Page 9 - QARANC Vol 14 No 13 2016

THE GAZETTE QARANC 7
Some issues were being addressed with another Branch which had not retained contact with the General Secretary.
An update was given on meetings held with Trustees and Branches during the year.
Update on Progress of the Association
The Chairman advised that the Trustees had agreed the following strategic objectives for the next 5 years:
Raise the profile of the Association and increase membership Build for the future
Sustain the future
It was also reported that the most significant change
over the year had been that the application for Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status was approved by the Charity Commission on 2 October 2015. The Trustees agreed to make it operational from 1 January 2016. The Chairman stressed that the Charitable Objects of the Association have remained unchanged. A significant amount of work had been undertaken over the year and the work of the sub-committees was outlined:
Governance
The Governance Sub-Committee is chaired by the Vice- President Lt Col (Retd) Pauline Novak.
Trustees have ensured the Association remains compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements. The risk register is reviewed quarterly and the Trustees have all worked hard to ensure business quality is assured and maintained and when services/products are bought there is value for money. Links with other similar charities such as the WRAC, WRENS, QARNNS and PMRAFNS have been forged to share knowledge. There is an updated Association Handbook, reflecting the new policies and procedures for Trustees and Branch management.
It was further advised that the 2015 Audit Report reported no adverse comments and the accounts would be presented by the Treasurer in her report.
Finance and Grants
The Finance and Grants Committee is chaired by the Vice- President or Chairman.
It was reported that the Committee meet monthly to improve efficiencies in the role of benevolence and grant giving, and work in conjunction with the TBRL, SSAFA and the Officers Association continues. The Committee consists of 4 Trustees and if there is not a consensus decision, the case will be referred to the next Board of Trustees meeting.
Attendees were updated that at the most recent Board meeting it was agreed that the Association would increase its contribution to the AMS Sports Union and then not consider any requests for sporting activities that have already received a subsidy from AMS Sports Union. This assists with governance and will reduce the likelihood of a double grant.
Media and Comms
The Media and Comms Sub-Committee is chaired by Maj Dottie Calderwood.
The Committee have reviewed the website and use of other social media sites. The development of the ‘Members Only’ area has been slow and all solutions to the problem are being explored. The archived Gazettes have all been scanned and the Trustees are making the final decision on which company will be contracted to manage the work required to ensure they are accessible ‘online’.
challenges – concerns have been raised about another QARANC website and other Facebook pages in that conflicting or incorrect information may be disseminated. We endeavour to ensure our sites remain the ones of choice.
It was advised that the Editor of the Gazette has elected to stand down from her post after 3 years. The Chairman wished to record her thanks for the work undertaken during this time.
Chattels and Heritage
The Chattels Committee is chaired by the Chairman and the Heritage Committee is chaired, as an exception, by a non- Trustee Lt Col Kieron Spires.
The Terms of Reference for membership of the Heritage Sub-Committee have recently been amended to include the new Museum Director to ensure sharing of information in all we do. It is hoped that the work to capture the oral reminiscences will commence soon, once more volunteers can be sourced and trained.
It was advised that Yvonne McEwan, Corps Historian and author of ‘In the Company of Nurses’ requested to terminate her relationship with the Corps. As some may be aware the original plan was for a series of works to be written to ensure that the Corps history was recorded. Assurance was given that this work is now in hand to pick up the momentum on what has been a slow project and links have been formed with other nursing historians to discuss our needs.
Attendees were advised that the proposal to move the AMS Museum from Keogh Barracks is being monitored. It has been advised that there is a possibility that the Museum may move to Cardiff – however, a significant amount of work needs to be done and funds secured. Members will be advised as more information becomes available.
Marketing and Membership
The Chairman advised that it was intended to launch a new subgroup following the development of a marketing strategy. Membership across all eligible groups needs to be promoted. The Association will also need to ensure that the changes to reservist membership is managed to reduce the risk of a loss of membership from this category.
Plans to celebrate the Associations 70th anniversary in 2017 are well in hand.
Conclusion
The Association has worked hard to promote inclusivity and support the links between serving regular and reserve and retired members. An excellent example of this was that demonstrated by the Corps Day celebrations in Cardiff this year. This was a tremendous and enjoyable event and thanks were afforded to the Welsh Branch and 203 Field Hospital for all their work on this.
The Chairman thanked the branches and their committees for all their hard work over the year in the support and pleasure they give to so many, demonstrating the Associations motto of ‘Friendship’.
The Chairman thanked the Trustees for their hard work, commitment and support during the year in that they have been unstinting in their loyalty and dedication to the ongoing development of the Association during what has been a very busy time.
Attendees were advised that social media causes some