1. The Association shall be called the Magnetic Resonance Radiologists Association (UK) (MRRA (UK)).

2. The aims of the Association shall be:

1. To promote the exchange of information and experience relating to the clinical use of Magnetic Resonance (MR) amongst radiologists.
2. To promote the highest standards of practice of MR.
3. To provide an authoritative source of information and opinions on the clinical use of MR for the Royal Colleges, the British Institute of Radiology, Government, Commerce or other Special Interest groups worldwide.
4. To facilitate the edicts of Governing Bodies relating to training and safe practice of MR.
5. To advance the education and research of the clinical use of MR

3. The Association shall be autonomous. Although originally formed under the aegis of the Royal College of Radiologists, it shall remain financially and democratically independent. The Association, formerly known as The MRI Club, has the authority to call itself a Special Interest Group of the Royal College of Radiologists.

4. Membership shall be open to all clinical radiologists with an interest in MR who have paid the annual subscription or who possess life membership. Other individuals working with MR may be offered Associate Membership subject to a majority vote at a MRRA (UK) business meeting.

5. Subscriptions shall be fixed at the Annual General Meeting and shall be payable by the end of January each year. Annual Members who fail to pay their subscription by 1st July of that year shall forfeit their membership. Life Membership or payment by standing order shall be encouraged.

6. A Committee shall be responsible for the management of the Association and its funds. The Committee shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The Committee shall have the power to co-opt Liaison Officers to facilitate links with outside organisations. In addition, it shall have the power to transact the business of the Association. Each committee member shall have specific terms of reference which will include the accepted use of funds as specified at the Annual General Meeting. These Terms of Reference will be available for scrutiny by all members. Committee members are expected to sit on relevant MR committees of the Royal College of Radiologists, the British Institute of Radiology and other bodies in order to represent the interests of the MRRA (UK).

7. Elections for committee members shall be held at 2 yearly intervals after an initial term of service of 2 years for chairman and vice-chairman and 3 years for secretary and treasurer. All Officers are eligible for re-election but no Officer shall hold office for more than 6 years continuously. The secretary shall inform members at the preceding meeting of any imminent election. Proposed Officers must agree to stand for election and must be nominated and seconded in writing by full members of the Association. Voting will be by postal ballot.

8. Funds are to be held by a recognised financial body and subjected to audit and legally acceptable accountancy checks. The release of funds shall require the signature of a minimum of 2 members of the committee. The treasurer shall present a statement of accounts at least once a year. Funds are to be used solely for the promotion of the aims of the Association as stated in the constitution. No part may be paid as a dividend or professional fee or otherwise to any member of the Association, except for reasonable expenses incurred by a member on behalf of the Association. These expenses will be accountable at the Annual General Meeting. Sponsorship from industry will be encouraged.

9. Meetings shall be held at least twice a year, in the winter and summer. The Annual General Meeting will be at the summer venue. Joint meetings with other organisations are to be encouraged but at least one of the meetings in anyone year should be solely for MRRA (UK) members. Attendance at meetings shall be free for paid up members unless otherwise specified at a previous meeting. All guests will be required to pay a registration fee which will be set at the previous meeting.

10. The location of the meetings will be varied to achieve the aim of national representation of the Association. The committee shall be responsible for appointing a suitable local organizer for subsequent meetings.

11. Constitutional changes may be made at any business meeting by a majority vote of at least 60% of the members present, provided the meeting is quorate. A quorum shall be 10 paid up members. The quorum will be reviewed on the basis of the paid-up membership numbers. Proposed changes must be posted by the secretary at least 21 days. in advance of the meeting.

12. Dissolution of the Association shall only occur at a business meeting or a specially called meeting. 21 days notice of the proposed dissolution must be given by the secretary and the support of 60% of the total membership will be required for dissolution to occur.

Dr S C P Blease
Secretary :MRRA (UK) 2 October 1995.