As we approach the NPC Northern Region AGM (Annual General Meeting) on Monday, 27th January 2025, we have important decisions ahead about the future of our organisation. This is your opportunity to participate in shaping the direction of the NPC Northern Region by voting on proposed constitutional amendments, electing officers, and hearing from our special guest speaker.
AGM Details:
- Date: Monday, 27th January 2025
- Time: 1 pm
- Location: Gateshead Civic Centre
We invite all members to attend, whether you’ve been with us for years or are joining for the first time. Your voice is essential in ensuring that the NPC Northern Region continues to fight for pensioners’ rights and address the issues that matter to all of us.
Please note that while attendance is open, participation in voting, speaking, nominations, and standing for office is restricted to affiliated organisations and fully paid-up individual members.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Several proposed changes to the constitution will be put to a vote at the AGM. These amendments are designed to improve our governance and ensure better representation within the NPC Northern Region. Below are the key amendments:
- Amendment 1: Creation of a Women’s Officer
This role will ensure that the voices of female pensioners are represented in decision-making processes. The Women’s Officer will be added to the constitution alongside the Assistant Treasurer.
(Moved by Alec McFadden) - Amendment 2: Formation of a Women’s Advisory Committee (WAC)
This committee will lead on issues affecting women pensioners and ensure that their concerns are addressed in our campaigns. The WAC will consist of at least three women and will report regularly at meetings.
(Moved by Wilf Flynn) - Amendment 3: Introduction of an Overnight Allowance
A £15 overnight allowance will be available for members required to stay overnight when attending NPC events or conferences on behalf of the Northern Region.
(Moved by Martin Dent) - Amendment 4: Procedure for Urgent Motions
This amendment allows urgent motions to be raised at meetings if supported by two-thirds of the members present, ensuring that pressing issues can be addressed quickly.
(Moved by Sean Fahey)
These amendments are an important step toward improving the inclusivity and effectiveness of the NPC Northern Region. We encourage members to review the proposed changes ahead of the meeting and come prepared to vote.
Officer Elections at the AGM
In addition to the proposed amendments, several key officer positions will be up for election at the AGM:
- Seeking Re-election:
- Regional Chair: Norman Jemison
- Regional Secretary: Alec McFadden
- Regional Vice Chair: Wilf Flynn
- Stepping Down:
- Regional Treasurer: Martin Dent
- Regional Assistant Secretary: Sean Kelly
We are inviting nominations for the positions of Regional Treasurer and Regional Assistant Secretary, which will be vacant following the AGM. This is a great opportunity for new voices to step forward and help shape the future of the NPC Northern Region.
Sean Fahey will continue in his role as Regional Auditor.
Special Guest Speaker: NPC National General Secretary
We are excited to announce that Ms Jan Shortt, the National General Secretary of the NPC, will be attending the AGM as our special guest. Ms Shortt will address the meeting and provide valuable insights into the national work of the NPC and the challenges pensioners face across the UK.
Treasurer’s and Secretary’s Reports
At the recent Management Committee meeting on 10th October 2024, it was reported that:
- Treasurer’s Report: The NPC Northern Region’s current balance stands at £3105.64.
Martin Dent will arrange for a change of account signatures before stepping down as Treasurer. - Secretary’s Report: Several ongoing efforts were highlighted, including:
- Drop-in sessions to check eligibility for Pension Credit.
- Efforts to increase ethnic diversity among members.
- Updates on the NPC Northern Region website and how to join the NPC online.
Additionally, the NPC Northern Region AGM will feature a discussion on raising membership and branch affiliation fees to ensure we remain financially sustainable. It has been proposed that:
- Membership fees increase to £10.00.
- Branch affiliation fees increase to £30.00.
Join Us at the AGM
The NPC Northern Region AGM is your chance to influence the future of our organisation and ensure that pensioners’ voices are heard at all levels. We look forward to your participation in the discussions, votes on the proposed rule changes, and the election of officers.
For more information or to submit officer nominations, please contact:
- Alec McFadden, NPC Northern Regional Secretary
Mobile: +44 7831 627531
Email: alec.stuc@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you on 27th January 2025 at Gateshead Civic Centre.