On Tuesday 14th May 2024, Nottinghamshire Law Society hosted the Annual General Meeting in the Old Chemistry Theatre, Newton & Arkwright Building, Nottingham Trent University, welcoming members, Council members and guests for presentations of prizes and charity donations.
The AGM was chaired by President, Stephen Luke, from Luke & Bridger Law.
Among many items on the AGM Agenda, was the Special Resolution of the approval of the Articles of Association. The update our Society’s Articles of Association seeks to:
a) Modernise the wording and reflect current practice; and
b) Provide greater clarity and transparency over the Society's governance structure, decision making processes and membership information.
The key proposed changes include:
c) Updated objectives to reflect the Society's aims and values;
d) A clearer articulation of membership criteria and voting rights;
e) A clearer articulation of roles and responsibilities of those on Council, this includes the introduction of a new category of Council Members, namely, Independent Members, to encourage increased engagement and diversity of Council;
f) An increase in the number of elected roles to encourage transparency and a more democratic Society.
The Articles were updated by a sub-committee of Past Presidents and revisions were made at various Council meetings. The AGM eligible members were asked for questions and to vote. The vote was carried and the new Articles of Association were approved.
The AGM agenda then moved to the many presentations from sporting achievements, Society prize winners and to amazing charity donations, including a presentation of flowers to Head of Operations, Michelle Foster.
Annemarie Walton from Maggies along with volunteers who helped at the Annual Awards Dinner, attended the AGM. Annemarie, thanked Nottinghamshire Law Society for the charity donation of £ 15,035.00. The charity donation was raised through events during the Presidential year, the silent auction and raffle at the recent Annual Awards Dinner and a JustGiving Page.
The total money raised at the John Pearce Quiz in March, earlier this year was announced at £ 1,172.00.
Last year's Presidential Charity, IMARA, chosen by Immediate Past President, Janine McKinney, also attended the AGM. Cath Wakeman OBE, spoke on behalf of the charity, explaining how last years' charity fundraising had helped the centre and their specialised programme, which helps children and young people who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse and their struggle with anxiety, flashbacks and panic attacks as well as difficulty sleeping or poor quality sleep, for example recurring nightmares.
