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PROPOSED CHANGESTO THE HONOURSSYSTEM EXPLAINEDProvincial Grand Secretary JohnRushworth writes:THE Provincial Rulers have recentlyreviewed the Provincial honours process.They had concerns about a number <strong>of</strong>aspects, primarily• Too many Brethren being consideredwho do not receive promotion.• The need for a system to pick upBrethren outside review periods.• The need for clearer understanding <strong>of</strong>the honours process and review periods.Rationalising those considered forpromotionLast year, <strong>of</strong> the 216 who were reviewedfor promotion, 101 did not receive anypromotion, and <strong>of</strong> those, 88 Brethren didnot attain the rank they currently held.However, it should be remembered that arank was awarded for the work they weredoing prior to the last promotion.The Provincial Rulers will therefore bemore diligent in selecting those for review,and those holding the rank <strong>of</strong> PPGReg willonly be considered for promotion on therecommendation <strong>of</strong> the APGM for theArea.Consideration <strong>of</strong> Brethren outsidethe normal review periodsThere are various reasons that a Brothermay need to be considered outside thenormal review period.a) being overlooked on previousreviews.b) because they have joined Yorks,<strong>West</strong> Riding from another <strong>Province</strong> <strong>of</strong>which they are a member <strong>of</strong> that ProvincialGrand Lodge, or have qualified sincejoining this <strong>Province</strong>.c) Brethren where their personalcircumstances warrants considerationbefore the next review period.This list is not prescriptive, and LiaisonOfficers will now have the opportunityeach year to submit details <strong>of</strong> suchBrethren.GENERAL PRINCIPLESThe Provincial Rulers believe that thereis no need to change the generalprinciples that were introduced someseven years ago, these are:• The first appointment to Provincialrank should be accepted as the onlyProvincial rank a Brother will receive.There should be no expectation <strong>of</strong> anautomatic promotion or review. However,there will be potential for worthy BrethrenSecretary John Rushworthto be considered for promotion to actingor past ranks. In general this will be on afive yearly review basis, on merit againstpre-determined criteria.• The number <strong>of</strong> ranks used forappointments and promotions to pastrank will be limited.• There will be the possibility <strong>of</strong> MasterMasons being considered forappointment to Provincial Grand rank. Nomore than five will be appointed in anyone year.• Promotion to Past Senior and JuniorGrand Warden will be the prerogative <strong>of</strong>the Provincial Grand Master.“Freemasonry should be inthe hearts <strong>of</strong> Brethren, notin the badges they wear”W Bro Peter AcasterOTHER ASPECTSIt may also be useful to amplify some <strong>of</strong>the other aspects <strong>of</strong> Provincial Honours.Criteria for Assessing RanksA specified reference period, normallyfour years, is used for assessing the ranka Brother should be <strong>of</strong>fered.Assessment <strong>of</strong> Attendance PointsThe main aspects are:• Four year reference period.• Assumption that the average Lodgemeets nine times per year.• Expectation <strong>of</strong> at least a 75%attendance.• Use <strong>of</strong> a formula to ensure thatBrethren in a Lodge that meets only fourtimes in a year do not have an advantageover those who meet nine times, or more,per year. This ensures the attendance ismeasured the same regardless <strong>of</strong> thenumber <strong>of</strong> meetings.Country MembersFor a number <strong>of</strong> years CountryMembers were not considered forappointment or promotion to Provincialrank. As they are still members <strong>of</strong>Provincial Grand Lodge, and pay theannual dues the same as any othermember, they are now considered. Thecriteria for assessment will identify if theyhave made a contribution that will justifyappointment or promotion.Qualifying LodgeThis is the Lodge in which a Brother is asubscribing member and in which he:a) first served as Master, or if notb) the Lodge in which he became ajoining member.Multiple Memberships• Enquiry forms will be issued to everyLodge in which the Brother has, or hasbeen a member during the review period• Attendance, <strong>of</strong>fices held and work inall Lodges will be taken into account.• Membership <strong>of</strong> Installed MastersLodges and the <strong>West</strong> Riding ActingOfficers Lodge will be taken intoconsideration.Brethren from Other <strong>Province</strong>sPast Masters joining Lodges in Yorks,<strong>West</strong> Riding from other <strong>Province</strong>s will beconsidered for Provincial rank in thesame year as the Master for the year inwhich they joined the LodgeQualificationExcept in special circumstances noBrother will be considered for ProvincialHonours unless they have been amember <strong>of</strong> the Craft for at least 11 years.Normal Review PeriodsThose to be considered for firstappointment to Provincial rank will bereviewed six years after the year theycame out <strong>of</strong> the Chair. Those holding aProvincial rank will be reviewed on a fiveyearly basis, but will only receivepromotion if they have made a significantcontribution to the work <strong>of</strong> their Lodge, orCraft Masonry outside their Lodge, duringthe period since their first appointment orsubsequent promotion.The Provincial Rulers consider that wehave an Honours system that istransparent, which covers a wide range <strong>of</strong>aspects, and has a defined audit trail. Ithas been adopted by a number <strong>of</strong> other<strong>Province</strong>s as being an equitable system.They do, however, accept that whendealing with some 5,000 Brethren they arenot going to satisfy everyone.It is hoped Brethren will find thisinformation useful. However, Brethrenmust remember that the award <strong>of</strong> anyProvincial Honour in Provincial GrandLodge is within the gift <strong>of</strong> the ProvincialGrand Master, for work in the wider sphere<strong>of</strong> Craft Masonry within the <strong>Province</strong>.CRAVEN CHAPTER No. 810 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWSMeeting on the 1st Tuesday in March, April, October, & November (Installation) Sackville Street, Skipton BD23 2PB3
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