SWINDON TOWN FC SUPPORTERS TRUST (TrustSTFC): NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND ANNUAL ELECTIONS: MARCH 23rd 2022
We are delighted to annouced that the TrustSTFC will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 23 March 2022. This meeting will be physically held in the Legends Lounge at the County Ground from 7pm to 9pm. The meeting will also be recorded for those unable to attend in person. We will provide guidance on how to attend the event in due course.
It is also our intention to hold Board elections in a timely manner that allows us to announce the outcome at that meeting.
The format for the AGM will include:
– The presentation of annual accounts by the Treasurer
– Chairman’s report
– Announcement of the outcome of the board elections
– Q&A with STFC CEO Rob Angus and General Manager Matt Walters
– An update on the County Ground purchase
– Discussion of agenda items put forward by the Trust Board (TBC)
Member’s note:
Would all Members please note that the contact address for the Secretary on any matter set out in this notice is wiltsim@gmail.com
Board Elections – the process:
As stated above we also intend to announce the details of the TrustSTFC Board elections on 23rd March.
Existing Board member and Trust Secretary Cliff Ponting is stepping down and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Cliff for his outstanding contribution over the last 12 years. Of the remaining 6 Board members (which is the minimum required) our rules dictate that 50% need to seek re-election each year based on length of time served.
The following existing Board members will automatically retain their seat:
The maximum number of Board members permitted is 12, as a result there are a maximum of 9 vacancies available.
We are looking for candidates that can bring forward innovative ideas, act with honesty, integrity and professionalism and can commit the time required to be an effective Board member. Our Board meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of the month and last from between 2-3 hours. Board members are expected to attend every meeting where possible (they are usually virtual via Microsoft Teams but we aim to have in person meetings on occasion).
Outside of Board meetings there is typically a certain amount of media, public relations, legal and admin work almost every week. Board members are also required to frequently liase with STFC, the OSC, supporters groups from other clubs and the Football Supporters Association (amongst others). This can be a considerable undertaking and we would only ask members to apply if they are willing to volunteer a significant amount of their time to support the Trust.
We’re committed to diversity and inclusion and would encourage candidates from all backgrounds. In particular, we are looking for someone to manage our Social Media accounts, alongside candidates with the following skills:
– Legal experience
– Project managers
– Accountancy
– Media training
– Marketing/Fundraising experience
– IT experience
Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for these 9 vacancies is hereby formally invited to do so.
In keeping with our constitutional obligations, an Election Management Group (EMG) has been convened to oversee the fair conduct of the election, should one be required. It will be independently chaired by Robbie Whittaker, from the Blackpool Supporters Trust. Robbie will be supported on the EMG by the Trust Secretary Cliff Ponting and by Stuart Woollard (TrustSTFC Board Member). We are very grateful to Robbie for his support.
The role of the EMG is to ensure that:
– the election is conducted properly
– that all candidates are treated fairly and consistently, and
– that all Members have access to timely and complete information needed to help them choose a candidate.
Standing for election:
If you wish to stand for election, you should do so on the nomination form, a pro forma for which can be downloaded here. Your application will need to be proposed and seconded by existing Members (this can be done via an e-mail to the Secretary, for convenience), and MUST be accompanied by a supporting statement of between 400-1000 words. The statement must set out your experience, current job role (where applicable), and what value you feel you can bring to the Board.
For convenience we prefer electronic submissions in “Word” format wherever possible. This supporting statement will be candidates’ only method of communicating with voting Members, as we will not be holding any other hustings process.
Applications to stand for election, along with supporting statements, must be received by the Secretary no later than noon on Friday 1st March 2022, for immediate circulation to Members.
If more than 9 applications are received, then voting will then take place via an electronic ballot up to noon on Tuesday 22nd March with the results announced at the AGM. Votes can only be cast by those who are members of TrustSTFC as at noon of Tuesday 1st February 2022.
In the unlikely event of a tie lots will be drawn by the Chair and a non-Board member at the AGM.
Should less than 9 applications be received no vote will take place and applicants will be added to the Board subject to member approval. This will be done via an electronic endorsement.
Board Positions
Once the Board is in place, the positions on the Board including Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer will be voted in at the first Board meeting immediately following the AGM, this is currently scheduled for 7th April 2022 but is subject to change. The result will be captured in the minutes.
Trust STFC
1ST February 2022