DRAFT
INSTITUTION OF FIRE ENGINEERS
SOUTH EASTERN BRANCH
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT CHATHAM HISTORIC DOCKYARD
CHATHAM, KENT
FRIDAY 13TH JUNE 2014, 13:00 hrs
Item 1: OPENING
The meeting was opened at 13:00 hrs with words of welcome from the Branch
Secretary, Mr Richard Fowler. Richard also welcomed Mr Neil Gibbins, the
International President Elec, who was representing the Board of Directors.
THOSE PRESENT:
Around 40 branch members and visitors were present at the meeting.
Item 2: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Graham Lelliott
John Norris
Richard Moon
Russ Timpson
Mark Hobbs
Danny Sherman
Roy Barraclough
Rob Lawson
The Secretary welcomed all present and thanked them for attending.
Item 3: MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING (AGM)
The minutes of the last meeting on 23rd March 2012 were available for viewing at the
meeting and were agreed as a true and accurate record of that meeting.
Item 4: MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising from the previous meeting.
Item 5: ELECTION OF OFFICIALS
The following persons were nominated and elected to serve in the following positions
on the Branch Council for the coming year:

President:
Matthew Wood (and Surrey Group)

Vice President:
Roy Barraclough (and West Sussex Group)

Secretary:
Richard Fowler

Assistant Secretary:
Richard Moon

Treasurer:
Karissa Thomas

Council Member:
Russ Timpson (Kent)

Council Member:
Rob Lawson (Kent)

Council Member:
Danny Sherman (East Sussex, Examinations)

Council Member:
Mark Hobbs (East Sussex, Communications)
These positions are with effect from the end of this meeting.
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The Secretary recorded a special vote of thanks to Jo Fowler for serving for over 12
years in the role of Treasurer. At a recent event in Manley, Australia, Jo was
presented with the IFE’s ‘Companion Award’ for her services to the South Eastern
Branch over an extended period of time. Richard thanked Jo for her work on behalf
of the Branch.
The following persons were nominated and elected to represent the Branch on the
International General Assembly for three years:

IGA Representative:
Jo Fowler

Alternate IGA Representative: Richard Fowler
Item 6: SECRETARY’S REPORT
The Branch Council meets occasionally throughout the year to discuss the work of
the Branch and plans for the future.
Richard emphasised that the South Eastern Branch is the most active in the UK and
this benefits the members greatly, although he had to report that Branch
membership is down by about 100 members to approximately 550.
The Branch has continued to run events in Kent and Surrey throughout the year and
these are attended by large numbers of people.
This year the Branch supported study groups to help candidates to prepare for the
IFE science and fire investigation examinations. Other ad-hoc study groups
supported other subjects, such as fire safety. This year saw a significant increase in
the number of candidates sitting examinations.
The Branch continues to provide a library of books for use by students preparing for
examinations. The library is able to supply books and other publications from the
reading list on a loan basis to members of the branch. Some scientific calculators
have also now been purchased.
Item 7: INTERNATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT
Jo explained her role as the IGA Rep. Jo and Richard last attended a meeting of the
International General Assembly in Manley, Australia in March 2014. The meetings
were constructive and matters such as examinations, the draft strategic Report and
the future of the Institution were discussed in detail. The Institution is now actively
discussing how it might move forward into its second century and how it might
celebrate its centenary in 2018.
The IGA prepared three motions for consideration by the BoD. The first related to the
wider use of international markers for examination paper marking. The second
related to a proposed review of subscription benefits and incentives. The third
related to succession planning for the roles of Leader and Vice Leader of the IGA. All
three motions will be brought before the Board at its meeting on 23rd June.
Item 8: TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer (Jo Fowler) provided an overview of the Branch finances over the
previous year. The combined Current and Reserve accounts currently stand at
around £7K. Taking into account income/expenditure waiting to clear as well as
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outstanding invoices, the Branch funds continue to remain healthy, standing in the
region of approximately £9K.
The Treasurer explained the income and expenditure of the Branch over the past 12
months, including the cost of the recent trip to support the IGA meetings in Australia.
This trip was supplemented by grants from head office and the Australian Branch.
Item 9: REPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT ELECT
Mr Neil Gibbins discussed the draft strategic plan and his plans for his year in office
as the International President of the Institution. He further explained the role of the
IGA and praised the work of the Branch.
The Secretary thanked Mr Gibbins for attending the meeting and speaking on behalf
of the Board and Head Office.
Item 10: EVENTS AND PROGRAMME
Richard advised that the Branch will not be publishing a programme of events in the
future as it had proved difficult to stick with the published programme. The various
event organisers in the Branch intend to advertise each event as it is planned, using
email, Twitter and the Journal. The Branch Twitter account is @IFESEBranch.
Item 11: ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Secretary advised the meeting that one of the Branch Members – Andrew
Gausden – is this year’s winner of the Godiva Award for top student in the UK for the
Level 4 examination. Andy was congratulated by all.
Item 12: DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was noted that the Branch normally meet only once per year. A full branch meeting
will therefore be scheduled for approximately twelve months (March – June 2015).
There being no further business, Richard closed the meeting at approximately 14:00
hrs.
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