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PUBLIC MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COUNCIL - September 2007

Public Minutes[1]of British Sub Aqua Club Council/ NDC Meeting at Holiday Inn, Ellesmere Port 22 September 2007

 

Present:

Marcus Allen                            MA

Sean Gribben                          SG

Eugene Farrell                         EF

Don Quilliam                            DQ

Alan Robinson                          AR

Andy Moll                                 AM

Adrian Hall                               AH

Edward Haynes                        EH

Bob Healey                              BH

Tony Marshall                          TM

Deric Ellerby                             DE

Tony Reed                                AR

Ernie Crook                              EC

David Dixon                             DD

Mark Allen                               MDA

Mary Tetley                              MT

Alison Dando                           AD

Wendy Davies                          WD

 

By Invitation:

Jeff Reed                                 JR

Mark Wilson                             MW

Maggie Driscoll                         MD

Dennis Wigg                             DW

Alistair Reynolds                      AR

Jim Watson                              JW

MA thanked all for attending and giving their support. MA explained that it was intended once a year to hold this type of meeting to get together to review information on membership and financial trends, also to cover current and proposed projects. The purpose is to align NDC and Council more closely. This will be an opportunity for NDC to input into council strategy for the forthcoming period. MA gave a short presentation on headline council and HQ projects and their project leaders, which included:

 

NDC Update:

JR - Technical Group – remit is to review all current and developing future diving trends. Nick Jewson is group leader. JR gave a short presentation on headline group projects

DW – Diving group - DW gave a short presentation on headline group projects which included:

JW – Diver Training Group - John Kermode is group leader. JW gave a short presentation on headline group projects

MW – Instructor Training Group - Remit – Review, develop, refine and update instructor grades and maintain excellent standards - MW gave a short presentation on headline group projects

MD – NDC Communications - Remit – Look at work of NDC and ensure cohesive communications strategy – MD gave a short presentation on headline group projects which included:

MA thanked all for their informative presentations. MA gave a short presentation on membership numbers and their movement since 2000. This displays a stabilising of the membership numbers during 2007 but work needs to continue to increase the numbers where possible. MA also gave presentations on ITS stats and training pack sales. TP1 Ocean Diver packs show a significant decline. SDC stats show falls in 2006 and 2007. Branch run SDC’s are falling at a greater rate. Coaching and Centres are running more courses, O2, Boat Handling, Combined Nitrox, PRM, First Aid and Compressor Operation are the most popular courses being run. BSAC Centres numbers have increased in 2007.

 

Action Points from British Sub Aqua Club Council Meeting at BSAC HQ 22/ 23 September 2007

ACTION

BY WHEN

ACTION

Action to change the minutes to reflect the status of Life Vice Presidents. HG and MKT.

ASAP

AM

CRB Checks – 50% complete – CRB are 6/8 weeks behind in their processing.

ASAP

MT

Electronic version of information monthly.

ASAP

WD

Proposal for cash reserves target at next council meeting.

Next meeting

AH/DQ

AIC & AIE stats in ITS need reviewing. OWI stats also need reviewing. Remove div errors.

Next meeting

WD

Remind Council to read information circulated prior to meeting.

Next meeting

AM

Life members – outstanding.

ASAP

AM

Email voting procedure to be reviewed.

Next meeting

EH/AM

Treasurer report to be circulated prior to meeting.

Next meeting

AH

Increase subscriptions by £1.50 and £1.00 as per the split below - from 1st January 2008.

ASAP

MT

Proposal to increase from 1st January 2008 the cost of:

IFC course by £2

SDC packs by £1

ASAP

MT

AM gave a short presentation on what position the project has reached. AM to ask for non members but divers as one of the next focus groups and also a comparison to the PADI website.

ASAP

AM

MA stated that if council members are expressing a personal opinion then they should sign it off in that way and not in their official capacity as a council member.

ASAP

ALL

 

 

 

Communicate PTP’s offering discounts on non diving holidays to members.

ASAP

DD

MA asked for detailed budget proposals for BSAC Travel for the November 2007 budget meeting.

Next meeting

DD

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discuss the NDC budget with SG to establish what the allocation relates to.

Next meeting

AH

Council would like a full review of the WoV policy.

ASAP

BH/EF/AM

MA and DE to sign the Novation Agreement on behalf of BSAC International Ltd

ASAP

MA/DE

Grant application for equity officer resource for maximum amount.

ASAP

MT

Increase life membership to £800 with immediate effect.

ASAP

WD

Web stats needed asap.

ASAP

MT/CH

Council to feedback on acceptable Web use policy

Next meeting

ALL

Web advertising – proposal from HQ on rates, space etc.

Next meeting

MT

Dinner at Merseyside Branch attendance – confirm to MT

ASAP

ALL

Dates of 2008 meetings to council

ASAP

WD

AM to check syllabus for content.

ASAP

AM

Instructor CD update – stock levels and communications plan.

ASAP

MT

 

Minutes of British Sub Aqua Club Council Meeting at BSAC HQ, Ellesmere Port 22/23 September 2007

 

Present:

Marcus Allen                            MA

Eugene Farrell                         EF

Don Qulliam                             DQ

Alan Robinson                          AR

Andy Moll                                 AM

Adrian Hall                               AH

Edward Haynes                        EH

Bob Healey                              BH

Tony Marshall                          TM

Deric Ellerby                             DE

Tony Reed                                AR

Ernie Crook                              EC

David Dixon                             DD

Mark Allen                               MDA

Mary Tetley                              MT

Wendy Davies                          WD

Apologies: Ian Irvine, Harry Gould, John Betts, Rachel Sharp, Mike Todd, Sean Gribben.

Action to change the minutes to reflect the status of Life Vice Presidents. HG and MKT.

AM

CRB Checks – 50% complete – CRB are 6/8 weeks behind in their processing.

MT

Feedback received on information pack. Some amendments made.

Electronic version of information monthly.

WD

AIC & AIE stats in ITS need reviewing. OWI stats also need reviewing. Remove div errors.

WD

Remind Council to read information circulated prior to meeting.

AM

Website advertising – to be left until web project finalised.

 

Life members – outstanding. Approximately 400 Life members.

AM

Email voting procedure to be reviewed.

EH/AM

Proposal to accept the minutes of the previous meeting, proposed by AM, seconded by AR, motion carried.

 

Ratification of Email Voting

Brand/ Logo review. Vote: FOR option 2 – MA, BH, RS, DQ, MDA, EH, AR, AR, EF, TM – option 1 – DE, AM – no response AH, DD.

Telephone System HQ. Vote: FOR - MA, EH, DE, DQ, MDA, SG, AM, RS, AR, TM - none against - remainder no reply/no vote.

 

Honorary Treasurers Report

AH showed a presentation of the August 2007 management accounts which show a surplus YTD and demonstrates stability in the financial position. AH thanked HQ for managing the finances so efficiently. AH explained that the additional income for membership subscriptions showing in comparison to 2006 partially relates to the collection of subscriptions by DD one month before they are due. It is not more income but we have received it earlier. AH reminded Council that the 2008 budget needs to return a surplus and an increase in cash reserves to prevent the potential  deficit engine from having too much of an impact, and in consideration of council’s responsibilities as directors.

DD – Cash reserve allows flexibility for projects and unexpected expenditure without overstretching resources. We are able to make major investments only if we have the cash reserve.

DQ – Need business risk assessment to establish what the limit should be which should determine the level of the cash reserve required. If we separate the insurance we could consider a one off levy payment.

DE – when there has historically been an increase in the PL insurance policy subs have been increased to accommodate it.

EF – we have seen the decrease in insurance costs being passed back to members in the decision not to increase subs in 2007. History doesn’t mean we have to do the same for the future. We don’t return all cash benefits back to members. We could consider separating the insurance cost from the membership subscription.

EH – business continuity should contain references to cash reserves.

DD – had we put up subs historically we could have reduced them in 2007 in relation to the insurance reduction.  DD we should look at stock investments and their impact on cash. DE stated that we had done that but it had not been communicated to members.

Proposal for cash reserves target at next council meeting.

AH/DQ

Proposal to increase subscriptions by £1.50 and £1.00 as per the split below - from 1st January 2008 - proposed by EH, seconded by BH, motion carried.

MT

Proposal to increase from 1st January 2008 the cost of:

IFC course by £2

SDC packs by £1

Proposed by DE, seconded by AR, motion carried.

MT

 

Website Review update

AM gave a short presentation on what position the project has reached. AM to ask for non members but divers as one of the next focus groups and also a comparison to the PADI website. Landing page design not appealing – AM to ask for amendments. Landing pages – obtain new pictures to a specific brief.

AM

Forum comments – guidance on what we say and in what role. MA stated that if council members are expressing a personal opinion then they should sign it off in that way and not in their official capacity as a council member.

 

Travel Club Proposal

DD gave the presentation to council. TC currently gets c. 60,000 unique visitors a month. The criteria for becoming a travel partner is to be reviewed and tightened. Crystal have agreed to offer member discounts for other holidays that are not diving related, Council agreed that this needs to be communicated to members as it is a real tangible benefit. DD would like to make changes

MA asked for detailed budget proposals for the November 2007 budget meeting.

DD

DD asked council to agree to giving formal notice to the current PTP’s in accordance witb the contract, proposed by MA, seconded by AM, motion carried.

DD

 

Operations Manager Report

DVD is going well and over 10,000 have now gone out, we will need to restock by the end of 2007.

Branch Levy DD email will be circulated in one week. Project Neptune cleansing is ongoing. ROB is also ongoing. Dive Show will be targeted as LIDS, main aim is to recruit new members, the budget is very tight. BMP update has been launched. Clubmark has moved forward, 5 pilot branches are to present their files on 25th October, thanks to BH for his assistance in this project which has improved its momentum. BH stated that it is intended Clubmark accredited clubs will get preference when hiring venues etc. 

DOC ticket sales are progressing – advertising will be increased now and the dinner will be promoted.

MT thanked council for attending branches in support of Try Dive.

Business Continuity Plan has progressed.

 

Chairman’s Report

The strategies and project targets were reviewed and discussed. Some timelines were changed and projects re-allocated.

Discuss the NDC budget with SG to establish what the allocation relates to.

AH

EF & AM has some concerns over the WoV policy and the protection of instructors – council would like a full review of the policy.

BH/EF/AM

Our President has agreed to prepare a video message for BSAC Japan’s 20th Anniversary.

MCS marine bill protest march is on 8th October 2007.

 

Pan Pacific

The agreement was circulated in July 2007

Council agreed to give MA and DE authority to sign the Novation Agreement on behalf of BSAC International Ltd that

Proposed by TM, seconded by BH, motion carried.

MA/DE

 

Corporate Snorkel Proposal

A proposal had been circulated in advance. BH is not happy with the current arrangements in relation to who controls corporate snorkelling overall.   BH requested a council member be responsible for CS, however MA believed it should rest with all of council. EF felt that snorkeling should have a council member representing it. MA again stated it is represent to all of council. MA stated he would discuss the "ownership" of CS with Alistair over lunch.

It was subsequently reported by MA that AR confirmed "ownership" to HQ, and was aware of the issues raised. A meeting has already been set up in November for CS instructor staff to iron out issues.

 

Sport Equity Proposal

A proposal had been circulated in advance by BH. The proposal contains details of the potential recruitment of an Equity Officer for BSAC and proposed remuneration and recruitment costs. MT confirmed that grants are available for this type of position and any recruitment would be based on obtaining a grant. It may only be funded for 1 year. AH is concerned that the appointment of this role would lead to further recruitment requests. EF asked if we could consider fulfilling these obligations on a consultancy basis. DQ asked if some of the branch based projects already discussed could be incorporated into the role. TM stated that the application should be made for the grant and then a decision made. DD stated that a 12 month contract needs to be carefully worded to avoid employment legislation issues. DD suggested it might be better to call the role Diversity Officer as it was important to recruit members from a wide range of backgrounds - youth, disabled, disadvantaged etc and not just focus on attracting more female divers. We should encourage access to membership for all.

Proposal to proceed with a grant application for an equity resource for the maximum limit available, proposed by MA, seconded by AM, motion carried.

MT

 

Life Membership

Proposal to increase life membership to £800 with immediate effect, which equates to 15 years of membership, proposed by AM, seconded by MA, 1 against, motion carried.

WD

Proposal from MDA to increase the monthly payment option from 10 months to 15 months, no seconder, motion not carried.

 

Group Reports

IT – telephone system install underway. Web stats needed asap.

MT

Insurance – received notification on 12.6.08 of a potential legal claim.

Communications – report for next meeting.

International – covered earlier.

B & D – reviewed grid.

Web advertising – proposal from HQ on rates, space etc.

HQ

 

AOB

DD has some concerns regarding accountability of NDC and that there are some roles that overlap, as this could lead to some issues of corporate governance.

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Page last modified: 9th Apr 2008 - 00:28:34