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Bylaws and value statement

Constitution 

Article 1 - The British Association of Filipino Physicians and Surgeons

The British Association of Filipino Physicians and Surgeons is a collective of dedicated and skilled medical and surgical professionals with roots both in the UK and the Philippines. It is committed to making a positive impact on the healthcare landscape in the United Kingdom while celebrating our Filipino heritage. Through collaboration, compassion, and continuous improvement, we aim to be a leading force in transforming healthcare and fostering a more inclusive and healthier society for everyone. Together, we aspire to make a lasting impact on the lives of patients and healthcare professionals alike.

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Article 2 - Aims and Values of the Society

2.1 The purpose of the society is to connect doctors of Philippine heritage in the United Kingdom, whether trained in the UK or abroad, with the following aims:

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i) To represent interests of Filipino medical students and doctors in the UK

ii) To provide a support network for Filipino doctors and medical students, helping each

other through medical training and ongoing learning.

iii) To provide a network of support for international graduates coming to work in the UK.  
iv) To provide support for Filipino students coming to study medicine in the UK

v) To maintain links with Philippine heritage through social and academic events

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2.2 Values:

We aim to uphold values of compassion, excellence, and inclusivity while serving the diverse communities in the UK. This manifesto outlines our core principles and objectives as we strive to make a difference in healthcare and society at large.

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i) Promoting Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:

We recognise the rich cultural diversity of the UK and are committed to promoting cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in healthcare. We will strive to understand and embrace the unique needs and beliefs of patients from various backgrounds, fostering a harmonious and respectful healthcare environment for all.

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ii) Enhancing Medical Education and Professional Development:
We will actively support and provide resources for continuous medical education and professional development of our members. By encouraging lifelong learning, we aim to stay at the forefront of medical advancements, ensuring the highest standards of patient care.

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iii) Advocating for Fair Treatment and Representation:
We stand united against discrimination and bias, both within the medical community and society. Our society advocates fair treatment and equal opportunities for all healthcare professionals, irrespective of their ethnic background, nationality, or gender.

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iv) Facilitating Health Awareness and Education:
We will actively engage in community outreach programs to raise awareness about prevalent health issues and provide accessible health education to underserved communities. By empowering people with knowledge, we hope to contribute to a healthier and more informed society both within the UK and in the Philippines.

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v) CollaboratingwithUKHealthcareInstitutions:
As a society, we will actively collaborate with UK healthcare institutions to address common challenges and contribute our expertise to improve patient care outcomes. By working together, we can enhance the overall healthcare system.

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vi) Supporting Healthcare Initiatives in the Philippines:
We acknowledge our roots and will support healthcare initiatives in the Philippines, including knowledge sharing, medical missions, and capacity building. By nurturing connections between Filipino and UK medical professionals, we aim to strengthen healthcare networks and mutual understanding.

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vii) Prioritising Mental Health and Well-being:
Recognising the demanding nature of medical practice, we will prioritise mental health and well-being among our members. By promoting a supportive and empathetic environment, we hope to reduce burnout and enhance the overall quality of life for our healthcare professionals.

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Article 3 - Membership

3.1  All medical students and qualified doctors with Filipino heritage or connection to the Philippines, studying, working or practicing in the UK are eligible to become members of the society, whether graduated, training or trained in the UK or abroad.

 

3.2  Any eligible person shall become a member of the Society and their name and email address added to the official membership list of the Society.

 

3.3  Member privileges will include participation in social and academic events organised by the society, and standing and voting on committee.

 

3.4  Members have a duty to abide by the constitution of the Society, and maintain the reputation of Filipino doctors in the UK.

 

3.5  Members are not required to pay membership fees to avail of member privileges. (A minimal membership fee may be introduced as the association grows)

 

3.6  The Committee will not abuse member personal details,and will not have access to this after their term.

 

Article 4 - The Committee

4.1  A committee shall conduct the business of the Society.

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4.2  The committee of the Society shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting after the Academic Meeting

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4.3  The committee shall consist of the following members:- President; Vice President for UK Graduates; Vice President for International Graduates; Treasurer; Secretary; Public Relations Officer. All members of the committee shall be required to be members of the Society. Committee positions may expand as the activities of the society grows.

 

4.4  The President
The President shall have overall responsibility for the affairs of the Society. He/She shall chair all meetings of the Society, save where decided otherwise by the committee or where otherwise provided for in this constitution.

 

4.5  Vice President for UK Graduates
The Vice President for UK Graduates shall assist the president in overseeing society affairs, and chair meetings where the president is absent (together with the Vice President for International Graduates). They will represent the perspective of Filipino graduates from UK medical schools.

 

4.6  Vice President for International Graduates
The Vice President for International Graduates shall assist the president in overseeing society affairs, and chair meetings where the president is absent (together with the Vice President for UK Graduates). They will represent the perspective of Filipino graduates from medical schools abroad.

 

4.7  Treasurer/Finance Committee Head
The Treasurer will manage the financial affairs of the Society, in consultation with the President. He/She will maintain the financial records of the Society through sponsorship activity.

 

4.8  Secretary
The Secretary shall keep the non-financial records of the Society, including the official membership list and manage the correspondence of the Society and submitting the end of year report.

 

4.9  Public Relations/Marketing Officer
The Public Relations Officer shall be responsible for advertising the meetings and events of the Society.

 

4.10 Committee Meetings

4.10.1 Meetings of the committee shall be held at at least quarterly intervals during the academic year

4.10.2 The quorum for a meeting of the committee shall be [four] committee members.

4.10.3 Meetings of the committee shall be convened by the Secretary. At least one weeks’ notice of a committee meeting shall be given by the President to the members of the committee.

Article 5 - General Meetings

5.1 Annual General Meeting

5.1.1  The Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the Society shall take place in the first quarter of the year, at a time to be determined by the committee of the Society.

5.1.2  No less than [six] weeks’ notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be given. The date and time of the A.G.M. shall be notified to the Society

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5.2  Extraordinary General Meetings

5.2.1 An Extraordinary General Meeting (E.G.M.) of the Society may be convened to:

i) Hold an election to fill a vacancy on the committee, should one arise;
ii) Consider a proposal to amend this constitution or any other governing instrument of the Society;
iii) Address any other circumstance not provided for in this constitution.

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5.2.2. An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be convened:

i) By majority decision of the committee; or

ii) On foot of a submission to the committee of the Society of a petition signed by not less than [ten] members of the Society.

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5.2.3 No less than [seven] days notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be given. The date and time of the E.G.M. shall be notified to the officers and membership.

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Article 6 - Election of the Committee

6.1  The committee of the Society shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

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6.2  The President shall act as returning officer for the elections. Where the President intends to be a candidate in any election, a returning officer, who is not a candidate in any election, shall be appointed by the committee.

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6.3  All members of the Society shall be eligible for election to the committee.

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6.4  Candidates for each position on the committee of the Society must be proposed and seconded by members of the Society at the A.G.M.

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6.5  All members of the Society shall be entitled to vote in the election of the committee.

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6.6  The election of members of the committee shall take place at the A.G.M. Where the votes obtained by any candidate exceed the votes obtained by any other candidate for that position, he/she shall be deemed elected to that position.

Article 7 - Resignations from the Committee

7.1 The resignation of any member of the committee shall be instituted by a letter of resignation to the Secretary of the Association. In the case of the resignation of the Secretary, resignation may be instituted by a letter of resignation to the President.

Article 8 - Management of Finance

8.1  The finances of the Society shall be managed by the President and Treasurer.

 

8.2  No member of the committee of the Society shall receive remuneration from the Society, or use their office for personal financial gain.

Article 9 - Amendments to the Constitution

9.1  Amendments to this constitution may be made at an Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society.

 

9.2  Such amendments to this constitution may be approved by an Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society and shall require the formal approval of the membership.

Article 10 - Dissolution of the Society

10.1  The Society may be dissolved by a [two-thirds] majority vote of its membership at a General Meeting.

 

10.2  The Society shall fall into abeyance should it fail to validly elect a committee for [two] successive years.

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