Is there cause for concern about the Trust?

[Milton End]

From today's News (Thursday 25th): please see the last sentence which I have highlighted in bold.

Most Trusts benefit from having some people with knowledge and background on their workings. For example as a Trustee of one of the London Citizens' Advice Bureaux, it's taken me some years to understand its law, methods of operation, networks, etc.

It looks as if the new Trust Board may lack this. Is the News end statement accurate? Do supporters need to be concerned?

Article begins:

Pompey Supporters’ Trust shareholders have the opportunity to meet Paul Cook for the first time next month.

Fratton Park is to host the Trust’s annual pre-season event on Sunday, July 12.

Cook, assistant manager Leam Richardson and a number of players will be in attendance, in addition to chief executive Mark Catlin.

Taking place in the Victory Suite from 5.30pm, the occasion is for shareholders only and comes with a strict one ticket per shareholder policy. Supporters will 
have the opportunity to mingle with the players, while Cook is to hold a Q&A session.

The previous two pre-season meetings have proven popular among fans, being extremely well attended.

Almost every member of Pompey’s backroom staff and the players attended last year’s event, when Andy Awford was manager.

Those interested in obtaining a ticket should visit po.st/shareholderevent
In a bid to cater for anyone without access to the internet, the Trust are also putting a number of tickets aside.

These are available for shareholders on a first-come basis on the day.

Meanwhile, there are four positions on the Trust board up for grabs heading into the latest elections.

And nominations to stand must be in by 6pm on Friday, July 31.

In addition, a change of election policy means candidates are now able to carry out electioneering through social media sites and openly in the press. Previously this was prohibited.

Whether standing or voting, you must be a Trust member by June 30, 2015.

Voting papers will be sent out to qualifying members by Friday, August 14, with voting closing at 6pm on Friday, September 11.

The ballot will be conducted by email and post, with members urged to ensure the Trust have their correct contact details and their subscription has not expired.

Supporters are urged to get in touch with info@pompeytrust.com if they have any queries.

Members are reminded no more than one vote will be accepted from any email address, so if more than one person uses the same email address they need to register another by July 31.

Alternately, voting can be made by printing off the voting form and posting it.

The Trust’ sixth AGM will be held on Thursday, September 24 at Fratton Park when the results will be declared and members can meet the successful candidates.

Those four places on the Trust board have been created by the resignations of Mick Williams, Dan Fearnley and Steve Tovey since the turn of the year.

In addition, chairman Ken Malley died earlier this month.

It means none of the existing board are currently up for re-election in September.

[LiT other account]

It's a bit confusing currently.

The Trust board is meant to consist of 12 elected members. Currently there are 6 elected members. Now normally with IPS such as the PST, all unelected places should be open for election at the AGM.

In addition, the constitution was changed so that a third of the board is elected each year and serve a three year term. Previously this was half the board and two year terms. So while four of the board were elected last year with the new arrangement agreed. Two were elected in 2013 (Tom Dearie and John Kimbell) on two year terms.

Possibly 8 places should be up for grabs with Tom and John seeking re-election.

There are one co-opt that is obvious. Ollie Birch the youth representative. He'll be seeking election but weirdly as a general board member rather than a youth board member. It would be more sensible to have a specific under-25 position and allow more young people to throw their hat in.

The co-opted Treasurer Geoff (whose surname I forget) took over from the resigned Steve Tovey. I'm not sure from the PST website what status the Treasurer has now as it claimed it is an appointed role.

Equally, the PST has three secretaries which are also appointed. A membership secretary in Steve Hutton, a secretary in Mark Farwell and an assistant secretary in Jo Collins. Both Mark and Jo regularly attend board meetings, Steve less so.

It is rather odd that there are so many non-elected board members. The constitution states that co-opts can be no more than one-third of the board. Depending on your viewpoint, it could be that this board is operating unconstitutionally with 5 co-opts.

In practice, the board has operated with 10 elected members and the two secretary roles. This has been due to a lack of interest. However, since the constitution states 12 elected members then this should be fulfilled or the constitution needs to be changed.

[Milton End]

Many thanks for the comprehensive reply.

I still remain a little concerned with the high turnover in the Board.

But hopefully from your description, there are some people who will provide the continuity and knowledge needed to ensure that the Board continues to act wisely and with the vision to support the club.

We've had too many crooks and self-serving time wasters over the last few years.