Chairman's Newsletter :
APRIL 2005
1.
This Newsletter updates members about progress made by the Association since March
2000. The Chairman apologises to members for not being able, due to other work
commitments, to send out any Newsletters since 2000.Information has, however,
continue to be placed on the BALGPS website : www.balgps.org.uk , as it is easier to
keep the same up-to-date and relevant for internet users.
2.
The Chairman appreciates that not all members will have access to the
Internet. This Newsletter, therefore, summarises some of the important
information available on the website. Any member wishing to place information
on the website should provide the Chairman with relevant details in electronic form,
for ease of uploading. Articles of general interest to members are always
welcome.
3.
Association's membership : The
Association's database now stands at about 110 members. Membership is slow and
as we are not a very active organisation – save for website annual charges - I
am seriously considering the reduction or total abolition of the membership
fee. Your thoughts on this approach would be most welcome.
4.
Bar Council News: In May 1999, the Chairman, after a direct approach
to Dan Brennan (the then Chairman of the Bar Council), was co-opted to
represent the Association on the Bar Council. In addition, the Chairman was
also a member of the highly prestigious Working Group, chaired by Lord
Alexander, which looked into the future composition of the Bar Council. The Bar
Council approved the Working Party’s report and, since 2000, the Chairman has
been a member of the Bar Council, as of right. A General Guide has been
produced by the Bar Council for employed barristers, along with FAQs. Both are now available to view via our website.
5.
AGM & Elections: In addition to the Chairman and the Honorary
Secretary, Robert Posner, LB of Bexley, the following members were elected to the Executive Committee in 2000: Vice-Chairman & Honorary Auditor: Julie James, Swansea City Council ; Public Relations Officer: Marina Lipscomb; Elected
Members: Jonathan Teasdale and
Tunji Fahm. Anyone wishing
to become an active member of the Executive Committee is encouraged to contact
the Chairman and/or Honorary Secretary. Otherwise, it is proposed that the same
members continue to be members of the Executive Committee for the foreseeable
future. This approach - although not perfect - will assist in ensuring
continuity and avoid expenditure on uncontested elections. I am, however, happy
to reconsider this approach, if some members object to this proposal.
6.
‘News on the web’ for 2005 - Further
details (including the Chairman’s PowerPoint slides used at some of these
Conferences) are available for downloading from the website at www.balgps.org.uk ….
|
|
2nd & 3rd November 2005, Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington, London, Association of
Council Secretaries & Solicitors Annual Conference - The Chairman
may be a contributor to this conference. |
|
|
5th & |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20-21 April 2005, London : Ark
Group's 'FOI SOS - Managing and responding to FOI and EIR
requests post-implementation' Conference. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4April 2005 : Birmingham Elections Courts - A High
Court Judge, Richard Mawrey QC, delivered his judgement in the two
Electoral Petitions brought against 6 Councillors elected at the local
elections in 2004. The Judge found that there had been widespread and
systematic postal ballot fraud in the two wards. He disqualified the 6
Councillors and a local agent for corrupt and illegal practices. The Judge
praised the Chairman, as follows: - "...it is hard to
imagine a more impressive witness. He is not only a well respected local
authority lawyer, he is a member of the General
Council of the Bar and the lead officer for the Association for Council
Secretaries & Solicitors, which is a national body, representing Chief
Legal Officers. I would take his integrity as being beyond question....on the
essential questions I unhesitantingly accept his
evidence." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members' continued support and assistance
is most appreciated.
Mirza
Ahmad, Chairman
c/o Chief Legal Officer,
Ingleby House,
0121 303 9991