RESOLUTION E

Whilst we understand that all Trusts have to have a board membership policy we are uncomfortable with several of the clauses included in this proposal.

In particular we wish to highlight clause B1 that states,

“Members of the Board acknowledge that discussions at Board Meetings are strictly confidential save where expressly stated not to be”

We feel that the wording of this clause should be altered as follows,

“Members of the Board acknowledge that discussions at Board meetings are not strictly confidential save where expressly stated to be so”

It is absurd to suggest that board members cannot discuss the contents of meetings unless they receive the approbation of the rest of the board.

We recognize that from time to time matters will arise which requires handling in a confidential manner. Common sense should then prevail and the board would decide that such matters were confidential.

However these matters will only arise as an exception rather than the rule.

The rest of the business of the Board of WST should not be confidential and should be transparent and accountable to the members.

Confidentiality is a reason often cited by organizations that wish to cover up controversial & embarrassing issues. We do not want the WST to be accused of acting in such a way.

If members vote for Resolution E you are in effect voting for the right to be kept in the dark.

We are suggesting that members vote down this measure and that the board rewrite this Resolution in conjunction with members of the Society to find a solution that better reflects the democratic principles of the organization.

We are also concerned that copies of the Board policy have not been included in either the AGM pack or the newsletter that discussed the resolutions.

This we feel does not aid members in making an informed decision on the merits of Resolution E .