What happens at Conference?
Conference is our Annual General Meeting (AGM) where key Society business is addressed. It brings our members together to focus on strategy, health and wellbeing and the services we offer.
Our Conference is a collaborative event with two key components: the Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the Discussion Sessions.
The Society’s AGM Business includes:
- The appointment of the Society’s Board of Directors and Benenden Health Community Representatives.
- The Society’s Annual Report and Accounts.
- Appointment of the Society’s auditors.
- Voting on the Director’s Remuneration Report.
- Voting on amendments to the Society’s Rulebook.
- Voting on proposals.
All members are invited to participate in decision-making via Direct Member Voting. You can expect to receive your voting pack in May.
The Discussion Sessions are attended by your Benenden Health Community Representatives and include:
Group debates, workshops and presentations giving attendees opportunities to listen, discuss and share their knowledge.
Topics will be prompted by suggestions raised through our Benenden Health Communities to the Member Council and from the Board. They will also focus on the Society’s strategic direction, its services and the wider health and wellbeing environment.
Discussions will be collaborative with the intention of seeking agreement that's in the best interest of our members.
Indicative votes may be taken to make sure the Board fully understands the views of representatives.
Will I be able to attend Conference?
Any member will be able to attend the AGM portion of our Conference if they wish to vote in person, but members are encouraged to vote either via post or online. We will also broadcast Conference via our online platform so all members can watch it if they wish.
Attendance at the Conference Discussion Sessions is reserved for the Board of Directors, the Member Council and Benenden Health Community Representatives. Each Benenden Health Community will choose representatives to attend the Society’s Conference based on the number of members in their Community. Communities may also nominate members from their Community (who don’t have to be Community Representatives) to attend in an observer capacity.
Do I have to attend Conference to vote?
No, you'll also be able to vote via post or online.
Who organises our Conference?
A Conference Facilitation Panel are responsible for delivering creative, friendly and participative Discussion Sessions at Conference. They'll work closely with the Member Council and the Society Secretary to schedule topics for discussion. This might include guest speakers, presentations, workshops, and breakout groups, as well as general debate.
The Panel will consist of six members, and they'll elect a Chair and a Deputy Chair (from within their number). The Society Secretary will act as secretary to the Panel.