Date: 2nd November 2019 at 12:05
Venue: The Griffin Public House Brentford
Minutes
- Attendees and Apologies
- Meeting attended by the following members of the BIAS Executive Committee
(Quorum as defined by the BIAS Constitution): - Adam Hobbs (AH) – Chairperson
- Phil Marchant (PM) – Deputy Chairperson
- David Minckley (DM) – Finance Officer
- Richard Nabarro (RN) – Committee Member
- Darren Castle (DC) – Acting Secretary
- Richard Kirchner (RK) – Proposed Committee Member
- Apologies – Gemma Teale and Lisa O’Brien
- Approve minutes of 2018 AGM
- Minutes from the last AGM have been available on the BIAS website for about
8 months – Minutes passed as accurate
- Chairperson’s Report
- See Appendix A
- Finance and Membership Report
- See Appendix B
- Q & A Session
- Question from the floor about availability of BIAS badges, Action 1: AH to
investigate - Question about availability of the clubhouse – will the new stadium have a
location to accommodate events such as Jazz Club. Action 2: AH to raise at
meeting with John Varney - Migration of season ticket holders to the new stadium discussed. DM stated
that BIAS were in discussion with the Club regarding a set of frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ’s) to help supporters better understand the migration
process and the impact of moving to the new stadium. - AH mentioned that the new stadium may be a cashless environment. BIAS
will investigate with the Club and if confirmed, how this will work for our
younger/older supporters who do not have access to contactless technology.
We will ensure this is also included in the FAQ’s mentioned above
- Motions
Motion 6.1:
- Adoption of Financial Accounts for year ending 31st May 2019
o Section 7.3c of the Constitution states the adoption of the audited Financial
Accounts of the Association shall be conducted at the AGM
o Accounts audited by Jim Walsh 8th July 2019
o Proposed by David Minckley – Seconded by Adam Hobbs
Motion passed by AGM
Motion 6.2: - Approve retention of Jim Walsh as auditor for BIAS Financial Accounts
o Section 7.3e of the Constitution states the election of auditors shall be
conducted at the AGM
o Proposed by David Minckley – Seconded by Adam Hobbs
Motion passed by AGM
Motion 6.3: - Approve election of new members to the Executive Committee
- John Kenkel
o Proposed by Adam Hobbs – Seconded by David Minckley - Richard Kirchner
o Proposed by Richard Nabarro – Seconded by David Minckley
Motion passed by AGM
Motion 6.4:
- Approve re-election of Executive Committee
o Section 5.7 of the Constitution states all members of the Executive
Committee shall retire annually but if nominated, will be eligible for reelection at the Associations Annual General meeting
o All current members of the Executive Committee have sought re-election for
a further 12 months.
o Darren Castle will take over duties as Association Secretary, replacing Lisa
O’Brien who will remain a member of the Executive Committee.
o Proposed by Adam Hobbs – Seconded by David Minckley
Motion passed by AGM – ACTION 3: Lisa O’Brien to be removed from Bank
Mandate and Darren Castle to be added.
Motion 6.5: - Approve continuation of free membership to the Association
o Section 4.4 of the Constitution states membership fees will be agreed at the
Annual General Meeting
o Free membership adopted at the 2018 Annual General Meeting
o In November 2018, 217 members were paying subscriptions to BIAS
o Currently BIAS has 708 full members (plus 20 Junior members)with 176 full
members continuing to make donations to the Association by standing order
and 37 via Paypal this calendar year (data as at the end of September 2019)
o Proposed by Adam Hobbs – Seconded by David Minckley
Motion passed by AGM
Motion 6.6.1
- Approve changes to the BIAS Constitution
o Section 4.2 of the Constitution states all applications for membership should
be directed to General Secretary.
o Following re-organisation of responsibilities within the Executive Committee,
the Finance Officer now has responsibility for membership.
o Wording in Constitution needs to be amended to reflect this change – All
applications should be directed Executive Committee member responsible for
BIAS membership
o Proposed by Lisa O’Brien – Seconded by David Minckley
Motion passed by AGM
Motion 6.6.2 - Approve changes to the BIAS Constitution
o Section 4.5 of the Constitution states Membership must be renewed annually
o Following decision at the 2018 AGM to make membership to BIAS free the
Executive Committee believe that annual renewal of membership is no longer
necessary.
o All BIAS membership have been advised of the change in membership fees
o Proposal is to change section 4.5 to ‘Membership can be cancelled at any
time by notifying the Association
o Proposed by Adam Hobbs – Seconded by David Minckley
Motion passed by AGM
Motion 7 - Adoption of the BIAS 2020 Manifesto
We are the Brentford Independent Association of Supporters (BIAS).
We are a fully democratic, inclusive and independent supporters’ group that aims to give
a voice to all Brentford Football Club fans.
We want to ensure that every Brentford fan has the opportunity to communicate with
the club and for the club to listen to any concerns they may have. BIAS holds regular
meetings with the Chief Executive of Brentford Football Club and other high-level staff
and we have very open and clear lines of communication to put forward ideas or
concerns on the supporter’s behalf, to the people that run the club.
With honesty and integrity, we will represent and campaign on issues and concerns
raised by our membership for the benefit of all supporters.
To achieve this, we will:
- be the conscience of Brentford Football Club and be accountable to our membership
- maintain a working relationship with Brentford Football Club whilst remaining
independent - work closely with Brentford Football Club to ensure a successful transition from Griffin
Park to the new stadium at Lionel Road - represent members at the Lionel Road Focus Group meetings run by Brentford
Football club and provide feedback to the membership - work closely with Bees United and the Brentford Community Trust when required for
the benefit of our members and Brentford Football Club - work with Brentford Football Club to champion diversity amongst football fans and
work to ensure all fans feel safe and welcome at Griffin Park and Lionel Road - be a listening organisation with every member’s opinion being considered valid
- raise any questions or concerns from our membership with Brentford Football club
and help communicate their response - provide a response to all enquiries received via feedback@bias.org.uk within 7
working days - work to increase BIAS membership in line with our aim to represent the needs of all
Brentford fans as far as possible - make our membership open and accessible to every Brentford fan regardless of age,
race, gender or disability - work with Brentford Football Club to consider the options for safe standing at the
new stadium at Lionel Road - work with relevant football bodies, other supporters’ groups and government
departments when required to maintain/improve the Brentford match day experience for
all supporters - hold regular Executive Committee Meetings and an AGM that are open to all
members - up-hold the BIAS constitution, have minutes and /or summaries of committee
meetings on the BIAS website and hold fully audited accounts and maintain accurate
financial records
Proposed by David Minckley – Seconded by Adam Hobbs
Motion passed by AGM
Meeting Closed at 12.47