By Hayley Beckett on 31st January 2024
Council Summary January 2024
Andrew opened the meeting by reading from 1 Peter chapter 4 reminding us to love each other and pray for one another, letting our actions towards each other speak loudest, then opened in prayer.
Andrew also offered thanks for the work Fiona has done and the time served as Moderator. Trustees were informed that both flowers and an afternoon tea voucher had been sent to Fiona as a thank you for serving in the moderator role.
Sandra Crawford had completed her term as a co-opted trustee, Sandra confirmed that she would be willing to stand for another two years. (Sandra left the room.) The remaining members considered the co-option and in line with our governing document trustees agreed to the co-option for a further 2-year term until January 2026. Sandra was welcomed back into the room. It was also highlighted to the council that the gender balance on council is very poor now and consideration should be given to this when thinking about future nominations. It was officially minuted that Andrew Wade has been appointed as Interim Moderator serving until the AGM in September.
Richard, EBA Treasurer presented a draft year-end budget. E everything is in line and as expected. The EBA is still working with a deficit budget.
Hayley, EBA Secretary provided some governance updates. Towards the end of the year we had some changes in membership with 1 member resignation, 1 church closure, 1 church change its name, 1 merger of two churches into one. We also have 1 new application for membership from Northstowe Church Network: the council considered the application and unanimously approved their application. Within this part of the meeting there was also an update on EBA owned properties and the upcoming closing date and imminent interview for a new Safeguarding Lead early in February.
David, RMTL provided trustees with information regarding HR and the plan going forward to provide quarterly reviews for individuals within the team.
The final item discussed with trustees were the priorities for 2024.These include associating, review of the grant process, review of the NAMs process, Project Violet, helping churches navigate the outcome of the MR rules consultation, encouraging churches to engage with the eco-church programme, association communications and the role of EBA Council.
In addition to papers received about particular agenda items the EBA Justice group submitted a report from their last meeting. The report included some action requests. These have been referred back to the Regional Team.
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