Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Education Law Association held on September 12^th 2007

Attendance

22 members of the Association were present.

1.      Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Dennis Farrington, Miranda Lawrence Owen, Sharon Lambert, Douglas Silas, Jan Harris, Tanya Callman, Wendy Sellars, Richard Gold, David Bateson, Sylvia King, Beth Coxan, Jason Slaney, Gail Treml.

2.      Minutes of the AGM of 15^th November 2007

The minutes of the AGM of 15^th November 2007 were signed as a correct record.

3.      Matters arising

No matters arising.

Two resignations from the Executive Committee were received.

• Patricia O’Leary – resigned as SEN SIG convenor prior to her untimely death. Her resignation as Treasurer was effective from the date of the AGM. She was a dedicated and loyal ELAS member who will be missed. Flowers were sent on behalf of the organisation to her funeral.
• Neil Anderson – his resignation was accepted. The EC and all members would like to send their thanks for his work and efforts during his time as an EC member.

4.      Results of the Election to the Executive Committee

Mark Blois the only nominee for at least one vacancy was ‘elected’ to serve on the committee for 3 years.

5.      Reports 2006

Reports from the Chairman and Executive Officer which included a brief financial report in lieu of the full Treasurer’s report were presented.

Chairman’s report –.Oliver Hyams expanded his brief report and opened up discussion especially regarding the future activities of the organisation. ELAS exists to discuss and promote educational issues. We need to be responsive to the topics and areas of interest to our members.

The following areas for training and discussion were suggested

·         A workshop - Mock tribunal hearing – Exclusion based

·         FE Training Bill – may stimulate discussion

·         Public Benefit – issue of fee paying schools

·         Charity Commission about to issue new guidance – possibility of an open meeting to consider the ELAS response to the consultation

Executive Officer’s Report – including a brief financial statement in lieu of a

Treasurer’s report.

·         Membership numbers remained steady

·         The training programme continued to attract positive feedback – although attendance numbers were down

·         EPLI – maintained very high standards and was universally praised

·         Public referrals remained steady.

·         SIG meetings – agendas and papers should be circulated to all members in future

Financially – the organisation is comfortable

·         Subscriptions continued to be the main source of income.

·         Training events brought in profits of approximately £2,800

·         The financial balance as of 1st August 2007–

o        Current Account          =          £8,283.23

o        Reserve Account        =          £ 5, 096.57

6.      Approval of Accounts for year ended September 30^th 2007

Accounts for year ended at September 30^th 2006 were presented and approved.

Proposed George Crowther seconded Fiona Scolding

7.      Any other resolutions received

There were none.

8.      Any Other Business

·         New SEN SIG convenor

o        The EC will circulate members for volunteers

·         Need for future AGM

o        There may not be the need to hold future AGMs. The Article and Memorandum of the Association will need to be amended if necessary.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 5.00pm