Aims and Objectives and Structure
Current objectives of the Association
The objectives of the Association are: -
- to encourage training and education of, and, more generally, the development of experience in, members and to foster the advancement of consistent and efficient administration of electoral registration and the conduct of elections;
- to promote the knowledge in members by the provision of opportunities for the exchange of views and experiences among members of the Association and with others;
- to disseminate information and advice on all aspects of electoral registration and the conduct of elections to members and others;
- to provide commercial and other services, facilities and assistance to bodies with objects consistent with those of the Association including, without limitation, the organisation of seminars, training courses and conferences, and the publication of written materials, for or of interest to the members of such body or bodies and all other persons interested or concerned in the administration of electoral registration and the conduct of elections; and
- to undertake by invitation any work whatsoever or to offer any facilities or advice in connection with the organisation, administration and oversight of elections, electoral registration and any related activities within or outside of the United Kingdom.
The Association's Future Aims and Objectives
As can be seen from the previous section, the Association is a busy organisation with many activities and interests. In addition to ensuring that its internal affairs are well organised and the needs of the membership are well provided for, the Association has to plan for continuing growth and activity in other areas of work of interest and concern to all engaged in the furtherance of democracy both in the United Kingdom and on the international front.
In developing its future plans and objectives, the Association will maintain a flexible approach to allow it to respond to the needs and interests of the day. Within that general constraint, the Association's medium to long term aims and objectives will be to:
- maintain its reputation as the leading professional body for electoral administrators within the United Kingdom
- continue to raise the profile of electoral administration both within the United Kingdom and internationally
- continue to administer and further develop the professional qualifications for electoral administrators
- enhance the Association's reputation as an internationally recognised expert body in the field of electoral administration
- assist the membership in the development of good practice in the registration of electors and the conduct of elections
- contribute positively to electoral reform within the United Kingdom
- work with others to ensure professionalism and effectiveness in all aspects of electoral administration
- assist the development of democracy by supporting efforts to improve and enhance democratic systems world-wide
- provide high quality training in all fields relevant to the Association's areas of work and expertise
- co-operate with others in developing a network of international contacts to improve and enhance professionalism in electoral administration.
- provide timely advice, through appropriate means, to assist members in performing their professional role.
Structure
Annual General Meeting and Conference
The Annual General Meeting of the Association is held in February, on the morning of the third day (Wednesday) of its Annual Conference. The Annual General Meeting is the Association's policy making body. The Conference, which consists of a mixture of plenary sessions and workshops, provides an invaluable opportunity for delegates to learn of the latest developments, to discuss matters of mutual interest with colleagues from different types of authority and areas, and to see the different products which are on display in the associated exhibition.The Conference Working Party chooses venues for the event which provide attractive facility rich locations to support the wide range of activities in the programme. The Annual Conference is the highlight of the Association's year and all members are encouraged to give it their full support. Networking is one of its important features and assists members in identifying contacts and sources of information for the future.
Officers
For the first time, in February 2009, the Deputy Chairman succeeded to the office of Chairman, an event occurring annually thereafter. As the Deputy Chairman automatically succeeds the Chairman, elections are now held only for the office of Deputy Chairman.
The elected officers are supported by a number of appointed officer posts. Details of the current Officers can be found here.
Branches
The Association operates through a branch structure with eleven branches covering the United Kingdom. Previously, there were thirteen branches but, at the beginning of 2005, the three separate London branches merged into one. Branches meet three or four times a year and give members the opportunity to discuss matters relating to the conduct of elections and electoral registration as well as the internal workings of the Association. They also organise training activities for members.
Association Business
The Association conducts its business through its Council which meets four times a year and consists of Officers of the Association and appointed representatives from each of the Branches; its members are also the directors of the limited company. Day to day management of the Association's affairs is undertaken by the Management Team, consisting of the Chief Executive, Executive Director (Resources) and the Executive Director (Commercial), with the Assistant Chief Executive, Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman as ex-officio members.