IGM/Q & A Meeting.

Just wondering what everyone thought of this. I thought that, although it was done out of expedience, the combined IGM/Q & A format worked well; bringing a gravity to both. I thought that it was a further step forward in the journey of democracy and transparency with three motions by two (as opposed to two in the AGM from one) and plenty of searching questions and honest answers. Although the conversation was plenty robust enough, it was carried out in a mutually respectful manner with, I think, many people listening accepting differing views. What came out very strongly is that the club is owned by people who really care about it and everyone wants success for the club at Twerton Park.

He will be the first person to say that I don't slavishly agree with him so I would like to say that Michael Clayton did, I thought, a very good job, keeping the meeting to two hours, deferring to the floor when people had more knowledge about subjects than him and laying out where the Supporters' Society and their representatives on the board and in the working groups have done well and where there is still more to be done. The Supporters Society are still at the teething stage of running the club and these meetings as well as, of course, the AGM are where Supporters Society members can not only 'keep us honest' but, just as importantly, see their involvement in the club working.

It is important that everyone recognises the fundamental change that the supporters' society has undergone. Instead of being an interest group it is now effectively in control of the club. Every member therefore has the real opportunity to make a difference. Firstly through the general meetings where decisions made actually have bite to getting more involved either through volunteering or getting on the committee.
Michael acknowledged that things still have room for improvement but there was marked progress in the GM procedure and level of debate. Hopefully people felt they were able to make a contribution and that they were listened to (in fact I wasn't the only one who changed their mind during the discussions). As more people get involved the more rewarding it will be. I was encouraged.

I agree that it is very encouraging. I learned a lot. I am confident that we can build and improve on this.
A special mention for Shane -  for keeping the refreshment flowing!

Seconded. Very thoughtful and deliberative group discussion - I was initially disappointed that no online voting was available, but it was good that we were able to amend the motions on the night, which would not have been possible had they been "pre-voted".

For the AGM in June we should perhaps explore whether it's possible for online voting for motions to occur AFTER the AGM - i.e. have the motions discussed, debated and amended and voted on by those present, and then release the minutes/summary of the debate and open the online voting to those who can't attend. This would give us a good balance of reasoned debate and wide participation.

EDIT: I still think there's value in having board Q&As inbetween AGMs and IGMs, thus giving supporters a chance to quiz the board every 3 months - but maybe the informal Q&As are best paired with Meet the Manager meetings, to give supporters more reason to invest the time.

Yes, I meant specifically the informal Q & A to the committee members. Do you mean the club Board or the Supporters' Society Board Q & A. Unfortunately, someone suggested that both be called the same thing which confuses matter somewhat! ;-)

Love the avatar, by the way, and the answer is yes, I think.