Nick Halls

It has been a busy year, during which much has come to fruition. The Executive continued to implement recommendations arising from sportscotland's 'Modern Sport Audit' (2004) and the subsequent consultant's report 'Structural Review and Office Functions' (2005).

The first draft of the Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) presented at the 2006 AGM was rejected. Clubs asked for further opportunities to consult on the detail of the M&A and a working party (WP) was appointed to undertake the task of revision.

Meetings with clubs to consult on the M&A were held in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Perth during November, and were well attended. The feedback was taken on board by the WP. At a Special General Meeting on 17th February 2007 the M&A were finally approved, with some amendments, but it became evident that reservations still remain about democratic control and voting and also openness and accountability within the new company. These concerns will be addressed.

During 2006 there was a major overhaul of the administrative structure. David Gibson, a former member of the Executive, was appointed in July to the post of Senior Officer (SO) with a remit to take responsibility for the administration, and to work with the new Membership Services Committee both in raising the profile of the MCofS and improving communications with the membership. The post of National Officer became redundant and Kevin Howett moved to the job of Development Officer for our sport.

Two part-time appointments were made: Denise Logan, a qualified accountant, as book keeper and Jane Anderson as membership administrator. Ade Robinson remains in post, undertaking reception and admin tasks. Pet Thomas, who had served the MCofS as administrative assistant with great dedication for six years, decided to move on. I would like to pay special tribute to Pet for her work on behalf of the MCofS, which would not be where it is today without her contribution.

In order to improve coherency and reinforce accountability, it was decided to restructure committees supporting the Executive. The reports of the various committees, old and new, can be found below.

The Finance & Administration Committee was stood down, with various functions being transferred to the new Membership Service Committee and its former administrative responsibilities being assumed by the SO.

All committees report to the full Executive through the minutes of meetings, and the SO reports directly to the Executive on administrative matters. The new structure requires four Vice Presidents each to chair a committee, in accordance with the Articles of Association. The Office Bearers and Executive remain responsible for developing policy and practice, and employees are responsible for ensuring execution and delivery, with the assistance of volunteers. All Office Bearers and employees report to the Executive, and employees are accountable to an Office Bearer. On incorporation Office Bearers will become Directors and continue to be responsible for committees and discrete areas of work.

Work on the new MCofS website is well advanced and it will provide 'one door' access to all information relating to Scottish mountaineering. I would like to pay tribute to Duncan Gray, who developed our original website on an entirely voluntary basis from its inception. He recently retired from his 'day job' and I hope he will continue to assist the MCofS.

When the MCofS begins operation as a company, the office of Honorary Secretary will be extinguished, with the responsibilities being taken on by the Company Secretary and other Directors, with the day-to-day communications directed to the Senior Officer.

I would like to thank all the people who have contributed to the work of the MCofS during my period as Hon. Secretary. They are far too numerous for me to identify individually, but to each and every one of them I owe a debt of gratitude, for keeping me informed, taking on work that should have been mine, holding the fort during my extended absences and making good my inadequacies. I would, however, especially like to pay tribute to Kevin Howett who has supported me throughout my tenure with information and wise counsel and whose unflagging commitment to the MCofS is worthy of great respect.

Only by holding office for such a long period can one gain an understanding of the range of work undertaken and its ramifications. It is hardly surprising that members have little idea of all the MCofS tries to do on their behalf and that a host of volunteers and their thousands of hours of unpaid work support the tiny staff of seven people. I have been continually amazed by the commitment, professional approach and quality of work of volunteers and employees alike, and I can say with confidence that the membership is being very well served.

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