UK National Kidney Federation

MINUTES OF THE 25TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

held at

THE GOVERNOR’S HALL, ST THOMAS’ HOSPITAL

on SATURDAY 27 MARCH 2004 AT 1.30 pm

A quorum of 30% of official representatives was met. 

A minute’s silence was observed to remember Rod Whiteman, NKF Trust Grant Officer, Barbara Reeve, St George’s KPA and a former NKF secretary and executive committee member, Barbara Forbes, Wessex KPA and all other members who had died during the year.

351 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Derek Robinson, LGI KPA, Don Taylor, Hammersmith KPA, Val Neary, Gloucester KPA, Yvonne Coxon, North Staffs KPA, Pam Carr, Southport Kidney Fund, Rosemary Barlow, Humberside KPA, Howard Thomas, Hope Hospital KPA, Fred Tring, past vice president, Sue Johnstone, TIME.

352 MINUTES OF AGM HELD ON 29 MARCH 2003

It was proposed by Bob Smith, (Queen Elizabeth Hospital KPA), seconded by J Powell (SHARP) and agreed unanimously that the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 29 March 2003 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

353 ANNUAL REPORT

The Chairman presented the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2003 (see attached).  He highlighted the charity’s major achievements of the work carried out over the year.

It was proposed by Ray Mackey (NEKPA), seconded by Lewis J Powell (SAKA) and agreed unanimously that the Annual Report be adopted.

354 FINANCIAL REPORT

The Treasurer presented the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2003 commenting on the following. 

Net Movement in funds £31,866 compared to £44,408 in 2002.   Despite an increase in income of £25,600 over the previous year, expenditure also increased by £38,160, which reflected the increase in activities during the year.  However, the overall position was still healthy.

Minor accounts presentation adjustments had been made in respect of new sources of income and expenditure which are now shown in full with no netting off in respect of annual conference and Kidney Life, to comply with Charity Commission recommendations.  In addition, incoming resources had been broken down into greater detail by way of notes to the accounts.

In response to a query regarding the difference in the staff costs figures shown on pages 17 and 18 (£86,286 and £127,774 respectively), it was explained that, on the advice of our accountants, a relevant portion of staff costs are allocated to the projects on which the staff work.  The breakdown of staff salaries on page 18 was to illustrate that there had not been a reduction over the previous year in actual staff costs. 

It was proposed by Frank Burke (Lister KPA) seconded by Ray Morris (Wordsley) and agreed unanimously that the Financial Report for year ended 31 December 2003 be adopted.

355 KPA SUBSCRIPTIONS

It was proposed by David Griffen, seconded by Bob Price (Six Counties KPA) and agreed unanimously

THAT KPA membership subscriptions for the year 2004/2005 remain unchanged at:

However, during the year 2004/2005 no subscription shall be required from any KPA that participates in the NKF annual draw by permitting draw tickets to be circulated directly to their individual members, inside the magazine Kidney Life.

356 CONSTITUTION

The chairman explained that, at a Review visit by the Charity Commission, the Executive Committee had been advised that the proposed changes to the constitution outlined below would be required to comply with legal requirements.

John Powell, SHARP, expressed interest that the Charity Commission had made recommendations for changes to the constitution after being passed by them only a year ago.  It was explained that the Charity Commission only checked the clauses which stated that changes could not be made without their prior consent.

It was proposed by Gordon Nicholas, seconded by John Powell (SHARP) and agreed unanimously that the proposed changes outlined below be adopted.

That amendments be made to the constitution as follows:

(i) Clause 3 – alter the objects to read as follows:

“The objects to the Federation shall be to promote throughout the United Kingdom, the best renal medical practice and treatment, the health of persons suffering from kidney disease or renal failure, (herein called ‘kidney patients’) and to support the related needs of those relatives or friends who care for kidney patients.’

(ii) Clause  6a – remove the leading sentences from ‘The Federation shall be governed by a Council …..to …..the charities trustees’.

Replace with – The Federation shall maintain a Council that will monitor the work of the Federation.  Opinion expressed at Council meetings shall not be legally binding upon the charity’s trustees, but such expressed Council views will form advice that the Trustees should consider.

(iii) Clause 14(ii).  Remove clause 14(ii). 

(iv) Clause 14 Property.  – delete from the leading sentence the words “Subject to the provisions of sub-clause(ii) of this clause,”  

To read:  “The Executive Committee shall cause the title to:”

(v) Clause 17.  Remove financial policies.

(vi) Clause 18.  To be renumbered to become Clause 17.

(vii) Clause 19.  To be renumbered to become Clause 18.

(viii) Clause 19(b)  Change wording to read.  “No amendments shall be made to clause 3, clause 13(f), clause 13(g),  without the prior written approval of the Charity Commissioners.”

357 APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Following advice from the Charity Commission, the Executive Committee had investigated the possibility of appointing a professional investment advisor. 

It was pointed out that blanket coverage of this service for all KPAs had not been investigated but there was a possibility that it could be discussed with the company.  The Charities Aid Foundation had been considered but they only gave advice on their own product.  A budget for this service would be discussed at the first Executive meeting following the AGM, but expenses would only be incurred on an ad hoc basis ..

It was proposed by George Baldwin, Charing Cross, seconded by Lewis John Powell, SAKA and agreed unanimously THAT  James Sinclair Taylor at Russell-Cooke Solicitors, London be used on an ad hoc basis to advise the Federation on financial matters.

358 APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVISOR

Bob Price (Six Counties KPA) asked if the Executive Committee had investigated getting a kidney patient who would perform the service voluntarily.  The Chairman said it had been agreed that a professional company was required and it was pointed out that lots of companies had been considered but the company being recommended specialised in charity law.  Mick Hill said he believed the NKF would get good value for money as a quotation had been received for £500 for an initial consultation, which would include some financial advice.  It was again pointed out that blanket coverage to KPAs had not been negotiated, but could be investigated.

It was proposed by Bob Smith (Queen Elizabeth KPA), seconded by John Reever (Welsh KPA) and agreed unanimously THAT James Sinclair Taylor at Russell-Cooke Solicitors, London be appointed as Professional Legal Advisor to the National Kidney Federation.

359 APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS

The Treasurer said that the Executive Committee had been very pleased with the work of the new auditors. 

It was proposed by David Griffen (Treasurer), seconded by Ray Morris (Wordsley KPA) and agreed unanimously that

N Williamson & Co, Accountants, Worksop be re-appointed Auditors/Independent Examiners for the year ending 31 December 2004.

360 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The following were elected unopposed:

John Powell (SHARP) stated that biographies had not been circulated for the Co-Chairmen, Co-Vice Chairmen and Treasurer according to the constitution, which he said ruled the election invalid as this was breaking the constitution. 

Tim Statham said there was no requirement in the constitution to circulate biographies for Officers elect, which is what these officers were as they were standing unopposed.

John Powell said he disagreed with this and would be reporting the matter to the Charity Commission.

The Chairman declared the election was valid and should continue.

A ballot took place for Secretary which resulted in the following being elected.

A vote of thanks was given to Ajodha Ramnarine for his work as secretary during the previous year.

Executive Committee

A ballot took place for the executive committee which resulted in the following being elected:

Commiserations were given to Garfield Dullam on not being elected.  A personal letter of thanks would be sent by the Chairman. 

361  ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

The chairman explained that the level of support given by Frank Howarth over the last two years had been superb and he recommended that he should be re-appointed for a further year. 

It was agreed by acclamation that Frank Howarth be re-appointed President for 2004.

Frank Howarth said it had been a great pleasure to serve the National Kidney Federation as President for 3 years and he would be delighted to accept.

As the outgoing chairman, Gordon Nicholas said it had been a privilege and honour to serve the NKF and had received excellent support from the Executive Committee.  He thanked everyone for their support during his term of office. 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 2.35 pm.

| NKF Home Page | Helpline | Contact Us | What's New | About the NKF | Holiday Pages | UK State Benefits | Useful Links | Perceptions | NKF Conferences | Letters | NKF Business | Books | NKF News | NKF Membership | Make a Donation | Organ Donor Cards | Kidney Life | Medical FAQs |

The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

Registered Office:- The Point, Coach Road, Shireoaks, Worksop, Notts S81 8BW, Tel: (01909) 544999, Fax: (01909) 481723, Helpline: (0845) 601 02 09, E-mail:  NKF on  Fundraising on  Follow us on 

This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster