Constitution of the Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association (IBCSTA)
 
1. Name

The name of the organisation shall be:
Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association (IBCSTA)

(the full name and the acronym can be used interchangeably)
 
2. Purpose

The purpose of the IBCSTA is to:
•    Support the professional practice and development of Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy 
•    Promote ethical, safe and compassionate therapeutic practice 
•    Maintain professional standards amongst members 
•    Support education, postgraduate training and continuing development 
•    Encourage collaboration, supervision and peer support within the profession 
•    Promote public awareness and understanding of Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy 

The IBCSTA is established as an independent professional association and is not constituted as a charity.
 
3. Membership

3.1 Categories of Membership

The Association may offer the following categories of membership:
a) Registered Member (RIBCST)
Open to graduates of recognised Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy training programmes approved by the Association.
Registered members may use the professional designation:
RIBCST – Registered Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapist
b) Student Member
Open to students currently enrolled in recognised training programmes.
c) Associate Member
Open to practitioners or individuals with a professional interest in the field who may not meet full registration requirements.
d) Honorary Membership
May be granted at the discretion of the Association in recognition of contribution to the profession.
 
4. Membership Fees

New graduates are eligible for free membership during their first year following graduation. Standard annual membership renewal is currently set at: 

• £80 per year

The Association reserves the right to amend membership fees as necessary.
 
5. Membership Benefits

Membership benefits include:
•    Eligibility to use the letters RIBCST (Registered Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapist) 

•    Inclusion in the IBCSTA directory as a Registered practitioner

•    Access to an afforable Insurance scheme
•    Free access to our dynamic blog, with articles, research, and a variety of contributions
•    Discounted workshops and clinical experience to help develop your practice. (e.g. baby and children teaching clinics)
•    Professional networking opportunities 
•    Access to supervision and mentoring opportunities 
Benefits may change or expand over time.
 
6. Standards of Membership

All members agree to:
•    Abide by the IBCSTA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 
•    Practise within the limits of their training and competence 
•    Maintain professional indemnity insurance where applicable 
•    Conduct themselves professionally and respectfully 
•    Uphold the integrity and reputation of the Association 
 
7. Suspension or Termination of Membership

The Association reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership where a member:
•    Acts in breach of the Code of Ethics 
•    Behaves in a way that may bring the profession into disrepute 
•    Fails to maintain appropriate professional standards 
•    Fails to pay membership fees within a reasonable timeframe 
Where possible, concerns should first be addressed through communication and resolution.
 
8. Structure of the Association

8.1 General Structure
The IBCSTA shall operate as a professional membership association.
At this stage, the Association is not required to maintain a formal board of trustees or charity governance structure.
The Association may appoint:
•    Directors 
•    Coordinators 
•    Administrators 
•    Advisors 
•    Committees or working groups 
as required for the effective running of the Association.

8.2 Decision Making
Major decisions regarding:
•    Membership structure 
•    Fees 
•    Ethical standards 
•    Professional policies 
•    Changes to the Constitution 
shall be made through consultation between the Association leadership and membership where appropriate.
 
9. Meetings

The Association may hold:
•    Annual meetings 
•    Online meetings 
•    Professional forums 
•    Educational events 
Meetings may take place in person or electronically.
 
10. Finances

Association funds shall be used solely for:
•    Administrative costs 
•    Educational activities 
•    Professional development 
•    Membership services 
•    Promotion of the Association and profession 

No profits shall be distributed to members personally except for agreed payment for professional services rendered to the Association.
 
11. Complaints and Professional Concerns

The Association may establish procedures for:
•    Ethical concerns 
•    Complaints 
•    Professional review 
•    Mediation or conflict resolution 

The intention of any such process shall be:
•    Fairness 
•    Professional accountability 
•    Protection of the public 
•    Supportive resolution where possible 
 
12. Amendments to the Constitution

This Constitution may be amended by agreement of the Association leadership and membership.
Proposed amendments should be communicated clearly to members prior to adoption.
 
13. Dissolution

If the Association ceases operation, any remaining funds or assets, after settlement of liabilities, shall be distributed in a manner consistent with the aims of the Association or transferred to another professional or educational organisation with similar objectives.
 
14. Interpretation

This Constitution is intended as a practical and flexible governing document for the operation of the IBCSTA.

It may evolve over time as the Association develops.
 
Final Statement

The Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association exists to support a grounded, ethical and relational approach to professional practice.
The Association seeks to foster integrity, collaboration, continuing development and compassionate care within the field of Integrated Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy.