Statutes and Internal Rules - Proposal for the General Assembly in Seoul, May 2001



Comparison between the Current and New Statutes and Internal Rules

Statutes

Current Statutes

as approved by the General Assembly on 25 July 1998 and amended by the General Assembly on 26 May 2000

Statutes - Proposal to the General Assembly

as proposed to the General Assembly in Seoul, Korea May 2001

1.0 DEFINITIONS 1.0 DEFINITIONS
1.1 In these Statutes the following definitions shall apply

1. "Federation" means the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
2. "Internal Rules" means rules prescribed by the General Assembly for the efficient and democratic management of the affairs of the Federation
3. "Permanent Institution" means an institution established for the purpose of pursuing specific on-going tasks
4. "Permanent Office" means the office for the purpose of administering the work of the Federation
5. "Surveyor" means a professional person as defined in Appendix 1.

1.1 In these Statutes the following definitions shall apply

1. "Federation" means the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
2. "Internal Rules" means rules prescribed by the General Assembly for the efficient and democratic management of the affairs of the Federation
3. "Permanent Institution" means an institution established for the purpose of pursuing specific on-going tasks
4. "Office" means the permanent office for the purpose of administering the work of the Federation
5. ACCO means the Advisory Committee of Commission Officers
6. "Surveyor" means a professional person as defined in Appendix 1.

2.0 OBJECTIVES 2.0 OBJECTIVES
2.1 The objectives of the Federation are

1. to provide an international forum for the exchange of information about surveying and for the development of fellowship between surveyors
2. to collaborate with the United Nations and other international and regional agencies in the formulation and implementation of policies affecting the use, development and management of land and marine resources
3. to promote the disciplines of surveying, particularly in developing countries and countries in economic transition
4. to promote the role of the surveyor in the management of natural and man-made environments
5. to promote the development of national associations of surveyors and to promote professional standards and codes of ethics and the exchange of surveying personnel
6. to promote high standards of education and training for surveyors and to facilitate continuing professional development (CPD)
7. to encourage the development and proper use of appropriate technology
8. to encourage research in all disciplines of surveying and to disseminate the results.

2.1 The objectives of the Federation are

1. to provide an international forum for the exchange of information about surveying and for the development of fellowship between surveyors
2. to collaborate with the United Nations and other international and regional agencies in the formulation and implementation of policies affecting the use, development and management of land and marine resources
3. to promote the disciplines of surveying, particularly in developing countries and countries in economic transition
4. to promote the role of the surveyor in the management of natural and man-made environments
5. to promote the development of national associations of surveyors and to promote professional standards and codes of ethics and the exchange of surveying personnel
6. to promote high standards of education and training for surveyors and to facilitate continuing professional development (CPD)
7. to encourage the development and proper use of appropriate technology
8. to encourage research in all disciplines of surveying and to disseminate the results.

2.2 The Federation shall abstain from any interference in questions of a political, racial or religious nature. 2.2 The Federation shall abstain from any interference in questions of a political, racial or religious nature.
2.3 The Federation shall not permit any of its activities to be influenced by statements or actions of a political, social or religious nature. 2.3 The Federation shall not permit any of its activities to be influenced by statements or actions of a political, social or religious nature.
3.0 MEMBERS 3.0 MEMBERS
3.1 There shall be the following categories of members

1. member association: a national association representing one or more of the disciplines of surveying
2. affiliate: a group of surveyors undertaking professional activities but not fulfilling the criteria for member associations
3. sponsor: an organisation, institution or agency which manufactures or distributes instruments, equipment or supplies or which operates or provides commercial services in support of the profession
4. academic member: an organisation, institution or agency which promotes education or research in one or more of the disciplines of surveying
5. correspondent: an individual in a country where no association or group of surveyors exists that is eligible to join the Federation as a member association or affiliate
6. honorary president: a past president who has rendered outstanding service to the Federation during his or her period of office
7. honorary member: an individual who has materially assisted the development and promotion of the surveying profession at the international level.

3.1 There shall be the following categories of members

1. member association: a national association representing one or more of the disciplines of surveying
2. affiliate: a group of surveyors or surveying organisation undertaking professional activities but not fulfilling the criteria for member associations
3. corporate member: an organisation, institution or agency which provides commercial services related to the profession of surveyor
4. academic member: an organisation, institution or agency which promotes education or research in one or more of the disciplines of surveying
5. correspondent: an individual in a country where no association or group of surveyors exists that is eligible to join the Federation as a member association or affiliate
6. honorary president: a past president who has rendered outstanding service to the Federation during his or her period of office
7. honorary member: an individual who has materially assisted the development and promotion of the surveying profession at the international level.

3.2 The admission of a member association and the appointment of an honorary president and honorary member shall be decided on a vote of the General Assembly. All other admissions shall be decided by the Bureau. 3.2 The admission of a member association and the appointment of an honorary president and honorary member shall be decided on a vote of the General Assembly. All other admissions shall be decided by the Council.
3.3 Membership shall cease by resignation or by expulsion. 3.3 Membership shall cease by resignation or by expulsion.
4.0 FEES 4.0 MEMBERSHIP FEES
4.1 The General Assembly shall set levels of fees, including minimum and maximum levels, for member associations based on the numbers of their members. 4.1 The General Assembly shall set levels of fees, including minimum and maximum levels, for member associations based on the numbers of their members.
4.2 Fees shall be payable annually on the first day of the calendar year in which they fall due. 4.2 Fees shall be payable annually on the first day of the calendar year in which they fall due.
4.3 The General Assembly shall have powers to expel from the Federation any member association whose fees are in arrears. The General Assembly shall under normal circumstances expel from the Federation any member association whose fees are three years in arrears. The Bureau shall take action to expel any other member whose fees are in three years in arrears. 4.3 The General Assembly shall have powers to expel from the Federation any member association whose fees are in arrears. The General Assembly shall under normal circumstances expel from the Federation any member association whose fees are three years in arrears. The Council shall take action to expel any other member whose fees are in three years in arrears.
4.4 The fees payable by affiliates, sponsors and academic members shall be decided by the Bureau and reported to the General Assembly. 4.4 The fees payable by affiliates, corporate members, academic members and correspondents shall be decided by the Council and reported to the General Assembly.
4.5 Honorary presidents, honorary members and correspondents shall not be required to pay any fees. 4.5 Honorary presidents and honorary members shall not be required to pay any fees.
5.0 ADMINISTRATION OF THE FEDERATION 5.0 ADMINISTRATION OF THE FEDERATION
5.1 The Federation is an international organisation with a registered permanent office. 5.1 The Federation is an international organisation with a registered Office.
5.2 The business of the Federation shall be directed by the Bureau under the authority of the General Assembly and administered by the permanent office. 5.2 The business of the Federation shall be directed by the Council under the authority of the General Assembly and administered by the Office.
5.3 The Bureau is composed of the president of the Federation, five vice presidents and the congress director or otherwise as decided by the General Assembly. 5.3 The Council is composed of the president of the Federation and four vice presidents.
5.4 The term of office of the Bureau shall be four years or otherwise as decided by the General Assembly. 5.4 Additional ex-officio (non-voting) members of the Council may be appointed by the General Assembly. These will include the Director of the Office, an ACCO representative and the Director of the next Congress.
   5.5 The term of office for all elected members of the Council is four years. No individual may serve for more than two consecutive periods on the Council and the term of office of the president is limited to one period of four years. The term of office for the President, Vice Presidents and the ACCO representative starts on 1 January in the year immediately following the preceding General Assembly.
  5.6 If any elected/appointed officer is unable to complete his or her period of office, a replacement member shall be elected/appointed for the remaining period.
6.0 GOVERNANCE OF THE FEDERATION 6.0 GOVERNANCE OF THE FEDERATION
6.1 The Federation is governed by its General Assembly of member associations which shall meet once each calendar year. The meetings of the General Assembly should be held at intervals of about 12 months but must be no closer than nine months apart, except in the case of an extraordinary meeting. 6.1 The Federation is governed by its General Assembly of member associations which shall meet once each calendar year. The meetings of the General Assembly should be held at intervals of about 12 months but must be no closer than nine months apart, except in the case of an extraordinary meeting.
6.2 Meetings of the General Assembly are presided over by the president of the Federation or, in his or her absence, by one of the vice presidents. Convening notices shall be sent out at least four months prior to each meeting. A full agenda, with motions for each item to be put to the meeting, shall be sent out at least two months prior to each meeting and shall also be placed on the FIG home page on the World Wide Web. 6.2 Meetings of the General Assembly are presided over by the president of the Federation or, in his or her absence, by one of the vice presidents. A full agenda, with motions for each item to be put to the meeting, shall be sent out at least two months prior to each meeting and shall also be placed on the Federation's home page on the World Wide Web.
6.3 The powers of the General Assembly are
1. to amend the Statutes of the Federation
2. to admit member associations and to appoint honorary presidents and honorary members
3. to appoint the Bureau and approve the responsibilities delegated to each of its members
4. to set levels of fees
5. to establish commissions, ad hoc commissions and permanent institutions
6. to adopt plans of work, budgets and audited statements of accounts
7. to prescribe Internal Rules
8. to expel member associations
9. to do all such other matters as the Federation sees fit for the achievement and promotion of its objectives.
6.3 The powers of the General Assembly are
1. to amend the Statutes of the Federation
2. to admit member associations and to appoint honorary presidents and honorary members
3. to elect members and to confirm appointments to the Council and to approve the responsibilities delegated to each of its members
4. to set levels of fees for the member associations
5. to establish commissions, ad hoc commissions, permanent institutions and task forces and to elect chairs and vice chairs of the commissions and directors of the permanent institutions
6. to adopt plans of work, budgets and audited statements of accounts
7. to prescribe Internal Rules
8. to expel member associations
9. to do all such other matters as the Federation sees fit for the achievement and promotion of its objectives.
6.4 For a General Assembly to be constitutionally valid, there must be present at least one individual member of at least one third of the member associations. An individual member may represent only one member association. 6.4 For a General Assembly to be constitutionally valid, there must be present at least one individual member of at least one third of the member associations. An individual member may represent only one member association.
6.5 All decisions of the General Assembly shall be taken by simple majority vote. Only member associations which have paid their fees for the previous calendar year and have no other arrears and which are represented at the meeting by an individual member shall be entitled to vote. Each member association shall nominate an individual member who shall be authorised to cast that member association's vote at any meeting or extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly. 6.5 All decisions of the General Assembly shall be taken by simple majority vote. Only member associations which have paid their fees for the previous calendar year and have no other arrears and which are represented at the meeting by an individual member shall be entitled to vote. Each member association shall nominate an individual member who shall be authorised to cast that member association's vote at any meeting or extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly.
6.6 The number of votes which may be cast by a member association is one. 6.6 The number of votes which may be cast by a member association is one.
6.7 The vote shall be taken by a show of hands unless a ballot is ordered by the president or requested from the floor. In the case of an equality of votes the president shall cast the deciding vote. 6.7 The vote shall be taken by a show of hands unless a ballot is ordered by the chairperson or requested and seconded from the floor. Elections should always be by ballot. In the case of an equality of votes the chairperson shall cast the deciding vote except in the case of elections to office where the final decision will be made by selecting a name by blind ballot.
6.8 The Bureau or one quarter of the member associations can demand the convening of an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly. The period of notice, quorum and voting procedures for an extraordinary meeting shall be the same as those for the General Assembly. 6.8 The Council or one quarter of the member associations can demand the convening of an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly. The period of notice, quorum and voting procedures for an extraordinary meeting shall be the same as those for the General Assembly.
7.0 POWER TO BIND AND LIABILITY 7.0 POWER TO BIND AND LIABILITY
7.1 FIG shall indemnify employees, members of the Federation and members of the Bureau against any liability in respect of actions properly taken on behalf of the Federation. 7.1 The Federation shall indemnify employees, members of the Federation and members of the Council against any liability in respect of actions properly taken on behalf of the Federation.
8.0 FORCE MAJEURE 8.0 FORCE MAJEURE
8.1 In the event of force majeure rendering liaison with the majority of members of the Federation impossible, the Bureau shall take all measures necessary for the safety of the Federation's funds and its archives and for the custodianship of the Federation; but otherwise all activity of the Federation shall cease until conditions permit activities to be resumed. 8.1 In the event of force majeure rendering liaison with the majority of members of the Federation impossible, the Council shall take all measures necessary for the safety of the Federation's funds and its archives and for the custodianship of the Federation; but otherwise all activity of the Federation shall cease until conditions permit activities to be resumed.
9.0 LANGUAGE 9.0 LANGUAGE
9.1 The working language of the Federation shall be English. 9.1 The working language of the Federation shall be English.
10. LIQUIDATION 10. LIQUIDATION
10.1 The decision to liquidate the Federation can be taken only at a meeting or an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly. 10.1 The decision to liquidate the Federation can be taken only at a meeting or an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly.
10.2 Assets which may become available or realised shall be transferred to the members in proportion to fees paid in the calendar year prior to liquidation. 10.2 Assets which may become available or realised shall be transferred to the members in proportion to annual fees paid in the calendar year prior to liquidation.

Internal Rules

Current Internal Rules 

as approved by the General Assembly on 25 July 1998 and
amended by the General Assembly on 26 May 2000

Draft Internal Rules - Proposal to the General Assembly

as proposed to the General Assembly in Seoul, Korea May 2001

1.0 DEFINITIONS 1.0 DEFINITIONS
1.1 In these Internal Rules the following definitions shall apply
1. "congress" means an international meeting held during each Bureau's term of office (normally in the third calendar year) and including meetings of the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee of Commission Officers and the Bureau
2. "host" means the member association or member associations responsible for hosting and organising a meeting
3. "working week" means a period of activity including an international or regional seminar and meetings of the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee of Commission Officers and the Bureau.
1.1 In these Internal Rules the following definitions shall apply
1. "congress" means an international meeting held every fourth year and including meetings of the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee of Commission Officers and the Council.
2. "host" means the member association or member associations responsible for hosting and organising a meeting
3. "working week" means a period of activity including an international or regional seminar and meetings of the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee of Commission Officers and the Council.
2.0 MEMBER ASSOCIATION 2.0 MEMBER ASSOCIATION
2.1 A member association is comprised of individuals who possess relevant academic qualifications (which should normally be equivalent to at least UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 5 degrees) plus approved professional experience; and who provide professional services in accordance with ethical standards. 2.1 A member association is comprised of individuals who possess relevant academic qualifications (which should normally be equivalent to at least UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 5 degrees) plus approved professional experience; and who provide professional services in accordance with ethical standards.
2.2 Associations which include technician grades of membership are also eligible for membership of the Federation. 2.2 Associations which include technician grades of membership are also eligible for membership of the Federation.
2.3 A member association shall be entitled to host the Bureau of the Federation, to host congresses and working weeks, to nominate delegates to the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation, to participate in voting at meetings and extraordinary meetings of the General Assembly and to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation. A member association shall encourage its members to participate in the Federation's technical meetings. 2.3 A member association shall be entitled to host congresses and working weeks, to nominate candidates for election to the Council, to nominate delegates to the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation, to participate in voting at meetings and extraordinary meetings of the General Assembly and to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation. A member association shall encourage its members to participate in the Federation's technical meetings.
2.4 In the case of an application received from an association in a country which already has one or more member associations, these associations shall be informed of the application and their comments sought. 2.4 In the case of an application received from an association in a country which already has one or more member associations, these associations shall be informed of the application and their comments sought.
2.5 An association wishing to become a member of the Federation shall make an application to the Bureau which will consider it and submit it to a vote of the General Assembly. 2.5 An association wishing to become a member of the Federation shall make an application to the Council which will consider it and submit it to a vote of the General Assembly.
3.0 AFFILIATE 3.0 AFFILIATE
3.1 An affiliate is an organisation, comprised of individuals who practise the profession of surveying, which does not fulfil the criteria for membership as a member association. 3.1 An affiliate is an organisation, comprised of individuals who practise the profession of surveying, which does not fulfil the criteria for membership as a member association.
3.2 An affiliate may be admitted to membership where the discipline or disciplines it represents are not already represented within the Federation by a member association from the same country. The admission of an affiliate should normally be a step towards the development of an association which can eventually become a member association. 3.2 An affiliate may be admitted to membership where the discipline or disciplines it represents are not already represented within the Federation by a member association from the same country. The admission of an affiliate should normally be a step towards the development of an association which can eventually become a member association.
3.3 An affiliate shall be entitled to nominate delegates to the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation and to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation. An affiliate shall encourage its members to participate in the Federation's technical meetings. 3.3 An affiliate shall be entitled to nominate delegates to the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation and to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation. An affiliate shall encourage its members to participate in the Federation's technical meetings.
3.4 In the case of an application received from a group in a country which already has one or more member associations, these associations shall be informed by the Bureau of the application and their comments sought. 3.4 In the case of an application received from a group or organisation in a country which already has one or more member associations, these associations shall be informed by the Council of the application and their comments sought.
3.5 A group wishing to become an affiliate shall make an application to the Bureau which will consider it and notify its decision to the applicant and to the General Assembly. An affiliate must withdraw from membership consequent on the disciplines it represents becoming represented within the Federation by a member association from the same country. 3.5 A group wishing to become an affiliate shall make an application or organisation to the Council which will consider it and notify its decision to the applicant and to the General Assembly. Under normal conditions an affiliate must withdraw from membership consequent on the disciplines it represents becoming represented within the Federation by a member association from the same country.
4.0 SPONSORS 4.0 CORPORATE MEMBERS
4.1 An organisation, institution or agency wishing to become a sponsor shall make an application to the Bureau which will consider it, consult with the member association or associations of the country of the applicant and notify its decision to the applicant and to the General Assembly. 4.1 An organisation, institution or agency wishing to become a corporate member shall make an application to the Council which will consider it and notify its decision to the applicant and to the General Assembly.
4.2 A sponsor shall be entitled to contribute to the work of the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation, to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation and to promote its products and services through the medium of the Federation. Sponsors' representatives shall be encouraged to participate in the Federation's technical meetings. 4.2 A corporate member shall be entitled to contribute to the work of the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation, to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation and to promote its products and services through the medium of the Federation. Corporate members' representatives shall be encouraged to participate in the Federation's technical meetings.
5.0 ACADEMIC MEMBERS 5.0 ACADEMIC MEMBERS
5.1 An organisation, institution or agency wishing to become an academic member shall make an application to the Bureau which will consider it, consult with the member association or associations of the country of the applicant and notify its decision to the applicant and to the General Assembly. 5.1 An organisation, institution or agency wishing to become an academic member shall make an application to the Council which will consider it, and notify its decision to the applicant and to the General Assembly.
5.2 An academic member shall be entitled to contribute to the work of the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation, to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation and to promote its educational and research activities through the medium of the Federation, including the Federation's surveying education data base. Academic members' representatives shall be encouraged to participate in the Federation's technical meetings. 5.2 An academic member shall be entitled to contribute to the work of the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation, to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation and to promote its educational and research activities through the medium of the Federation, including the Federation's surveying education data base. Academic members' representatives shall be encouraged to participate in the Federation's technical meetings.
6.0 CORRESPONDENTS 6.0 CORRESPONDENTS
6.1 A correspondent shall be a senior member of the profession whose activities bring him or her into contact with more than one discipline of surveying. There shall be no more than one correspondent per country. 6.1 A correspondent shall be a senior member of the profession whose activities bring him or her into contact with more than one discipline of surveying. There shall be no more than one correspondent per country.
6.2 Correspondents shall be entitled to contribute to the work of the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation and to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation and have a duty to make this material available to surveyors and others in their countries. Correspondents and other surveyors in the countries they represent shall be encouraged to participate in the Federation's technical meetings. 6.2 Correspondents shall be entitled to contribute to the work of the commissions and ad hoc commissions of the Federation and to receive all material disseminated in the name of the Federation and have a duty to make this material available to surveyors and others in their countries. Correspondents and other surveyors in the countries they represent shall be encouraged to participate in the Federation's technical meetings.
6.3 The admission of a correspondent should normally be a step towards the development of groups or associations in the same country which can eventually become affiliates or member associations. 6.3 The admission of a correspondent should normally be a step towards the development of groups or associations in the same country which can eventually become affiliates or member associations.
6.4 The admission of a correspondent shall be decided by the Bureau and reported to the General Assembly. 6.4 The admission of a correspondent shall be decided by the Council and reported to the General Assembly.
7.0 HONORARY PRESIDENT AND HONORARY MEMBER 7.0 HONORARY PRESIDENT AND HONORARY MEMBER
7.1 Nominations for these appointments shall be made by a member association or the Bureau which will consider them and submit them to a vote of the General Assembly. 7.1 Nominations for these appointments shall be made by a member association or the Council which will consider them and submit them to a vote of the General Assembly.
7.2 Honorary presidents and honorary members shall be kept informed about the activities of the Federation and welcomed at meetings of the General Assembly and at the Federation's technical meetings. 7.2 Honorary presidents and honorary members shall be kept informed about the activities of the Federation and welcomed at meetings of the General Assembly.
8.0 THE PERMANENT OFFICE 8.0 THE  FIG OFFICE
8.1 The permanent office of the Federation is registered in Copenhagen, municipality of Frederiksberg. 8.1 The Office of the Federation is registered in Copenhagen, municipality of Frederiksberg.
9.0. THE BUREAU 9.0. THE COUNCIL
9.1 A member association wishing to host the Bureau of the Federation shall make a submission to the Bureau and the selection shall be made on a vote of the General Assembly held six years before the year in which the successful member association will assume responsibility for the administration. To be deleted.
9.2 The transfer of responsibility from one member association to its successor shall take place as agreed between them and in any case before the end of the last calendar year of the incumbent Bureau's period of office. To be deleted.
9.1 The president is elected by the General Assembly in the year of a Congress. Each nomination shall be made by the member association of which the nominee is a member. The Council will write to member associations asking for nominations and giving the closing date for their receipt by the Office. This will normally be six months prior to the General Assembly.
9.2 The four vice presidents are elected by the General Assembly. The election will take place on a phased basis so that two posts are filled at the General Assembly held during a congress year and two posts at the Assembly held two years later. Each nomination shall be made by the member association of which the nominee is a member. The Council will write to member associations asking for nominations and giving the closing date for their receipt by the Office. This will normally be six months prior to the General Assembly.
9.3 A member association can nominate a new candidate or renominate a previously unsuccessful candidate whenever nominations are called for the office of president or vice president.
9.4 The General Assembly shall establish a Nominations Review Group (NRG) on the recommendation of the Council. The NRG shall normally consist of three to five persons with considerable experience of the Federation and shall be chaired by the immediate past president. Its members shall hold office for four years, from Congress to Congress. A member of the current Council cannot be a member of the NRG. If any member of the NRG is unable to complete his or her period of office, a replacement shall be appointed by the Council and ratification of that appointment sought from next meeting of the General Assembly.
9.5 The Council shall promulgate guidance notes for the NRG requiring it, inter alia, to review the nominations for president and vice-presidents and, in making its selection, to consider the candidates' qualifications and ensure a balanced distribution of candidates as between different geographical regions and different surveying disciplines. The recommendation of the NRG, together with relevant information on the candidates, shall be circulated to members with the agenda and papers for the General Assembly which will be voting on the recommendation. If a nominee of a member association is not included in the recommendation of the NRG that member association has to reconfirm that its candidate remains a nominee and for which post(s) before or at the General Assembly.
9.6 If the recommendation of the NRG is not adopted as a package the General Assembly shall be invited to vote for each candidate. The first vote shall be between all candidates, including the one proposed by the NRG, for the post in question. If no single candidate for that post gains an absolute majority of the votes cast, a second vote will be held between the three candidates that have the most votes. If there is no absolute majority a final vote will take place between the two candidates that have gained the largest number of votes in the second round. In the event of a tie on that vote, the President shall order a ballot.
9.3 The Bureau shall meet whenever necessary and at least twice year. 9.7 The Council shall meet whenever necessary and at least twice year.
9.4 The Bureau shall develop and ensure the implementation of FIG policy and seek approval for the Federation's plan of work from the General Assembly. It shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly for approval annual budgets and statements of account and ensure that professional audits are conducted annually. It shall execute contracts to maintain and staff the permanent office, lay down the responsibilities of the permanent office and monitor its performance. 9.8 The Council shall develop and ensure the implementation of the policy of the Federation and seek approval for the Federation's plan of work from the General Assembly. It shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly for approval annual budgets and statements of account and ensure that professional audits are conducted annually. It shall execute contracts to maintain and staff the Office, lay down the responsibilities of the Office and monitor its performance.
9.5 The president of the Federation and three of the vice presidents shall be from the country which has successfully bid to host the Bureau. A vice-president, who shall be the designated incoming president, shall be from the country responsible for hosting the succeeding Bureau. A vice president shall be from the country responsible for hosting the preceding Bureau. The congress director shall be from the country that hosts the congress held during the Bureau's term of office. To be deleted.
9.6 Each nomination shall be made by the member association of which the nominee is a member and shall be approved by the General Assembly. To be deleted.
10.0 FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION 10.0 FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
10.1 The Federation shall finance its activities from fees payable by its members; meetings, publications and other revenue-generating activities; grants and subsidies; special levies; and gifts and legacies. 10.1 The Federation shall finance its activities from fees payable by its members; meetings, publications and other revenue-generating activities; grants and subsidies; special levies; and gifts and legacies.
10.2 Changes to levels of fees set by the General Assembly must be approved by the General Assembly during the calendar year that occurs two years ahead of the one in which the changes are to take effect. 10.2 Changes to levels of fees set by the General Assembly must be approved by the General Assembly during the calendar year that occurs two years ahead of the one in which the changes are to take effect.
10.3 In the case of a member expelled for non-payment of fees, membership can be restored on payment of all the arrears. 10.3 In the case of a member expelled for non-payment of fees, membership can be restored on payment of the arrears by the decision of the Council.
11.0 COMMISSIONS 11.0 COMMISSIONS
11.1 Commissions shall be established to further the technical and professional work of the Federation. Between them they shall cover all the activities listed in the FIG definition of a surveyor. The terms of reference of the commissions and the duration of their work shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly so that together they shall be able to anticipate and respond to market trends and client demand. 11.1 Commissions shall be established to further the technical and professional work of the Federation. Between them they shall cover all the activities listed in the definition of a surveyor. The terms of reference of the commissions and the duration of their work shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly so that together they shall be able to anticipate and respond to market trends and client demand.
11.2 A commission shall be comprised of delegates appointed by the member associations and affiliates. Each member association or affiliate shall be entitled to appoint one delegate to each commission, who will be expected to attend, as a minimum, at least one congress and, whenever possible, technical meetings organised by the commission in the intervening years. It is, however, recognised that much of the work of a commission will be conducted by correspondence. 11.2 A commission shall be comprised of delegates appointed by the member associations and affiliates. Each member association or affiliate shall be entitled to appoint one delegate to each commission, who will be expected to attend, as a minimum, at least one congress and, whenever possible, technical meetings organised by the commission in the intervening years. It is, however, recognised that much of the work of a commission will be conducted by correspondence.
11.3 Correspondents, sponsors, academic members or other persons appointed by commission chairs may contribute to the work of the commissions but not to their administration. 11.3 Correspondents, corporate members, academic members or other persons appointed by commission chairs may contribute to the work of the commissions but not to their administration.
11.4 Each commission shall be presided over by a chair who shall take office at the conclusion of a congress and serve until the conclusion of the next congress. The appointment of chairs of commissions shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly. In the case of each commission, nominations may be made either by the current chair on behalf of the commission or by member associations. The nominations shall be called for at least six months in advance of the General Assembly at which the appointments are to be made to enable the Bureau to ensure that the nominees command the support of their member associations and the relevant commissions. A nominee shall preferably have played an active part in the activities of the commission for which he or she is being nominated as chair and shall have demonstrated possession of the personal and professional capabilities needed to lead the work of the commission. In addition, the Bureau shall assure itself as to the nominees' practical availability for service and that they have sufficient financial and administrative support. In the event of no nomination being received for the chair of a particular commission, the Bureau shall take such action as may be needed to ensure that the position is filled. 11.4 Each commission shall be presided over by a chair who shall take office at the conclusion of a congress and serve until the conclusion of the next congress. The appointment of chairs of commissions shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly. In the case of each commission, nominations may be made either by the current chair on behalf of the commission or by member associations. The nominations shall be called for at least six months in advance of the General Assembly at which the appointments are to be made to enable the Council to ensure that the nominees command the support of their member associations and the relevant commissions. A nominee shall preferably have played an active part in the activities of the commission for which he or she is being nominated as chair and shall have demonstrated possession of the personal and professional capabilities needed to lead the work of the commission. In addition, the Council shall assure itself as to the nominees' practical availability for service and that they have sufficient financial and administrative support. In the event of no nomination being received for the chair of a particular commission, the Council shall take such action as may be needed to ensure that the position is filled.
11.5 No one country shall normally hold a chair of the same commission for two consecutive terms. 11.5 No one country shall normally hold a chair of the same commission for two consecutive terms.
11.6 Each commission chair shall attend and submit a report to each meeting of the General Assembly and may participate in debate but shall not have voting rights. 11.6 Each commission chair shall attend and submit a report to each meeting of the General Assembly and may participate in debate but shall not have voting rights.
11.7 The Bureau shall promulgate guidance notes for commission chairs. 11.7 The Council shall promulgate guidance notes for commission chairs.
11.8 The appointment of vice-chairs shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly at the same meeting at which chairs are appointed. In the case of each commission nominations may be made either by the chair on behalf of the commission or by member associations. The nominations shall be called for at least six months in advance of the General Assembly at which the appointments are to be made to enable the Bureau to ensure that the nominees command the support of their member associations and the relevant commissions. In the event of no nomination being received for the vice chair of a particular commission, the Bureau shall take such action as may be needed to ensure that the position is filled. 11.8 The appointment of vice-chairs shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly at the same meeting at which chairs are appointed. In the case of each commission nominations may be made either by the chair on behalf of the commission or by member associations. The nominations shall be called for at least six months in advance of the General Assembly at which the appointments are to be made to enable the Council to ensure that the nominees command the support of their member associations and the relevant commissions. In the event of no nomination being received for the vice chair of a particular commission, the Council shall take such action as may be needed to ensure that the position is filled.
11.9 In the event that a chair or a vice-chair is unable to fulfil the responsibilities of the office the Bureau shall make such arrangements as it deems necessary to ensure the continuity of that commission's work, including the appointment of a new chair or new vice-chair if necessary. 11.9 In the event that a chair or a vice-chair is unable to fulfil the responsibilities of the office the Council shall make such arrangements as it deems necessary to ensure the continuity of that commission's work, including the appointment of a new chair or new vice-chair if necessary.
11.10 The work of the commissions shall be supported financially by the Federation. Exact amounts of annual grants and any other support shall be determined by the Bureau. 11.10 The work of the commissions shall be supported financially by the Federation. Exact amounts of annual grants and any other support shall be determined by the Council.
12.0 THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF COMMISSION OFFICERS (ACCO) 12.0 THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF COMMISSION OFFICERS (ACCO)
12.1 ACCO is constituted by the commission chairs and vice-chairs and by the three vice-presidents of the Federation. It shall be chaired by the vice-president who is the designated incoming president and shall be responsible to the Bureau. ACCO shall meet at least annually, during either the working week or the period of a congress. It is responsible for co-ordinating and advising the Bureau on the work of the commissions. It may also debate other matters affecting FIG and advise the Bureau accordingly. 12.1 ACCO is constituted by the commission chairs and vice chairs and the vice president responsible for commissions and the ACCO representative on the Council. It shall be chaired by the vice-president and shall be responsible to the Council. ACCO shall meet at least annually, during either the working week or the period of a congress. It is responsible for co-ordinating and advising the Council on the work of the commissions. It may also debate other matters affecting the Federation and advise the Council accordingly.
12.2 ACCO shall be entitled to nominate a representative to the Council whose term of office shall be two years. This representative shall be knowledgeable about the commissions and their way of working and will normally be a commission chair, vice chair or immediate past chair.
13.0 AD HOC COMMISSIONS 13.0 AD HOC COMMISSIONS
13.1 In addition to the commissions, ad hoc commissions may be established by a vote of the General Assembly to carry out special technical assignments, projects or studies, including cross-commission activities. Ad hoc commissions will normally be established for a specified period and disbanded following the acceptance of their reports by the General Assembly. Their composition, chairs, terms of reference and work plans shall be approved by the Bureau. 13.1 In addition to the commissions, ad hoc commissions may be established by a vote of the General Assembly to carry out special technical assignments, projects or studies, including cross-commission activities. Ad hoc commissions will normally be established for a specified period and disbanded following the acceptance of their reports by the General Assembly. Their composition, chairs, terms of reference and work plans shall be approved by the Council.
13.2 The work of an ad hoc commission may be supported financially by the Federation. 13.2 The work of an ad hoc commission may be supported financially by the Federation.
14.0 TASK FORCES 14.0 TASK FORCES
14.1 Task forces may be established by the Bureau to research and advise on matters of an administrative nature. They will normally be of short duration and will be concluded on the presentation and acceptance of their reports by the Bureau and, where necessary, the General Assembly. Their composition, chairs, terms of reference and work plans shall be approved by the Bureau. 14.1 Task forces may be established by the Council to research and advise on matters of an administrative nature. They will normally be of short duration and will be concluded on the presentation and acceptance of their reports by the Council and, where necessary, the General Assembly. Their composition, chairs, terms of reference and work plans shall be approved by the Council
15.0 PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS 15.0 PERMANENT INSTITUTIONS
15.1 The establishment of a permanent institution shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly for the purpose of pursuing specific on-going tasks. 15.1 The establishment of a permanent institution shall be decided by a vote of the General Assembly for the purpose of pursuing specific on-going tasks.
15.2 The work of a permanent institution shall be presided over by a director who shall be nominated by a member association in the country in which the permanent institution is housed. The Bureau will consider the nomination and submit it to a vote of the General Assembly. The Bureau will ensure that the work of a Permanent Institution accords with the Federation's plan of work. 15.2 The work of a permanent institution shall be presided over by a director, who shall be nominated by a member association in the country in which the permanent institution is housed. The Council will consider the nominations for the director and submit it to a vote of the General Assembly. The Council will ensure that the work of a Permanent Institution accords with the Federation's plan of work.
15.3 Directors of permanent institution may attend meetings of the General Assembly and of ACCO and may participate in debate but shall not have voting rights. They shall present reports on the work of their permanent institutions to each meeting of the General Assembly. 15.3 Directors of permanent institutions may attend meetings of the General Assembly and ACCO and may participate in debate but shall not have voting rights. They shall present reports on the work of their permanent institutions to each meeting of the General Assembly.
15.4 Each permanent institution shall be responsible for its own finances and for any expenses incurred by its director. 15.4 Each permanent institution shall be responsible for its own finances and for any expenses incurred by its director.
16.0 LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL BODIES 16.0 LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL BODIES
16.1 The Bureau, together with the commissions where appropriate, shall seek opportunities for the Federation to develop relationships and undertake activities jointly with the United Nations and other international agencies. 16.1 The Council, together with the commissions where appropriate, shall seek opportunities for the Federation to develop relationships and undertake activities jointly with the United Nations and other international agencies.
16.2 To enable the Federation to respond to requests from UN agencies and other international and regional bodies for assistance with the provision of consultancy services the Bureau shall maintain a protocol for the identification of surveying consultants. To be deleted.
16.3 The Bureau shall take action to ensure that the profession of surveying is correctly represented in international and regional classifications of activities, occupations and educational programmes. 16.2 The Council shall take action to ensure that the profession of surveying is correctly represented in international and regional classifications of activities, occupations and educational programmes.
17.0 CONGRESSES AND WORKING WEEKS 17.0 CONGRESSES AND WORKING WEEKS
17.1 Congresses provide opportunities for commissions to report the results of their previous four years' work and to establish the goals which will guide their future work. Technical and professional meetings, including those held during working weeks, and other technical and professional events provide a medium for the commissions to present interim reports and otherwise to review progress and identify trends that will influence their future work. 17.1 Congresses provide opportunities for commissions to report the results of their previous four years' work and to establish the goals which will guide their future work. Technical and professional meetings, including those held during working weeks, and other technical and professional events provide a medium for the commissions to present interim reports and otherwise to review progress and identify trends that will influence their future work.
17.2 A member association or associations wishing to host a congress or a working week in its country shall make a submission, accompanied by an outline budget, to the Bureau and the venue shall be selected nine years in advance in the case of a congress and five years in advance in the case of a working week on a vote of the General Assembly. 17.2 A member association or associations wishing to host a congress or a working week in its country shall make a submission, accompanied by an outline budget, to the Council and the venue shall be selected five years in advance on a vote of the General Assembly. If the host is subsequently unable to fulfil its commitment, the Council will decide on an alternative venue, which the General Assembly will be invited to ratify at its next meeting.
17.3 The Council will publish guidelines on procedures for congresses and working weeks.
17.3 Congresses shall be of no more than eight days duration and working weeks of no more than five days duration. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
17.4 Overall responsibility for the congress shall rest with the congress director and the host, who should maintain close liaison with each other, with other Bureau members and with the chairs of the commissions throughout the planning of the event. The congress will normally commence with an opening ceremony at which a keynote address will be given by an eminent speaker of international repute. An exhibition should form part of the congress programme. In addition to technical and professional sessions, technical tours and meetings of the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee of Commission Officers and the Bureau, the programme should include activities for accompanying persons and some social events. The host is responsible for publishing the congress proceedings and making these available to participants. Sale copies can also be made available. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
17.5 The host for a working week shall maintain close liaison with the Bureau throughout the planning of the event. In particular the Bureau and the involved commission chairs will advise on the content of the technical programme. In addition to technical and professional sessions, technical tours and meetings of the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee of Commission Officers and the Bureau, the programme of a working week should include activities for accompanying persons and some social events. The host is responsible for publishing the papers presented at the technical and professional meetings and making these available to participants. Sale copies can also be made available. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
17.6 All papers shall be accompanied by abstracts which must be in English. Papers presented at congresses and working weeks may also be accompanied by abstracts in other languages including French and German. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
17.7 The host shall establish registration fees and other charges, which may be supplemented by grants, to realise sufficient income to cover all costs associated with a congress or working week and associated meetings. The Federation will not provide financial support; nor will members of the Bureau be required to pay registration fees. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
18.0 DOCUMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION 18.0 DOCUMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
18.1 Documentation for and presentations at all meetings of the Federation shall be in English. Host associations can, if they so wish, organise the translation of documents into other languages at their own expense. The host may provide simultaneous interpretation into its own language, debiting the cost to the event budget. Other member associations can bring their own interpreters and the host may provide simultaneous interpretation facilities for a limited number of languages, debiting the cost to the event budget. 18.1 Documentation for and presentations at all meetings of the Federation shall be in English apart from regional seminars and symposia and special sessions during the working weeks and congresses. Host associations can, if they so wish, organise the translation of documents into other languages. The host may provide simultaneous interpretation into its own language. Other member associations can bring their own interpreters and the host may provide simultaneous interpretation facilities for a limited number of languages, debiting the cost to the event budget.
19.0 CONGRESS PRIZE To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
19.1 A congress prize, to be competed for by members of member associations who have not completed their 35th year during the year of the congress, shall be advertised by the Bureau via the member associations no later than one year in advance of the congress. The prize shall comprise 2000 Swiss francs plus complimentary registration and travel expenses to attend the congress. The total amount may either be sponsored or debited to the event budget. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
19.2 The prize shall be offered for an original and previously unpublished work which shall be submitted, with an application form, to the Bureau six months in advance of the congress. The Bureau may seek the assistance of outside experts in adjudicating submissions. The winner shall receive the prize during the congress and the winning paper shall be published in the congress proceedings. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
20.0 PUBLICATIONS 19.0 PUBLICATIONS
20.1 The Bureau shall be responsible for publishing
1. an FIG home page on the World Wide Web
2. an annual report, which is the Federation's main medium of external communication and its principal marketing tool
3. a quarterly bulletin, as the main medium of communication between the Bureau; the commissions and their delegates; and the members of the Federation
4. additions to the FIG publication series, which includes formal policy statements and ethical, educational and technical guidelines
5. practice statements
6. minutes of meetings and extraordinary meetings of the General Assembly and minutes of meetings of the Bureau.
19.1 The Council shall be responsible for publishing
1. a home page on the World Wide Web
2. an annual report, which is the Federation's main medium of external communication and its principal marketing tool
3. a quarterly bulletin, as the main medium of communication between the Council; the commissions and their delegates; and the members of the Federation
4. additions to the FIG publication series, which includes formal policy statements and ethical, educational and technical guidelines
5. practice statements
6. minutes of meetings and extraordinary meetings of the General Assembly and minutes of meetings of the Council.
21.0 BADGES AND CERTIFICATES 20.0 BADGES AND CERTIFICATES
20.1 From time to time the Federation may award badges and certificates in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the work of the Federation. The Council shall decide who merits the awards and shall publish guidelines regarding the format of the badges and certificates.
21.1 There shall be three categories of badge, each 17mm x 17mm, enamelled and displaying the FIG logo,
1. for honorary presidents, with golden oak leaves
2. for honorary members, with silver oak leaves
3. for members of the Bureau and chairs of commissions, with bronze oak leaves.
To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
21.2 There shall be certificates of appointment for honorary presidents and honorary members. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
21.3 There shall be certificates of membership for member associations, affiliates, sponsors and academic members. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 
21.4 There shall be certificates of appreciation for past members of the Bureau and past chairs of commissions. In addition the Bureau may present a certificate of appreciation to anyone who has made a valuable contribution to the work of the Federation. To be moved to the guidelines on organising congresses and working weeks. 

FIG Bureau

7 March 2001



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