Minutes 4th Feb 2023
Annual General Meeting took place. It was well attended with over 120 members present and able to vote.
Apologies: Jean Hardiman, Ken Smith, Lawrence Cotter, Rizwan Jalil, John Beal, Andy Morgan, Hazel Brodie, and Judith Kramer.
1. Welcome, introductions and apologies
2. Keynote speakers
- Ian Byrne MP Liverpool West Derby, on Fans Supporting Foodbanks and the social determinants of health Our first speaker led an inspiring discussion which showed the impressive work he and our members are undertaking in Liverpool and across the country in defending working class communities. A recording of this session is available on our YouTube channel.
3. Questions/comments and discussion followed
4. Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes were accepted 68-0-5.
5. Matters arising
None
6. Chair’s opening remarks and annual report
In the context of catastrophic NHS waiting lists, a severe social crisis and widespread industrial action we reaffirmed our solidarity with our labour movement comrades – please support their protests yourself and on behalf of the association. As part of the SOSNHS coalition we have agreed to back their demonstration.
7. Secretary’s annual report
We recognise the huge importance of the NHS75 celebrations in July and need to speak of the role of the SHA (then called the SMA) in building a publicly provided, universal, health service. We continue to support these principles not out of ‘sentiment’ but because we believe that they provide for effective and efficient healthcare, distributed equitably, without gross exploitation of outsourced workers and with a commitment to help train future health professionals.
8. Treasurer’s annual report
The Treasurer’s report was accepted 63-0-1.
The accounts were approved 97-1-3.
The proposal to appoint auditors was approved 97-2-2.
The AGM accepted reports from our officers and auditor and then moved onto the returning officer’s report.
Election Results 2023
Our Returning Officer reported a conclusive election result and noted that there were no challengers to the current Chair, Secretary or Treasurer who were re-elected unopposed.
We are sure that all SHA members would wish to congratulate our successful candidates.
Unfortunately some, though not all, unsuccessful candidates decided to withdraw from the election a few days prior to the close of the ballot. Their results are included in the table.
Please note:
Members of the outgoing Central Council (of all political views) were invited to participate in the session where the electronic voting system was opened and the ballot results revealed.
- All candidates had a constitutional right to appoint a scrutineer during the voting period.
- A member raised concerns about the election at the all member AGM and asked for a more explicit procedure next year. The SHA officers are open to this suggestion [such guidance would go first to our Central Council for approval].
- The Returning Officer’s Report itself was accepted by an overwhelming majority with 1 against and 2 abstentions.
- A detailed Returning Officer report will be available shortly on request.
AGM 2023 Feb 4, 2023 10:30am Please register at least 24 hours in advance to get a meeting link
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Documents
Reminder: Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the SHA will take place on Saturday 4th February 2023 from 10.30am – 13.30pm. The term of office of the current nationally elected Officers, Vice Chairs (the 7 directors of the organisation) and all member representatives on to the Central Council shortly comes to an end. We are writing to invite you to stand in the 2023 Elections for the following roles:
Chair, Secretary & Treasurer
(these 3 officers meet weekly or more frequently and deal with day-to-day issues. They report to the directors and Central Council)
Vice-Chairs x 4
(These 7 directors meet monthly and lead significant areas of work)
Central Council members x 15
(the Central Council meets quarterly and members can lead work streams) note: if you have been elected at your SHA branch AGM as a CC representative you do not need to stand again for a CC member position.
The deadline for submitting your nomination to stand in the elections is midnight 13th January 2023. You may include a passport size photo and 300 word election address indicating the role you wish to stand for. Please send to admin@sochealth.co.uk
Voting will start shortly thereafter. The deadline for submitting your vote is 10.30am 3rd February 2023.
Result The Election Buddy system will inform the Returning Officer of the outcome of the votes. She will declare the results at the start of the Annual Meeting.
A more detailed agenda for the AGM will be sent in due course.
Eligibility to stand and/or vote in the national elections
Members who were fully paid or joined the SHA 8 weeks in advance of the Annual Meeting are eligible to stand and/or vote. The SHA is a grassroots organisation and members of different parliaments and assemblies and their staff, staff of the Labour Party or other affiliated socialist societies while welcome to be SHA members are unable to stand for office in the SHA. (section 3e of our constitution)
SHA Officers have asked Aghileh, who is barred from standing herself, to act as returning officer. She can be contacted at admin@sochealth.co.uk
Central Council previously approved the use of Election Buddy as the electronic tool for voting we propose to continue to use this software.
We look forward to your involvement in these national elections. Please reserve the date of the AGM in your diaries.