Advice NI AGM Minutes

Present:

Michael Roddy	Omagh Independent Advice Services
Samantha Boswell	Community Advice Causeway
Donna Morris	Community Advice Armagh
Ellen Hannaway	Community Advice Armagh
Joanne Farrell	Belfast Unemployment Resource Centre
Pat Colton	Advice Space
David Abrahams	Marsh Ltd
Joanne Kinnear	Limavady Community Development Initiative
Mathilda Taulbutt	Causeway Women’s Aid
Michele Loughran	Mindwise
Jim O Callaghan	Housing Rights Service
Michele Campbell	MEACAS
Agnieszka Luczak	Migrant Centre NI
Kellie Murray	Community Advice Newry Mourne and Down
Gerard O Neill	SCA
Betty McNerlin	North West Life
Mary McMahon	North West Life
Christopher Hamilton	Vale Accountants
Jennifer Fearon	Community Advice Craigavon
Chris Briggs	Employers for Childcare
Jacqueline Gallagher	Advice North West
Paul Dolan	Finegan Gibson Ltd
Rachel McCauley	Finegan Gibson Ltd

In attendance: Advice NI Staff

Welcome

Mathilda Taulbutt – Chair of Advice NI, welcomed everyone to the meeting and updated that this year in view of Covid-19, the meeting is being delivered via Zoom and will be a business only meeting and therefore a shorter than normal meeting.

She spoke about the impact of Coronavirus which came about at the end of the April - March 2020 year, on the sector and the challenges that have come with it, mentioning in particular the impact on member organisations who provide frontline advice within their communities.

Mathilda then spoke briefly on Advice NI’s move to its new premises which were much needed.  However, since end of March and still ongoing, most staff are working from home. The team had to adapt quickly to ensure the continuation of services and Mathilda commended all staff for their commitment, particularly as Advice NI facilitated the delivery of a very busy Covid Helpline, and also frontline advisers who played a vital support role within their communities providing services above and beyond their usual remit.

As a result of Covid some planned work for the current year has been deferred, and mentioned the strategic plan in particular which should now be completed by early 2021.

Mathilda concluded by thanking all funders, her colleagues on the board, Bob and Kathleen for supporting her as Chair, and gave a particular mentioned to David Abrahams, board advisor, for his time and support throughout the year.

Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the last AGM held on 26th February 2020, were distributed via email prior to the meeting.

Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

Minutes proposed by Barry McMullan, seconded by Joanne Farrell

Election of Trustees

The following were elected as Trustees on block.

• Gerard Morgan – East Belfast Independent Advice Centre
• Mathilda Taulbutt – Causeway Women’s Aid  - Chair
• Jim O’Callaghan – Housing Rights
• Joanne Farrell – Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre
• Barry McMullan – NIACRO
• Gerard O’Neill – SCA Ltd
• Michael Roddy – Omagh Independent Advice Services
• Sinead McKinley – North Belfast Advice Partnership
• Brenda Kearns – Age NI
• Michele Loughran – Mindwise
• Joanne Kinnear – Limavady Community Development Initiative
• Michele Campbell – Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Service
• Samantha Boswell – Community Advice Causeway

Proposed: Jim O’Callaghan, Seconded: Joanne Farrell

Treasurers Report

Paul Dolan, Finegan Gibson Auditors– gave an update on the Audited Accounts for 2019 2020, full details of which are filed at Companies House

Proposed: Mathilda Taulbutt, seconded Michele Loughran
 

Re-election of Finegan Gibson Auditors

Proposed by Michael Roddy, seconded Michele Loughran

CEO Report

Bob Stronge, gave a brief update on the work undertaken over the previous year, further details of which can be found on the infographic including advice statistics for the full membership – infographic can be viewed on Advice NI website.

Bob mentioned in particular two awards received during the year, IiP Gold and Family Friendly Employer Award

Bob reiterated Mathilda’s comments regarding the impact of Covid-19 and gave thanks to staff and board, for all their support and hard work in a very busy year.  Bob also thanked all funders for their positive support in this difficult year.

Meeting concluded.