Networks

We intend that Networks are valued as an individual and collective benefit of ACEM membership. As such, ACEM Networks will:

• promote communication within an emergency medicine (EM) craft or interest group;
• ​​enable members to advocate for their interests in that area;
• provide opportunities to undertake educational and mentoring activities and events; and
• share information and innovative ideas.

While it is important that the business of Networks is broadly consistent with the objectives and values of the College, we aim to provide the structures and platforms to enable engaged and sustainable virtual communities that are fairly autonomous from College oversight.

ACEM Support for Networks

While the ‘independence’ of Networks is important, we understand that our members have incredibly busy professional lives. Network activities do, therefore, need to be continually suffused with College support, to help maintain engagement and focus. The College employs a Network Officer whose specific role is to provide this support.

Furthermore, full administrative support is provided to a full-day virtual meeting of the Executive annually (which may entail organisation of an associated webinar with the full membership). We also provide the dedicated infrastructure to enable unlimited self-organised meetings of Executives. Networks may also choose to meet face-to-face at craft events.

Each Network is affiliated also with a standing parent committee, to provide a channel of influence within College governance structures. Networks provide an annual report to these Committees detailing their activities.

Who can be a member?

Networks have an unlimited and broad-based membership of FACEMs, trainees, and other ACEM members. The Terms of Reference of some Networks also enable non-ACEM members to join.

There is a simple requirement that members are involved with or interested in the particular aspect of emergency medicine that is undertaken by that Network. Membership is free via completion of a short application form.

What is expected of members?

Members will be expected to:

• have their membership logged within the ACEM member portal and the College’s elearning platform (for the purposes of participating in discussion forums);
• receive updates on Network activities;
• be notified of requests from other members who might be interested in collaborating;
• consider sharing information on specific interests and expertise with other members; and
• register a vote when the Network Executive is elected every two years.

There is no obligation on members to collaborate when requested, only to be open to an approach. Your contact and other details will be obtained only for the specified purpose of receiving information and requests that are explicitly associated with the activities of the Network. Details shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose.

What is an Executive member?

Every two years an Executive (of six–12 Network members) is appointed following a nomination and election/appointment process. You can find out more on that via the ACEM Policy on Networks.
 
The primary aim and responsibility of the Executive and its office-bearers is the establishment and leadership of thriving Networks. The Executive Chair and Deputy Chair will be proactive in leading the ‘agenda’ of the Network, proposing meeting dates and events, engaging with the governing body as appropriate and moderating information to be circulated to the wider Network.
 
The Executive should always be accessible to the wider Network membership. For example, the College will proactively provide each Network with the regular ability to ‘Ask a Colleague/Ask the Executive’ enabling all members to put an enquiry, or provide material for circulation, to the Executive or full membership.

The ACEM Policy on Networks details how to establish a new ACEM Network. ‘Sponsors’ of such applications need to be highly committed, and understand that the functioning of the entity will be determined by the long-term dedication and energy of its members.

Two to five FACEM sponsors should submit a detailed proposal to the intended governing Council (COE or CAPP), providing the information mandated within the Policy. If approved by the governing Council at this ‘vetting stage’ a formal proposal can be made on behalf of at least 30 Fellows of the College.

Should the parent Council endorse the formation of the Network, and the associated draft terms of Reference, a recommendation will be made to the ACEM Board. The decision of the Board shall be final and is not subject to reconsideration under College processes.

Please email [email protected] for more information.