The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES
THURSDAY 6TH APRIL 2006

ATTENDEES: Scott Bryden, Marilyn Dean (chair), Jimmy Ogunshakin and Andrew Torbet
IN ATTENDENCE: Helen Torbet (secretary)
APOLOGIES: Ade Desalu (Treasurer)

The meeting began at 7.30pm and opened with a prayer.

  Topic Action
1. Approval of Previous Minutes  
  Minutes from the meetings held on 23rd February 2006 were approved and duly signed by the Chair. The Minutes from the Quarterly Planning Meeting of 4th March 2006 and The Joint Shepherds and Trustees meeting of 21st January 2006 were also signed.  
2. Matters Arising  
  MCOC Logo/Stationery - SB presented several ideas for a letterhead. Having discussed layout inspired by these ideas, SB will now put these together and bring to next meeting. SB
3. Shepherds Items  
  Benevolence Policy - SB had included comments received. Coversheet now added to the front (Copy attached). A few further grammatical amendments would be made before distribution to the Shepherds and Trustees. The document was approved. HT to copy and bind. It was reiterated that it would be used as a guiding document and each case would continue to be evaluated on its own merits. SB
  Benevolence issues - there were three outstanding papers to be signed for benevolence issues. These had been previously agreed and would now be filed.  
  Membership Covenant - Data Protection - JO updated the Trustees on Data Protection matters following a course he attended recently. HT to develop DP sentence for Member Covenant for JO to comment. We will need to register with Information Commissioner. HT to get this done. Roll out Membership Covenant during the month of May in the Mid Week Meetings. HT/Trustees
4. Finances  
  Monthly spreadsheet - MD tabled monthly spreadsheet. It was noted that there may be an increase in costs for hire of LALC to £17,752 to cover Mid Week Meetings.  
  Final Accounts - The final accounts had been drafted by the Treasurer, and distributed prior to meeting for comment. The procedure for depreciation was accepted. The Trustees were very happy with the accounts for presentation to Charity Commission or other outside bodies. However, the Trustees would like more details and explanation of each category and breakdown for own their own understanding. AT to speak to Treasurer to clarify this and a few other questions, which arose during this meeting. AT
  Policy on how we pay or honour visiting speakers. It was understood that policies are being developed elsewhere, and as a result not much information had yet been found. Further enquiries would be made to feedback at next meeting. SB/JO/AT/MD
  GAD - MD produced a letter received from HMRC to confirm that we are registered with them to claim GAD. (Original letter filed at office, copy attached to these minutes). MD explained the various forms and details of how the scheme works. GAD forms will be issued in Bham ASAP. GAD forms have already been issued in Leicester. MD/HT
  External auditors - It was agreed to approach Stewardship Services in connection with their accounts examination service. HT to make enquiries. HT
5. Legal Matters  
  CCPAS - AT still working on Policy document, but it is near completion. AT would raise awareness of responsibilities following the court case of drowned toddler in pond at nursery. AT
  AGM - Discuss at next meeting. Agenda
  Resignations in 2006. Discuss at next meeting Agenda
6. Any Other Business  
  New Office locations - nothing to report. It was suggested that we look for a property to purchase for the combined use of the office and Mid Week Meetings. The investment with Stewardship Services would be used for this purpose. SB to make enquiries with agencies. SB
  Summer Charity Ball - a non-refundable deposit was required of £500 to secure Botanical Gardens for this event - this was agreed and cheque was raised.  
  Paul Henry, help with transport to church - Enquiries had been made with a taxi firm for a contract - the annual cost would be £1530. It was suggested that we find out how much Paul pays now and the church will cover the difference. HT
  Insurance - a brief to explain what we are about and our activities should be drawn up, for submission to two companies for quotes. (Ansvar & Stewardship). MD/HT
  SB raised concern about certain individuals coming in at the end of the Sunday service, with what seems to be the sole aim of selling goods. It was suggested that a quiet word with these people, to be more respectful of the fellowship, was thought to be appropriate.  

Helen Torbet
Church Secretary