Agm Conference Report 2010

7/31/2019 Agm Conference Report 2010

1/17

High Courtconference

& AGM 2010Sunday 12th - Tuesday 14th September

Riviera International Centre, Torquay


2/17

Opening of High Court conferenceJim Launchbury opened the conference by describing his busy year as HighChief Ranger, a position that he said was now open to all members.

Jim said he had attended three Board meetings over the year, where he got abetter understanding of the issues that external regulation caused the Society.He and his wife Janet attended branch meetings, area meetings, and branchand area social events, and enjoyed them all. The only event not on this yearscalendar was the usual visit to the Friendly Societys convalescent home inHerne Bay, as this has now closed. The friendship and hospitality Jim and Janetexperienced throughout their travels was overwhelming, and they now have

many more friends and acquaintances than they ever thought possible.Charity and benevolence, Jim said, have been watchwords throughout the

Societys history. And if my observations are correct, he added, it is stillexpanding today. He said there was a huge amount of charitable work going on,and he thanked everyone on behalf of those who benet.

Jim then gave personal thanks for all the help given to him this year, and paidparticular tribute to Janet, who has been an immense support over the past54 years, and who has always been there for him. He nished by saying: Frommy point of view, it has been a wonderfully successful year. Thank you all forgiving me the honour and the privilege of serving this great order as your HighChief Ranger.

Immediate Past High Chief Ranger Pat Swadling gave the vote of thanks. Hesaid that Jim had worn the High Chief Rangers chain with pride and carried outhis duties with commitment, with Janet by his side.

Jims commitment to the role has also shown itself in his appeal for theMultiple Sclerosis Society, Pat said. There was once an MP who told everyoneto get on their bikes Jim did just that by going on a sponsored cycle ride andraising a great deal of money for his appeal. Janet has always been by Jims side,and her support has been important. She has been a very gracious High ChiefRangers lady.

Wenda Belam seconded the vote of thanks. She said: I feel I am the voice ofan ordinary member, just as Janet and Jim are ordinary members. They are thekindest people, who will help anyone. They have never let the Society down,theyre a wonderful couple and a credit to the Society. If all High Chief Rangers inthe future are half as good as Jim has been, we will be a very, very lucky Society.

High Court conference 2010

Jim Launchbury


3/17


Greetings from the Oddfellows Alan Cole , Grand Master of the Oddfellows, then spoke. He pointed out thatForesters and the Oddfellows had worked in parallel on many occasions. Whiletheir joint work on the Herne Bay home had to be terminated, he raised hopes thatsomething positive may come out of the closure.

He said that both the Oddfellows and Foresters had a great deal of difculty sellingtheir objectives, because it was hard to sell friendship. It was only obvious what itwas when it was taken away. He added: I believe there are still ways in which wecan sell ourselves to society, even though it changes quickly. We can use moderntechnology to our advantage for example, for people who cannot attend their branchmeetings there is now video conferencing, which means you can maintain contact

with your members. He nished by wishing that the Society continues to go forwardin richness and strength.

In remembranceSeveral delegates spoke in remembrance of Dr John Tudor , the former pastorof Foresters Friendly Society. Jim Launchbury said Dr John, a member of CourtNo 1351, was a true Forester. They met in 1980, and Dr John only missed oneHigh Court from that time onward. His sermons were delivered with humour, butthe message was always spot on, Jim said. He added: He was a religious man

of the nest sort and was proud to be a Forester. He is sadly missed, and I extendsympathy to Cynthia, his widow. I am sure John will remain in our hearts.Carmen Graham said Dr John had an amazing sense of humour and a delightful

personality. He always made you feel special. John Levett , Past High ChiefRanger, said Dr John epitomised all he saw in religion and religious people. He wascompassionate, friendly and humorous.

Trevor Potter said Dr John was one of the few pastors he could pour his heartout to, which he did following the death of his father. John and I sat together onEastbourne pier, he said, and I was able to express feelings and emotions andsense that I was being listened to and understood. This was a very rare gift. Finally,Cynthia Tudor thanked everyone for the overwhelming love shown. John wouldhave been thrilled to have heard it all, she added.

Tribute was also paid to John Oliver , Past High Chief Ranger. John came into theSociety in the late forties as a member of Court Marquis of Bute. He became ChiefRanger in 1953 and Court Secretary in 1967. At District level, he served as DistrictChief Ranger of the Cardiff United District in 1961, and was District Treasurer forseven years, until 1989. Andrew Pooley said: I cannot claim to have known Johnwell, but I appreciated his goodwill and friendliness.


4/17


Candidates for High Sub-ChiefRanger

A new item was introduced to the conference by the Chairman. Candidates for the roleof High Sub-Chief Ranger introduced themselves to the delegation and spoke brieyabout themselves:

Richard Darlington said he was 17 when he took out a sickness policy withForesters and was persuaded to go to a local branch meeting. After two orthree meetings I realised Id joined a Society that cared about its members,especially in times of need. He said that now hes close to retirement, he has thetime to give back to the Society what it has given him much pride and pleasureover the years.

Andrew Pooley said he saw the roles of High Sub-Chief Ranger and High ChiefRanger as the hinges between the fraternal and the insurance sides of the Society.I can honestly say that Im a Forester through and through. I was looking for afraternal side when I joined and Ive never been disappointed, he said.

Jenny Ray said she believed she had the passion and commitment to take onthe role. The High Sub-Chief Ranger is the public face of the Society, she said,and I believe that I have the necessary experience to take on that role, and thecondence to face the challenges. She said she supported the concept that anymember has an equal right to hold such a prestigious position.

Chairmans addressChairman Glyn Carpenter said the Board had tackled tricky areas this year, includinga review of costs and expenses, the establishment of a With Prots Committee andsignicant work to comply with new EU nancial regulations, known as Solvency II.

He said that in terms of risk, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) had movedForesters Friendly Society into a lower category but, while this was pleasing, italso meant that now the Society doesnt have a dedicated FSA ofcer and gettingeach new person to understand Foresters is interesting. The FSA is also continuingto tighten up Board membership, Glyn said, which meant that a balance had tobe struck between its requirements and members wishes to have strong voiceson the Board.

He said the Board had also discussed a strategy around branch funding anddiscretionary benets, and looked at the implications of moving High Court toJune next year.

Richard Darlington

Andrew Pooley

Jenny Ray


5/17


2009 Financial Report & AccountsPaul Osborn , Finance Director, said last years report came amid the longest anddeepest recession since records began. 2009 had seen the UK economy continueto deteriorate and there was still the chance of a recessionary double dip, but therehad been quantitative easing, aimed at stimulating growth. However, consumercondence was still fragile.

OverviewFor the Society, the success story of 2009 was the increase in new business,reected in the 8% rise in total premiums, adding up to 13.3 million (11.7mUK business and 1.6m for Guernsey).

The last three years had seen a gradual fall in premium income. This resulted inthe Board taking the strategic decision to invest in a marketing team to sell more

individual products. In 2009 the marketing team delivered higher-than-expectedsales in ISAs, bonds and the successful Ethical Child Trust Fund. Some 2,471 newindividual policies were sold in 2009, up by 50% on 2008, and 2010s business wasalready up on the whole of 2009. Group business also performed very well, with apremium income exceeding 7m for the rst time, an increase of 9% on 2008.

Membership Numbers The rate of decline in membership numbers has slowed to just 0.5% in 2009, after2008s fall of 10%.

Investment Portfolio The Societys overall investment performance in 2009 shared a return of 7% over all

asset classes, including dividends from equity, property and movements in the capitalvalue of investments. This compared to a fall of 12% in 2008.

Management expenses of the Society and branches The Society and its branches spent nearly 10m last year, an increase of 9% over2008. The insurance part of the business increased its costs by 5%, largely as aresult of investment in the marketing team. Non-insurance expenses increasedby 8%, and include the cost of administering branches, the accreditation project,strategy development, membership services support, project costs and central HighCourt costs. The total cost of last years High Court was 453,000 more than1,000 per delegate attending. Control of costs and expenses is a key priority of theBoard, and requires close monitoring.

Policy claim paymentsPolicy claim payments have remained at similar levels to 2008, increasing by 2%,or 200,000.

Discretionary benets & approved branch distributions1.5m was paid out in discretionary benets and approved branch distributions.

SummaryIn summary, the nancial position of the Society is still strong after a difcult couple ofyears, with increased premiums of 1.2m and equity gains of 8m, but an unrealisedloss of 5m on the property portfolio.

The Report and Accounts were then received.

Paul Osborn


6/17


Marketing presentationNeil Armitage reported that it had been a difcult year for the economy. However,the savings ratio was still healthy, which was good news for organisations in thesavings market, like Foresters. It gives us an opportunity to build our brand and getpeople to invest with the Society, he said. Sales to the end of August 2010 werealready ahead of the whole of 2009, with 60% year-on-year growth.

Customer satisfaction survey resultsCustomers were asked what they felt about their dealings with the Society in acustomer satisfaction survey, and 90% of those who joined or had made a claimwould recommend Foresters to someone else.

Foresters presence onlineNeil said the improved corporate website www.forestersfriendlysociety.co.uk had yielded good results for the Society, with a 200% increase in direct trafc.

Meanwhile Foresters Friends, the Societys social networking website atwww.forestersfriends.co.uk , was launched last year, and Neil said he believedit was the rst of its kind among nancial services organisations. There are manytools on the website to stimulate debate, give advice, help with PR and raise fundsfor charity.

SponsorshipNeil announced that the Board has signed a sponsorship deal with the GB Archeryteam in time for the 2012 Olympics.

We are a natural sponsor, he said, referring to the Societys arrow logo, adding:Archery is about inclusion it is one of the few sports in which able-bodied anddisabled people can compete on the same turf, and it encourages participation fromall abilities and ages. Neil said the deal would not only be good for the promotion ofForesters, but would also open up interest in the Society among the 1,100 archeryclubs across the UK.

Independent nancial advisers (IFAs)Since the last High Court the Society had begun selling via IFAs, and had launchedan IFA portal on its website. There are now 400 IFAs on the Societys books, andanother IFA group the Society has engaged with has brought another 900 potentialIFAs forward.

The Ethical Child Trust FundNeil said that following the new coalition Governments decision to stop the Child

Trust Fund, the Societys Ethical Child Trust Fund (ECTF) was reluctantly withdrawnfrom the market in July. The ECTF had been one of the Societys best-sellingproducts. However, an Ethical Child Savings Plan, which builds on the popularity ofthe ECTF, has just been launched.

Questions, answers & commentsJenny Ray thought there might be marketing opportunities for Foresters amongstudents at agricultural colleges. Neil said that, by and large, students didnt lookat long-term savings, and so it was felt that valuable resources shouldnt be put inthis direction.

Colin Walker said hed recently taken advantage of the Britannia Hotels offer ina recent issue of The Forester . This was an excellent deal, he felt, and an exampleof good marketing.

Neil Armitage


7/17

Membership presentationMarketing Director Neil Armitage said the branches were Foresters USP (UniqueSelling Point). No other nancial services organisation has this army of outlets, withsuch a structure of members, he said. But we have to support and develop theway in which they operate.

Twelve Welcome Meetings had been held this year to reignite the more moribundbranches to engage new and existing members. He said the member-get-membercampaign had been successful and in all, 200 new members were recruited thisyear using this method.

For the rst time, an independent nancial adviser (IFA) had addressed abranch meeting, which had been well received, and it was hoped that moresuch presentations from IFAs would take place. The rst Branch SecretariesConference had also been held, and had proved to be successful, with lots of active

engagement, debate and sharing ideas. More than 150 delegates were present atthe event.

Public relationsGood PR was essential for building brand awareness, and this year Foresters hadfeatured widely in the local and regional press, and on BBC local radio. BranchSecretaries are encouraged to talk to the press via Weber Shandwick, the SocietysPR agency.

Branch accreditation programme This programme was tasked with acceleration a year ago, and today 127 brancheshave been accredited or recommended for accreditation, with over half of all

branches reaching the minimum standard of performance.Member research on the phone revealed just over half of members surveyeddidnt get involved in branch activities, and better communication was needed tokeep members up-to-date. Neil gave examples of some of the events branches hadorganised, including quiz nights and visits to pubs, breweries and sporting events.

He concluded by saying it was up to branches to deliver member benets locallyand always to make sure that members were treated fairly.

Questions, answers & commentsColin Walker said that his branch didnt pass its rst accreditation this year, whichwas upsetting but, after a long hard look at themselves, members made changesand eventually passed accreditation. We are now going along the right path, heremarked.

Richard Darlington said his branch had experienced a disappointing turnout ata Welcome Meeting, but that they would attempt a similar event again. We havegeographical problems, he said, which I believe should be the basis of revisingbranch structure in the future. Pauline Young pointed out that, while her branchwasnt yet accredited, it would benet from a Welcome Meeting. She asked ifthis was only open to accredited branches. Neil conrmed that this was currentlythe position.

Sylvia Jones said that, in the past, branch secretaries had to be careful howthey spent money, but now it seemed that branches were being told to spend,spend, spend. Neil Armitage answered that it should be more a case of spendingeffectively, and always treating customers fairly.

Trevor Potter described how his recently refurbished branch in Kilburn had

opened out to the community, including a group of actors rehearsing a play whohad become interested in the Society.



8/17


9/17


Branch Strategy & BenetsWorkshopsBranch Strategy and Benets workshops were held on the Monday afternoon. Whenintroducing the workshops, Glyn Carpenter said it was paramount that the Societytreated members fairly, both now and in the future. The estate we have today is theestate that we inherited, and we have a duty to defend and develop it, he said.

There are two key challenges from the FSAs Treating Customers Fairly initiative:(i) How does the Society offer benets on a fair basis?(ii) How does the present system of branch funding support or hinder the

ability to treat customers fairly?

BenetsIntroducing the Benets workshop, Deputy Chairman Carl Genese said memberbenets were one of the things that made Foresters unique, but that the level ofbenets varied according to the wealth of each branch. Was it fair, he said, thatsomeone new to Foresters was assigned to a poor branch, when a rich branchmight be established just a few miles away?

Cheryl Eagleson then outlined the various benets from branches, demonstratingthat while some branches give nothing at all towards, for example, the cost of dentalor optical grants, other branches are giving hundreds of pounds per member. Theaverage payout for dental benets was around 360, while optical grants came in atan average of 100 per member.

Cheryl asked why a number of branches gave no money at all, and said it was

important for them to be aware of the needs and requirements of members. Sheraised the question about a minimum level of benet around 50 and said it wasimportant to ensure this was affordable for all the Societys branches.

Questions, answers & commentsEnid Webster said she had been a Branch Secretary for more than 30 years,and that it was impossible to make every member claim grants. RichardDarlington suggested a national scheme of discretionary benets that could beclaimed through Head Ofce.

George Brown wondered how allocating a new member to a branch wasdecided, to which Kevin Dann replied that it was based on geography, and not onwhich branch would pay the highest benets.

Frank Beech , meanwhile, asked how the Society responded to claimants whowere also on tax credits, and who might already be getting benets on dental andoptical treatment.

Branch fundingIn his introduction, Non-Executive Director John Levett said there was anacceptance of unfairness across the system the question was, how should itbe addressed?

The way in which branches are funded now means that inactive rich branchesget richer, and poorer branches who would like to be more active are restricted byincome. He pointed out that 50% of branch funds were held by fewer than 20%of branches. Fifty branches control some 30m, and the rest is shared by the other200. This, he said, was a good indication of the unfairness of the system.

Andrew Pooley said that at the Branch Secretaries Conferences, two waysof fairer funding had been discussed. The rst was a per-person gure based onall members. The second, which was felt to be fairer, was a two-tier interest ratesystem that would help to generate the income of poorer branches by offering thema more advantageous interest rate. Richer branches would get a lower interest rateand, if they needed extra funds, they would be able to apply to Head Ofce.


10/17


Questions, answers & comments Arthur Lawrence thought the two-tier system was a sensible and practical stepforward. Joan Burtrand said her branch was one of the richer ones, and from the30,000 interest on 500,000 she was able to hand out all kinds of benets to members.If the interest rate was cut, shed have to apply to Head Ofce for the extra money.

John Hughes said the only way to achieve fairness was for all members to agree toequal shares. He said: Why should you penalise a richer branch that is doing what itshould be doing, and why should poorer ones come cap in hand? Meanwhile, KenThomas said he came from a poorer branch that couldnt afford to distribute surpluson a per-member basis because it would bankrupt the branch.

Summing up, John Levett said: The Society could not put right what was wrong inthe past. What wed like to achieve is something for the benet of all the members ofthe Society. What we have is unfair, so lets establish a fair system that we are happywith. If you agree with this principle, we will worry about the mechanics and ensure it

operates fairly and in the interests of all the members.

Summary of Branch Strategy & Benets workshopsKevin Dann introduced the Discretionary Benets summary. The points made included:

1. Members cannot be made to claim benets on offer.2. Better-off branches should help less well-off branches.3. Funds belong to members, not branches.4. Members are pleased the Board is acting on the agenda, but they

need guidance.5. There are concerns about the membership fee and the level of benets

ie, a new member who pays the 25 fee could immediately claim muchmore than that in benets.

6. Should lifelong memberships have a qualication period?7. There should be a minimum level of grant, but not a maximum.8. There are concerns that member allocations could have an impact on

affordability ie, gaining lots of new members in one branch could putpressure on its nances.

9. 25 seems to be right as a minimum grant.10. There are some concerns about grant-claiming members who also get

non-Society benets, such as Child Tax Credits.11. The benets themselves need much better promotion.12. Benets are discretionary, and not an entitlement.13. There is an agreed need to treat customers fairly.

Summing up, Kevin said the focus should be on fair, and there is a demonstrably clearneed for help from members. He said there was agreement that a minimum level ofbenet should be set, but added that all branches should participate zero participationfrom some branches, which is the case at the moment, should not happen.

Neil Armitage summarised the points made at the workshops. These included:1. The principle of Treating Customers Fairly is applied within branches, but not

across the Society.2. The current system of branch funding is unfair.3. Some delegates favoured a system of income level to be determined on

a per member basis. However, there was more support for a two-tieredinterest rates system which gives greater support to poorer branches.Even so, a minority argued that this penalised wealthier branches who

were doing everything right.4. It was agreed that the members are the custodians of the capital.5. Members need more clarication over how capital will not be eroded

by ination.6. Geographical issues have affected levels of income.7. Branch practices vary and need to be standardised.


11/17

Benevolence Working GroupJim Launchbury said the job of the Benevolence Working Group is to reviewthe Societys internal benevolence fund and make sure that it is relevant andappropriate to members needs. For example, members have beneted over theyears from the 150th Anniversary Educational Fund , and new applications hadbeen submitted this year.

Jim then talked about the idea of a permanent war memorial , to be paidfor by the Society, to honour those members lost in the two world wars andsubsequent conicts. Jim said the Royal British Legion had suggested a memorialat the National Memorial Arboretum near Licheld, Staffordshire, which he hadhimself visited. After enquiries, it was established that a memorial made of granite,featuring an inscription and a memorial bench sited nearby, would be the best

option at a cost of between 20,000-25,000. A show of hands from delegatesvoted in favour of a memorial.

Richard Darlington came forward to speak about the Convalescent HomeFund , and the situation following the closure of the Friendly Societies ConvalescentHome in Herne Bay. He said the downturn in the number of guests was belowwhat was required to keep it open, and it closed on 30 October last year. Twoindependent valuations estimated the homes value at around 1.5m, and someweeks ago it was sold to Age Concern Herne Bay for the asking price.

Richard said the homes trustees had submitted a new scheme to the CharityCommission about managing funds from the sale, which would enable nancialgrants for members going into convalescence. Jim Launchbury said other homeshad been looked at for members convalescence, but these were more expensive

than the established homes at Bridlington (still operating) and Herne Bay.Jim also mentioned that the High Court Relief Fund was to be renamedForesters Support Fund .

Questions, answers & commentsColin Walker urged everyone with children or grandchildren to apply for fundingunder the Educational Fund. Sylvia Jones said her eldest granddaughter had justgraduated with a 2:1 degree and had got a grant from Foresters to help her withday-to-day maintenance. Plus, Ken Houghton suggested that the Society shoulddo something for todays soldiers, particularly those whod been wounded in the

Afghanistan conict.



12/17

General question & answer session Alan Dewick asked about the reasons for High Court moving to June next year.He said the Board put forward the idea that people with children would be able toattend, adding that this was exactly when exam periods were, making it hard toget away. Glyn Carpenter said the main reason was for the earlier presentationof accounts to members. Jason Dabney supported the moving of High Court toa weekend, so that holidays and time spent with children would not need to beunnecessarily eaten into.

Shirley Brown asked if it was possible to axe the High Court dinner on theMonday evening, given the difcult nancial times. Kevin Dann said the Boardneeded to consider the cost of the High Court in its totality, and how not to incur

the costs of the past. He pointed out that over the past 10 years, High Courtcosts could total as much as 5m. George Brown said it would be wrong tocut too deeply into the High Court costs. I urge you all to maintain the format wehave now, he said, as its the only occasion we get together and meet people.

The Board was asked how much the sponsorship of Team GB Archery cost.Neil Armitage said he was bound by a condentiality agreement on that point,and that the information was commercially sensitive. He added that the deal wasvery good value for money.

Alan Blake asked for an update about the potential risks to the Society of notbeing properly insured in terms of property. His question was prompted by an

incident in a branch-owned property which resulted in the death of a tenant.Chief Executive Kevin Dann informed the delegates that a civil claim had beenmade by the estate of the deceased tenant, and there was a criminal investigationby the Health and Safety Executive underway. He said: I want to highlight this risk if youre a branch and own branch properties then you are responsible for theapplication of and adherence to rules and regulations pertaining to that property. Ifsomething goes wrong, the liability rests with trustees.

Kevin added that the Board would have to consider whether it was anacceptable risk that branches should hold their own property. I would urgebranch secretaries and trustees who are responsible for properties to considerwhere we go from here, he said. This is a very serious issue.

Frank Beech said his branch owned property and asked whether there wasany insurance they could take out against criminal liability. Kevin advised thatit wasnt possible to insure against criminal liability, and that if branches didntcomply with the terms of their existing insurance they would be liable for a claim.

Malcolm Prechner said he was bewildered, because he thought that afterincorporation, all liability for properties was handled by Head Ofce. He added:After hearing what Kevin has said, I think it extremely dangerous in relationto branches being responsible for properties. I think we should be looking atthis because I imagine there are a lot of trustees who are uncertain of theirresponsibilities, and this has thrown up the dangers that we could nd ourselves in.

Daphne OConnell asked whether the Board made sure that Board-ownedproperties had the right insurance policies. Paul Osborn said all Board-ownedproperties were managed by property managers and, as part of their contract,they have to ensure they comply with all current legislation. Glyn Carpenter

reiterated that branches could not insure against negligence, adding: If someoneis negligent, the Society is not in a position to stand behind them.



13/17

Opening of formal AGMHigh Chief Ranger Jim Launchbury formally opened the proceedings. The Church Service on Sunday had raised743.08, and the rafe on Monday evening had raised 1,948.50, which will be added to the High Chief Rangerscharity appeal for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

The total number of delegates present was 399.

Conrmation of the Minutes of High Court 2009 held in Manchester was acknowledged.

Conrmation of AppointmentsPanel members for the Arbitration TribunalI Anderson, P Armitt, P Ayres, C Bamford, J Barry, M Boxall, C Burrow, P Burrows, P Chase, H Cleghorn,L Clements, R Cooper, C Connon, J Connor, J Crossley, R Darlington, T Digweed, R Farmers, J Figg,C Finch, R Finch, C Fox, D Frost, J Frost, J Hall, D Harman, D Hanrahan, D Hathorn, B Hennegan,R Henson, A Hewlett, E Hext, T Hillman, J Hopkins, P Jeffcott, SJ Jones, N Kiernan, J Langley-Pratt,S Larsen, A Lawrence, H Lightfoot, P Mills, L Morgan, P Morgan, E Napier, R Newman, D OConnell,D Pack, T Postlethwaite, M Prechner, R Rapley, J Ray, S Reynolds, K Roberts, D Salmon, P Saunders,B Smith, B Smith, I Smith, T Smith, J Springham, K Strudwick, P Syrett, J Taylor, K Turner, I Wallman,

B Watson, G Webber, T Webster, J Wills, R Withrington, J Woodall. All appointments were carried.

Members for a portrait in Miscellany F Bryant, K Demby, M Holt, R Malin, R Morris, S Reynolds were conrmed as the subjects of portraits to bepublished in Foresters Friendly Societys Miscellany publication.

Tellers:R Causton, A Healey, C Pointon, M Prechner, D Smith, I Smith, J Springham.

AGM 2010


14/17

Financial ReportsReport and Accounts 2009Paul Osborn presented his report during the High Court Conference on Monday. There were no further questionson the Report and Accounts.

The Report and Accounts were received by the meeting.

Auditors ReportGlyn Carpenter introduced the Auditors Report and informed the delegation that this year the Societys auditorsBDO were not in attendance, therefore saving the Society a considerable sum of money. He said the report wasdetailed in the accounts and it had shown no concerns.

The Audit and Risk Committee Chairman Kathryn Vagneur then gave a brief presentation on the risk aspectsof the committees work. She gave the illustration of a car with its wheels coming off, and said the job of thecommittee was to put work processes in place to prevent that happening.

There are macro-economic issues we face, which we cant do much about. But we can look at the waywe respond to the macro environment, she said. If the economy did experience a double dip recession, thecommittee would have to consider spending less on High Court, as well as reducing management costs andfreezing salaries. 240 per minute was spent on High Court, therefore: When we ask you to be brief in comments,perhaps youll understand were doing it for the benet of the Society.

Kathryn explained that the cost of regulation was going through the roof, especially with the FSAs new,impending, EU Solvency II regulations. Regulatory risk is one of our big risks, and if we get it wrong were out ofbusiness. It is vitally important that when we put issues in front of you about regulation you realise that were doing

it because we must. Your understanding, help and openness to new ideas is very welcome.Kathryn dened the auditors opinion, stating that it was a true and fair view of an imprecise science callednancial accounting for insurance and praised Finance Director Paul Osborn for making clear the Societyscurrent nancial position.

The Auditors Report on the Annual Accounts and the Directors Report for the year ended 31 December 2009 were approved.

Remuneration ReportThe Remuneration Report was approved as set out in the Report and Accounts 2009.

Appointment of AuditorIt was approved that BDO Stoy Hayward be appointed as auditors for the 2009 year end and that its remunerationwould be agreed with the Board.

AGM 2010


15/17

Rule Changes & PropositionsThe following Rule Changes were then considered by delegates:

1. The Amendment by Court Tunstall No 1839 to the Boards proposition in respect of delegatenumbers at High Court was carried and the proposition, as amended, was carried.

2. The Boards proposed rule change in respect of enabling it to recruit and remunerate sub-committeemembers was carried.

3. The proposed rule change enabling the Board to determine when a vacancy exists on the Boardwas carried.

4. The Boards proposed rule change to correct an incorrect cross reference in Rule 13 was carried.5. The Boards amendment to the proposition from Court Pride of Reading No 4961 concerning

certain procedures relating to elections to the Board was carried and the proposition, as amended,was carried.

6. The Boards amendment to the proposition from Court Pride of Reading No 4961 concerning Boardcandidates addressing High Court was carried, but the proposition, as amended, was lost.

7. The Boards proposed amendment to Rule 13.5 was carried.8. The Boards amendment to the proposition from Court Pride of Reading No 4961 concerning certain

procedures relating to the electing of High Chief Ranger and High-Sub-Chief Ranger was carried, butthe proposition, as amended, was lost.

9. The Boards proposed rule change to correct an incorrect cross-reference in Rule 23 was carried.

The following Miscellaneous Propositions from the Board werethen carried:

10. That the incoming Board be authorised to make a call upon each branch for payment of a levy of 7pper 100 of the total funds shown on the last annual return received at Head Ofce. Such a levy is to beremitted to Head Ofce or deducted from the Courts Investment Fund Account by no later than 1 June2011, for credit to the Convalescent Home Benet Fund.

11. That in 2010 the Board be authorised to pay 2,750 to the Yorkshire Foresters Convalescent Home.12. That in 2010 the Board be authorised to pay 2,750 to the Foresters Home, Bexleyheath.13. That in 2010 the Board be authorised to pay 2,750 to the Portsmouth and District Friendly Societies

Homes, Portsmouth.14. That the basic annual remuneration of every Non-Executive Director on the Board for the year

commencing 14 September 2010 shall be 12,600.15. That the additional annual remuneration of the High Chief Ranger for the year commencing

14 September 2010, if also a Non-Executive Director on the Board, shall be 3,250.16. That the remuneration of the High Chief Ranger for the period commencing 14 September 2010, if not

also a Non-Executive Director, shall be 5,250.17. That the remuneration of the High Sub-Chief Ranger for the period commencing 14 September 2010,

if also a Non-Executive Director, shall be 2,750.18. That the annual remuneration for the Chairman for the year commencing 14 September 2010, shall

be 21,000.19. That the annual remuneration of the Deputy Chairman for the year commencing 14 September 2010,

shall be 15,250.20. That should it be found necessary to co-opt a Non-Executive Director with specialised professional

skills, knowledge or expertise, then the Board be permitted to agree remuneration of up to 18,900per annum with the individual concerned.

The following Miscellaneous Proposition from Courts was then considered:

21. The proposition from Court Crowood No 4644, that the High Court should be addressed by thecandidates for election to High Sub-Chief Ranger prior to the commencement of voting, was carried.

AGM 2010


16/17

Election & installation of ofcersElection of OfcersGlyn Carpenter , Carl Genese , Tony Lovell and Penny ONions all submitted themselves for re-electionto the Board, and all candidates were re-elected with more than 75% support from the delegates.

High Chief RangerJohn Hughes and Enid Webster then ofcially nominated Michael Grealy as High Chief Ranger for2010/11. Enid said she rst met Michael around 30 years ago. He had been Chief Ranger to both theManchester and Leeds districts at the same time and had proven himself to be loyal and trustworthy, andnever boastful or insincere.

Michael said he couldnt put into words what an absolute honour and privilege it was to be High ChiefRanger. He said hed enjoyed working with Jim and Janet Launchbury , and was now looking forward to

meeting as many Foresters members as possible

Election of the High Sub-Chief RangerNominations were invited for the ofce of High Sub-Chief Ranger and, in accordance with Society Rules, thenames of Richard Darlington , Andrew Pooley and Jenny Ray were put forward.

Three hundred and ninety nine ballot papers were issued and there were 396 papers in the box. One wasrejected for voting for more than one candidate, so a total of 395 delegates voted.

The results were:Richard Darlington 246

Andrew Pooley 100Jenny Ray 49

Richard Darlington was duly elected High Sub-Chief Ranger for 2010-2011. Richard thanked delegates forvoting for him.

High Chief Rangers charity appealOutgoing High Chief Ranger Jim Launchbury spoke about fundraising efforts for his chosen charity, the MultipleSclerosis (MS) Society. The initial target for the appeal was 37,000, which would pay for new literature, a CD anda DVD for those newly diagnosed with MS. However, that was well exceeded and the amount raised now standsat 67,000 a magnicent effort. The extra money will be used to fund the MS Societys grant programme, whichaims to fully fund applications for various needs.

Incoming High Chief Ranger Michael Grealy announced that the Royal National Lifeboat Institutions TrainOne, Save Many appeal for the training of new crew members, would be his chosen charity for his term inofce. He introduced Patrick Crowe, from the RNLI, who gave a short presentation with Matt Tyler, a workinglifeboatman from the Torbay Lifeboat Station.

Installation of the High Chief Ranger & High Sub-Chief Ranger To formally close the conference, Michael Grealy was presented with the High Chief Rangers chain by JimLaunchbury and ofcially installed as High Chief Ranger, to serve until June 2011.

This concluded the formal business of the AGM.

AGM 2010


17/17

Foresters Friendly Society is the trading name of the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly SocietyLimited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Incorporated FriendlySociety No. 511F. FSA Registration No. 110029. Foresters Friendly Society is an incorporatedbranch society registered in the United Kingdom.

Date post:	05-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	fuzzywoodperson
View:	219 times
Download:	0 times

Agm Conference Report 2010

Documents