These minutes have been redacted for reasons of confidentiality.
Date of meeting: Zoom meeting – Tuesday 31th August 2021, 7pm
Present: Fiona Eccleston; Nicky Bailey; Pam Moore; Chris Roberts; Angela Blackshaw;
Apologies:
Chair: Fiona Eccleston
Minutes: Pam Moore
Declarations of interest:
| Items Covered | Minute |
| Minutes of last Meeting | Not reviewed at this meeting |
| Matters Arising Not covered by agenda | None |
| Actions | Not reviewed at this meeting |
| Board Positions | Given the recent resignations of Mark Tebbutt and Neil Hickson, board positions were reviewed resulting in the following, with the caveat that some of these positions may change in the future: Chair: Fiona Eccleston Board Secretary: Angela Blackshaw Assistant Secretary: Pam Moore Treasurer: Nicky Bailey |
| Communication | It was acknowledged that there hadn’t been enough communication between the board and its staff and members. It was agreed to issue a newsletter with a summary of each area, and also asking members with the skills we required to get in touch if they are willing to help. Action: Updates for newsletter to be sent to NB to produce the newsletterStrategic review – Fiona/Pam Care Farm – Angela Animals/Education – Nicky Café – Chris Growing – Pam |
| Café & Shop Update | Steve Henderson’s resignation was noted.Action: NB to inform JB of resignation Café Manager – Two people progressed to stage 2 of the interview process. One candidate withdrew their application shortly before their café trial. The remaining interviewee completed the café trial and will be offered the job subject to references. JS has been sent a link from GOV.UK which covers requirements for labelling. He has said he will look into it. This was followed by a general discussion about the importance of listing allergens, consistency of ingredients, and the soon to be introduced Natasha’s law, albeit that law only affect takeaway food. AB said she would highlight these requirements to the care farm who are looking to set up care farm café. |
| Farm | RJ has expressed concerns about staffing levels when collages & schools return to GCF. The go ahead has been given previously to use the kickstart scheme to recruit staff but it wasn’t known if RJ had taken advantage of this. NB will talk with RJ to understand priorities and resources needed and will come back to the board if extra staff are required. Action: NB to get clear requirements from RJ about needs and priorities re staffing levels. |
| Digital | NH’s resignation leaves a skills gap. FE know someone who could help out if needed. PM attended a virtual café session where a person who worked in digital marketing was interested in volunteering on the website side of things, and she did sign up for volunteering via the website. Action: PM to find the person’s contact detail and find out if she’s still interested. Action: NB to inform JB of resignation |
| Meetings | It was agreed to carry on fortnightly meetings and set up a WhatsApp group to maintain awareness of what is going on day to day. Action: NB Set up WhatsApp group |
Actions Summary
| Action | Who | Raised |
| Re – newsletter, produce summaries of different areas and send to NB | All | 31/08/2021 |
| Re – newsletter, pull together the updates into a newsletter | NB | 31/08/2021 |
| Inform JB of staff resignations | NB | 31/08/2021 |
| Re café manager – supply a sample contract if possible | CR | 31/08/2021 |
| Re café manager – ask candidate for referees | CR | 31/08/2021 |
| Get clear requirements from RJ about needs and priorities re staffing levels | NB | 31/08/2021 |
| Set up WhatApp group | NB | 31/08/2021 |