The Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 24 October 2024, at Beckley Village Hall. The meeting commenced at 7:30 pm and was attended by members, councillors, and executive committee members.
1. Welcome and Chair’s Opening Remarks
Dr. Anne Gwinnett, the Chair of the IOA, opened the meeting with a warm welcome. She expressed gratitude to all members for their continued support and participation over the past year.
2. Chair’s Annual Report
Dr. Gwinnett presented an overview of the key activities and achievements of the IOA during the past year. The report highlighted the progress made in community engagement and advocacy, alongside strategic developments within the alliance. The full details can be found in the Chair’s Annual Report, available for download.
3. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Dr. Anthony Cheke provided a detailed financial statement, summarizing the IOA’s financial health. The discussion included insights into the current financial position and future funding strategies. Members appreciated the clarity and transparency of the report, which is accessible as the Treasurer’s Financial Report.
4. Election of Executive Committee Members
The election for the Executive Committee was conducted by Peter George. With three vacancies and three nominees, there was no requirement for a secret ballot. The nominees—David Henwood, Sal Naqvi, and Ian Yeatman—were introduced and shared brief statements about their vision for the role. All three appointments were unanimously approved by the members. You can read their full statements in the Executive Committee Nominees’ Statements.
5. Strategic Priorities for 2025
Dr. Gwinnett led a presentation on the strategic priorities for the upcoming year. The discussion focused on key policy areas and initiatives aimed at enhancing community representation and tackling local issues. Members were encouraged to share their input, contributing to a vibrant dialogue about the future direction of the alliance.
6. Open Floor for Questions and Proposals
The meeting featured an open floor session, where members had the opportunity to ask questions and present proposals. The discussions were constructive, with valuable feedback and suggestions put forward for consideration by the committee.
7. Constitutional Amendment
A significant decision made during the meeting was the unanimous agreement to amend clause 4.2 (b) of the IOA Constitution. The revised clause now states:
(b) Initial membership shall run for one year from the date of joining.
This change reflects the IOA’s commitment to making membership terms clearer and more consistent for new joiners.
8. Closing Remarks and Informal Networking
The meeting officially concluded at 8:45 pm, followed by informal updates from IOA councillors and the Chair. Members enjoyed refreshments and had the opportunity to network and discuss the alliance’s future plans.
For further details, the following documents are available for download:
• Chair’s Annual Report (Slides)
• Treasurer’s Financial Report
• Executive Committee Nominees’ Statements
Thank you to all members who attended and contributed to a productive and successful AGM. We look forward to a year of continued progress and collaboration in 2025!