CONSTITUTION OF THE PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL OF SEXUAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (PCSHP)OF SEXOLOGY S A (SSA)
CONSTITUTION OF THE
PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL OF SEXUAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (PCSHP) OF SEXOLOGY S A (SSA)
1. NAME OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODY
The Professional Body is called the PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL OF SEXUAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (abbreviated PCSHP) OF SEXOLOGY SA (abbreviated SSA)
2. MEANING OF TERMS
2.1 "Professional Body" means PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL OF SEXUAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
2.2 "Foundation" means SEXOLOGY SA
2.3 "AGM" means Annual General Meeting
2.4 "Executive Board" means the executive board of the PROFESSIONAL BODY
2.5 "President" means the executive president of the executive board
2.6 "Academy" means the ACADEMY FOR SEXOLOGY (PTY) LTD
2.7 "Code of conduct" means the professional ethical code of conduct for members
2.8 "Member" means any member of the PROFESSIONAL BODY as stipulated in this constitution and who is registered as such with the PROFESSIONAL BODY
2.9 "Expert" means a professional specialist in human sexuality, practicing in a professional career related to SEXOLOGY and who is registered as such with its professional body as well as with the PROFESSIONAL BODY
2.10 "Sexologist" means a professional specialist in SEXOLOGY who is practicing as a "sexologist" and who is registered as such with the PROFESSIONAL BODY
2.11 "Therapist of sexual health" means a professional specialist in SEXOLOGY who is practicing as a "Therapist of sexual health" and who is registered as such with the PROFESSIONAL BODY
2.12 "Counsellor of sexual health" means a professional specialist in SEXOLOGY who is practicing as a "Counsellor of sexual health" and who is registered as such with the PROFESSIONAL BODY
3. NATURE OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODY
3.1 The PROFESSIONAL BODY is a non-statutory Professional Council for Sexual Health Professionals with full cooperation with the SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITIES (SAQA).
3.2 The PROFESSIONAL BODY is a legal body with perpetual succession independent of its office bearers, capable of entering into contractual and other relations, liable for its debts and assets, and not formed for the personal financial gain of any individual.
4. VISION AND MISSION OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODY
4.1 To be a highly respected professional body for:
4.2 Professional sexual health services to all South Africans in order to ensure optimum sexual health, sexual well-being, sexual happiness as well as responsible sexual behaviour of all human beings on all aspects of sexuality: procreation, relation and recreation.
4.3 To ensure the highest academic and professional training of sexual health professional at all times within the perception of sexology as a w-holistic, inter-trans-disciplinary, universal-integral, bio, psycho, social & cultural science "between and beyond the poles" with an autonomous locus within the human sciences both in SA and Internationally.
4.4 Advocates a positive and proactive perceptional paradigm shift as well as a healing behavioural change regarding sexuality in both the South African community and the International community.
5. THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
5.1 The Executive Board has the final word regarding all membership applications, suspensions and terminations.
5.2 The Executive Board has the responsibility to advocate and to protect the professionalism of all members of the PROFESSIONAL BODY
5.3 The Executive Board has the responsibility to protect all Client/Patient/ Persons and the public as a whole from any kind of abuse or unprofessional conduct of the members of the PROFESSIONAL BODY.
5.4 The Executive Board has the power to enforce the code of conduct on all members and to take applicable disciplinary action in all cases where the code of conduct is breached.
6. VALUES OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODY
6.1 Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice
6.2 Optimum sexual health, sexual well-being, sexual happiness as well as responsible sexual behaviour of all human beings on all aspects of sexuality: procreation, relation and recreation in South Africa
6.3 Sexual well-being for each individual. Quality relationships for all couples. Reactive and pro-active against HIV & Aids, STI’s, rape, violence against women and children, unplanned teenage pregnancies, date rape and sex abuse in the RSA. Sexual advice & counselling to the poorest of the poor at grass roots level. Enhanced sexological knowledge, -attitudes and -skills of individuals as well as society as a whole. Enhanced sexological knowledge, -attitudes and -skills of all professionals dealing with sexuality. A better awareness and understanding of all the different cultural perceptions (specifically in the multi-cultural RSA) regarding sexuality.
6.4 Motho ke motho ka batho ba bangwe – a human being is a human being through other human beings
7. VALUES OF THE FOUNDATION
SSA is non-discriminatory, sex-positive, pro-choice, accessible, open, scientific, responsible and confidential. Sexual well being and sexual well functioning (including sexual happiness, -health and -wellness) is promoted from a medical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual perspective for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation. SSA supports human rights for all.
8. CODE OF CONDUCT
8.1 Introduction
The goal of these instructions is to help people working on the field of sexology to grasp the significance of ethics in their own work. These instructions are not to be taken as rules but more as tools which allow one to make ethical contemplation a part of their everyday work routine. Ethics are not about giving orders and abiding rules but about internalising the responsibility for one's decisions even in difficult situations. Ethical action depends on the situation because people and their conditions vary. Therefore it is good for Sexual Health Practitioner to be sensitive to the ethical dimensions of the situations they encounter in their work.
These guidelines are aimed especially for people working as Sexologists, Therapists of sexual health and Counsellors of sexual health. Some parts may also be applicable to sexological research. Furthermore, these guidelines are designed to help Sexual Health Practitioner' clients and others who are interested in the ethical principles guiding above-mentioned professionals. These instructions do not replace ethical guidelines created for particular professions or institutions but are meant to be used as an addition to them. In case these guidelines collide with local laws, the laws should be abided.
8.2 Ethical principles
Autonomy: A Sexual Health Practitioner respects the Client/Patient/Person's autonomy, which includes the right to start and terminate the Client/Patient/Person relationship. Sexual Health Practitioner does not guide or tend to the Client/Patient/Person against his or her will or in secret but rather aims to enhance the Client/Patient/Person's own capability to make decisions concerning himself or herself, also taking into account the well-being of others close to the Client/Patient/Person.
Integrity: A Sexual Health Practitioner respects the Client/Patient/Person's bodily integrity. Any touching connected to the Client/Patient/Person relationship or procedures that require physical contact must be explained beforehand for and given permission to by the Client/Patient/Person. Integrity also includes mental and emotional boundaries, which are to be respected. When the Client/Patient/Person relationship demands dealing with things that may be difficult for the Client/Patient/Person, the Sexual Health Practitioner always tries to come to an agreement with the Client/Patient/Person about suitable approaches or methods for dealing with such issues.
Confidentiality: The discussions between the Sexual Health Practitioner and the Client/Patient/Person, all the information and documents concerned and the existence of the Client/Patient/Person relationship are confidential. Any information about them may not be disclosed to anyone without the Client/Patient/Person's consent.
Client/Patient/Person's interest: A Sexual Health Practitioner acts mainly for the Client/Patient/Person's best interest. Understanding of the Client/Patient/ Person's interest should be based on a consensus between the Sexual Health Practitioner and the Client/Patient/Person. If other interests, such as forwarding sexological research by the Sexual Health Practitioner, are involved, they should be made known to the Client/Patient/Person immediately. In the case of conflict of interests, the Client/Patient/Person's interest comes always first.
Value neutrality: A Sexual Health Practitioner should be unbiased towards the Client/Patient/Person's values about his/her way of life, sexuality and relationships. He/she tries not to force any specific set of values or ideas about sexuality on the Client/Patient/Person. The Sexual Health Practitioner tries to identify the impact of their own values and ideas on their work and consider their own motivations and emotions in Client/Patient/Person relationships. Neutrality does not mean avoiding value discussions but that different value choices are respected.
Professionalism: A Sexual Health Practitioner takes care that their professional knowledge and skill levels are as high as possible. He/she should recognise any professional lacks and know how to direct the Client/Patient/Person, if necessary, to better or more suitable professional help. The Sexual Health Practitioner also tries to identify situations where he/she is disqualified to start a Client/Patient/Person relationship when the Client/Patient/Person is, for example, a relative or a member of a mutual group of friends.
8.3 Description of good practise
Client relationship: A Sexual Health Practitioner ensures that relationship between him/her and the client remains professional at all times. The Sexual Health Practitioner will never enter a sexual relationship with the Client/Patient/Person and will also make sure that the relationship stays professional on the emotional level as well.
Fairness: A Sexual Health Practitioner treats all Client/Patient/Persons fairly without discriminating anyone on the basis of ethnic origin, status, sex, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
Client/Patient/Person orientation: A Sexual Health Practitioner always pays attention to the Client/Patient/Person's age and the level of development and to possible constraints that may be due to, for instance, language proficiency, cultural background, disability or mental abilities.
Transparency: A Sexual Health Practitioner makes sure that the Client/Patient/Person understands the meaning of the methods and concepts used in the sessions. The Client/Patient/Person should also be informed about the Sexual Health Practitioner's educational background and possible commitments to particular schools of thought of forms of therapy. The Sexual Health Practitioner will try to promote the mutual understanding between him/her and the Client/Patient/Person by being open about his/her goals and motivations and by repeatedly making sure that the Client/Patient/Person has understood him/her correctly.
Physical contact: The use of methods involving physical contact requires that the Sexual Health Practitioner has the appropriate training or education to use them. The Sexual Health Practitioner will always explain to the Client/Patient/Person why and how these methods are implemented. The use of such methods always requires permission from the Client/Patient/Person.
Disclosing information: A Sexual Health Practitioner may provide information about the Client/Patient/Person only with his/her written consent. The Sexual Health Practitioner ensures that the consent is properly and clearly given and that the Client/Patient/Person has a possibility to familiarise himself beforehand with the information being forwarded. The Client/Patient/Person can only give a consent to disclosing information about himself of herself, for instance in a group or couples' therapy setting. In. this case, it should be ensured that the confidentiality of other Client/Patient/Persons' information is not compromised.
Boundaries of confidentiality: A Sexual Health Practitioner may disclose information about his/her Client/Patient/Person only in situations where national laws or the threat of imminent and serious danger so require.
Retention of information: A Sexual Health Practitioner ensures that all Client/Patient/Person information and records are kept in a safe and locked place, so that no-one can get a hold of them without the proper authorization. The Client/Patient/Person has the right to check his/her data and its security on demand.
Recording sessions: A Sexual Health Practitioner will always ask for a written permission from the Client/Patient/Person if he/she makes recordings of the sessions with audio or video equipment. The Client/Patient/Person should be informed about how and what for the sessions are recorded.
Well-being at work: A Sexual Health Practitioner will seek proper professional guidance and take care of his/her well-being so that he/she will be able to maintain good professional and ethical standards in his/her own work.
Self-evaluation: A Sexual Health Practitioner will evaluate his/her work and relationship to the Client/Patient/Persons critically. He/she will seek to identify any problematic points in the Client/Patient/Person relationship and correct his/her own actions and approach in the situations that have caused the problems. Self-evaluation encompasses the entire job description - both the professional and interaction skills as well as the emotions raised by the work. Source: WHO Helsinki 6 June 2009
9. MEMBERSHIP
Any person in the categories A, B, C or D below, who has completed a written membership application, has provided proof of his/her profession and paid the membership fee for the current year is admitted as a member of the PROFESSIONAL BODY at the discretion of the executive board.
Members have to subscribe to the constitution, code of ethics and mission of the PROFESSIONAL BODY.
The membership fee is recommended by the executive board and subject to annual approval by the AGM.
Membership can be terminated either way by giving one-month notice.
The executive board may terminate a member's membership if a breach of the code of ethics has occurred.
All members may attend the AGM, of which will be given a 21 day notice.
The following membership categories apply:
9.1 Membership (Category A)
Professionals who are practicing, lecturing or researching full time as approved, qualified Sexologists, Therapists of sexual health and Counsellors of sexual health.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students in sexology, registered with the Academy for Sexology, will be registered in Category A as students under the following conditions:
Only students, who have completed more than one module successfully, and who are making satisfying progress in their studies, will have full voting rights. Student members pay 50% of the membership fee paid by regular full members.
Members in Category A have full voting rights at the AGM and will be identified by their registration numbers with SSA.
Sexologists = S-SSA + number
Sex Therapists = T-SSA + number
Sex Counsellors = C-SSA + number
Students (under graduate) = U student-SSA + number
Students (post graduate) = P student-SSA + number
9.2 Membership (Category B)
Category B membership is reserved for professionals who are proved experts in human sexuality in related disciplines, for example: medical doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, ministers, teachers, lawyers etc and who are registered as such with their professional body.
The following membership categories apply:
Medical doctors = EM-SSA + number
Nurses = EN-SSA + number
Psychologists = EP-SSA + number
Social workers = ES-SSA + number
Theologians, ministers / pastors = ET-SSA + number
Educators, Teachers = EE-SSA + number
Lawyers = EL-SSA + number
Other = EO-SSA + number
9.3 Honorary or Life Membership (Category C)
Any member of SSA who has been recommended by an executive board member due to his / her excellent achievements and / or knowledge in the field of sexology or longstanding invaluable services to the FOUNDATION may become an honorary or life member at the discretion and by approval of the AGM. These members do not pay membership fees.
9.4 Industry Members (Category D)
Any company / organization involved in the development of SSA, represented by this company's / organizations non-voting representative/s. The fee for industry membership will be doubles that of a regular member.
10. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
10.1 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place once a year, no longer than 18 months after the previous AGM. The meeting is open to all. This meeting is the highest decision-making body of the PROFESSIONAL BODY.
10.2 The notice and agenda for the AGM will be sent out to all members at least 21 full days before the date of the AGM.
10.3 The quorum at the properly advertised AGM shall be the number of members present.
10.4 The following documents have to be submitted to and approved by this meeting: the president's report, the financial report, the report from the Academy for Sexology and portfolio reports. The election or endorsement of the executive board takes place at the AGM.
11. COMPOSITION OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODY AND EXECUTIVE BOARD
11.1 The PROFESSIONAL BODY consists of an Executive Board, Salaried Personnel, and Members.
11.2 The Executive Board is the controlling body of the PROFESSIONAL BODY
11.2.1 The Executive Board comprises the following members:
11.2.1.1 The Executive President (acting as chairperson) will be the Founder of the FOUNDATION and he will only be replaced on the grounds of either proven incompetence or ethical misconduct and then only by a two third majority vote of both the Executive Board and the AGM.
11.2.1.2 Two ex officio representatives from the FOUNDATION, plus two representatives from the ACADEMY, plus two representatives from CATAGORY A members, plus two representatives from CATAGORY B members, plus one representative from CATAGORY C members, plus one representative from CATAGORY D members plus one or two international professionals
11.2.1.3 Salaried Personnel are appointed by the president on recommendation and in agreement with the executive board and are accountable to the executive board. Candidates for such posts will be interviewed by the executive board, which shall also decide on the creation and scrapping of posts. They will comply with signed terms and conditions of service and will report to the president.
11.2.1 4 The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Executive Board and approved by the President. This position is a voluntary position.
11.2.1.5 Any other non-salaried Volunteers volunteer their services where and when the PROFESSIONAL BODY is in need thereof.
11.2.2 The Executive Board fulfils the following functions:
11.2.2.1 The Executive Board has the final word regarding all membership applications, suspensions and terminations.
11.2.2.2 The Executive Board has the responsibility to advocate and to protect the professionalism of all members of the PROFESSIONAL BODY
11.2.2.3 The Executive Board has the responsibility to protect all Client/Patient/ Persons and the public as a whole from any kind of abuse or unprofessional conduct of the members of the PROFESSIONAL BODY.
11.2.2.4 The Executive Board has the power to enforce the code of conduct on all members and to take applicable disciplinary action in all cases where the code of conduct is breached.
11.2.2.5 Supervises the affairs and funds of the PROFESSIONAL BODY and controls all matters concerning the administration of the PROFESSIONAL BODY during board meetings at which the quorum is two thirds of the executive board.
11.2.2.6 Makes recommendations regarding any aspect of the PROFESSIONAL BODY's functioning and activities.
11.2.2.7 Engages in medium and long-term strategic planning for the future of the PROFESSIONAL BODY.
11.2.2.8 Makes recommendations and ratifies decisions regarding fundraising issues, the use of funds and remuneration of personnel.
12. FINANCE
12.1.1 The PROFESSIONAL BODY may generate revenue through donations, membership fees, fees for services rendered, investment of funds, and by any other legitimate means.
12.1.2 The finances of the PROFESSIONAL BODY shall be overseen by the treasurer in conjunction with and reporting back to the executive board.
12.1.3 The books and accounts of the PROFESSIONAL BODY shall be audited annually by auditors appointed by the executive board.
12.1.4 The financial year-end of the PROFESSIONAL BODY is at the end of the month of February of every calendar year.
12.1.5 The PROFESSIONAL BODY will be a tax-exempted PROFESSIONAL BODY.
13. AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION
Amendments to the constitution may be made only at the recommendation of the executive board with approval of two thirds majority members present at the AGM after propositions have been adequately announced in the agenda of the AGM and thoroughly discussed by all concerned.
14. TERMINATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODY
In the event of dissolution, residual funds and assets, after all debts have been paid and all liabilities equitably resolved, shall be donated to any non-profit organisation which promotes sexual health. The nominated organisation shall be decided at the final meeting by a simple majority.