Open for comment

RFC-001 — ATLAS Draft Constitution

This is a working draft of the constitution ATLAS would file with the Registry of Societies (ROS). It is published early, on purpose, before it's set in stone. Read it, disagree with it, tell us what's missing.

StatusDraft — Not yet adopted or filed
Versionv0.1
Applies toAdjunct Trainers & Lecturers Association Singapore (ATLAS)
Based onROS model constitution template, adapted for ATLAS's objects
How to read this document. Clauses marked COMMENT INVITED are the ones we're genuinely undecided on. Everything else is a reasonable starting position, drafted to match standard ROS requirements — but nothing here is final until founding members vote on it.
ART. 1

Name

The society shall be known as the Adjunct Trainers & Lecturers Association Singapore, abbreviated as ATLAS, hereinafter referred to as "the Association."

ART. 2

Objects

The objects of the Association shall be:

  1. To promote formal recognition of adjunct and independent teaching as a professional practice in Singapore, and to represent and advocate for the interests of its members on professional standing, contract terms, and remuneration.
  2. To maintain a portable professional profile for members recognising existing qualifications — including NAE Registry status, ACLP/ACTA, and institutional credentials — without creating a new certification scheme of its own.
  3. To publish anonymised, methodologically transparent benchmarking data on adjunct and training rates across Singapore institutions.
  4. To provide members with access to shared resources, including a recommended contract template and negotiated group insurance arrangements.
  5. To liaise with educational institutions, MOE, SWDA and other relevant government agencies through constructive, evidence-based engagement.
  6. To foster community and mentorship among members across institutions, disciplines and career stages.
  7. To do all such other lawful things as are conducive to the attainment of the above objects.
ART. 3

Membership

3.1 Classes of membership

  1. Founding Member — any of the first ten (10) members recorded at registration.
  2. Ordinary Member — currently or recently engaged as an adjunct, part-time or contract trainer/lecturer at a Singapore institution.
  3. Retired Member — any retired lecturer or professor wishing to remain professionally engaged.
  4. Associate Member — any PMET engaged in training or teaching alongside a primary career.
  5. Consultant / Independent Trainer Member — any consultant, coach or independent instructor delivering training in any subject or domain.
Comment invited
Should there also be an Institutional / Corporate Member class — e.g. training providers or PEIs who wish to support ATLAS without voting rights?

3.2 Admission

Applications shall be made in writing (including electronic form) to the Secretary, and approved or rejected by the Management Committee within thirty (30) days.

3.3 Subscription and fees

PlanRateEffective annual
Annual, paid in full$1,111 / year$1,111
Monthly$111 / month$1,332

The monthly plan costs more over a year — intentional, to keep the door open to members whose income is uneven, while rewarding those who can commit upfront.

Comment invited
Do $1,111/year or $111/month feel fair given how variable adjunct income already is? Should there be a lower-tier rate for Retired or Associate Members?

3.4 Resignation and expulsion

A member may resign by written notice to the Secretary. The Committee may expel a member whose conduct is prejudicial to the Association, subject to the right to be heard and to appeal to a General Meeting.

ART. 4

Management Committee

4.1 Composition

President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and not fewer than two (2) nor more than six (6) Ordinary Committee Members.

4.2 Eligibility

Under the Societies Act, the President, Secretary and Treasurer (and deputies) must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. All other positions are open to any member in good standing.

4.3 Term of office

Committee members shall serve a term of two (2) years, and may stand for re-election.

Comment invited
Should ATLAS's founding committee serve a shorter first term — say one year — to allow an earlier full election once membership has grown past the founding roll?
ART. 5

Election of Office Bearers

Office bearers shall be elected by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting, by simple majority of members present and entitled to vote. Nominations shall be submitted in writing at least fourteen (14) days before the AGM.

ART. 6

Meetings

6.1 Annual General Meeting

Held once every calendar year, not more than fifteen (15) months after the previous AGM.

6.2 Extraordinary General Meeting

May be convened by the Committee, or on written requisition by not fewer than one-tenth of Ordinary Members entitled to vote.

6.3 Quorum

One-half of Ordinary Members entitled to vote, or twenty (20) members, whichever is lower.

ART. 7

Finances

Funds shall be deposited in a bank account in the name of the Association. Withdrawals require at least two (2) authorised office bearers, one being the Treasurer. The financial year ends 31 December, with accounts audited annually. No portion of income or property shall be paid by way of profit to any member.

ART. 8

Amendments to the Constitution

No amendment takes effect until approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of members present and voting at a General Meeting, and subsequently approved by the Registrar of Societies.

ART. 9

Dissolution

Dissolution requires a resolution passed by at least three-fifths (3/5) of members present and voting. Remaining funds shall be transferred to another registered society with similar objects, subject to the Registrar's approval.

ART. 10

Indemnity

No office bearer shall be personally liable for any debt or obligation incurred in good faith in the proper discharge of their duties, except for wilful default or gross negligence.

ART. 11

Data Protection

The Association shall collect, use and disclose members' personal data only in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA).

ART. 12

Interpretation and By-laws

The Committee may make, amend or rescind by-laws not inconsistent with this Constitution, subject to appeal to a General Meeting.

How to comment

The fastest way to be heard is inside the app: sign in and post in the ATLAS Draft Constitution RFC channel, where comments are threaded against the clause you reference. You can also email contact@atlas365.org.

Sign in to comment →