Professor James Raven shares news on the forthcoming AGM
Dear Members,
Once again, thank you all so much for your loyalty to the ESU during this challenging year, for resuming activities where this has been possible, and, above all, for your continuing financial support. Thank you also for the many messages of goodwill and encouragement to our hardworking staff and volunteers. It is hugely appreciated. Because of the current Covid situation, our AGM has been postponed from December until Monday, 22 February at 5pm. We’re delighted by the good news of a vaccine roll-out, though it is still probable that the AGM will be held virtually as it is unlikely that travel will be fully safe.
The Board has been taking the time afforded by the impacts of Covid on much of our work to reflect on the ESU’s strategic planning process and to review our priorities and objectives. The Board’s thinking will be shared with members at the AGM and we very much look forward to your thoughts.
My term of office and that of my fellow Governors will now therefore expire in February. Before then, elections will take place for a new Board of Governors, with results announced at the AGM. It has been a great honour but also a great joy to serve as Chair of this charity which means so much to us all. The Board is now in the process of searching and advertising for candidates for Chair of the Board in conjunction with our search partners, Perrett Laver, and they will also very much welcome suggestions of suitable candidates. The current Board has appointed a shortlisting committee and its recommendation will be included in the election papers.
Nomination papers for those wishing to stand for election to the Board or to serve as Officers will be made available by early December and in the case of a contested election, ballot papers will be sent to you all by early January. Participation in this process is very important for the strength of our charity going forwards and, noting our forthcoming guidance on the skills and experience to benefit our Board and our charity, I do encourage you to think about suitable candidates for the Board and, of course, to vote in any election.
I send heartfelt thanks to you all for your fulsome support during this extraordinary year.
With all good wishes,
James Raven