April 2008 Board Meeting

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Bob Booker (BB - Representative from the Football Foundation), Stuart Duncan (SSD), Philip French (PF - Former Chief Executive), Kris Stewart (KS)

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
All minutes AGREED.

MATTERS ARISING
DB thanked James Mathie (JM) for progress regarding membership. Page 3: FSF representative, SP suggested that DB be stand in for TT and RB. All AGREED.

REPORT FROM MALCOLM CLARKE ON FA COUNCIL (FAC)
MC reported that he had tabled a resolution on the Game 39 and why it should not be sanctioned. He received support and positive feedback but it was not tabled as it was unlikely to go ahead. The FAC discussed failure to consult stakeholders prior to winding up the IFC, MC reported that FSF had mentioned to the Minister for Sport and about the future of the IFC, also discussed who would become the football ombudsman.

FINANCIAL REPORTS
DB reported that Peter Osbourne has requested our accounts by the end of May DB presented the proposed budget for 2008/09 for approval. AGREE.

MATTERS ARISING
CEO Recruitment
BL listed where the role had been advertised and reported a high volume of requests for the full job description. BL confirmed Employment Sub-Committee to shortlist on closing date (21st April).

ACTING CEO REPORT
Gift Aid
DB presented his report to the Board. After research Cobbetts are formalising a proposal to take to HMRC for Trusts to be able to claim Gift Aid. NLM reported that Exeter is currently looking into setting up a charity but is yet to persuade the Board that becoming a CIC is a good idea.

Associa
DB updated the meeting on progress re: the survey. SD will pay for the basic survey and then Trusts can decide to ask and pay for a tailored report.

Rugby Football League (RFL)
DB reported that they were keen to proceed with partially funding a caseworker with help from the Co-op Group. DB then talked through the remainder of the report.

Scotland Report
SH told the Board about the first meeting of the Scottish Sub-Committee. The committee would act as an advisory group and would feed thoughts into the Board.

Board meeting dates for 2008
Next meeting scheduled for Thursday 3rd July 2008 from 14.00.

AOB
SH pointed out there is no policy or guidance when dealing with issues such as Bigoted or sectarian views being expressed by fans at Clubs. SH suggests that we form a committee in order to produce a suitable Possible policy to be discussed/agreed at AGM.

Meeting finished at 17.00.

Next meeting scheduled for Thursday 3rd July 2008 from 14.00.