1.1 The name of the Association will be :

EUROPEAN LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS FEDERATION (E.L.E.F.)

2. OBJECTS

2.1 The objects of the Federation are the advancement of public education concerning all aspects of Lupus both in medical, and sociological areas of the disease.

3. AIMS & POWERS

3.1 To collect information on all aspects of Lupus, both in the medical and sociological areas of the disease.

3.2 To assist in improving the knowledge of the disease for people with Lupus and members of the health, welfare and medical professions.

3.3 To encourage and/or undertake surveys and research projects related to the disease, and the publication of the useful results of any such research.

3.4 To promote awareness of the disease throughout Europe and the Support Groups that are available for sufferers in each member country.

3.5 To sponsor and/or promote European symposia on all aspects of Lupus.

3.6 To gain representation on any European or international body whose interests could be of benefit to members of the European Lupus Erythematosus Federation.

3.7 To assist with the establishment of Groups in other European countries where at present they do not exist.

3.8 To do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the attaimment of the above objects.

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Membership of the European Lupus Erythematosus Federation is open to all the National Lupus Self Help Organisations in Europe providing support for people

suffering with - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid Lupus or Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.

The Federation would also consider admission to countries just outside Europe.

4.2 Each country will be entitled to send a Delegation to the Meetings.

4.3 At all meetings, each country will be allowed only one vote by its Delegation.

4.4 At all meetings, Delegations must have full powers to make decisions on behalf of their own country.

5. ADMINISTRATION

5.1 The general administration of the Federation will be undertaken by the Executive Director. This person will be elected by the Council to serve a period of 3 years and will be eligible for re-election.

The Executive Director shall:

5.2 Be custodian of the records of the Federation.

5.3 Receive dues and contributions on behalf of the Federation.

5.4 Maintain record books in which official acts of the Federation are entered along with any amendments; and

5.5 Perform such other duties as may be determined from time to time by the Council.

6. COUNCIL

6.1 The overall control of the Federation will be administered by the Council. One nominated delegate from each member country will serve on the Council. Council meetings will be held at least once in 18 months at the Convention.

7. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

7.1 The management and control of the Federation shall be vested in the Executive Committee.

7.2 The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairman, who will be the Executive Director, the Vice-Chairman and three other members. The Executive Committee may co-opt advisors in a non voting capacity.

7.3 The members of the Executive Committee will be elected by the Council or by proxy

7.4 If at any time after the election of the Executive Committee a vacancy should arise the remaining members of the Executive Committee shall appoint a replacement member whose appointment shall be approved by a majority of the votes cast at the next Council Meeting.

7.5 Members of the Executive Committee shall hold office for a period of three years after his or her election unless he or she is removed by a vote of the Council and shall be eligible for re-election.

7.6 The Council may by a 2/3 majority of the votes cast removed immediately any member of the Executive Committee at any time for any reason that may be considered contrary to the aims,,or the operation of the Federation provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to be heard before a final decision is made.

7.7 Alteration to this Constitution shall receive the assent of two-thirds of the Members present and voting at a General Meeting or a Special General Meeting. A resolution of the alteration of the constitution must be received by the Secretary of the Federation at least 21 days before the meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward. At least 14 days notice of such a meeting must be given by the Secretary and themembership and must includeshall be made to proposed. Provided that no alteration clause 2 (objects), clause 8 (dissolution) or this clause, until the approval in writing of the Charity Commissioners or other authority having charitable jurisdiction shall have been obtained; and no alteration shall be made which would have the effect of causing the Federation to cease to be a charity in law.

7.8 Approval of the annual budget will also require a 2/3 majority vote. All other decisions required by the Council or the Executive Committee will be accepted on a majority vote of one.

7.9 Any member of the Executive Committee may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Federation. Any such resignation shall take effect upon the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein and unless specified therein the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it active.

7.10 An Emergency Meeting can be called by two or more members of either the Executive Committee or the Council.

7.11 The Executive Committee shall:

1. Act on behalf of the Council between meetings on all matters not specifically vested in the Council.

2. Appoint an auditor to report to the Council.

3. Authorise any expenditure that comes within the budget fixed by the previous Council Meeting.

4. Execute resolutions of the Council.

 8. DISSOLUTION