1. Purpose

The Swiss Society for Eating Disorders (SSED) aims to foster collaboration among professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders across Switzerland. Key objectives include:

• Enhancing treatment options for individuals with eating disorders nationwide.
• Promoting continuing education opportunities for professionals specializing in eating disorder treatment.
• Facilitating national and international research networking in the field of eating disorders.
• Supporting social prevention initiatives to reduce the prevalence of eating disorders.

 

 2. Working Groups of the Swiss Society for Eating Disorders

Working groups are established to advance specific objectives of SSED and address current issues and challenges in the field of eating disorders. Working groups are composed of SSED members who volunteer for the stated tasks. They are formed through decisions made at the General Assembly, at the request of the board, or by SSED members.

Each working group determines its schedule and resource allocation based on its tasks and member availability. Every working group is led by an appointed leader.

Working groups report their activities regularly to the board, including submitting meeting minutes. Results of their work are presented annually at the General Assembly.

Publications and presentations by working groups require board approval and are published under the SSED name. Information on current, past, and planned working groups and their activities is documented in the minutes of the General Assembly or communicated by the board.

 

 3. Additional Initiatives of the Swiss Society for Eating Disorders

3.1 Homepage with Online Counseling Center

The SSED operates an online platform offering resources and counseling services, with a liability disclaimer provided on the homepage.

 

3.2 National Symposium

A full-day national symposium is held every two years, open to a broad audience.                         Organization: Managed by the SSED Board or Presidium.

 

3.3 Visits to Member Institutions

The SSED organizes visits to member institutions 1–2 times per year.

These visits aim to provide insights into institutions offering eating disorder treatments in Switzerland and foster professional networking. At least one SSED board member participates in these visits.

 

4. Board of the Swiss Society for Eating Disorders

The board consists of up to eight SSED members, elected at the General Assembly every two years. Re-election is permitted. Board composition considers language regions, professional groups, and fields of activity. The SSED President is elected by the General Assembly and is also a board member. The presidency and vice-presidency are elected every two years, with re-election permitted.

 

4.1 Tasks of the Board

• The board is responsible for defining the strategic direction of SSED.
• The board coordinates the activities of SSED in alignment with its goals and objectives and represents the organization externally.
• It organizes a one-day symposium every two years.
• It oversees the planning and execution of member institution visits, held once or twice annually.
• It is responsible for designing and maintaining the SSED homepage.
• It coordinates the activities of the SSED working groups.

The board organizes itself independently.

 

4.2 Structure of the Board

• Presidium
• Board Members

 

5. Secretariat

SSED employs a part-time secretariat to support its operations and administration. The secretariat assists the executive committee in:

• Membership administration and accounting.
• Public Relations (PR) and Networking within and outside SSED, including:
  • Contacts with school physicians, health authorities, school boards, and medical societies (e.g., FMH, psychiatry, general medicine, gynecology, dentistry).
  • Collaboration with other professional associations (e.g., FSP, nutrition counseling).
  • Outreach to SSED members and regional associations to address networking gaps and improve care-related information.
  • Fundraising and Sponsorship
  • Media Relations

The Presidium acts as the supervisor of the secretariat.

 

6. Financing

6.1 General
SSED is financed through membership fees and sponsorship contributions. These funds cover costs associated with:

• General meetings
• Maintenance of the homepage
• Secretariat operations
• Other organizational expenses

Donations are welcome, and sponsorship is possible. The Biennial Symposium is designed to be financially self-sustaining. SSED guarantees coverage of any deficits and retains any profits.

 

6.2 Financial Reporting
The board presents an annual financial report, including an account statement and budget, at the General Assembly.

 

6.3 Auditors
Two auditors are elected annually by the General Assembly to review and audit SSED’s financial accounts.

 

6.4 Expenses and Remuneration Regulations

Expenses:

• SSED reimburses expenses incurred on its behalf, provided they are pre-approved by the organization or Presidium. Claimants are expected to minimize expenses and submit documentation for reimbursement. Unnecessary expenses will not be covered.

 

Remuneration:

Reimbursements are generally processed per expense claim with supporting original receipts. Lump-sum payments are permitted only in exceptional cases and require prior board approval. Participation in board meetings is voluntary and not remunerated. The services of the secretariat are remunerated on an hourly basis at the agreed rate. The hourly invoices of the secretariat shall be signed by the President. For the organization of the meeting as well as for other special tasks special remunerations are paid after decision of the executive committee after agreement as a lump sum regulation or in the hourly wage.

 

6.4.1 Travel Expenses

• Public transportation is the preferred mode of travel for SSED-related work.

• Reimbursement guidelines:
• Train journeys: 2nd class tickets will be reimbursed.
• Local transportation: Streetcar and bus fares will be reimbursed.
• Air travel: Economy class tickets will be reimbursed if air travel is required.
• Private car: May be used if it provides significant time savings. A mileage allowance of CHF 0.70 per kilometer is provided.
• If a private vehicle is used despite the availability of adequate public transport, reimbursement will be limited to the equivalent cost of public transport.

6.4.2 Catering Costs

Meal costs incurred during SSED-commissioned business trips are generally not reimbursed. Meal expenses incurred during board meetings, conferences, or SSED-organized events will be reimbursed in full.

 

6.4.3. Overnight Expenses

For overnight stays required for SSED-related tasks, mid-range hotels are generally to be chosen.

Reimbursement will be made for actual hotel costs upon submission of original receipts.

 

6.4.4 Representation Costs

Board members may invite third parties for meetings or events in the interest of SSED. The Costs incurred must align with the business interests of SSED. For reimbursement, the following information must be provided: Names of all attendees, name and location of the venue, date of the invitation, business purpose of the meeting or event.