Minutes of Annual General Meeting held at the Gas Lamp Lounge, Villa Park, Birmingham on Thursday 29th September 2022 at 7pm
Peter Warrilow, Chairman of the Supporters’ Trust welcomed members to the AGM and apologised that the venue was not entirely suitable. Though, it was a consequence of the meeting being rearranged from its original date.
He announced that it was his last AGM as Director and Chairman, after being involved with the Trust for 20 years. He wished the Trust well for the future whilst acknowledging that there was work to be done to re-establish the Trust in terms of numbers and reputation. He felt that the Trust had done much good in the community over the years and made particular reference to The McGregor Statue.
He remains committed to the Trust movement, a means to represent fans, ensuring their views are heard by the Club. Finally, he appealed to members to come forward and volunteer to assist the Board in running the Trust.
Mo Razzaq thanked Peter for his work over his 20 years’ service.
Formal Meeting
The following resolutions were duly passed by the members.
Ordinary Resolutions
- The members resolved to approve the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2020
- The members approved the membership subscriptions as determined by the Society’s Board
- The members approved the re-election of the following director,
- Mo Razzaq, proposed by Stuart Paul and seconded by John Taylor
- The members approved the adoption of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
- The members approved the adoption of the Disciplinary Policy
Special Resolutions
- By special resolution, the members approved the non-requirement to conduct an audit of the accounts, covering the financial year ending on 31st December 2021, and re-appoint an independent examiner.
- By special resolution, the members approved the amendment to Rule 6.2 of the society to remove the wording, “Any member wishing to stand for election to the board must have been a member of the society for a minimum of 2 years prior to being nominated for election.”
AOB
Mo Razzaq declared an open forum for members to express their views on how the Trust can improve and what the members expect.
The following views were expressed.
Work in the community was not promoted enough via social media or even on its own web site.
MR responded that the aim is to grow the Trust social media presence, to engage with members and supporters generally. The Board were looking for volunteers to assist with this. Also, the Trust was looking to reach out to other supporter groups to work together across the Villa community.
Members wanted further clarity as the work done by the Trust.
MR responded that the Trust was part of the FCG working with other supporter groups, it should also be working more with the FSA and other Supporters’ Trusts. The Trust also offered the annual Q&A with the CEO that many others did not have the opportunity.
It seemed that some people had dropped off the mailing list.
MR explained that this was probably down to GDPR requirements, where members had not responded to renewal notices.
Other supporters groups had better engagement with fans; the Trust needed to overcome this. It needs younger and diverse members.
The Trust tends to thrive in periods when supporters are unhappy with the running of the Club. Currently, supporters were generally happy with the owners and CEO.
The Trust should consider reinstating the Affiliate membership.
A members’ evening with a former player was suggested.
The Trust needs to be more inclusive, particularly with female representation on the Board.
Recruitment drives on match days should be considered.
The meeting was then declared closed.