IPRS Constitution

IPRS / IPRS Constitution

Name

This Society shall be known as the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore. The abbreviated name of the Institute shall be IPRS.

Its place of business shall be at 43A South Bridge Road, Singapore 058677 or at such place as the Institute shall decide from time to time subject to the approval of the Registrar of Societies. The Institute shall carry out its activities only in places and premises, which have the prior written approval from the relevant authorities, where necessary.

Logo

The Institute shall have a logo subject to the approval of the Registrar of Societies.

Objectives

The objectives of the Institute are:

  • To establish the Institute as the central body for persons/organisations concerned with and interested in public relations and to project the Institute as a responsible organisation representing public relations practitioners in Singapore.
  • To encourage and promote high professional standards and conduct of its members by establishing and upholding such standards and conduct as prescribed in the Code of Ethics. When necessary, the Council shall review and update the Code of Ethics.
  • To collect and disseminate information, to encourage the continuing study of an improvement in the theory, practice and techniques of public relations, and to stimulate the exchange of ideas through meetings, discussions, seminars and the like.
  • To set and uphold professional standards through training and education.
  • To conduct accreditation examinations as and when it deems fit.
  • To maintain a record of the Institute’s activities and undertake other activities likely to benefit the profession and the interests of its members and also the community as a whole.

Admission to Membership

  • A person or an organisation wishing to join the Institute shall apply in the Institute’s prescribed form to the Honorary Secretary.
  • The applicant must be proposed and seconded by two members. The proposer and seconder must be of at least an equivalent or higher category of the membership applied for.
  • The Council shall be authorised to make such regulations governing admission to all categories of membership as it may consider necessary from time to time, and such regulations shall be published in a manner as the Council shall deem fit.
  • The Council shall decide upon each application and accept to membership as provided in the Constitution under Article 5 “Membership”.
  • The Honorary Secretary shall notify all applicants of the Council’s decision. The Council is not obliged to give any reason whatsoever for rejecting an application for membership.

Membership

The membership of the Institute shall consist of the following classes: Honorary Member, Fellow Member, Accredited Member, Full Member, Associate Member, Affiliate Member, Student Member, Corporate Member, Overseas Member and Retired Member.

a. Honorary Member
  • The Council shall be empowered to confer Honorary Membership upon any individual in recognition of outstanding services in public relations and who by reasons of position, eminence or experience, has also rendered outstanding services over long period in promoting public relations. Nominations for Honorary Membership shall be made by at least  two members, one of whom must be a Council Member. Such nominations shall have the unanimous approval of the Council.
  • An Honorary Member shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges as members, except to vote in any proceedings of the Institute and the right to hold office in the Council.
b. Fellow Member
  • The Council shall be empowered to confer Fellow Membership upon Full members who have achieved eminence in the profession in recognition of distinguished public relations work. Nominations shall be made by at least two Council Members and be approved by at least a two-third majority of the Council by secret ballot.
  • A Fellow Member shall be entitled to use the letters FIPRS and to exercise voting rights in the affairs of the Institute.
c. Accredited Member
  • Full Members who have a minimum of eight years full-time experience in the professional practice of public relations or a minimum of five years experience and a Diploma/Degree in Communication Studies, Public Relations or the equivalent, may apply to be formally certified as an accredited public relations practitioner.
  • An Accredited Member shall have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgement in the field through an accreditation process and shall hold the accreditation for a period of 2 years. During the 2 years, the Member has to attain a requisite number of Continuing Professional Educational points in order to qualify for re-accreditation.
  • An Accredited Member shall be entitled to use the AMIPRS designation and has voting rights in the affairs of the Institute.
d. Full Member
  • Individuals who are resident and practising in Singapore and who at the date of application are at least 24 years old with a minimum of three years practical and comprehensive experience and who have passed a professional examination in public relations from a recognised Institute of Public Relations, or an Institute of higher learning, may apply for Full Membership.
  • Individuals who are resident and practising in Singapore and who at the date of application are at least 24 years old, and have at least six years practical and comprehensive experience in public relations may apply for Membership.
  • A Full Member shall be entitled to use the letters MIPRS and to exercise voting rights in the affairs of the Institute.
e. Associate Member
  • Individuals who are residents and practising in Singapore and who at the date of application are at least 21 years old, and have at least one year practical and comprehensive experience in public relations, may apply to be Associate Members.
  • An Associate Member shall be entitled to use the description “Associate of the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore”. They are not entitled to use the letter AIPRS. An Associate Member is entitled to exercise voting rights in the affairs of the Institute but is not eligible for the office of President and Vice President.
f. Affiliate Member
  • Individuals residing or working in Singapore, who are not eligible for the categories mentioned above, but are otherwise associated with or interested in the practice of public relations, or who at the time of application are taking or propose to take a course of education/training organised or recognized by the Institute, may apply to be Affiliate Members.
  • An Affiliate Member shall not be entitled to use any letters or description after his name. He is entitled to participate at any of the Institute’s general meetings but cannot exercise any voting rights in the affairs of the Institute.
g. Corporate Member
  • Corporate membership shall be open to public relations agencies/consultancies or organisations associated with the practice of public relations in Singapore. Each Corporate Member shall designate a representative who must be an   employee of the Corporate Member and who must also himself or herself meet the qualifications for Full membership of the Institute.
  • The designated representative of the Corporate Member shall be entitled to exercise voting rights in the affairs of the Institute, on behalf of the Corporate Member, and to use the letters CMIPRS next to his or her name for the duration of the Corporate membership.
h. Overseas Member
  • Any member who subsequently lives and works abroad may apply for transfer as an Overseas Member.
  • An Overseas Member will continue to be entitled to all privileges accorded to him when he resides in Singapore.
i. Retired Member
  • Any member who has retired from a full-paid employment and has attained the age of 60 years may apply to transfer as a Retired Member. However, he must have held Full or Associate Membership for a continuous period of at least 10 years and is not in arrears of any monies to the Institute, and can show proof that he has retired and is no longer employed. He shall be entitled to apply for a concessionary subscription rate of 20% of the annual rate.
  • A retired Member shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Institute, which he enjoyed prior to retirement, except holding office as President and Vice President.
j. Student Member
  • Singaporeans studying overseas and individuals residing in Singapore who are associated with or interested in the practice of public relations, and who at the time of application are taking full time tertiary education/training recognized by the Institute may apply to be Student Members for the duration of their studies.
  • Student Member shall not be entitled to use any letters or description after his name. He is entitled to participate at any of the Institute’s general meetings but cannot exercise any voting rights in the affairs of the Institute.

Membership Cards

Membership cards shall be issued to all categories of members. They shall remain the property of the Institute and must be returned to the Honorary Secretary immediately upon cessation of membership unless the Council grants permission for such cards to be retained under exceptional circumstances.

Cessation of Membership

  • Resignation

Any member who resigns from the Institute must do so in writing, addressed to the Honorary Secretary. The resignee must pay up all dues and return any property belonging to the Institute.

  • Termination

If a member falls into arrears with his subscription or other dues he shall be informed by the Honorary Treasurer. If he fails to settle his arrears within three months of their becoming due he shall cease to be a member.

  • Suspension

If any member of the Institute refuses to comply with the standards laid down in the Code of Ethics, the Council is empowered to: Caution or reprimand such a member, or/and, Suspend such a member from the privileges of membership for any period not exceeding six months.

  • Expulsion

The Council is empowered to expel any member who violates the IPRS Constitution and the Code of Ethics or who has been charged in a Criminal Court of Law and found guilty. Before such a member is expelled, the Honorary Secretary shall inform him of the violations and give the member a minimum of seven days’ written notice to attend a meeting of the Council and give an explanation. If after the hearing, two-thirds of the members of the Council present vote for the expulsion, then he/she will thereupon cease to be a member of the Institute. If such a member refuses to attend the meeting in answer to the notice calling him/her to do so, the Council may nevertheless proceed in the member’s absence to discuss the expulsion matter.

Entrance Fee

  • Entrance fee shall be:

Full Member – S$150

Associate Member – S$100

Affiliate Member – S$100

Corporate Member – S$300

  • The Student Member fee shall be such fee as may be fixed by the Council from time to time.
  • Any application form for membership shall be accompanied by the appropriate entrance fee.

Subscriptions

  • Until as determined by a general meeting the annual subscription shall be as follows:

Full Member – S$100

Associate Member – S$80

Affiliate Member – S$80

Corporate Member – S$700

  • The Student Member subscription fee shall be such fee as may be fixed by the Council from time to time.
  • Subscriptions shall be due on 31 March. Full subscription fees will be payable by members joining in the first quarter ending 30 June. Members joining in the second, third and fourth quarter will pay 75%, 50% and 25% respectively of the full subscription fees.
  • Discounts on subscription fees and/or waiver of entrance fees may be offered to persons by the Council in its discretion if it reasonably believes that such discount and/or waiver will be in the best interest of IPRS.
  • The Council reserves the right to revise the entrance and/or subscription fees at its discretion if it believes that such revision is in the best interest of IPRS.

General Meeting

  • The Institute shall hold an Annual General Meeting by April of each calendar year at such time and place as may be determined by the Council.
  • All General Meetings, other than Annual General Meetings, shall be called Extraordinary General Meetings.
  • An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at anytime by the Council or on request in writing by one-fifth of the total voting membership. Members shall be given at least three weeks’ notice and the agenda for such a General Meeting.
  • The quorum of Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting shall be one-quarter of the total voting membership.
  • The agenda for an Annual General Meeting shall include:
    • Minutes of proceedings of the previous General Meetings, the President’s Address; Election of Council and Honorary Officers; Honorary Treasurer’s Financial Statement; Annual Report of Council by the Secretary; Notice of motions and amendments; Any other competent business.
    • If at a time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be adjourned to be reconvened half an hour later. If there is still no quorum, those present shall make up the quorum and shall have authority to decide upon all matters which would otherwise have been transacted, but they shall not have the power to alter, amend or make additions to the Constitution.

Election of Council

  • The management of the Institute is vested in a duly elected Council presided over by the President. At least one-half of the Council must be present for its proceedings to be valid.
  • The Council consisting of the following shall be elected at such AGM from Fellows, Accredited and Full Members, representatives from Corporate Members and Associates:

President

A Vice President

An Honorary Secretary

An Honorary Treasurer

Council Members, numbering a minimum of five and a maximum of seven

  • The immediate Past President shall automatically become a member of the incoming Council for a period of ONE year from the AGM.
  • Election will be by a simple majority vote. A nomination duly signed by the candidate, his proposer and seconder must be made on prescribed form and despatched to reach the returning officer 14 days before the Annual General Meeting. Voting by members and by proxies duly appointed by members in writing will be by secret ballot during the Annual General Meeting.
  • The Council shall be elected for a two-year period.
  • All officers may be re-elected after the two-year term except the Honorary Treasurer who shall not be re-elected to the same post for a second consecutive term.
  • In order to qualify to vote, to nominate candidates or to stand for election, a member shall have paid up all his dues by the end of the calendar year preceding the elections.
  • Voting procedures shall be laid down by the Council and announced at the start of the Annual General Meeting. The Council shall appoint a Returning Officer from among voting members to manage the elections. The decision of the Returning Officer shall be final.
  • In order to qualify to stand for election to the Council, a candidate has to be a fully paid-up member of good standing with the IPRS for one full year prior to election at the AGM.

Council Meetings

  • There should be at least 10 monthly Council Meetings during its term of office. The notice for a Council Meeting shall not be less than seven days. The President may call an emergency Council Meeting at any time by giving two days’ notice.
  • In Council Meetings, the Chairman shall have the casting vote in case of a tie.

Rights of Council

  • The duty of the Council is to organise and supervise the activities of the Institute.
  • The Council shall have the authority to co-opt not more than two voting members to replace any vacancies in the Council.
  • In addition, the Council shall have authority to co-opt up to four voting members who shall have the right to vote at Council Meeting.
  • The Council shall be vested with, and shall exercise, full executive authority in accordance with the rules or the general policy of the Institute as laid down from time to time by Annual or other General Meetings.
  • Other than recurring expenditure, the Council shall have the authority to incur a total non-recurring expenditure of not more than $15,000 per month from the Institute accounts. An additional non-recurring expenditure of $18,000 shall have the unanimous agreement of the Council Members.

Audit

  • The appointment of the external auditors may be proposed by the Council at the Annual General Meeting and accepted by a simple majority of those present at the meeting.
  • A firm of Public Accountants when appointed by the Council shall present the report at the Annual General Meeting.

Trusteeship

  • The Institute may appoint trustees in the event of the establishment of a Foundation. Three trustees shall be appointed at an Annual General Meeting.
  • The appointed trustees shall have power to utilise such monies as decided at the General Meeting.

Prohibitions

  • Gambling of any kind whether for stakes or not is forbidden at the Institute’s premises. The introduction of materials for gambling or drug taking and of bad characters into the premises is prohibited.
  • The funds of the Institute shall not be used to pay the fines of members who have been convicted in Court.
  • The Institute shall not engage in any Trade Union activity as defined in any written law relating to Trade Unions for the time being in force in Singapore.
  • The Institute shall not hold any lottery whether confined to its members or not, in the name of the Institute or its bearers, Council or its members.
  • The Institute shall not indulge in any political activity or allow its funds and/or premises to be used for political purposes.
  • The Institute shall not attempt to restrict or interfere with trade or make directly or indirectly any recommendation to, any arrangement with its Members which has the purpose or is likely to have the effect of fixing or controlling the price or any discount, allowance or rebate relating to any goods or services which adversely affects consumer interests.

Amendments to Rules

No amendments, alterations, additions or deletions to these rules shall be made except at a general meeting by two-third majority vote by members present at the AGM or EGM as the case may be and proxies duly appointed in writing by members, and they shall not come into force without prior sanction of the Registrar of Societies.

Interpretation

In the event of any question on matter arising out of any point which is not expressly provided for in the rules, the Council shall have power to use their own discretion.

Dissolution

  • The Institute shall not be dissolved except with the consent of not less than three-quarters of the members of the Institute eligible to vote for the time being resident in Singapore and expressed in person at a general meeting convened for the purpose, or by postal vote.
  • In the event of the Institute being dissolved as provided above, all debt and liabilities incurred legally on behalf of the Institute shall be fully discharged and the remaining funds be transferred to an organisation whose aims and objects are similar to those of the Institute.
  • Notice of dissolution shall be given to the Registrar of Societies within seven days of the dissolution.

Note: The revised changes to the Constitution as proposed during the 40th AGM on 30 March 2010 were approved by the Registrar of Societies (ROSES) on 10 May 2010.