Annual report
Minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting of the CIH South East Branch
The meeting was held on 13 March 2007 at the Sky Light Room, The Brighton Centre, Brighton.
The meeting was opened by Ashley Hook, Branch Chair for 2006-07 who invited David Harker, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, to address the meeting.
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from David Martin, Nigel Walker, Robert Gordon James, Lisa Bainbridge and James Richards.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2006
These were AGREED as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
3. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
4. Report of the Treasurer
Bob Keats reported on the financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2006 and noted that the final figures were still subject to audit. He explained the funding arrangements set out in the report and highlighted that the available income for the year had been £26,644 with the conference making a significant contribution of additional funds for the second time. He noted the committee were keen to optimise the use of resources to work for the membership and to promote regional policy initiatives. Bob referred the members to his previously distributed notes (Treasurer's Report to AGM 2007).
The year saw an increase in activity for members including a regional manifesto for housing launched at the House of Commons, a Home Ownership conference and workshops, the main Brighton conference, a major sustainability conference, a welfare benefits conference, a workshop for older people, two international field trips, and a golf day. Another key development was the agreement to support a regional policy resource funded by surpluses from our activities. This was put in place at the end of 2006 and so will be the first draw on funds in 2007.
5. Election of officers
The following were AGREED to officer posts and the committee:
Chair | Graham Maunders |
Vice Chair | |
Immediate Past Chair | Ashley Hook |
Secretary | Sarah Anstey |
Treasurer | Bob Keats |
Education Officer | Ros Young |
Policy Officer | Sharon Smith |
Membership and Training Officer | |
Press & Publicity Officer | Tim Hammond |
Student Representative | |
Council Member | Alison Breeze |
Committee Members | |
Amy Cheswick, Alistair Queen, Chris Moquet, Claire Martin, David Crosby, David Sweeney, David Turner, Diana Maughan, Ian Beckett, Kaye Duerdoth, Khalil ur Rahman, Nigel Walker, Richard Dixon, Ros Young, Steve Benson, Wally Jones. | |
6. Report of the Outgoing Chair
Ashley Hook reported that his focus for the year had been to grow the membership and launch the South East Manifesto. It was pleasing to note the branch now had almost 2,000 members. He was also pleased with success, number and variety of events that he and the committee were able to provide to members.
Ashley made a short presentation (with photos) of his charity bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats that raised £10,000 for his nominated charity, The Elliot Scally Trust. He also thanked the branch for managing to raise a further £18,000 throughout the year through various branch charitable activities. (The final figure for his charity was later raised to £24,000.) Ashley thanked Graham Maunders for his support, especially when he wasn't available to attend certain events. He also thanked the conference organisers, Jane Patterson and Janet Killilea, and the Conference Planning Group. He introduced Graham Maunders as the Chair for 2007-08.
7. Report of the Incoming Chair
Graham Maunders thanked Ashley and made a short presentation on his plans for 2007-08. He outlined the regional manifesto and action plan. He also talked about his intention to review the structure of the committee and sub-committees, making them more open and appealing. He outlined his plan to find a role for past South East chairs, capturing their many years of experience.
Graham also expressed his ideas for regional events and his initiatives to promote the CIH. He explained his intention to increase partnerships with other branches and also relationships with other (related) professions. Graham said he wanted to look at the regional membership's needs. Finally, he discussed his chosen charity, the Crime Reduction Initiative (CRI). He explained that CRI targets core social issues that adversely affect individuals and communities, including crime, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, domestic violence and the lack of opportunity for young people. By supporting the CRI, he hoped to increase their recognition as well as their ability to provide more 'on the ground' projects in the South East.
8. Any other business
There was no other business.
9. Date of mext meeting
The date of the next Annual Meeting is 4 March 2008.