Memorandum of Understanding
between
The Radio Society of Great Britain
and
The Radio Amateurs Emergency Network

Introduction

On 18th April 2004 the Chairman of The Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network and the President of the Radio Society of Great Britain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) so that the two organisations can work together more effectively to promote emergency communications.

This brief explains why this MoU has been agreed and what it means to individual Network members and Groups.

What is a Memorandum of Understanding (an MoU)?

It is a formal document which details the matters on which the two organisations will work together and the way in which this will be done.

Why have an MoU?

At the formation of The Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network in 1993, it became obvious that there was a need for co-operation between the two organisations in order for them to effectively represent everyone involved in emergency communications. It was laid out in the original RSGB National RAYNET Committee consultation document, published in 1992, that there had to be a close affinity between the RSGB and the Network. Unfortunately, it didn't happen and the Network was just given affiliated society status. The Network's members have, for a long time, wanted a relationship that was stronger than that currently granted.

The MoU is constructed along those lines and much of it is formally acknowledging arrangements that are already in place. The document recognises the strengths and expertise of both organisations and in no way should it be viewed as a Network "sell-out", nor a bid from the RSGB to take over the running of our organisation.

This document has been in preparation by the Network for nearly a year, and has been very carefully thought out. There has been extensive consultation with the RSGB's RCVS National Co-ordinator and it has been redrafted many times to ensure that it is acceptable to both sides, without compromising the strong position the Network is in today, nor demeaning the voice of those Groups affiliated to the RSGB.

How is it going to affect me as a member, or my RAYNET Group?

It isn't going to affect you, or your Group, directly. Liaison between local Groups is already good at grass-roots level. What there hasn't been is effective cooperation at a national level. The MoU is an agreement between the Network's Committee of Management and the RSGB as to how things are going to be co-ordinated in the future.

There will, however, be some indirect benefits:

• The two organisations will work together more effectively to promote emergency communications to benefit all, regardless of affiliation, in order to meet the requirements of the User Services in times of emergency or disaster
• The Network will have an improved liaison with the RSGB's Spectrum Forum on band-plan and licensing issues, if they affect emergency communications
• The Network will, after liaison with the RSGB, take the lead on discussions with user services at national level.
• In future, there will be joint publicity material, which will be issued after consultation with both sides
• Any public statements will have the approval of the RSGB before issue and vice versa.

Where do I get a copy of this "MoU"

A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding, with explanatory notes, is available for download from this website.