Staffordshire Branch AGM took place at Staffordshire Police HQ on Saturday 22 March 2025.
The meeting was opened and welcome given by Mark Judson, Chairman.
He paid tribute and his thanks to the Branch Committee members and the unusually high workload that had arisen in the Branch from the incorporation matters implemented last year. Work on such matters is ongoing. He gave praise to the Subbranch representatives who had been supporting members across the county, and abroad, in many ways.
Among the significant changes came the need to revise the Branch Rules (last updated in 2018). Work had been completed by the Branch Executives and he proposed new rules be adopted. All attendees had copies to read.
Staffordshire Branch Rules 2025
Explanatory notes of the rule changes
There was unanimous support for the updated rules, which take effect immediately.
Kevin Waters, Branch Secretary, outlined the work he had been doing in the last year. This included involvement with the Staffordshire Police Welfare Fund. The fund had celebrated its centenary in 2024. In discussions with the Welfare Fund Committee, an arrangement has been made that the customary retirement testimonial awarded to retiring officers would include a one year subscription to Narpo, and two years membership to one of the Police Treatment Centres.
Branch Treasurer, Mike Kozam presented the completed Finance Report for 2024. The Branch is in a solid financial state. He outlined the significant changes required under incorporation. One being that VAT registration allows the Branch to recover the VAT element on official invoices. It is no longer necessary for the Branch to engage auditors as accounts are now audited nationally.
A generous legacy from the estate of a former member had bolstered reserves. Scrutiny of member subscriptions had identified a number of members not paying and these had been contacted. Some were deceased and some members decided to cease membership. Processes for monitoring subscription payments had been updated, allowing the Branch to reduce precept charges and improve the allocation of funds available to support Subbranch activity.
The Treasurer recommended that Honoraria be paid to Branch Officers in appreciation of their work in 2024 and increased in line with CPI (September 2024) by 1.7%.
The Branch ended 2024 with a balance of £122526.70.
The election of Branch Officers proceeded. There were no new nomination and the existing officers agreed to continue. All were re-elected en bloc.
There was no other business tabled, and those attending were served a buffet lunch.