CIBSE | NEWS Group expenditure also showed a substantial decrease in trading subsidiary costs, as a result of savings in direct costs through reduced activity. Savings were also made within the Charity, thanks to freezing of staff vacancies, the reduction in face-to-face activities and cost savings achieved. Total group expenditure reduced from 7.29m to 6.20m, compared with the previous year. 4% increase to the Member rate, and it was noted that, in view of the pandemic, no increase was applied to subscriptions in 2021. The proposal was seconded by Les Copeland and approved by a substantial majority. of 87K, which, in view of the unavoidable reduction in income, was considered a very President: Kevin Kelly President-elect: Kevin Mitchell Immediate past President: Stuart MacPherson in respect of investments and the pension scheme, resulted in a negative net movement in funds of 93K. Regarding the Balance Sheet, property and equipment had reduced due to depreciation, investments had increased, stocks were at a similar level to the previous year, and debtors had reduced. Cash balances had declined slightly, while creditors had also reduced due to reduced activity, and the pension scheme asset had reduced slightly. Net Assets stood at 2.57m, down from 2.67m in the previous year. In response to questions, Adrian Catchpole explained that the Institution did not currently conduct formal internal audits, but that internal controls were reviewed as part of the external audit procedure and the Finance, Risk, Audit and Governance Sub-Committee (FRAG) took the views of the auditors on any potential issues. FRAG met six times annually, having increased issues were considered as required. Regarding a request for a forward-looking statement on the Final Salary Pension Scheme, Note 19 of the accounts set out the information that was available at present. It was suggested that a further breakdown of Regions, Societies, Networks and Groups Funding be provided in the Journal. It was agreed that this would be considered and could be the basis of a Journal article. AUDITORS Adrian Catchpole proposed that BDO LLP be appointed as the Institutions auditors for 2021, and that the Board be empowered to agree their remuneration. This was seconded by Kevin Mitchell and approved by a substantial majority. It had been requested that the name of the Auditors to be proposed be included in the Calling Notice in future years, and it had been agreed that this would be done. SPECIAL RESOLUTION Adrian Catchpole proposed adoption of the Special Resolution for Membership Subscriptions for 2022 as set out in the Calling Notice. The proposal was based on a BOARD AND COUNCIL FOR 2021/2022 Stephen Matthews declared the following individuals appointed and following the AGM 2021: Vice-presidents: Hon treasurer: Fiona Cousins Susan Hone-Brookes PL Yuen Adrian Catchpole Elected members: Continuing members: Vince Arnold, David Cooper, Les Copeland, David Fitzpatrick Elected members: Colin Ashford, Andrew Bott, ANY OTHER BUSINESS STUART MACPHERSON paid tribute to the work of Stephen Matthews, who was retiring from the role of CIBSE chief executive after 15 years service. He referred to the progress made by the Institution and the many achievements during Stephen Matthews tenure as chief executive of the Institution. He referred to the challenges that had arisen during his tenure, in particular the current pandemic, and acknowledged his contribution in managing the Institution through that challenge and many others. STEPHEN MATTHEWS responded that it had been a privilege to have held the role. He was delighted with the progress the Institution had made, and the potential he saw for the future. He referred to the importance of CIBSE Knowledge, and paid tribute to those who created and delivered it with the support of the Technical Department. He acknowledged the input of the Institutions members and thanked the staff for their commitment particularly during the pandemic. He wished his successor, Ruth Carter, well for the future, in what he believed would be a very rewarding role. STUART MACPHERSON went on to introduce CIBSEs newly appointed chief executive Ruth Carter, who was previously managing director of Telegraph Media. She had a track record in managing complex organisations and a particular understanding of publications and events management, and the multi-mode delivery of these. Her expertise in those areas will be highly valuable in supporting the delivery of CIBSEs strategy. RUTH CARTER said she was delighted to be joining an organisation built on such strong foundations and expressed her thanks to Stephen Matthews. Her ethos was to honour the past but look to the future, and CIBSE faced an era of change and challenge, but also of opportunity. She looked forward to meeting as many members as possible over the coming months. 18 August 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Aug 21 pp17-18 CIBSE AGM minutes.indd 18 23/07/2021 11:58