Page 30 - ALG Issue 3 2023

ensures the smooth running of the Society and the Regional activities. It must be emphasised that the Governance Committee does not have, nor do its members wish to exercise,
any executive responsibility. However, it is important to ensure that the activities of the Society are subject to close and effective scrutiny leading to greater transparency.
The Governance Committee has been involved in sorting out problems in one region, which are on their way to being resolved, overcoming historic problems.
Governance are undertaking an overall review of the regional structure during 2023 with recommendations to the Management Committee who will make the final decisions.
A complete review of the nomination process has already been undertaken and put forward to the Management Committee for their approval.
The Governance Committee is appointed to oversee the running of the AGM and hereby present their report under the rules of the Society which set out the duties and powers of the Committee. The Committee currently comprises Paul Merryweather, Libby Earle, Alastair Watson, Wyn Marshall, Keith Meakin and Gareth Owen.
COMPANY SECRETARY REPORT
We have experienced another year of successful events, challenges and great achievements. At our first AGM after lockdown in Marks Tey, I mentioned that we were
looking at producing a Guide for Developers, Planners and Councils. This publication was launched in November 2022 including a new service, which includes Zoom meetings, site visits encompassing the 21st Century design
of allotments, with the support of the region concerned. At the time of writing this update to you all, I have 15 new sites in various stages of development all over the country.
Fortunately, we are not experiencing anywhere near this number of Section 8 disposal requests.
We are in the process of launching the new website and hopefully by the AGM we will have something to show you all.
Working with universities
NAS was part of an exciting project Dry (Drought Risk) running over a period of
five years, which was undertaken by the University of West of England. This project came to completion in December 2021 and as a culmination of this we were able to produce 7 leaflets in conjunction with the National Environmental Council. These newly printed leaflets had been produced in time for the show season 2022 and flew off the stands. The timing could not have been better, if we had planned it all. In 2023 we have other projects being considered. Our theme for the year is soil health. Other projects are coming along which may be appropriate including Social
Prescribing. There will be further information available soon.
Working with central government
Following on from Covid, we have managed
to retain and greatly enhance our working relationship with central government departments. The launch of our 21st Century Allotments in New Developments helped. We have received interesting complementary comments on the document and the new service. The appointment of Dr Deborah Burn in the post of Research and Development Officer has assisted greatly. Changes in policy, frameworks and legislation are happening
all the time and particularly in the world of planning. It is vital that we continue to monitor, respond and try to influence for the benefit
of allotments. We continue to build sound relationships with DEFRA, Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities.
Working with local government
Our work with the Society of Local Council Clerks, also National Association of Local Councils, is expanding fairly rapidly. We provide Allotment Management Training via 90-minute Webinars. These are proving very popular. From January 2022 until the end of the year
we carried out 30 webinars, this year we have many more booked from all over the country. The Regions also support the delivery of these successful events.
As a trusted provider for these organisations, we also get invited to their Conferences which gives great networking opportunities.
We have also managed to have Allotment Officer Forums in most of the eleven regions, last year via Zoom, these are generally really well attended and appreciated by Allotment Officers. These forums have been organised and run by our Legal Advisor Tyler Harris. These efforts help to lead to improved management of allotment for the benefit of plot holders
and also increased membership from Local Authorities
Working with our members in the 11 regions
During the period since January 2023, we
are averaging approximately 80 new legal enquiries from our members each month. Some of these require straightforward answers. Others are more complex, and require a few weeks, months, or some even go on from
year to year. We are now also in contact with the membership via Zoom, so more detailed complicated issues can be tackled face to face.
We have a range of webinars which we can present to members, covering topics such as:
• Your new lease
• Incorporation
• Trustees
• Management of allotments • Non-Cultivation
Another expanding area of work stems from the renewals of block leases by district and borough councils, and the movement towards self-management. This is having an impact on the numbers of associations who are becoming incorporated. We completed 12 in 2022 and already this year 6 have gone forward to the FCA. Other associations, who have been incorporated under old rules, have seen the importance of updating their rules in line with the relatively new legislation.
The NAS administrative staff also carry out the important task of supporting the membership to ensure the smooth running of the Society and I would like to thank all of them for their hard work.
Working with businesses/other organisations
In 2022, the NAS embarked on a national partnership with 2 well known charities.
‘A Little Allotment, a Lot of Good’ is a campaign that ties together 2 separate projects under one title to create a cohesive action with shared goals.
What are the 2 projects?
30 Allotment and Leisure Gardener