The Association AGM (Annual General Meeting) is coming-up on 29 April. This year we have a number of key officers standing down and so we need other members to volunteer to take over some of these key roles.

In recent years the Association has evolved dramatically. In particular, most of our branches have much more “informal” structures with an emphasis on local networks, less emphasis on “formal” meetings and greater focus on ad hoc arrangement of ringing events.

However, if the NDA is to survive as a formal organisation and charity, we do need a strong and enthusiastically manned central Association. Some of our existing officers have indicated a desire to stay on. However, we have a number of key officers who will be stepping down in April.

Notably:

Association President – After seven years in the role, Paul Cubitt will be standing down. The President is the public face of the NDAR whose prime responsibility is to provide collaborative leadership with the other Officers and Management Committee to fulfil our ringing objectives as an Association. The President takes a lead role in evolving the Association’s strategic direction, chairs a small number of key meetings (including the AGM) and is a Trustee of several of the Association’s charities.

General Secretary – After five years in the role, Nikki Thomas will be standing down. The General Secretary has a “hands on” role in the day-to-day management of the Association. They are responsible for ensuring the Association has put in place the necessary forums such that it can manage itself, ensuring key association events are arranged during the year (such as the annual “Ringing Festival”), acts as a point of contact for people making grant applications to our various funds and is a Trustee of several of the Association’s charities.

Belfry Advisory Committee Chair – The Belfry Advisory Committee Chair acts as a central point of contact for ringers and towers in our area requiring technical advice. For example. talking to representatives of towers with problems and offering impartial advice as to how to solve issues or maybe starting a restoration project. They also convene meetings in person, or via zoom, to discuss grant applications and make recommendations to standing committee. They are also a Trustee of some of the Association’s charities.

Safeguarding Officer – The lead Safeguarding Officer provides advice to the Association and its members on safeguarding matters. They are responsible for ensuring the Association’s safeguarding policy (as shown on the Association website) is kept up to date, reflects current Church of England guidance and changes, as needed, are periodically made to that policy. They are also a Trustee of the Association’s main charity.

These descriptions are not exhaustive and, to a large extent, the roles can be shaped by the individual officers.  We strongly recommend that members think about whether they could volunteer to take on one of these roles. If we do not bring fresh blood through to help run the Association it is unlikely to survive in the long term.

If you would like to know about these roles, please talk to one of the Association’s current officers, or send any questions to this email address (click here).