Record of the Key Decisions made by the Almshouse Association Board of Trustees at Board Meetings (from June 18 onwards).

The most recent decisions are listed first:

3 March 2021, via Zoom

  • The Board agreed to increase the number of Regional Champions in 2022 particularly looking at Yorkshire and other larger counties and regions.
  • Governance review at first stage considered a review of Board feedback. A workshop to review strategy was proposed for later in 2021.
  • The risk register should identify investment risks for The Almshouse Association reserves.
  • Thanks to all charities that support their staff to attend board meetings should be recognised in the Annual Report.
  • The Annual Accounts having been reviewed by auditors were approved by the Board.

17th September 2020, via Zoom

  • The decision was carried by the Board to release £20,000 from the Grant budget and for full flexibility to be granted to CEO for discretionary distribution to charities in immediate crisis up to £3,000 per case. The pilot will be reviewed after 6 months.
  • The Board voted and unanimously agreed to release a further £5,000 (above the strategic budget) to enable the data collection and Value for Money research to commence.
  • The Board unanimously agreed with the recommendation made by the F&GP to increase the Grants budget from £250,000 to £350.000.

27th May 2020, via Zoom

  • Governance review to recommence in June.

  • AGM to take place via webinar with a poll conducted prior to the meeting.  Date to be confirmed.

11th March 2020   NCVO, London N1

  • Delegated authority was given to NP to cancel or continue events based on evidence at the time.
  • The Board approved/adopted the Annual Accounts for 2019 and the Annual Report subject to minor amendments discussed. The Board approved the letter of representation to Buzzacotts.
  • Delegated authority was given to board members to register the name change from ’The National Association of Almshouses’ to ‘The Almshouse Association’ with the Charity Commission in advance of the filing with Companies House.
  • Authority was given to recruit regional champions for 9 months and to roll out nationally in 2021.
  • The new branding and logo was approved and endorsed by the Board. Roll out timing as CEO sees fit.
  • Following demand for loans and grants exceeding funds budgeted the Board approved an increase in the budget available to provide restricted funds for the provision of loans up to £1,000,000 and grants up to £250,000 for 2020.

19th September 19   NCVO, London N1

  • The Board supports the recruitment of a part-time campaign manager on a fixed term contract.
  • The Board supports an office move to suitable new accommodation.
  • The Board endorsed loans and grants paper as recommended by F&GP.
  • The Board supports a budget towards almshouse research.

4th June 19     NCVO, London N1

  • In preparation for the 75th Anniversary in 2021, a Working Party has been set up which includes Board Members, David Healey and Jim Kennedy. The event will include support for almshouses to open up their garden and/or houses to gain local interest.
  • Following a recommendation by the F&GP Sub-Committee and a unanimous vote in favour by the Board, the Almshouse Association Investments will be managed by Waverton Investment Management.
  • The Nominations Committee recommended Clive Cook of St John’s Charity, Winchester to join the Board and this was unanimously endorsed.
  • A grant was given to Anglia Ruskin University, which has produced good analysis of almshouse literature. A Sourcebook has been completed in draft.

13th March 2019, NCVO, London N1

  • Board unanimously approved the Strategy and Resource budget and asked that an update on delivery should form part of the F&GP agenda and future board meetings.

15th November 18      NCVO, London N1 

  • Organisational strategy reviewed  – discussed at length and some changes made  – to be re-presented for approval at the March 19 Board Meeting
  • Proposal to appoint Willie Hartley-Russell to the F&GP sub-committee approved
  • Agreed that future F&GP meetings would be held in London
  • Noted that 2019 member subscription fees had been increased by 2% across the board
  • Following consideration by the sub-committee and the Board, Quentin Elston, Jim Kennedy, Andrew Barnes and David Healey were individually proposed and unanimously elected to the board.

13th June 18      Merchant Taylor’s Hall, London EC2R

  • The Board instructed the Directorate to prepare policy and procedure for issuing grants to member charities

Updated: 12 May 21