Regulations of the Chinese Society of Engineers (CSE)
Chapter 1 General Provisions
Article 1 The subject of the society is “Chinese Society of Engineers”, abbreviated as CSE.
Article 2 The CSE was jointly initiated and founded by multiple groups and units, including national societies, associations and research institutes affiliated with the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), local societies of engineers, enterprises and public institutions, universities, scientific research institutes, and talent evaluation and service institutions.
Article 3 The CSE aims to bring together powers from various sectors of the society, including those of Engineering Science and technology, industrial and educational circles, strengthen the solidarity and leadership of engineers and enhance their professional and international levels through building a workforce of outstanding engineers under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It also strives to promote the integrated development of technology and economy, deeply engage in the global governance in the engineering field, and build an open and collaborative community of engineers with a shared set of values and outlook. In doing so, CSE will contribute to offering its wisdom and strength as a representative of the engineering community to the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country, the improvement of human well-being, and the construction of a community of shared future for mankind.
Article 4 CSE is subject to the business guidance, supervision and management of CAST.
Chapter 2 Scope of Activities
Article 5 The CSE’s scope of activities includes the following aspects:
(1) Increase the effectiveness of value guidance. Carry forward the spirit of scientists, model the culture of engineers, strengthen the professional ethics of engineers, disseminate engineering knowledge, so as to create a social atmosphere of advocating engineering technology, promoting innovation culture and respecting engineers, and reflect the opinions and voices of engineers to the CPC and relevant government departments.
(2) Improve the service system for the professional growth of engineers. CSE shall partake in engineering education certification, conduct engineering competency assessments and continuing education training, strengthen talent recommendation and commendation, improve the professional and international levels of engineers, safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, and promote the construction of excellent engineers.
(3) Advance the mutual recognition of engineering qualifications internationally. Establish an internationally equivalent competency assessment system for engineers and a quality assurance system with international substantial equivalence, carry out regional and industrial pilot projects for international mutual recognition of engineering qualifications, apply for the membership of multilateral agreements on mutual recognition of engineering qualifications, strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in engineering competency building, and actively participate in global governance in the engineering field.
(4) Promote cooperation among industries, universities, research institutions and applications. Engage in the transformation and promotion of engineering technology achievements, promote cross-regional mobility and sharing among engineers, build new channels for cooperation among enterprises, universities, research institutions and consumers, accelerate the construction of “Innovation China”, and spur the integrated development of technology and economy.
(5) Pool the wisdom of the engineering community. Conduct research on engineering technology and industrial development following the world’s cutting-edge science, carry on works on consultation for major engineering strategies and engineering technology, technology evaluation and the research of intellectual property rights protection in the field of engineering technology.
Chapter 3 Membership
Article 6 Only institutions shall become members of the CSE . Before formal registration, the CSE does not accept the application from individual membership.
Article 7 Relevant national societies, local engineering societies, enterprises and public institutions, universities, scientific research institutes, and talent evaluation and service institutions may apply for membership of the CSE. Any institution must meet the following conditions in order to apply for membership of the CSE.
(1) Ensure the conformity of CSE’s regulations and volunteer to join the CSE;
(2) Be committed to promoting the development of engineering technology in China, follow the world’s leading scientific and technological frontiers and the main economic battlefield, be oriented towards the major needs of the country and the people's lives and health, boost innovation in engineering technology, and facilitate integrated development of technology and economy;
(3) Be committed to enhancing the professional and international levels of Chinese engineers, and create chances for the continuous professional development of engineers;
(4) Be committed to promoting international mutual recognition of engineering qualifications, international recognition of Chinese standards and Chinese engineers, high-quality development of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, and global governance in the engineering field;
(5) Have initiative and willingness to participate in engineering competency building and have a strong social influence.
Article 8 Admission Procedures of CSE Members
(1) Submit an application to the CSE in written form;
(2) Audit passed by the CSE’s Council or Standing Council;
(3) Issue member certificates.
Article 9 Members of the CSE are entitled to the following rights:
(1) Have priority in obtaining the services provided by the CSE;
(2) Participate in the CSE’s activities;
(3) Make suggestions, criticisms and supervision concerning the work of CSE;
(4) Apply for engagements for engineering competency assessments;
(5) Freedom to join in and exit from the CSE freely.
Article 10 The members of the CSE shall perform the following obligations:
(1) Comply with the CSE’s regulations and implement its resolutions;
(2) Safeguard the CSE’s legitimate rights and interests;
(3) Accomplish the tasks assigned by the CSE;
(4) Provide necessary information and materials to the CSE;
(5) Participate in the CSE’s activities;
(6) Actively participate in developing engineering competency assessment standards, recommend assessors of engineering competency assessments as required, report cases of engineering practices, and assist in promoting the international mutual recognition of engineer qualifications;
(7) The members authorized to engage in engineering competency assessments shall carry out evaluations under CSE’s guidance and supervision and promote international exchanges and cooperation in engineering competency building.
Article 11 Withdraw and Removal
The members of the CSE have the right to exit the institution. Any member who intends to exit shall submit a written application to CSE and return its member certificate. The member is able to exit CSE upon confirmation by the Council or the Standing Council.
(1) Any member who absents from CSE's activities for one year shall be deemed to exit the institution. They shall be subject to approval if they hope to rejoin the CSE.
(2) Any member which has violated the relevant national laws and CSE’s regulations may be expelled from the list of members upon agreement by resolution of the Council or the Standing Council.
Chapter 4 Organizational Structure and Persons in Charge
Article 12 The Council is the supreme decision-making body of the CSE. The members of the Council and the Standing Council are all institutional positions and their term of office is three years. The CSE’s members are also governing institutions of the CSE. They are allowed to designate one person to join the Council.
Article 13 The council meeting can only be held when representatives of no fewer than two-thirds of the Council units are present, and its resolutions are valid only when they are approved by representatives of no fewer than two-thirds of the Council units by voting. The council meeting shall be held at least once a year. When necessary, it may be held through communication mediums.
Article 14 The function and power of the Council are as follows:
(1) Formulate and modify the CSE’s regulations;
(2) Select the CSE’s president, chairman, vice chairman and standing director units, and appoint and dismiss the Secretary General;
(3) Review the development plan and work plan of the CSE;
(4) Report CSE’s work and financial conditions to its members;
(5) Decide on the acceptance and removal of the CSE’s members;
(6) Guide the work and system construction of the CSE Secretariat;
(7) Review the CSE’s fund use and project implementation;
(8) Decide on other major matters;
Article 15 The CSE sets up a Standing Council elected by the Council. The number of its units shall not exceed one-third of that of council units. The Standing Council shall exercise its powers specified in the clause 3, 5, 6 and 7 of Article 14 and be responsible for the Council when the council meeting is closed.
Article 16 The Standing Council meeting can only be held when representatives of no fewer than two thirds of the standing council units are present, and its resolutions are valid only when they are approved by representatives of no fewer than two thirds of the Standing Council units by voting. The standing council meeting shall be held at least once a year. The meeting may be held through communication mediums in exceptional cases.
Article 17 The chairman’s office meeting shall be attended by the chairman and vice chairman of the Council as well as staff of the Secretariat. The chairman’s office meeting shall be held from time to time according to the CSE's daily work needs. Attendees will discuss, study and provide guidance on the specific matters proposed by the Secretariat, working committees and professional working teams.
Article 18 The CSE’s president is responsible for offering guidance on the CSE’s long-term development and major issues, and attending important conferences, activities, ceremonies and other events at home and abroad on behalf of the CSE.
Article 19 The CSE’s chairman shall exercise the following powers:
(1) Convene and preside over the meetings of the Council, the Standing Council and the chairman’s office meeting;
(2) Report to the Council or the Standing Council;
(3) Sign important documents on behalf of the CSE;
(4) Authorize the vice chairman or the secretary general to exercise relevant powers;
(5) Nominate the vice chairman, standing council units and secretary general, and submit their names to the Council for approval;
(6) Report to the president on behalf of the Council;
(7) Attend important domestic and international conferences, activities, ceremonies and other events on behalf of the CSE.
Article 20 The CSE appoints several vice chairmen to assist in the chairman’s work.
Article 21 The CSE appoints one secretary general and two joint secretary generals. They shall exercise the following powers:
(1) Take charge of the daily work of the Secretariat, and spearhead the development and implementation of annual work plans;
(2) Coordinate the work of working agencies and administrative agencies;
(3) Nominate the deputy secretary general, members of the Advisory Committee and the principal heads of various agencies, and submit their names to the Secretary General’s office meeting for approval;
(4) Accomplish other tasks the Council and the Standing Council assigned.
Article 22 The president, chairman, vice chairman, and secretary general of the CSE must be individuals that meet the following conditions:
(1) Be politically determined, be in good health, abide by relevant laws and regulations, and have good morals and styles of study;
(2) Have strong organizing and leadership capabilities, possess profound cross-border connections and abundant experience in participating in social activities, be enthusiastic in public affairs, and have the willingness to devote to CSE’s development;
(3) Those who have significant achievements and contributions in engineering science and technology, and have status and influence in China and even the world’s engineering industry are preferred.
Article 23 CSE’s chairman, vice chairman and secretary general are all tenable for three years. All of them can be re-elected consecutively.
Chapter 5 Working Agencies and Administrative Agencies
Article 24 The CSE will establish working agencies and administrative agencies according to the purpose and scope of activities specified in its regulations.
Article 25 The CSE will set up an advisory committee composed of domestic and foreign experts with important influence in engineering. The committee is responsible for providing advisory suggestions during Council’s decision-making process.
Article 26 The Council will set up the following subordinate working committees: Committee on Academic Communication, Committee on Engineering Education, Committee on Engineering Competency Assessment, Committee on Standards and Quality Supervision, Committee on Continuous Professional Development, Committee on Culture and Ethics, Committee on International Cooperation, Committee on Reward and Recommendation, Committee on Decision Advisory, etc. Relevant working committees can be added or adjusted according to the development of CSE.
(1) Committee on Academic Exchange: Study relevant national policies and regulations, and provide suggestions on adjusting CSE’s institutional framework and management system according to the tendency for the reform of the domestic engineering system; follow cutting-edge engineering technology, and organize relevant academic exchanges at home and abroad, etc.
(2) Committee on Engineering Education: Offer guidance to national societies in engineering education certification pursuant to the Washington Accord; Research and give suggestions on joining other major international engineering education certification systems; promote the linkage between engineering competency assessments and engineering education certification.
(3) Committee on Engineering Competency Assessment: Authorize and review relevant institutions applying for undertaking engineering competency assessments; conduct archival filing and annual inspection of authorized institutions; review the qualifications of engineers to be registered before approval; offer guidance to authorized institutions to conduct evaluation, and organize quality evaluation.
(4) Committee on Standards and Quality Supervision: Direct the development, revision and release of general and General specification of competency assessment for engineers; guide the improvement of the engineering competency assessment system and quality assurance system; guide the construction of a team of engineering competency assessors; ensure the impartiality and compliance of engineering competency assessments, investigate the appeals, complaints and other related matters occurring in the engineering competency assessment process, and propose relevant solutions.
(5) Committee on Continuing Professional Development: Guide the platform establishment and curriculum development for continuous education, audit the curriculum content; guide the construction and quality evaluation of the training center for continuous education; guide the CSE’s members in carrying out continuous professional development activities.
(6) Committee on Culture and Ethics: Research and interpret the spirit of engineers, spread and carry forward the engineering culture, develop the code of engineering ethics and urge engineers to comply with it, and promote the research, popularization and practice of ethical education in the engineering field.
(7) International Cooperation Committee: Study the engineering systems and engineer certification systems in major countries (regions); study the agreements for international and regional mutual recognition of engineers; guide and consult on the admission to relevant international engineering organizations and mutual recognition of engineers; advance international exchanges on engineering education certification and mutual recognition of engineering qualifications.
(8) Committee on International Cooperation: Provide consulting services for the selection of national engineer awards and the recommendation of outstanding talents in the field of engineering technology, and popularize the major achievements and important contributions of outstanding engineers in the field of engineering technology.
(9) Committee on Decision-making Advisory: Guide the investigation and research in engineering technology, discuss and provide suggestions on major issues regarding engineering technology and policy in economic and social development; guide the research on regional industrial development, promote the transformation and communication of technological achievements in the field of engineering technology, and facilitate regional industrial development.
Article 27 Each working committee shall appoint one director and several deputy directors. The quantity of committee members shall be an odd number. Preliminary nominees shall be recommended by members of the CSE to the Secretariat, which shall determine the candidates for the director, deputy directors and members, the list will then be submitted to the Secretary General’s office meeting for approval;
In principle, each working committee shall meet at least once a year. When necessary, it may be held through communication mediums. The resolutions of a committee shall be valid only when more than two-thirds of the members vote or attend relevant meetings, and more than two-thirds of the members voted to accept.
Article 28 The Secretariat is CSE’s central office which is located at the Training and Talent Service Center of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST). It is responsible for implementing the resolutions of the Council and the Standing Council, undertaking the daily affairs of the CSE, coordinating the efforts of working committees, guiding the CSE’s members in improving their engineering competency building level, and promoting cooperation and exchanges between the CSE’s members and relevant institutions.
The Secretariat plays a key role in ensuring the CSE’s smooth running. Several deputy secretary generals assist in the work of the secretary-general.
Article 29 The Secretariat consists of several professional working groups with the CSE’s members working in similar fields. These groups are responsible for a variety of specific matters, including promoting the reform of engineering education, conducting engineering competency assessments, boosting continuous professional development, administering and servicing engineering members, and promoting the transformation of engineering technology achievements.
Chapter 6 Funding
Article 30 The sources and use of CSE’s funding are as follows:
(1) Social donations;
(2) Government grants and social subsidies;
(3) Revenues generated from the activities and services carried out within the approved scope of activities;
(4) Interests;
(5) Other sources of legitimate income.
Article 31 The CSE’s funding must be used for the scope of activities specified in these regulations and for the CSE’s development, and shall not be distributed among its members. Budget and final account management shall be implemented for the revenue and expenditure of major activities and projects. Relevant budgets and final accounts shall be reviewed and approved by the Council or the Standing Council.
Article 32 The CSE’s Council authorizes the legal entity where the Secretariat’s office is located to set up management funds for specific subjects, which will be mainly used for implementing specific tasks. The funds shall be used for their specific purposes and be accounted for separately.
Article 33 CSE will stringently enforce the national financial management system and relevant fund management measures, and is subject to the review and supervision of relevant national departments. The Secretariat shall report the CSE’s financial conditions to the Council.
Chapter 7 Termination
Article 34 The CSE may be automatically dissolved after fulfilling its purposes or may be terminated due to division, merger and other reasons, which shall be decided by the plenary meeting of the Council. If CSE is registered at the registration administrative authority for social organizations, it shall be terminated after the formalities for the nullification of its registration are completed at the authority.
Article 35 A liquidation organization or institution must be established before the termination of the CSE in order to clean up claims and debts and handle outstanding matters. No activities other than liquidation shall be carried out during the liquidation process.
Chapter 8 Supplementary Provisions
Article 36 Any amendment to these regulations must be approved by voting at the plenary meeting of the Council.
Article 37 These regulations were adopted at the first meeting of the CSE’s First Council, which shall take effect from the date of adoption. CSE’s Council has the right to interpret these regulations.
