Our Constitution

Membership

Anyone with a scientific interest in animal behaviour may apply. Membership becomes active once the first subscription is paid. By joining, members agree to abide by the Code of Ethics. Rights and liabilities are non-transferable. Honorary membership (fee-free) may be granted by the Board to professional scientists or interested amateurs.

Subscriptions

• The financial year runs from 1 January.
• Subscriptions are due on 1 January each year.
• Members joining between 30 Sep – 31 Dec are credited for the following year.
• Membership may be cancelled if subscriptions are more than 12 months overdue.

Management

The Society is managed by a Board comprising Office-Bearers and Ordinary Members. Office-Bearers are: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Officer. Decisions are made by simple majority vote; the Chair holds a casting vote.

Board Terms & Elections

• Vice-President automatically becomes President after their 2-year term.
• Treasurer, Secretary & Public Officer elected to 2-year terms at the AGM.
• Ordinary Members elected annually.
• Nominations close at least 4 weeks before the AGM and require a proposer, seconder, and candidate consent.
• Board members may be removed for misconduct, neglect of duties, or Code of Ethics violations.

Duties & Committees

• The Secretary maintains all records and minutes.
• The Treasurer manages all funds.
• An independent auditor is appointed annually.
• The Board may establish sub-committees and co-opt members or non-members to serve on them; committees act only with Board consent.

Meetings & Voting

• Board meetings: quorum of 3; can be held by any means (phone, email, video).
• AGM: held annually; quorum of 10 members.
• Special General Meetings: called by the President with 1 month's notice.
• Mail votes: decided by simple majority; 30% of members form a quorum.

Funds

All funds must be held in an account with an authorised deposit-taking institution. Funds may only be used to further the Society's objectives, as directed by the committee or a general meeting resolution.

Not-for-Profit & Dissolution

ASSAB is strictly not-for-profit. No assets may be distributed to members except as fair compensation for services or expenses. If the Society is dissolved, any remaining assets must be transferred to another organisation with similar purposes that operates on a not-for-profit basis.