International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility
§ 1 Name
The Network bears the name “International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility” (INES). In the following it is referred to as the Network.
§ 2 Objectives
The aims of the Network are those put down in the founding statement of November 29, 1991. The Network pursues its objectives especially by the means of publications, lectures, congresses, working groups and other appropriate activities. The Network intends to collaborate with individuals and organizations with similar aims and promotes international cooperation and understanding. The Network raises the funds required for the pursuit of its objectives.
§ 3 Membership
The Network consists of individual members and member organizations, who agree with the aims of the Network as defined in § 2.
Individual members are expected to have – as a guideline – a training in science or technology. Other persons who are especially committed to the aims of the Network may become members also.
National or international organizations, which are committed to the aims of the Network, can become members also.
Applications for membership shall be made in writing. The Executive Committee has the authority to accept or deny applications for membership. Acceptance or rejection of applications shall be given in writing.
Rejection of an application for membership maybe appealed in writing within thirty days after receiving notice from the Executive Committee. Appeals shall be considered at the next regular meeting of the Council.
Membership terminates:
- on written notification by the individual or organization stating their intention to withdraw. The notification shall be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the end of the year
- on death of an individual member or on dissolution of a member organization
- on expulsion, which shall be decided by the Executive Committee pursuant to § 7, section 7.
§ 4 Structure
The structure and work of the Network is anticipated to evolve on two levels: local, regional or project-oriented activities with a high degree of self- organization, central coordinating bodies which work out the common policies of the Network and work for their implementation.
§ 5 Governing Bodies
The bodies of the Network are:
- the Council
- the Executive Committee
- They will be assisted by the Central Network Office and by an Advisory Council.
§ 6 Council
The Council shall be the highest governing body of the Network. It shall elect an Executive Committee to implement the decisions of the Council and to manage the overall activities of the Network.
The Council will be formed initially by the founding group and by further representatives invited by the founding group.
After the founding phase the Council will consist of representatives of the member organizations, and of further representatives, in particular from countries in which INES is not represented by a member organization. Such members will be invited by the Council.
Every member organization shall designate one of its own members as a Council representative. The designation shall be communicated in writing to the chairperson of the Executive Committee. The member organization is free to determine the length of term of its representative. Representatives can send deputies to Council meetings.
The Council shall meet at least once every three years preferably in connection with international congresses organized by the Network. Extraordinary meetings of the Council can be called by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee determines the place, time and agenda of the Council meeting. Council members can submit proposals for the agenda.
The chairperson of the Executive Committee chairs the Council meetings.
Every representative to the Council or its deputy shall have one vote.
The Council shall try to reach decisions by consensus. If this is not possible, decisions shall be taken by majority vote among the representatives present at the meeting. Decisions on amendments to these statutes and on the dissolution of Network shall be made as laid down in § 10.
In urgent matters (except those specified in § 10 1. and 3.) votes of the Council can also be taken by mail ballot or via telecommunication, provided a proposition has been distributed by the Central Office with approval of the Executive Committee. Approval shall require an affirmative vote by a majority of all Council members. The vote shall be cast within a reasonable time specified by the Executive Committee.
The Council elects the Executive Committee, consisting of a chairperson, two deputy chairpersons, a treasurer and up to nine additional members. The chairperson, his/her deputies and the treasurer must be able to work directly and regularly with the Central Network Office. The current Executive Committee shall serve as a nominating committee to identify candidates for the follow-on Executive Committee to be elected. Any member organization or individual member may submit names of candidates to the Executive Committee for consideration. Such submission must take place at least 60 days prior to the next regular Council meeting.
Observers from international and other organizations with which the Network shares common goals may attend Council meetings. Such observers shall – with the permission of the meeting – be allowed to speak, but shall not be permitted to vote.
Proposed policy resolutions shall be submitted to the chairperson of the Executive Committee no later than 7 days prior to the Council meeting. Proposed resolutions must include a brief description of the policy decision sought and the financial impact, if any, on the Network. In addition, proposed resolutions must identify implementation requirements including reference to any Central Office staff role that may be contemplated. Resolutions which are submitted 30 days prior to the Council meeting shall be communicated to the Council members before the meeting. In the event that time expires, before a proposed resolution can be discussed by the Council, it will be referred to the next meeting of the Executive Committee for review and action.
The chairperson of the Executive Committee shall give a report on the activities of the Network at the regular meetings of the Council. The part of the session comprising the report shall be open to all members of the Network.
The Council determines the central seat of the Network. Additional regional offices can be established.
§ 7 Executive Committee
The Executive Committee implements the decisions of the Council and manages overall activities of the Network which cannot be taken care of by decentralized action within the Network. The Executive Committee shall serve as the official representative of the Network. Statements on behalf of the Network at large need to be authorized by the Executive Committee, or – in urgent cases – by the chairperson or one of his/her deputies.
The Executive Committee consists of the chairperson, two deputies, the treasurer and up to five additional members as elected by the Council. The deputy chairpersons, the treasurer and the additional members can each designate another Network member as a personal deputy with whom they are in close working contact. The personal deputy shall have the right to attend Committee meetings as a voting member if the regular member is prevented from doing so.
The term of office of the Executive Committee is the time from one regular Council meeting until the next regular meeting, but shall not be less than two years.
The Executive Committee shall try to make decisions by consensus. If this is not possible approval of action shall require an affirmative vote by two Thirds of the Executive members in attendance. A quorum consisting of a simple majority of the Executive Committee shall be required before votes can be taken.
The Executive Committee can invite guests to its meetings. Such observers have no vote.
The Executive Committee shall meet at the time of Council meetings and between Council meetings at the request of the chairperson, its deputies or of at least two additional members. The Executive Committee decides on applications for membership. It can revoke the membership status of a member or a member organization if such member or organization has acted in contradiction to the aims of the Network.
In urgent matters the chairperson, his/her deputies and the secretary shall be entitled to act jointly on behalf of the whole Executive Committee, having obtained a consensus of the Committee by mail or telecommunication.
The Executive Committee appoints a Executive Secretary who shall implement its decisions and shall be responsible to the Executive Committee. It also determines the duties and responsibilities of all other staff employed by the Central Network Office.
The Executive Committee is in charge of creating the legal framework for its activities according to the laws of the country which hosts the central seat of the Network.
The treasurer shall collect, maintain and disburse the funds of the Network, which are administered by the Central Office. He or she may delegate such financial tasks to the Central Network Office as may be necessary to provide for the day to day operations.
The treasurer shall establish with the help of the Central Network Office – an annual operating budget for the Network. The budget shall be approved by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee can appoint an Advisory Council, which can be asked to give advice on Network projects.
§ 8 Central Network Office
The Central Network Office consists of the Executive secretary and any other staff as may be employed by the Network.
The Executive secretary coordinates the day-to-day office work.
The Central Network Office carries out administrative tasks; in particular, it maintains a current list of members, it creates tools for communicating information among members, it supports the organization of international congresses and meetings of the Network.
The office can also support other activities of the Network, such as the promotion of research projects, if permitted by financial and staff resources.
§ 9 Finances
The financial resources of the Network shall include annual contributions from its member organizations and from the individual members, as well as donations and grants from persons and organizations interested in supporting the activities of the Network. Part or all of the contribution of an individual member or a member organization can be also contributed in-kind.
The Executive Committee establishes the financial or in-kind contributions of individual members and member organization.
Funds may only be spent on activities consistent with the objectives of the Network. The expenses of the Network shall be in particular for the maintenance of its Central Office. Other activities of the Network can be supported upon approval of the Executive Committee.
§ 10 General Provisions
These statutes can be amended by the approval of two thirds of the Council. Votes of members who are unable to attend a meeting can be cast in written form. Amendment proposals must be submitted to the chairperson of the Executive Committee at least 60 days before the next regular Council meeting. Such proposals shall be communicated to all Council members at least 30 days prior to the meeting.
English shall be the official and binding text.
The dissolution of the Network may be only decided on by the Council with a majority of 3/4 of the votes cast. Votes of members unable to attend the meeting can be submitted in written form. The Executive Committee decides on the assets of the Network and implements the dissolution. The proposal of dissolution has to be communicated in writing by the Executive Committee at least 30 days prior to the vote.
Further information by
INES
Marienstr. 19/20
D-10117 Berlin
Germany Phone: +49 (0)30 2065 3831
Fax +49 (0)30 2123 4957
E-mail: office@inesglobal.int