Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the NASGBI
Liverpool – 1.15PM May 7th 2009
Present – Basil Matta (president), Nigel Huggins (Secretary), Mike Nathanason (Treasurer), 7 Council members and 80 full members.
1) Apologies Received from Stephen Usher, Wim Blancke, Rob Bullock, Sue Hill, Adrian Dashfield, Bill Rawlinson.
2) Minutes of the 2008 AGM Birmingham Approved as an accurate record of the meeting
3) Matters arising Nil
4) Presidents report
Basil Matta reported that the Society have had successful council meetings with tasks identified and assigned to individual council members. These include Education and Training, Industry Liaison, Website administration and Members surveys. The changes in the constitution have allowed the society with its newly formed council to make timely strategic decisions, which now include a template for annual meeting with strict financial controls to ensure long term financial health of the society. The society continues to engage with those who plan and provide healthcare services and training, and has responded to several requests from the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Joint Neurosciences Council. Furthermore, As President, I have written to the presidents of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of GB and Ireland requesting that all matters relating to the sub-peciality of Neuroanaesthesia and Neuro critical care be directed to NASGBI as a matter of routine. This assurance has now been received from both presidents. The Society still continues to function under charitable status and the ensuing regulations.
The Society is a member of the Joint Neurosciences Council and is supportive of, and has representation on, NCCNet.
5) Secretarys report
Nigel Huggins emphasised the importance of the Membership database as it was being used as the basis of electronic communication with members on all matters. Full membership stands at 245 out of a possible total of just about 400. Trainee members number 58. The Linkman database was reported as being accurate thanks to the combined efforts of Council and the Spec Soc co-ordinators of the AAGBI. These addresses will be checked every six months and Linkmen will be asked to confirm members in their department and appropriate email addresses for them.
Three centres had submitted satisfactory applications for future ASM's - 2011 (Newcastle), 2012 (Belfast) and 2013 (Cardiff). The host centre will liaise with Council (Plat Razis and Nigel Huggins) regarding suitable venues and programmes and costings.
We continue to be indebted to Mrs Granat for her support of the Harvey Granat prize for the best Trainee presentation at the ASM.
6) Treasurers report
Mike Nathanson stated that the Society's accounts remain healthy, showing a surplus of just under £12000 for 2008. The success of the finances of the Birmingham meeting suggesting that the format template could work for future ASM's. The total balance of funds stands at just over £88000. Cash reserves are adequate to support two years running costs of the Society, without income. Due to money laundering and associated legislation and due to the charitable status of the Society, Council has agreed that future ASM's will be financed by the Society. Local organisers will seek suitable venues and suggest programme content which will be approved by Council. Council will set registration and associated charges based upon contracted costs.
Direct Debits will be collected in June and the membership fee will remain at £25.
There has been increased interest expressed in Society Travel Grants and an application form is available on the NAS website.
7) Reports by Council members
A) Ian Tweedie – Council link for NCCNet. Treasurer elect
B) Praveen Manthri – Web Master; CPD material and on line payments are future projects.
C) Samantha Shinde – Linkman co-ordinator; Training – Website listings of higher training opportunities at specific centres; Communications – College & Association.
D) Plat Razis – Industry links. 3 companies signed annual support packages. Oversee and advise on future ASM's with hosts. Web content of current opinion references.
E) Margery MacNab – Education; JNC are developing an e-based learning resource the content of which is being approved for an open university MSc in Neurosciences. The Neuroanaesthesia content may or may not be similar to the RCoA syllabus; it depends upon the target students.
F) John Andrzejowski – Online audits. Using Survey Galaxy as an on line tool to standardise audits of members. Applications are reviewd by 3 Council members slected in turn by John. An audit goes live when its construction is deemed satisfactory.
8) Election results
Following a ballot of Council members, Mike Nathanson was voted to serves as President for two years from this AGM. Nigel Huggins to remain as Honorary Secretary for a further 3 year term and Ian Tweedie will serve 3 years as Honorary Treasurer.
A very healthy interest was shown in the 3 positions to serve for a 3 year term on Council. Following a ballot of members, Praveen Manthri and Samantha Shinde were re-elected to serve a further 3 year term of office. We will be joined by Chris Kearns from Oxford who obtained enough votes to be elected. The outgoing President congratulated the successful candidates and thanked all those who stood for election and thanked members for taking part in the election process.
9) ACCEA
Martin Smith advised that in 2008, 7 applications had been supported by the NASGBI as a nominating body. Two bronze, one silver and one gold were subsequently awarded. For the 2009 round, 8 applications had been received by the NASGBI and of these, two silver and one bronze award had been supported. The ACCEA deadline for applications for the 2010 round is 11th December 2009. Members were reminded of the Society's policy of electronic communication.
10 JNA Subscriptions
Martin Smith reminded members that the current discount is 50%. From 2010, this falls to 40% unless 100 or more subscriptions are registered by members of the Society. The full rate is currently $340 per annum. memberservice@lww.com is the email address for requesting membership whilst the phone number is 001 301 223 2300.
11 Reappointment of Auditors
Mike Nathanson proposed and Ian Tweedie seconded that Lonsdale & Marsh be reappointed as the Society's auditors for next year. The motion was carried.
12 Any Other Business None
13 Date of next meeting Thursday 13th May 2010 at the ASM, Nottingham.
Mike Nathanson Nigel Huggins
President NASGBI Honorary Secretary NASGBI
14.30hrs 7th May 2009