News4Clubs Bulletin Number 22
13 May 2011

Call for Nominations for the MCofS Board

We are seeking nominations to stand for election to our Board of voluntary directors. The MCofS Board is responsible for the governance of the Council and consists of 8 elected directors, each of whom is responsible for a specific area of activity which contributes to the achievement of the MCofS Strategic Plan.

Candidates will have a commitment to mountaineering, hill walking or climbing activities, and should be prepared to instigate projects which are relevant to MCofS strategic aims.

The work - with a small team of colleagues, and officers, whose shared aim is to represent, support and promote Scottish mountaineering - should be very rewarding.

We wish nominees to be aware of the commitment required. Whilst we pay expenses, the work is voluntary and requires time and energy. In addition to experience gained in mountaineering activities, suitable nominees will benefit from:

• Familiarity with the way company Boards work, ideally in a not-for-profit environment.
• Understanding of the general principles of corporate responsibility.
• Experience of the voluntary sector.
• Appropriate interpersonal skills, including an ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral.
• Being computer literate, with ready access to email and the internet.

The minimum age for candidates is 16 and MCofS positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

President and Treasurer

Chris Townsend retires as President when he comes to the end of his four-year term of office at the AGM in September. John Irving our Treasurer has also decided to stand down after four years. We will therefore elect a new President and Treasurer in addition to the annual election of other directors.

Some background information may be helpful for potential candidates:

• The business of the Board is managed by the chair who is appointed from the directors on an annual basis.
• The President and Treasurer, as with other directors, are required to attend Board meetings – normally 4 per annum in addition to the AGM, and involve themselves fully in the strategic work of the Board.
• Specific strategic operational functions and responsibilities are delegated to Board Members according to their areas of interest and experience. The President may be required to lead on particular issues from time to time.
• The President will represent the MCofS and its members within sporting, political and media circles referring, where relevant, to the Board’s adopted position on particular issues.
• The President will actively promote the aims and objectives of the MCofS seeking to strengthen links with partner organisations.
• The President will seek to encourage participation in the sport through clubs and individuals, particularly by young people and minority groups.
• The Treasurer is responsible for financial management and reporting, and is supported in his work by the Chief Officer and Bookkeeper.
• Both the President and Treasurer have ex-officio appointments relating to charitable trusts.

Nominations are required by 24 June 2011; nominees should plan to participate in the MCofS AGM which will be held at The Dunblane Hydro on Saturday 3 September 2011.

This is a fantastic opportunity to put something back into mountaineering and to help shape the future of the MCofS. To apply or obtain further information please contact David Gibson, Company Secretary, The Mountaineering Council of Scotland, The Old Granary, West Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5QP. Tel: 01738-493 947 or 07845-919 150, email davidg@mcofs.org.uk.

MCofS Annual General Meeting moves to Dunblane

This year's AGM moves to a new venue - the Dunblane Hydro Hotel. Our aim in moving from Glenmore Lodge is twofold – firstly to reduce costs for both MCofS and its members, and secondly to hopefully provide more individual members, and representatives of club members, with the opportunity to participate in the AGM itself, and in the forum sessions which precede it. Remember that decisions made at the AGM ultimately affect how MCofS acts on your behalf, and the membership benefits you receive.

There are no outdoor events, organised dinner or other entertainment associated with this year’s event to keep costs to a minimum.

Formal Notice

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland

The Old Granary, West Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5QP

Company number SC322717

Annual General Meeting: Saturday 3 September 2011 at 16.30

Venue: Dunblane Hydro Hotel, Perth Road, Dunblane, FK15 0HE

(Registration from16.00)

Agenda

(a) Roll Call and appointment of Tellers;

(b) the approval of the Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and of any subsequent Extraordinary General Meetings;

(c) the receipt of such reports as the Board might consider appropriate to bring before the Annual General Meeting for approval or information;

(d) the approval of the Annual Financial Statements appropriately certified;

(e) the fixing of members’ annual subscriptions;

(f) the election of the President, Treasurer and Board members;

(g) the appointment of the appropriately qualified accountant;

(h) the consideration of and taking of decisions on any duly notified proposals for the adoption of any new Policies or the amendment or revocation of any existing Policies;

(i) any other competent business where notice has been given.

With regard to:

Item (f) - members’ attention is drawn to the vacancy notice ‘Call for Nominations for Election’ shown above.

Item (h) - members are advised that as defined in Article 8.3 the Board is undertaking a consultation on a draft Child Protection Policy for Clubs - see http://www.mcofs.org.uk/cppclubslive.asp

Voting

The Companies Act 2006 and MCofS Article 5.10 provide that if you are an Individual Member and cannot attend in person, you have the right to appoint a proxy who may vote on your behalf. Club Members may either be represented by a nominated representative personally present, or have the right to appoint a proxy who may exercise votes on its behalf.

AGM Communication Timetable

19 May 2011 – The Formal Notice of the AGM will also be published in Scottish Mountaineer and on the MCofS website at http://www.mcofs.org.uk/generalmeetings.asp - we will use this website page and News4Clubs to publish any relevant information concerning agenda items, resolutions, nominations for the Board and voting procedures.

24 June 2011 – Date by which members must notify any resolutions on topics outwith the standard business of the AGM to the Company Secretary for these to be competent business (Article 5.3).

24 June 2011 – Date by which nominations for the filling at the AGM of vacancies on the Board shall be competent only if made in writing by a voting member to the Company Secretary (Article 5.3)

8 July 2011 – Date on which we will publish any resolutions, and nominations for election to the Board, in News4Clubs and simultaneously on the MCofS website.

11 August 2011 – Date on which we will publish any resolutions, and nominations for election to the Board, and the Annual Report and Accounts 2010-2011 in Scottish Mountaineer. The Annual Report and Accounts will also be published on the website at http://www.mcofs.org.uk/annual-report.asp on 11 August 2011.

Any communication concerning the Annual General Meeting should be addressed to David Gibson, Company Secretary, at the above address, or by email to davidg@mcofs.org.uk.

Climbing – Have you got Protection?

Summit Financial Services offer specialist financial products to members of MCofS Clubs – their products cover a range of financial products tailored specifically for the needs of climbers whether climbing at home or in the greater ranges. Their director David Hallam writes:

When it comes to protection you should take no chances, always checking your gear placements and rope work: you do your best to ensure you have every eventuality covered.

It may seem a trite comparison, but it should also be the case with your financial protection. Whilst it is important that the policy is suitable, it is more important that you have the right policy and it is essential that the policy will pay out should the worst happen.

There is no point in using the latest climbing equipment if you don’t use it properly. Similarly, if you are considering providing financial protection for the benefit of your family, you should ensure that you have the most appropriate policy and cover for your climbing activity and at the most competitive premium. It is essential that the insurance underwriter knows the full extent of your climbing and that your policy includes cover for your climbing be it in the Cuillin, Alps or K2.

The following plans are available:

Mortgage Protection

This is designed to provide a guaranteed benefit payable on death. The sum assured will decrease over the term of the plan and is normally used in connection with a capital repayment mortgage where the balance of the outstanding mortgage will decrease over the term of the plan.

Level Term Assurance

This is designed to provide a guaranteed benefit payable on death. The sum assured will remain constant throughout the plan and is normally used to provide a set lump sum for your beneficiaries.

Income protection

This plan is designed to provide you with a regular benefit should you suffer illness or injury leading to loss of income.

Terminal Illness

This is often included with Mortgage Protection and Level Term assurance at no extra cost and would pay out the benefit of the plan if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness during the term of the plan where your life expectancy is less than 12 months (excluding the last 18 months of the plan).

Critical Illness

This should not be confused with Terminal Illness. The relevant benefit is payable upon diagnosis of a critical illness covered by the plan, for example Heart attack, stroke & cancer.

Remember: always disclose the full extent of your climbing otherwise the policy may be voidable and not pay out any benefit regardless of cause of claim, it is the insurers decision whether to offer you standard terms, charge you an additional amount or exclude aspects of the policy. Non-disclosure of climbing does not simply mean you are not covered; it may invalidate your entire policy.

The Equality Act 2010: What it means for Clubs

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010 and brings together, harmonises and in some respects extends previous equality law. As a private club or other association admitting members and providing benefits, facilities and services, your responsibilities remain largely the same, but there are some differences that you need to be aware of.

The main change is that the Act builds on the previous obligations on associations not to discriminate because of disability, race and sexual orientation by extending the ban on discrimination to also cover gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief and sex.

The Act defines an association as an organisation that:

• has 25 or more members, and

• has rules (not necessarily formal or written) regulating who can be a member and there is a genuine selection process for members.

The Act protects people from discrimination on the basis of ‘protected characteristics’.

The relevant characteristics for private clubs and other associations are:

• disability.

• gender reassignment.

• pregnancy and maternity.

• race – this includes ethnic or national origins, colour and nationality.

• religion or belief – this includes lack of belief.

• sex, and

• sexual orientation.

How does the Act apply to private clubs and other associations?

It is now unlawful for a private club or other association with 25 or more members to discriminate against, harass or victimise an existing or potential member. A club cannot refuse membership, or grant membership on less favourable terms (such as by applying different conditions or fees) because the person has a protected characteristic – disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Previous legislation outlawed discrimination by associations against existing or potential members because of race, disability and sexual orientation. The Act extends this protection to gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief and sex.

Club office bearers are recommended to read the Quick Start Guide for Private Clubs and Other Associations, published by the Government Equalities Office.

Blacks and Millets Discount Scheme

The Blacks Group, which includes 18 Blacks and Millets stores in Scotland, offer MCofS members a 10% discount (on production of a membership card), but they now also offer us an even better deal.  MCofS members who sign up to this new deal will be entitled to 15% off all purchases, even when buying a product that is already discounted.  In order to obtain your discount card you must first of all send your name and address to Blacks requesting a MCofS 15% discount card.  Rather than writing individually it would be preferable if clubs could use a nominated central person to make a list of names and addresses, and for that individual to send in everyone's details.  Please state which club you are from and make it clear that your club is a member of the MCofS.  Wherever possible Blacks would prefer to send all the cards to one central person in your club for onward distribution.  The e-mail address to send details to is: thomas.hutchinson@blacks.co.uk.   For a list of Blacks and Millets stores visit our retailers discounts page.

Recent thefts from cars in Killin and Callander area

Central Scotland Police are warning motorists to beware of thieves breaking into cars after a recent spate of incidents.  Car parks used by hill walkers are amonst those that have been targeted.  Further details here.

Mike Dales
Membership Development Officer
13th May 2011