Constitution & Ethics

Constitution of the British International Polygraph Association (BIPA)

Status: Independent, non‑profit, unincorporated association.

Disclaimer: BIPA is independent and applies the APA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics within UK law and international best practice.

1. Name

1.1 The name of the association is the British International Polygraph Association (BIPA).

2. Legal Status

2.2 BIPA is an independent, non‑profit unincorporated association governed by this Constitution under the laws of England and Wales.

3. Purposes (Objects)

BIPA exists to:

Promote ethical, evidence‑based polygraph practice in the UK and internationally.
Adopt and require compliance with the APA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, applied within UK law (no endorsement implied).
Support examiner competence through training, CPD, peer learning, and research literacy.
Provide public information on appropriate use and limitations of polygraph testing.
Maintain membership standards, verification, and a fair complaints and discipline process.

4. Independence & Non‑Affiliation

4.1 BIPA is independent and not formally affiliated with any other body.

4.2 Reference to APA materials signifies adoption of standards, not endorsement or partnership.

5. Activities

Publish standards, guidance, and resources; operate a website and public education.
Maintain a member verification facility.

6. Non‑Profit & Fees

6.1 BIPA operates on a non‑profit basis.

6.2 No membership fee is charged.

6.3 Officers and Board members serve without remuneration.

7. Membership

7.1 Categories:

Full Member – practising examiner meeting BIPA training/competence criteria; agrees to BIPA/APA standards and ethics.
International Member – examiner practising outside the UK who meets equivalent standards.
Associate – allied professional/academic supportive of BIPA’s purposes (non‑practising).
Student/Trainee – enrolled in recognised polygraph training (non‑practising).

7.2 Eligibility & Application

Applications are made via the BIPA contact form (or process set by the Board) with evidence of training and experience.

7.3 Admission

The Membership Committee recommends admissions to the Board; decisions are based solely on meeting requirements and ethical standards.

7.4 Obligations

Members must comply with BIPA standards, the adopted APA ethics and standards, UK law, and this Constitution.

7.5 Resignation

Members may resign by written notice.

7.6 Suspension/Termination

The Board may suspend or terminate membership on standards/ethics grounds following the Complaints & Discipline Procedure (Schedule A).

8. Governance

8.1 Members in General Meeting (GM)

AGM once per calendar year; SGM may be called by the Board or by 20% of Members.
Notice: 21 days (email/website acceptable). Quorum: 15 Members or 10% of membership, whichever is lower.
Voting: one vote per Member; simple majority unless otherwise specified; remote/hybrid meetings permitted.

8.2 The Board

Composition: President, Vice‑President, Secretary, Standards & Ethics Chair, Training & CPD Chair, Membership Chair, up to three additional Board Members.
Election & Term: elected by AGM for two‑year terms; renewable once consecutively.
Quorum: half of serving Board members (rounded up).
Powers: implement purposes; adopt policies; appoint committees; manage funds; handle complaints.
Removal: two‑thirds Board vote for cause with fair hearing; appeal to next GM.

9. Standards, Ethics & Practice

BIPA adopts the APA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics as baseline requirements, applied within UK legal frameworks.
BIPA may issue supplementary BIPA Standards for UK/international compliance.
Members must maintain competence (CPD), use validated techniques, obtain informed consent, and report results and limitations clearly.

10. Complaints & Discipline

Complaints about member conduct/practice are handled under the Complaints & Discipline Procedure (Schedule A) ensuring fairness, confidentiality, due process, and proportionality.
Sanctions may include advice, warning, conditions, suspension, or termination.
An appeal may be made to an Appeals Panel appointed by the Board (excluding prior decision‑makers).

11. Data Protection & Privacy

BIPA will process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

12. Equality, Dignity & Safeguarding

BIPA is committed to equality of opportunity and a professional environment free from harassment or discrimination. Where activities involve vulnerable persons, appropriate safeguarding measures will be adopted.

13. Communications & Notices

Official notices may be given by email or website posting where appropriate. English is the governing language of this Constitution.

14. Intellectual Property

The BIPA name and logo are owned by the Association and may not be used without permission. Third‑party names/logos shall not be used in a manner implying affiliation or endorsement without written permission.

15. Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a two‑thirds majority of Members present and voting at a GM, with 21 days’ notice of proposed changes.

16. Dissolution

BIPA may be dissolved by a two‑thirds majority at a GM. After liabilities, remaining assets go to a non‑profit body with similar purposes (as determined by the Members), and not to Members.

17. Interpretation & Effective Date

The Board may issue guidance on interpretation consistent with Members’ decisions. This Constitution takes effect on adoption by the AGM on [insert date].

Schedule A - Complaints & Discipline (Summary)

Grounds: alleged breach of ethics/standards, law, or conduct bringing the profession into disrepute.
Submission: via contact form or designated email; acknowledgement provided.
Triage: Standards & Ethics Committee screens jurisdiction, seriousness, sufficiency.
Investigation: notify member; obtain statements/evidence; allow representation; maintain confidentiality.
Decision: findings and recommended outcome (no action; advice; warning; conditions; suspension; termination).
Approval: Board ratifies unless manifestly flawed.
Appeal: to an independent Appeals Panel within 21 days.
Publication: outcomes may be published proportionately and lawfully.
Records: retained per Privacy Policy.