	
  for	
  recommendation	
  from	  the	
  executive	  for	
  censorship,	
  suspension,	
  expulsion	
  or	
  reinstatement	
  of	
  a	
  member	  thus	
  providing	
  the	
  option	
  for	  a	
  resolution	
  brought	  forward	
  by	
  any	
  member	
  at	
  a	
  general	
  meeting	
  of	
  the	
  Federation.	
  	
  proposal	
  to	
  have	  different	
  process	
  for	  reinstatement	
  of	
  members	
  who	  have	  been	
  suspended	
  because	
  of	
  non-­‐
payment	
  of	
  dues	  which	  is	
  different	
  than	
  censorship,	
  suspension	
  or	
  expulsion	  because	
  of	
  violation	
  of	
  Articles	
  or	
  By-­‐Laws	
  of	
  the	
  Constitution	
  
	
  a)	
  Suspension	
  for	
  non-­‐payment	
  of	
  dues	
  as	
  well	  as	
  reinstatement	  	
  for	  these	  members	
  will	  be	
  decided	
  by	
  a	
  
majority	
  vote	  of	
  the	
  Executive.	
  	
  
	
  
c	
  and	  d)	  Suspension	
  or	
  expulsion	
  for	
  violation	
  of	
  Articles	  or	
  By-­‐Laws	
  will	  be	
  decided	
  by	
  a	
  majority	
  vote	  of	
  general	
  assembly	
  .	
  They	  can	  be	
  reinstated	
  by	
  a	
  
simple	  majority	
  vote	  of	
  the	
  members	
  upon	  recommendation	
  of	
  the	
  Executive	  Committee	  c-­‐)propose	  an	
  additional	
  process	
  when	  a	
  member	
  can	  be	
  'censured'	
  	
  rather	
  than	
  suspended	  or	
  expelled	
  for	  not	
  acting	
  consistently	
  with	  the	
  agreed	
  international	  	
  framework	
  of	
  rights.	
  Censorship	
  basically	
  means	
  a	  recommendation of the Executive Committee and by a majority
vote of members of the General Meeting present and voting.
c) Further procedures set out in the By Laws relating tosuspension, expulsion and reinstatement shall apply.

e)Further procedures set out in the By Laws relating to censorship,suspension, expulsion and reinstatement shall apply.

Art. 10 PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

Art. 8 PARTNER ORGANISATIONSThe Federation may by decision of the General Meeting, extend toother organisations the status of a partner organisation.

The Federation may by decision of the General Meeting, extend toother organisations the status of a partner organisation.

a) The General Meeting must be satisfied that the proposedorganisation
I. Either shares goals and ethical principles that are consistent
with those of the Federation and/ or does not have goals thatare expressly oppositional to the Federation’s.
II. There is no competetion or conflict of interest with theFederation or its Members
III. There is clear recognition of and respect for the role ofFederation as the peak body representing social work at aninternational level.
IV. There is agreement to enter into a formal compact/contract ormemorandum of understanding; andV. There is a set period to review the relationshipb) A partner organisation shall be entitled to attend theGeneral Meeting of the Federation as an observer and toreceive all relevant paperwork pertaining to that meeting.
c) A partner organisation shall not have the right to vote andmay participate in the General Meeting with the leave of the
President/Chairpersona) The General Meeting must be satisfied that the proposedorganisation
I. Either shares goals and ethical principles that are consistent
with those of the Federation and/ or does not have goals thatare expressly oppositional to the Federation’s.
II. There is no competetion or conflict of interest with theFederation or its Members
III. There is clear recognition of and respect for the role ofFederation as the peak body representing social work at aninternational level.
IV. There is agreement to enter into a formal compact/contract ormemorandum of understanding; andV. There is a set period to review the relationshipb) A partner organisation shall be entitled to attend theGeneral Meeting of the Federation as an observer and toreceive all relevant paperwork pertaining to that meeting.
c) A partner organisation shall not have the right to vote andmay participate in the General Meeting with the leave of the
President/Chairperson

	
  
	
  

written	  communication	
  with	  a	
  member	  advising	
  them	  of	
  any	
  violation	
  of	
  the	
  IFSW	  constitution	
  or	
  actions	
  contrary	
  to	
  the	
  basic	
  interests	
  of	
  the	  Federation	  and	  directing	
  them	  to	
  take	  	
  appropriate	
  corrective	  measures.	
  	
  This	  provides	
  opportunity	
  to	
  continue	
  dialog	  when	  it	
  is	
  deemed	
  by	
  Executive	  Committee	  or	
  General	  Assembly	
  that	  expulsion	
  could	  result	
  in	
  that	  member’s	  	
  further	
  entrenchment	
  in	
  a	
  position	
  contrary	  to	
  IFSW	
  values	
  and	
  principles	
  and	
  close	
  down	
  the	
  opportunity	
  for	
  debate,	
  discussion	
  and	  reconciliation.	
  It	
  
is	
  also	  important	
  for	  the	
  Executive	  Committee	
  in	
  addition	  to	
  the	  General	
  Assembly	
  to	
  have	  the	
  authority	  and	
  discretion	
  to	
  censure	
  in	
  a	
  timely	
  manner	
  since	
  the	
  general	  membership	
  is	
  only	  convened	
  every	
  two	
  years.	
  	
  	
  
	
  
Proposal	
  to	
  not	
  delete	
  this	  article	
  as	
  was	  previously	
  proposed	  	
  based	  on	
  feedback	
  received.	
  	
  
	
  
The	
  background	
  history	
  behind	
  this	  particular	
  article	  dates	
  back	  to	
  2001	
  .A	
  formal	  	
  motion	
  was	
  adopted	
  by	
  
the	
  general	
  assembly	
  	
  in	
  2006	
  endorsing	
  a	
  proposal	
  for	  an	
  observatory	
  class	
  for	  partner	
  organizations	  	
  with	  certain	
  conditions	
  as	
  outlined	
  in	
  Article	
  8.	
  	
  Since	
  the	  adoption	
  of	
  this	  proposal,	
  	
  groups	
  such	  as	
  the	
  Commonwealth	
  Organization	
  for	  Social	
  Work	  COSW	
  as	
  
well	
  as	
  the	
  Organizing	
  committee	
  for	  Social	
  Work	  in	
  Health	  and	
  Mental	
  health	
  Conferences	
  have	  been	  invited	  to	
  participate	
  and	
  granted	
  observatory	
  status.	
  	
  	
  	
  
In	
  addition	
  IASSW	
  and	  ICSW	
  have	  been	  invited	
  to	
  participate	
  as	
  observers	
  if	
  they	  wish	
  to	
  do	
  in	
  
consideration	
  of	
  the	
  fact	  that	  we	
  collaborate	  	
  members	
  of	
  our	
  tripartite	
  	
  conference	
  organizing	
  committees.	
  	
  
	
  
.	
  .	
  	
  A	
  policy	
  relative	
  to	
  specific	
  procedures	
  or	
  process	
  relative	
  to	
  the	
  development	
  of	
  on-­‐going	
  and	
  future	
  partnerships	
  will	  also	
  be	
  	
  	
  included	
  in	
  the	
  IFSW	  	
  administrative	
  procedures	
  manual.	
  	
  

	
  
	
  
Delete	  entire	
  article	
  	
  
	
  
a)and	
  b)	
  	
  is	
  re-­‐written	
  in	
  new	
  article	
  13	
  so	
  no	
  need	  for	
  repetition	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  c)	
  as	
  is	
  also	  repetitious	
  and	
  stated	
  in	
  new	
  article	
  9	
  
	
  
d)	
  	
  need	  not	  be	  a	
  clause	
  in	
  the	  constitution	  and	
  could	  be	
  done	  through	  a	
  resolution	
  of	
  the	
  general	
  meeting.	
  Art. 11 EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONSa) The Federation shall have seven Executive Committee
Officers – a President, five Vice Presidents and a Treasurer. The
Secretary General is the Chief Executive Officer.
b) For organisational purposes, the Federation is divided into
five geographical Regions. Each Region shall have one Vice
President who shall be known in the region as President of theRegion.

c) The governing body of the Federation is the General
Meeting. There is also an Executive Committee.
d) Honorary positions of Honorary President and Ambassador/swill be agreed by the General Meeting.

Art. 12 SECRETARIATa) There shall be a secretariat, consisting of a Secretary
General and such other staff as may be needed and approvedby the Executive Committee on recommendation of theSecretary General.
b) The Secretary General shall be appointed under contract by
the Executive Committee.
c) The Secretary General shall report to and carry out duties
assigned by the General Meeting, the Executive Committee and
the President. She or he shall attend each Executive
Committee, and General Meeting.
d) The Secretary General shall be entitled to attend, as a nonvoting participant, all Federation Committees and other bodies
established under the terms of these Articles and theFederation’s By Laws. She or he shall be entitled to copies of all
papers produced for such bodies.

Art. 9 SECRETARY GENERALa) The Secretary General shall be appointed by the Executive
Committee.
b) The Secretary General shall report to and carry out duties
assigned by the General Meeting, the Executive Committee and thePresident. She or he shall attend all Executive Committee meetings
as well the General Meeting as an ex-officio member of suchcommittee s.

	
  Renumber	
  and	
  re-­‐write	
  of	
  this	  article	
  for	
  greater	
  clarity	
  in	
  language	
  .	
  Also	  reference	  to	
  staff	
  and	  contract	
  status	
  of	
  the	
  Secretary	  General	
  is	
  removed.	
  	
  
	
  
	
  Duties	
  of	
  Secretary	  General	  	
  and	
  his	  or	
  her	
  
role	
  as	
  the	
  Chief	
  Executive	  Officer	  	
  relative	  to	
  staffing,	
  attendance	
  of	
  meetings,	
  etc	  should	  be	
  part	  of	
  an	
  administrative	  procedure	  manual	
  rather	
  than	  an	
  article	
  in	
  
the	
  constitution.	
  THE GENERAL MEETING
Art. 13 FUNCTIONSa) The General Meeting is the supreme and governing body ofthe Federation. It consists of delegates of Members and the
Executive Committee Members.
b) The General Meeting ratifies the general and financial
policies of the Federation, the method of assessing the annual
membership dues for Members and shall review its activities
and accounts.
c) The General Meeting elects the Executive Committee
Members by direct election of President and Treasurer and it
receives nominations of the Vice Presidents and Members-at-large
made by the Regions.
d) The General Meeting elects an Elections Officer,
Parliamentarian and other necessary persons to carry out
duties as it may decide, subject to the Constitution.

Art. 10 FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERAL MEETINGa) The General Meeting is the supreme and governing body ofthe Federation. It consists of delegates of Members and the
Executive Committee Membersa)

The General Meeting shall receive the reports andaudited accounts of the Federation.

c) The General Meeting shall elect the Executive Committee
Members by direct election of Global President and shall ratify
nominations of the regional delegates meetings for the Regional
President and Regional Deputy of each region .
d) The General Meeting shall elect a Nomination Committee
consisting of an Elections Officer as chair of the committee and one
representative from each of the regions of IFSW to organize anddirect the electoral processa)	
  While	  the	
  executive	
  committee	
  members	
  do	
  
not	
  have	  individual	
  voting	
  rights	
  as	
  per	
  article	
  
11f)	
  ,	
  they	  do	
  participate	  in	
  discussions,	
  debates	
  and	
  can	
  propose	
  resolutions	
  as	
  do	
  the	
  delegates	  at	
  the	  General	
  Meeting	
  so	
  they	  are	  indeed	  	
  part	  of	
  the	
  supreme	
  and	
  governing	
  body	  	
  and	  there	
  is	
  
no	
  reason	
  to	
  change	
  this	  article.	
  b)The	
  general	
  meeting	
  does	  not	
  ratify	
  nor	  review	
  financial	
  policies	
  nor	
  methods	
  of	
  assessing	
  dues	  but	
  rather	  receives	
  the	
  reports	
  and	
  audited	
  accounts	
  which	  are	
  delegated	
  to	
  Members	
  of	
  the	
  Executive	  Committee	
  	
  
c)	
  change	
  proposed	
  so	
  President	
  is	
  only	  officer	
  elected	  by	
  general	
  assembly.	
  (	  see	
  article	
  14e	  )	  The	  Global	
  treasurer	
  would	
  be	
  elected	
  by	
  the	
  Executive	
  committee.	
  	
  
d)	
  propose	  to	
  rename	  election	
  committee	
  referred	
  to	
  in	
  By-­‐Laws	
  to	
  nomination	
  committee	
  
and	
  	
  stipulate	
  that	  the	
  composition	
  of	
  committee	
  
is	
  to	
  be	
  one	
  representative	  from	  each	  region	  in	
  addition	  to	
  the	
  elections	
  officer.	
  The	
  role	  of	
  this	  committee	
  is	
  outlined	
  in	
  By-­‐Law	
  	
  7	
  	
  and	
  further	  description	
  of	
  roles	
  can	  be	
  part	  of	
  a	
  policy	
  and	
  procedures	
  manual	  e) The General Meeting establishes committees as it deems
necessary.

e) The General Meeting shall elect a parliamentarian and othernecessary persons to carry out duties as it may decide.

f) The General Meeting shall approve amendments or additions to
the Constitution by a 75% majority of eligible voters.
f) The General Meeting decides on the admission, expulsion,
suspension or reinstatement of Members.

g) The General Meeting may also approve any proposed
amendments to the By-Laws by a 75% majority of eligible voters.
g) Additions or amendments to By Laws recommended
between General Meetings must be approved at the next
General Meeting.
h) The General Meeting may delegate any of its powers to the
Executive Committee except the power to alter, amend or add
to the Articles of the Constitution.
i) The President presides at the General Meeting. In the eventof absence, the first Vice President shall presideh) The General Meeting may delegate any of its powers to the
Executive Committee except the power to alter, amend or add to
the Articles of the Constitution.
i)The President presides at the General Meeting. In the eventof absence, the Vice President shall preside

.	
  	
  
e)	
  separate	
  clause	
  to	
  prescribe	
  role	  and/or	
  authority	
  of	
  General	
  Meeting	
  to	
  elect	
  a	
  parliamentarian	  as	
  well	  as	
  any	
  other	
  person	
  to	
  carry	
  out	
  duties	
  as	
  it	
  may	
  decide.	
  
	
  
f)	
  When	  a	
  constitution	
  requires	
  something	
  to	
  be	
  
done,	  it	  is	
  mandatory	
  which	  leaves	
  no	
  room	  for	  discretion.	
  When	  an	
  act	  is	
  mandatory,	
  the	
  word	  shall	  is	
  used	  and	
  where	
  it	
  is	
  discretionary,	
  may	  is	
  used.	  	
  Otherwise	
  the	  constitution	
  would	  be	
  subject	
  to	
  all	
  sorts	
  of	
  interpretations	
  .	
  
	
  
g)	
  The	
  By-­‐Laws	
  can	  be	
  amended	
  by	
  a	
  75%	  majority	
  vote	  of	
  the	  General	
  Meeting	  	
  but	
  this	  course	  of	
  action	
  is	
  not	  mandatory	
  such	  as	
  is	
  the	  case	
  for	
  amendments	
  to	
  the	  constitution	
  since	  By-­‐Laws	
  can	  be	
  amended	
  with	
  a	
  75%	  majority	
  
vote	
  of	
  the	
  Executive	  Committee	
  as	
  well	  	
  as	
  per	
  By-­‐Law	
  17	
  b)	
  thus	  the	
  word	  may	
  instead	
  of	
  shall.	
  The	
  rationale	
  for	
  this	  is	  to	
  allow	  the	  possibility	
  for	
  Executive	  Committee	
  to	
  make	  changes	
  in	
  a	
  
timely	  manner	
  for	
  operational	
  purposes	
  .	
  This	
  is	
  
not	
  a	
  change	
  from	  current	
  practice	
  as	
  this	  has	  been	
  the	
  case	  since	
  adoption	
  of	
  Constitution.	
  Art. 14 CONVENING OF AND ATTENDANCE AT GENERALMEETINGSa)The General Meeting shall meet not less than once every two
years. A preceding General Meeting shall normally decide the dateand venue of the General Meeting or as shall otherwise be
determined by the Executive Committee.

Art. 11 CONVENING OF AND ATTENDANCE AT GENERALMEETINGSa)The General Meeting shall meet not less than once every two
years. A preceding General Meeting shall normally decide the dateand venue of the General Meeting or as shall otherwise be
determined by the Executive Committee.

b) Special General Meetings may be called by the President, atthe direction of the Executive Committee, or upon the written
request of not less than one fifth of the Members.
c) Notice of the General Meeting, including its date andpreliminary agenda, shall be dispatched to all Members and to
the Executive Committee not less than 90 days before the dateset for the meeting. Notice of a Special General Meeting shallalso be 90 days but may be reduced to no less than 30 days by
the decision of the President, and its business is limited to thematters notified in the preliminary agenda.

b) Special General Meetings may be called by the President, atthe direction of the Executive Committee, or upon the written
request of not less than one fifth of the Members in good standing.
( having paid their dues and not currently expelled nor suspended)c) Notice of the General Meeting, including its date andpreliminary agenda, shall be dispatched to all Members and to
the Executive Committee not less than 90 days before the dateset for the meeting. Notice of a Special General Meeting shallalso be 90 days but may be reduced to no less than 30 days by
the decision of the President, and it’s business is limited to thematters notified in the preliminary agenda.

d) A Quorum of the General Meeting shall consist ofrepresentatives, present in person at the opening of theGeneral Meeting, of one third of the Members with voting
rightsd) A Quorum of the General Meeting shall consist ofrepresentatives, present in person at the opening of theGeneral Meeting, of one third of the Members with voting
rights and in good standing .

d)Should	  not	  be	
  necessary	
  to	
  define	
  in	
  good	  standing	
  every	
  time	  this	  term	  is	
  used	  Art. 15 PROCEDURES IN GENERAL MEETINGS

Art. 12 PROCEDURES IN GENERAL MEETINGS

change	  in	
  article	
  number	  	  a) Each Member shall be entitled to three delegates each of whomis entitled to speak. Observers to the General Meeting may be
admitted with the permission of the President, but may not speak
unless the President so decides.

	
  
	
  

a) Each Member is entitled to three delegates, each of whom isentitled to speak. Observers to the General Meeting may be
admitted with the permission of the President, but may not
speak unless the President so decides.
b) Each Member shall have one vote, which may be exercised,in person by delegates, or by proxy, or by post, or by fax.
c) A Member may act as proxy for other Member not in
attendance. The instrument appointing a proxy must be in theform specified in By Law 10.

b) Each Member shall have one vote, which may be exercised, in
person by the delegate, or by proxy, or through agreed electronicmeans.
c) A Member may act as proxy for other Member not in attendance.
The instrument appointing a proxy must be in the form specified in
By Law 10.

d) Votes of the General Meeting shall be by simple majority,
except where otherwise specified in the Constitution. In theevent of a tied vote the President shall exercise a decisive vote.

d) Votes of the General Meeting shall be by simple majority, except
where otherwise specified in the Constitution. In the event of a tied
vote the President shall exercise a decisive vote.

e) Election procedures, including voting, shall be as prescribedin the By Laws.

e) Election procedures, including voting, shall be as prescribed in
the By Laws.

re-­‐number	
  article	
  	  c)stipulate	
  meaning	
  of	
  term	  	  in	
  good	  standing	
  which	  is	
  defined	
  as	
  	
  (	
  having	
  paid	  their	
  dues	  and	  not	
  currently	
  expelled	
  nor	
  suspended.	
  	
  

	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  

	
  

b)many	  electronic	  means	
  exist	  now	
  other	
  than	
  
fax	
  

	
  
	
  

	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  
	
  

f) No Executive Committee Member shall have any vote in a
General Meeting in such capacity (subject to any casting voteof the President provided by the Constitution)f) No Executive Committee Member shall have any vote in a
General Meeting in such capacity (subject to any casting voteof the President provided by the Constitution)	  g) Minutes of General Meetings shall be reviewed and adopted
by the Executive Committee. A full set of draft minutes will becirculated to Members prior to adoption.

Art. 16 VOTES BY POSTAL BALLOTa) The vote on an issue may be taken by postal ballot. In orderfor the vote to be valid one third of the Members must return aballot with the stipulated time period. Decision will be made by asimple majority.

a) The vote of the general membership on an issue may be taken bypostal ballot or other agreed electronic means. In order for the voteto be valid , one third of the Members must return a ballot with thestipulated time period. Decision will be made by a simple majority
unless otherwise stipulated in the constitution or by-laws.

Art. 14 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEa) The Executive Committee shall consist of the 7 Executive
Committee Officers and 1 additional Member nominated byeach Region.
b) The eligibility criteria for the office of President are
membership of a Member in good standing and previous
personal service in some capacity with the Federation of noless than two years.
c) The eligibility criterion for the office of Treasurer ismembership of a Member in good standing.
d) The eligibility criterion for the office of Vice President andfor nomination as an Additional regional Nominee ismembership of a Member within the relevant Region in goodstanding.
e) The Executive Committee shall elect one of the Vice
Presidents to be the First Vice President.
f) The term of office of each Executive Committee Member shall bef) no executive committee members has ever had avote in a general meeting in such capacity andwhen they have voted it has been as a delegate of
their member association. To change this as has
been suggested, would create an imbalance inpower to the Executive Committee giving them atotal 0f 12 votes over and above the current clauseb) which calls for one vote per Member only.
g) deleted as procedure for adoption of minutes
could be written in a policy and procedures
manual rather than a constitutional clause.

Art. 13 VOTES BY BALLOTb) The Executive Committee may take decisions by postal and/or
email ballot. The vote is valid only if ballots are returned by66% of
those entitled to attend Executive Committee Meetings, within the
stipulated time period. Decision is by simple majority unlessotherwise stipulated in the constitution or by-laws.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Art. 17 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONSTITUTION	  a)For organizational purposes, the Federation is divided into fivegeographical Region: Africa, Asia & Pacific, Europe, Latin America& Carribean and North America. . Each Region shall have a
President and a Deputy serving on the Executive Committee.
b) ) The Executive Committee Members will comprise of a Global
President, a Global Treasurer and the two representatives fromeach geographical region.
c) The nomination for all members of the Executive must comefrom members in good standing. Only social workers with aminimum experience of two years within the Federation are
eligible for nomination or election to the Executive.
d )TheExecutive Committee shall elect one of the presidents of theRegions to serve as vice-President.

a)There are some decisions that require a 75%
majority of members rather than a simple majority
vote such as in articles 5, 7 and 9 so important to
add unless otherwise stipulated in constitution or
by-laws.

b)Revised article 12 to include current article 21
which is to be deleted to eliminate duplication.
Again it is important to add unless otherwise
stipulated in constitution or by-laws where morethan a simple majority is required.
Clear and simple language that describes thecomposition of the Executive committee andeliminates repetition from other articles in theconstitution. Many of the sections of this article
needed to be deleted as they were outdated andsimply too prescriptive thus needing a complete
re-write to ensure clarity. Title of Member-at-large
is changed to Deputy.
a)Executive Committee acknowledges that there
has been requests to have additional regions suchas a separate middle east region but recommends
status quo in regards to current regions as it isdeemed that changing this is potentially divisiveand not in the best interests of the Federation at
this time.

four years (subject to the transitional provisions in s), t) and v)
below).
g) An Executive Committee Member may be re-elected orreappointed to the same executive position for a second
continuous term, but may not be elected to the same executive
position for a third continuous term (subject to the transitional
provisions in x) below).
h) The maximum continuous period during which anindividual may be an Executive Committee Member in any
capacity is three terms (subject to the transitional provision x)
below).
i) A vacancy in the following executive positions arising
between General Meetings, which the Executive Committee
considers should be filled before the next General Meeting shall befilled as follows:First Vice President – Executive Committee election of one of
the remaining Vice-Presidents
Treasurer – Executive Committee election of an existing
Member of the Committee or by appropriate Executive
Committee co-option
Regional Nominee – by interim nomination by the relevant
Regionj) A vacancy in the office of President arising between General
Meetings shall be filled by the First Vice President.
k) A vacancy in the office of any Vice-President arising
between General Meetings shall be filled by the regional
Nominee from the same Region.
l) An interim appointment under i) j) or k) shall stand forelection at the first coming General Meeting (subject to b), c)and d)).
m) Vacancies in any executive positions arising during a
General Meeting shall be filled by election at the same General
Meeting (subject to b), c) and d)).
n) The terms of office for elections (subject to l) or m)) follows
the ordinary election period (subject to q), r), s), t), u), v) or w)
below).
o) An interim appointment under i), j), or k) shall not becounted for the purpose of calculating any term in any
particular executive position but is subject to the provisions
under x) below.
p) An interim appointment under i) j) or k) shall be counted forthe purpose of calculating the maximum continuous period as an
Executive Committee Member, except in the case of a coopted
Treasurer, or an interim regional Nominee.
q) Elections for the office of President shall take place at the2002 General Meeting and subsequently at General Meetings
at four yearly intervals.

e) The Executive Committee shall elect one of the.representativesof the regions ( President orDeputy ) to serve as Treasurer.
f) There shall be established a steering committee which shallcomprise the Global President, the Vice-President, the Treasurer
and the Secretary General as an ex-officio member.
g) The term of office of the Global President, Regional Presidents
and Regional Deputies shall all be four years and they may be reelected to the same or another executive position for a second term
for a maximum of eight years.
h) The term of office of the Vice- President and Treasurer shall all
be two years and they may be re-elected to the same or anotherposition by the Executive Committee as long as they remain amember of said Executive Committee .
i) A vacancy in the office of Global President arising between
General Meetings shall be filled by the Vice President.
i) A vacancy in the following executive positions arising between
General Meetings, which the Executive Committee considers
should be filled before the next General Meeting shall be filled asfollows: - Vice President – Executive Committee election of one of
the remaining Regional Presidents-Treasurer – Executive committee election or by co-option as
an interim measure until next general meeting if there are no
members of Executive able and willing to serve in this position.
j) A vacancy in the office of any Regional President or Regional
Deputy arising between General Meetings shall be filled by interim
nomination from the same Region.

k) An interim appointment to fulfil the original existing term shallbe counted for the purpose of calculating the maximum number ofterms or years as a member of the executive committee.
l) Executive Committee Members who have not communicated nor
justified their absence from the committee for a period of over 120
days shall be considered to have resigned the position to which
they were elected.

e) As is the current procedure for the election of
the Vice-President, it is proposed that the
Executive committee is in a goodposition toevaluate the credentials and qualifications of thecandidates for the position of treasurer . This
would also reduce the size of the Executive
Committee by one member resulting in over-all
savings for the operational budget of IFSW.
f) Important to stipulate who is on the steeringcommittee since we have given these officers
specific roles such as the appointment of andperformance reviews of the Secretary general.
These roles will be prescribed in personnel
policies that are approved by the executive
Committee as per Governance Policy.
g) Important to clarify that maximum terms for all
executive positions would be eight (8) years.
i) For a vacancy in the position of treasurer cooption could be necessary if there is not a memberof the executive prepared to take on the role
especially if there is long period before next
general meeting as the position of Treasurer calls
for a specific skill setj) this article provides for an option to replacecommittee members who might not fulfill theirmandates through unjustified and long term
absence.

k) important to count interim appointment time. .
To do otherwise would potentially give someone
eleven and a half years on the executive.
In recent history we have referred to the Regional
Presidents as Vice-Presidents and the Executive
elects one of them to serve as the first vicepresident. There was some suggestion that werename the members-at-large to regional vicepresidents but this was felt to be confusing. Ours) Elections for the office of Treasurer shall take place at the
2002, the 2004 General Meeting and subsequently at General
Meetings at four yearly intervals.
t) Vice-Presidents shall be nominated by the Africa, Asia &Pacific, and Europe Regions at the 2002 General Meeting, the2004 General Meeting and subsequently at General Meetings
at four yearly intervals.
u) Vice-Presidents shall be nominated by the Latin America &Caribbean and North America Regions at the 2002 General
Meeting and subsequently at General Meetings at four yearlyintervals. If and when North America comprises more than two
Members, the regime for appointments in that Region under
this Article shall be reviewedv) Additional regional Nominees shall be nominated by the
Latin America & Caribbean at the 2002 General Meeting, the2004 General Meeting and subsequently at General Meetings
at four yearly intervals.
w) Additional regional Nominees shall be nominated by theAfrica, Asia & Pacific, North America and Europe Regions at
the 2002 General Meeting and subsequently at General
Meetings at four yearly intervals. If and when North America
comprises more than two Members, the regime forappointments in that Region under this Article shall be
reviewedx) A transitional term of two years served by any individual
under p), or r), or, by a new Treasurer, under o), shall not becounted in calculating any maximum term applicable to any
such individual, under g) or h). Accordingly, any suchindividual shall, after the transitional two year term, be eligible forre-election to two further continuous full four year terms in theparticular position and shall, after the transitional two year term,
be eligible for a total of three continuous further terms in office as
an Executive Committee Member.
y) In calculating terms in executive positions and periods as
Executive Committee Members under this Article “two years”
shall be interpreted as the period between successive Biennial
General Meetings and multiples of “two years” shall beinterpreted accordingly.”

intention is to make it clear there is not a firstvice-president but rather only one vice-president
as per clause d) so we recommend renaming theposition of member-at-large to regional deputy
instead of regional vice-president.

Art. 18 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FUNCTIONSa) The Executive Committee shall have delegated authority to
conduct the affairs of the Federation between General
Meetings, in accordance with the general policies laid down by
the General Meeting.

Art. 15 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FUNCTIONSa) The Executive Committee shall have delegated authority to
conduct the affairs of the Federation between General
Meetings, in accordance with the general policies laid down by
the General Meeting.

b) The Executive Committee shall consider and approve abudget, which may be revised annually by the Executive
Committee and presented for ratification to the General
Meeting.
c) The Executive Committee shall determine the duties andpowers of the Officers, subject to these Articles and the current
By Laws of the Federation.
d) The Executive Committee shall have delegated authority to
decide on the signing authority on behalf of the Federation.
e) The First Vice President shall substitute for the President incase of the President’s absence.
f) The Executive Committee shall appoint a personnel
committee consisting of the President, Treasurer and first Vice
President. The committee shall have responsibility for theappointment of, disciplining and dismissal of the Secretary
General, subject to conducting regular performance reviews
and reporting to the Executive Committee.
g) The Executive Committee may establish such committees,
and appoint such persons, as may be necessary to carry out
the program and specific activities of the Federation.
h) The Executive Committee shall be responsible forpreparation of the By Laws and such additions andamendments as may be necessary for approval by the General
Meeting. Such additions and amendments shall, if approved by athree quarter majority of the Executive Committee, be
adopted and implemented prior to their being considered forapproval by the next General Meeting.
i) The President shall preside at the Executive Committee. In
the President’s absence, a first Vice President shall preside as
stipulated in Article 16 d).
j) The Executive Committee elects a Parliamentarian for eachof its meetings.

b) The Executive Committee shall consider and approve anannual budget subject to review as and when needed.

Art. 19 CONVENING AND ATTENDANCE AT EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE MEETINGS.
a) The Executive Committee shall meet not less than once ineach calendar year. It may meet more frequently. It shall be
convened to any suitable place.

c) The Executive Committee shall determine the duties andpowers of the Steering Committee (President, Vice-President,
Treasurer and Secretary General as an ex0officio member), subject
to these Articles and the current By Laws of the Federation.
d) The Executive Committee shall have delegated authority to
decide on the signing authority on behalf of the Federation.
e) The First Vice President shall substitute for the President incase of the President’s absence.
f) The Executive Committee may establish such committees,
and appoint such persons, as may be necessary to carry out
the program and specific activities of the Federation.
g) The Executive Committee shall be responsible forpreparation of the By Laws and such additions andamendments as may be necessary for approval by the General
Meeting. Such additions and amendments shall, if approved by athree quarter majority of the Executive Committee, be
adopted and implemented prior to their being considered forapproval by the next General Meeting.

b)The ratification of an annual budget by theGeneral meeting is not possible since it is held
every two years. If we want to maintain ratificationof the budget by the general Meeting, we would
have to draw up a two year budget cycle which issimply not practical nor sensible.
c) the duties and powers of the Steering committee
other than those prescribed in the constitution or
By-Laws will be written out in the IFSW policies
and procedures manual as they are determined by
the Executive Committee.

f) propose deletion as this should be part ofpersonnel policies in a procedures manual rather
than an article in a constitutiong) and h) are re-numbered f) and g) respectively.

	
  propose deletion of i) as already stipulated inarticle 9 h)
propose deletion of article j) as this is proceduralin nature and can be left to executive committee
decision as per each particular circumstance.
Art. 16CONVENING AND ATTENDANCE AT EXECUTIVECOMMITTEE MEETINGS.
a) The Executive Committee shall meet not less than once ineach calendar year. It shall be convened to any suitable place or byelectronic means as decided by the Executive Committeechange to number of Articlea)meeting place should be decided by the
Executive Committee and whether it is a face toface meeting or by electronic means such as skype
if deemed feasible.

b) Notice of the Executive Committee Meeting, including its
date and preliminary agenda, shall be sent not less than 30days before the date fixed for the meeting.
c) Additional regional Nominees not able to attend a particular
meeting may appoint alternates to attend in their place andexercise their rights and duties. The nomination of such analternate must be made with the written consent of the Region
and conveyed in writing to the Secretary General before thestart of business at the Executive Committee.
d) A Quorum of Executive Committee shall consist of one halfplus one of the Executive Committee Members. The Quorum
shall be confirmed at the beginning of the meeting.
e) Observers may be admitted with the permission of the
President, but may not speak unless the President so decides.
Art. 20 VOTING IN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGSa) The Executive Committee shall make its decisions by simple
majority of the Executive Committee Members attending themeeting, except where otherwise required by this Constitution.
b) The President, as Chair, shall exercise a casting as well as adeliberative vote.

b) Notice of the Executive Committee Meeting, including its
date and preliminary agenda, shall be sent not less than 30days before the date fixed for the meeting.
.
c) A Quorum of Executive Committee shall consist of more than
one half of the Executive Committee Members and shall be
confirmed at the beginning of the meeting.
d) Observers may be admitted with the permission of the
President, but may not speak unless the President so decides.

c)dlete this clause as use of alternates for executive
committee meetings on an ad-hoc basis notdeemed the best way to operate . This is not thesame as filling a vacant position which is alreadyaddressed in article 13 i)renumbering of clause d) and e) to c) and d)c) minor edit for clarity

Art. 17 VOTING IN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGSa) The Executive Committee shall make its decisions by simple
majority of the Executive Committee Members attending themeeting, except where otherwise required by this Constitution.

Change to number of Article to 16b) The President, as Chair, shall exercise a casting voteb)Deleted word deliberative and substituted
Casting for clarity	  Art. 21 BALLOTS BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEa) The Executive Committee may take decisions by postal and/or email ballot. The vote is valid only if ballots are returned by
two thirds of those entitled to attend Executive Committee
Meetings, within the stipulated time period. Decision is bysimple majority.

	
  article 21 deleted since it is included in new
article 12 as amended.

Art. 22 REGIONS

Art. 18 REGIONSa)Executive Committee acknowledges that there
has been a request to have a separate middle east
region but recommends status quo in regards tocurrent regions as it is deemed that changing thisis potentially divisive and not in the best interestsof the Federation at this time.
New members are currently approved by a simple
majority vote of the Executive Committee byelectronic means between general meetings.
Decision does not in fact have to go to a vote of theGeneral meeting provided they meet the criteriaof one national association or one coordinating
Body of national Associations per country .

a) The membership shall be divided into 5 geographical
Regions: Africa, Asia & Pacific, Europe, Latin America &Caribbean and North America.
b) Each Member as at the 2002 General Meeting shall continue
to be a Member of the Region it was associated with as at that
date.
c) Every applicant for membership after the 2002 General
Meeting shall (following consultation with the applicant if
necessary) be referred by the Secretary General to the Region(via its representative Vice President) with which it is mostclosely associated geographically, unless special circumstances
apply and the Executive Committee, in its discretion, decidesa)The five(5) geographical Regions Africa, Asia & Pacific, Europe,
Latin America &Caribbean and North America shall each beindividually responsible for assessing the eligibility formembership of any applicant referred to it. Provided the Region
considers the applicant to meet the criteria for membership it shallrecommend to the Executive Committee that the applicant should
be admitted as a Member of the Federation and that it should be
assigned to that Region.

that the referral should be to another Region. The application
shall be assessed by the Region, under the guidance of its Vice
President, (subject to the Constitution) in accordance withsuch procedures as the Regional Committee, or in the absenceof a Regional Committee as the representative Vice President,
in consultation with the Secretariat, shall determine.
d) Any Member wishing to change its assignment from one
Region to another shall submit a request in accordance withthe prescribed procedures set out in the By Laws.
e) The Members of each Region shall, as soon as circumstances
allow, appoint a Regional Committee and a Regional
Secretariat. For as long as a Region is without a Regional
Committee and/or a Regional Secretariat, the Secretariat shallsupport the Region in fulfilling its functions (in accordancewith any directions issued by the Executive Committee).
f) The Members of each Region may determine the frequency,
content and conduct of meetings within the Region, provided
they are consistent with these Articles and the By Laws and on
the establishment of a Regional Committee and/or a Regional
Secretariat, such functions shall be exercised by those bodies.
g) A Region shall be responsible for assessing the eligibility formembership of any applicant for membership referred to it.
Provided the Region considers the applicant to meet thecriteria for full membership it shall confirm to the applicant
and the Executive Committee that the applicant has Candidate
status and shall recommend to the next General Meeting thatthe applicant should be admitted as a Full Member of theFederation and that it should be assigned to that Region.
h)I) A Region shall be responsible for monitoring its Members toensure that they fulfill the criteria for full membership. If a fullMember appears to be in breach of the provisions under Article 7of the Articles the Region shall advise the full Member and seek an
explanation of the full Member’s position. If no satisfactory
explanation is provided or the breach is not remedied in a timely
fashion the Region shall recommend to the Executive Committee
and the next General Meeting that the Full Member shall betransferred to the status of Provisional Member.
II) A Region shall be responsible for supporting and monitoring
the transitional process for the attainment of Full Member status
by each Provisional Member which is a Member of that Region.
The Region shall confirm to the Provisional Member and the
Executive Committee when the Provisional Member has fulfilled
the Full Member eligibility criteria. The Region shall recommend
to the next General Meeting following confirmation that theProvisional Member meets Full Member eligibility criteria that theProvisional Member should be admitted as a Full Member.

b)Members may make a request for membership of a region otherthan their own on grounds other than geography. Such a request
shall be considered by the General Meeting and approved by a 75%
majority of the General Meeting.

c) The Members of each Region shall, when circumstances allow,
appoint a Regional Committee and determine the frequency,
content and conduct of meetings within the Region.

d) Each region shall make arrangements for nominations of their
President and Deputy for the purpose of Article 13b) in accordancewith procedures set down by the Nomination Committeeb)Clarifies that the General Meeting makes thedecision whether to approve or deny request to
belong to different region and that this exception
requires a 75% majority vote.

c)Proposed rewrite allows for circumstances anddiscretion of each region in regards to theoperations and deliberations of their regional
committee.

d)proposed rewrite clarifies the responsibility ofeach region to nominate their representatives tothe Executive Committee

Propose Deletion of a number of sub articles thatrefer to candidates, provisional status, or full
membership which are outdated and no longer
applicable.

i ) Each Region shall make arrangements for the nominationsof Vice Presidents and Additional Regional Nominees to the
Executive Committee for the purposes of Article 16, throughsuch procedures involving nomination and elections ofMembers within such Region, in accordance with theprocedure set down by the Elections Committee.

Art. 23 CONDUCT OF REGIONAL MEETINGSa) Vice Presidents are empowered and encouraged to organiseand promote meetings of Members in their Regions.
b) Meetings of Members in each Region may determine thefrequency, content and conduct of meetings, provided thatthese Articles and the By Laws of the Federation, are notcontravened.
c) Meetings may be organised in co-operation with otherbodiesArt. 24 INCOMEa) The Federation’s income comes from:dues paid by Members;donations and legacies;
subsidies granted by governments for specific projects
subsidies granted by public or private entities or persons;funds resulting from conferences, publications, technical help
or other services rendered within the scope of these Articles
and the By Laws of the Federation;by such other non-dues
revenue activities as may be
determined.
Art. 25 LIABILITYa) Only the Federation’s own property is liable for its financial
obligations. There is no personal liability on the part of its
Members, Executive Committee Members or Secretary
General

	
  

	
  
	
  

	
  

propose to Delete entire article as it is tooprescriptive and regions should be able todetermine their functions without it beingprescribed in constitution

Propose to Delete entire article as it is tooprescriptive and serves no purpose in terms ofpolicy governance where the Executive Committee
and Secretary General must have ability to maketimely and appropriate decisions in regards to all
financial matters including the Federation’s
income as the situation warrants.

	
  propose to Delete entire article as it serves no
purpose since liability is not determined by aconstitutional article. A policy in regards toliability insurance to cover Executive Committee
and staff should be in Policy and Procedures
Manual.

	
  Art. 26 BUDGET ARRANGEMENTS

Art. 19 BUDGET ING AND FINANCIAL REPORTSa) The financial year of the Federation shall be 1 January to 31
December.
b) The Secretary General shall carry responsibility as
delegated by the Treasurer for,:a) The financial year of the Federation shall be 1 January to 31
December.
b) The Secretary General shall carry the following responsibilities:I) Collection of annual dues from Members;

Recommending deleting phrase as delegated bytreasurer since the duties of the Secretary General
are not prescribed solely by the Treasurer. The
responsibilities and role of the Secretary General
are in fact determined by the Executive
Committee. The job description is included in theI) Collecting annual dues from Members;
II) Preparation of accounts for the Auditors;
III) Preparation of the budget for submission to the Executive
Committee;IV) Receipt, deposit and withdrawal of all funds of theFederation under the direction of the General Meeting or the
Executive Committee;
V) Preparing and making available a statement of receipts andexpenditure to each Executive Committee Meeting and each
General Meeting;VI) Maintaining true and regular current accounts of theFederation’s monies;
VII) Making a written report on all assets and liabilities of theFederation and on any other such financial matter as may be
determined by the Executive Committee or General Meeting.
Art. 27 AUDITING ARRANGEMENTS

II) Preparation of accounts for the Auditors;
III) Preparation of the budget for submission to the Executive
Committee;IV) Receipt, deposit and withdrawal of all funds of theFederation under the direction of the General Meeting or the
Executive Committee;
V) Preparing and making available a statement of receipts andexpenditure to each Executive Committee Meeting and each
General Meeting;VI) Maintaining true and regular current accounts of theFederation’s monies;
VII) Making a written report on all assets and liabilities of theFederation and on any other such financial matter as may be
determined by the Executive Committee or General Meeting.

a) The General Meeting shall appoint Independent auditors.
b) The auditors shall submit a certified report to each General
Meeting.
c) The auditors may conduct an informal audit of theFederation’s financial records at any time. They shall report
irregularities to the Executive Committee.

a) The General Meeting shall appoint Independent auditors.
b) The auditors shall submit a certified report to each General
Meeting.
c) The auditors may conduct an informal audit of theFederation’s financial records at any time. They shall report
irregularities to the Executive CommitteeArt. 28 AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES

Art. 21 AMENDMENT Of Articles in CONSTITUTIONa) Articles may be amended only by decision of the General
Meeting. A proposal to amend the Articles will be accepted only if
supported by two thirds of the Members present or
represented by proxy at the General Meeting.

a) Articles may be amended only by decision of the General
Meeting. A proposal to amend the Articles will be accepted only if
supported by 75 % of the voting Members including votes by proxyat the General Meeting.

b) Any proposed amendment to the Articles shall be circulated
in writing to the Members not less than 90 days before the datefixed for the General Meeting.
Art. 29 DISSOLUTIONb) Any proposed amendment to the Articles shall be circulated
in writing to the Members not less than 90 days before the datefixed for the General Meeting.
Art. 22 DISSOLUTIONa) A decision to dissolve the Federation may be made by theGeneral Meeting.
b) Acceptance of a proposal to dissolve the Federation shallrequire a majority of three-quarters of Members present, or
represented by proxy, at the General Meeting.
c) Any proposal to dissolve the Federation shall be circulated inwriting to the Members not less than 90 days before the date fixed
for the General Meeting.
d) If the General Meeting decides on dissolution of theFederation it shall also decide on the disposal of theFederation’s funds and assets.

a) A decision to dissolve the Federation may be made by theGeneral Meeting.
b) Acceptance of a proposal to dissolve the Federation shallrequire a majority of three-quarters of Members present, or
represented by proxy, at the General Meeting.
c) Any proposal to dissolve the Federation shall be circulated inwriting to the Members not less than 90 days before the date fixed
for the General Meeting.
d) If the General Meeting decides on dissolution of theFederation it shall also decide on the disposal of theFederation’s funds and assets.

IFSW policy and procedures manual and thelimitations of authority are clearly defined as per
governance policy.
This article as written appears to be highlyprescriptive for a constitution but the committee
is recommending keeping the current listing of
responsibilities which is not a complete and allinclusive list, but nevertheless defines part of theSecretary General’s role regarding financial
accountability and membership specifically.

Art 20 AUDITING ARRANGEMENTS	  .
a) propose a higher threshold from 66% to 75% .
Also Important to refer to voting Members rather
than Members present since only members in goodstanding have a vote.

	  Art. 30 FINAL DISPOSITIONS

Art. 23 FINAL DISPOSITIONS

change to Article numbera) These Articles shall replace those determined at earlier
General Meetings, and shall be in force from 29 July 2006.
b) These Articles, together with any By Laws currently in force
as a result of approval by a General Meeting, shall be known as
the Constitution of the International Federation of Social
Workers.
c) In any question of ruling on the Constitution, the President
shall be advised by the Parliamentarian. The President’s rulingshall prevail, except if it is contested by all other Executive
Committee Members of the Federation, or by a three-quarter
majority of all organisations eligible to vote.
d) For purposes of interpretation of this Constitution the
English language version shall be regarded as authoritative.

a) These Articles shall replace those adopted at earlier General
Meetings and shall be in force from 2 July, 2016.
b) These Articles, together with any By Laws currently in force
as a result of approval by a General Meeting, shall be known as
the Constitution of the International Federation of Social
Workers.
c) In any question of ruling on the Constitution, the President
shall be advised by the Parliamentarian. The President’s rulingshall prevail, except if it is contested by all other Executive
Committee Members of the Federation, or by a 75% majority of allorganisations eligible to vote.
d) For purposes of interpretation of this Constitution the
English language version shall be regarded as authoritative

better to refer to adopted rather than determinedat earlier general meeting.

	
  Also new date of amended constitution will be July2, 2016 if adopted at general Meeting in Seoul.