GovCom minutes 2023-03-01

GovCom meeting minutes

Wednesday 1st March, 5-6:30 pm (online)

Welcome and apologies

Present: Rod Ward, Monisha Shah, Lucy Crompton-Reid, Chuks Ogbonna (minuting).

Apologies: Rosie Chapman

Declaration of Interests

None

Approval of previous minutes

Approved

Matters arising that are not covered elsewhere

None

Report on Board Appraisals

MS introduced her paper on the board appraisals, which had been circulated with the minutes. She highlighted that most trustees wanted to know how they can add value to the work that we do; but that as had explained, as a trustee you have to wait for the operational team to come to you for support. She also noted that several trustees had requested that board papers be circulated earlier, and that a number had mentioned training and development needs. MS explained that she and LCR would take the actions away to implement over the next year. It was noted that the board appraisals paper would be shared with all board members.

MS reported that the board member Sangeet Bhullar would be conducting her own appraisal and LCR confirmed that SB had already been in touch with trustees for feedback. MS commented that it is highly unusual for a Chair appraisal to take place and that this demonstrated excellent governance practice.

Planning for the 2023 AGM(Oral update and discussion)

LCR gave a short presentation on preparations for the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM), and noted that as per last year, the meeting would not be combined with community activities. She also noted that KF will have reached the end of her three year term in July, and the Committee all expressed their hope that she would stand for a further term. This is the only upcoming ‘vacancy’ on the board.  

Action Point: LCR to email KF

Plans for Recruiting New Treasurer and Chair of ARC

LCR gave a short presentation on plans to recruit a new Treasurer and ARC Chair, with Marnie and Jane’s terms coming to an end this September. She noted that she would probably work with a specialist recruitment agency for these roles. It was agreed that before going out to recruitment, that opportunity would be shared first with existing trustees, then with the volunteer community, in case anyone had the relevant skills and was interested in either role. The timeline LCR outlined has external recruitment starting in April, with the hope being that the recruitment panel would be able to make a recommendation at the June board meeting.

MS asked LCR what was likely to be on the May GovCom agenda. She responded that detailed plans for the AGM would need to be approved at that meeting. She also noted that as a co-opted trustee, MS’s first two-year term will be coming to an end in July.

The office move was raised, with LCR reporting that she and SM are actively working on this, with detailed plans due to come to the board in June.

AOB

None

Meeting dates for next year (all online, 4 - 5.30pm):

Thursday 25th May

Tuesday 5th September

Wednesday 22nd November