CIBSE NEWS Annual general meeting
l Board reviews Institution’s progress in 2011-12
The annual general meeting (AGM) of CIBSE was held at Imperial College, Exhibition Road, London, on 10 May. Outgoing president Andy Ford chaired the meeting. Chief executive Stephen Matthews read the notice convening the meeting.
The minutes of the 34th AGM of CIBSE held on 5 May 2011, and published in the July 2011 issue of the Journal, were accepted as a correct record and signed by the chairman.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Andy Ford introduced the annual report, emphasising the importance of the work of building services engineers on the environment, and reminding members of the issues he had highlighted during his presidential address. He referred to growing challenges faced over fuel, including concern about nuclear power, precarious fuel supplies, and new issues such as hydrofracking. He hoped CIBSE would increasingly be the key source of advice for these challenging issues. He highlighted the need to engage with everyone involved in the industry, noting the issue of diversity, and particularly the need to engage with women engineers. Other professions had made much more progress in promoting diversity, and he hoped to take this issue forward in future. He referred to the launch of the Knowledge Portal, stressing its importance in the development of CIBSE’s work. Efforts must continue, however, to communicate better and to widen the Institution’s membership. Andy Ford introduced Sally Jayne
Bonner, audit partner of Chantrey Vellacott DFK LLP, who read the audit report and confirmed that the accounts provided a true and fair view of the Institution’s affairs, and had been prepared in accordance with all relevant standards.
Nick Mead introduced the financial statements for 2011. CIBSE Services had shown a small decrease in income, as had investments, membership and other services; however, in view of the economic circumstances, the results were considered good. The turnover of
12 CIBSE Journal July 2012
CIBSE Services Ltd and other income sources were described and it was noted that the Knowledge Portal was likely to affect future publications income. Expenditure had reduced in line with income, with a similar balance of spending, as shown in the previous year. Overall, there had been an operating surplus of £190,000 for the year. In response to questions, it was noted that a report on the Final Salary Pension Scheme would be presented at the next Board meeting, following a meeting of scheme trustees.
Regarding publications, the number of downloads from the Knowledge Portal was encouraging, but would have an effect on sales; stocks of publications were being reduced by printing on demand. The need to update publications more regularly for online delivery was appreciated, but paper versions would continue to be available.
It had been a challenging
year for subscription income, and while recruitment continued, retention was an issue and was being given more attention. It was hoped to encourage more members to upgrade their membership level.
It was suggested that the pension deficit and publications income were key issues for the Institution’s future. This was appreciated, and the Board had engaged in very full discussions over the financing of the Knowledge Portal, with input from Council. However, there were a number of opportunities to develop income, such as certification and the Green Deal. The pension scheme deficit, as currently quantified, was manageable, although the uncertainties of the situation were acknowledged. Stephen Matthews explained plans to develop membership, including wider engagement with students, which would be a priority for incoming president David Fisk.
Regarding the potential ‘demographic time-bomb’, it was noted that the median age of CIBSE’s membership was lower than for many other institutions, and the development of the Young Engineers Network was extremely positive; it was felt that CIBSE had an opportunity to build on this. Regarding the Richard Tully Fund, it was acknowledged that there was a need
to review the use of funds generally. A task force had been established to look at this and would report to the next meeting of the Board with proposals.
AUDITORS
Nick Mead proposed that Chantrey Vellacott be appointed as the Institution’s auditors for 2012, and that the Board be empowered to agree their remuneration. This was seconded by Terry Giles and approved.
‘While recruitment continued, retention was an issue’
SPECIAL RESOLUTION Nick Mead presented the special resolution for subscription levels for 2013, pointing out that the increase proposed was below the rate of inflation. He also drew attention to the additional proposal to allow the Board discretion to approve schemes for free or reduced-cost student membership, which was intended to give scope for wider promotion of student membership.
In response to questions, it was noted that the Institution had previously operated a life membership in return for a single payment, and it was agreed that the use of such a system could be reviewed. A number of options were being considered to promote student membership, particularly for full-time students. Nick Mead proposed adoption of the Special Resolution, as set out in the Calling Notice for the meeting. This was seconded by Richard Tully and approved.
Board and Council for 2012/2013
Stephen Matthews declared the following individuals elected to serve as officers, Board members and Council members following the AGM 2012:
Officers President:
President-elect:
Immediate past president: Vice presidents:
Hon treasurer: David Fisk
George Adams Andy Ford
John Field Peter Kinsella Peter Wong Nick Mead
Members of the Board Elected members:
Members of Council Elected member:
Geraldine O’Farrell Tadj Oreszczyn Catherine Simpson
Colin Ashford
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