Our Members | FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What does
FOSSUK stand for?		 Federation of Swiss Societies in the United Kingdom.
What is it? The umbrella organisation of Swiss Societies and Clubs in the U.K. which is an essential structure of organised activities.
Why was it
started?		 In 1949, the heads of the then three largest societies, Dr Hans Egli (New Helvetic Society), Raoul de Cintra (City Swiss Club) and Walter Meier (Swiss Mercantile Society) felt the need to co-ordinate Swiss activities. So they founded the President's Assembly. As more and more societies and clubs all over the British Isles realised how important it was to join, the President's Assembly became the Federation of Swiss Societies in the U.K. (FOSSUk) in October 1965.
What are its aims? The same as at the beginning: to encourage and foster activities, to give advice on organising club activities and to represent societies and clubs at official level in Berne.
How is it run? By a small committee of members selected by member societies and clubs every two years who work in a voluntary capacity.
What does
FOSSUK do?		 It is responsible for the election every four years of the three Delegates and two Deputy Delegates to the Council of the Organisation for the Swiss Abroad* (OSA) in Berne, and keeps members informed of matters of interest to Swiss Abroad as discussed at meetings of the OSA.
Has FOSSUK any
other
responsibilities?		 Yes...
  • To promote cultural, social and educational activities like the Great Battersea Swiss Fair (1991), the "Landesgemeinde" in Yorkshire (1991 & 1996), art exhibitions in London and Scotland (1991/1995).
  • To organise an Annual General Meeting with social events every year in a different part of the country so as to give the local Swiss community a chance of meeting compatriots from other parts of the U.K. and to hear talks by officials from the OSA and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
  • To keep up contacts with the OSA and its Secretariat in Berne and the relevant Swiss Federal authorities.
  • To be responsible for producing and financing the Regional News Pages of the "Swiss Review".
How is FOSSUK
financed? 		By member societies' subscriptions and donations. At present the membership stands at around 30 individual societies and clubs.
What does
FOSSUK do with
the money?		 It is used to:
  • Cover the running expenses to keep members informed.
  • Organise the Annual General Meeting.
  • Contribute toward the travel expenses of Delegates.
What is the
Organisation of
the Swiss
Abroad*?		 OSA is the umbrella organisation of some 700 Swiss clubs, societies and organisations world-wide. It was founded in 1916 by the New Helvetic Society and represents the interests of the "Fifth Switzerland". In 1989 it became a foundation and an own legal entity.

OSA is governed by the Council of the Swiss Abroad which is made up of a minimum of three fifths of delegates from abroad and a minimum of one quarter of selected members from within Switzerland. The Council meets twice annually and is instrumental in:
  • Finding solutions to problems affecting compatriots abroad.
  • For brining about legislation of importance to all Swiss citizens outside the homeland with respect to political rights, educational facilities, and insurance matters.
  • The creation of the "Swiss Review" in conjunction with the Federal authorities.
The U.K. has three seats on the council, i.e. three Delegates and two Deputy Delegates.

The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad is run by the Secretariat of the Swiss Abroad with headquarters in Berne.