In the run-up to this year's AGM it has become apparent that there is some confusion over the procedure for members to submit items for the agenda.

In order to clarify the official Rules we have taken advice from a BU member who is a professional company secretary working for international law firm Baker & McKenzie LLP, and from Supporters Direct.

Both have confirmed that important items cannot be added to the AGM agenda as a formal resolution, unless all members have been notified and given the opportunity to send in proxy votes. On average about 50 members attend the AGM and it would disenfranchise the other 1250 if decisions were to be taken at the AGM which they had not had the chance to vote on.

In response to the invitation for Any Other Business items given in our AGM notice, Bees United received a number of important items, which clearly required a vote and could not be fully resolved under AOB. The outgoing board BU board have agreed to discuss one of these items at the AGM under AOB, and the new BU board can then decide whether to call a Special General Meeting where the full voting procedures could be applied, and where further constitutional items could also be properly considered.

Bees United can only apologise for any ambiguity in our AGM notice; there is without doubt a need for clarity in such an important area. This instance has also shown the benefit of highlighting the procedures for members to submit agenda items at an early date, and the Trust resolves to do so in future.

Matt Dolman
Board Member