At the recent 2022 AGM held on Monday 15th August at The Scottish Police Treatment Centre, Castlebrae, Auchterarder, Cath McInally, the outgoing Chair of the SPBF gave her annual address to those in attendance, a copy of which is replicated below:
“Can I welcome you all to this year’s, our tenth, Annual General Meeting of the Scottish Police Benevolent Fund and it is a pleasure to welcome you all to Castlebrae where we now used to meeting in person regularly.
In reflection it has been another significant and challenging year for all charities and for those we support. Our financial position has improved since the last year with a surplus improving the bank balance while debtors reduced, these factors a direct result of rigorous application of our guiding principles and a clearer long-term financial view. We continue to have in place a formal financial strategy which will inform our short and long-term budgeting. The number of beneficiaries has decreased on the previous year to 19 but we provided grants totalling £126109.18 and increased the value of loans to £29273.39 which represents strong support to those we have assisted. The charity has paid out a significant amounts of financial support to individuals and families in need and I will leave our Auditor to deliver the financial status in more detail of the charity over the last year. I am pleased that the charity is functioning as it should be and continuing to deliver financial support to those who need it most. Once again I will make no apologies for reiterating that we are a charity of last resort and not a first port of call. We are also not the provider of financial advice but we can assist to signpost those who approach us to appropriate organisations.
As the pandemic progressed we anticipated a flood of applications and saw at the beginning a number of applications where the applicants anticipated financial hardship sometime in the future and requested assistance at that time. These were not supported in line with our guiding principles. A steady number of applications have been submitted over the last year but few directly related to the impact of the pandemic. Few of us last year could have predicted the difficult position we now face as the Cost of Living crisis bites. As prices increase and incomes stagnate our members may be forced to turn to the charity for support. Many are predicting a more challenging financial position for many families with limited support from central sources and it can be reasonable to anticipate the price rises for electricity in particular will disproportionately impact on those relying on medical aids which need power 24/7. All can be reassured that any applications received will be subject to comparable levels of scrutiny in line with the principles of the fund and support will be provided where financial policy and trustee approval exists.
I’m sure we all appreciate Gary Brown’s concerted and continued efforts to secure various funding sources for this charity. The pandemic has had a bigger impact on all fundraising with a move towards online events and voluntary contributions from viewers however the easing of restrictions may allow traditional fundraising methods to restart and I am confident that the charity is ready to respond to maximise efforts for our beneficiaries. We are realistic that as a small charity we probably do not sit particularly high in the pecking order but Gary has made contacts across fundraising spheres which may be beneficial in the future. The charity will continue to seek funding sources and I again note that the Police Service of Scotland for whom we are their designated charity have contributed no funds since our inception yet continue to support and promote other police related charities.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following individuals and organizations who provide support to the Scottish Police Benevolent Fund:
Mairi McGregor, the charities Treasurer for all her efforts throughout the year to liaise and direct payrolls, manage the applications, negotiate with auditors and generally provide a well-stocked library of historical but relevant information which guides many a Trustee.
Gary Brown, who has managed not only the web-site but has undertaken significant exploration of funding streams since his appointment as part time operations manager.
Stevie Clark, who, while stood down as Secretary last year, remained a valued trustee until his retirement in the summer. I’m sure many of the trustees will continue to use Stevie’s guiding principle that feeling sorry for the situation of others does not automatically transfer to charity funding.
Further thanks go to the Scottish Police Federation, Association of Superintendents and the Retired Police Officers Association who all provide their support directly and indirectly through promoting the charity and providing personnel so that the local committees and the Board of Trustees can deliver and support beneficiaries.
In continuing that theme, the members of the local committees and those who are on the Board of Trustee similarly deserve recognition for the hours that you commit to delivering essential assistance throughout the year.
It is difficult in terms of our charity to talk about success. Our constitution provides that the purpose of the Scottish Police Benevolent Fund is the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need.
During this last year, the charity is supporting 19 new individual beneficiaries. I will let our auditor highlight the amounts involved. I should stress that these sums involved are not insignificant and highlight this charities commitment to supporting our members and, often members of the wider police family in times of tragic need. That commitment will never cease.
In relation to our investments, the global markets have stabilised over the last year and vindicates the advice and decisions at the last two AGMs to hold onto our existing investments and look to the long term.
Out with the individual beneficiaries that the charity provides, the charity continues to support a number of external causes all of which have a direct link to the Police Service.
While another challenging year for all of us and for the charity we are continuing to support our members through their most difficult of times and we can be reassured that the charity will remain true to the guiding principles which will keep it in a financially stable position for the future.”
The Scottish Police Benevolent Fund is pleased to announce that the 2022 Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 14th August 2022. The meeting will take place at The Police Treatment Centre, Castlebrae, Auchterarder. This meeting is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. All members are invited to attend.
This years AGM was successfully held at the Police Treatment Centre, Castlebrae in Auchterarder. As ever we were well looked after by our hosts, providing us with excellent facilities and refreshments to allow us to finally hold a meeting in person.
After such a long time due to Covid restrictions, it was lovely to get back to an actual meeting in person and catch up on what has been happening with the charity and its Trustees.
A special thanks must go out to our Treasurer, Mairi, who as always has put in so much time and effort to keep our cogs and wheels moving smoothly, especially over such a difficult period for everyone involved.
The good news is that the charity remains well placed to support its members and their families and continues to provide invaluable financial support to those in need.
The Trustees wish to thank all those who volunteer at a local level across Scotland, providing support to the charity and doing much work behind the scenes to ensure our members are given the necessary support and assistance they deserve.
Following the decision to suspend the 2020 AGM which was scheduled to be held in August as a result of the ongoing Covid 19 Worldwide Pandemic, the Board of the Scottish Police Benevolent Fund can now provide the following update regards its intention to hold this years AGM.
The SPBF 2020 Annual General Meeting will now take place on TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER.
Due to current restrictions in place at our normal venues for holding meetings, the decision has been made to proceed with the meeting by way of Virtual Conference Facilities, utilising the facilities available at the Scottish Police Federation Offices based at Dundee, Livingstone and Paisley.
Any member is welcome to attend, but we must ask that if it is your intention to attend one of the offices to participate in the AGM, that you provide notification to us by means of the contact page here, notifying us of your contact details and which office you will be attending.
Please note we do require a minimum of 28 days notice prior to the AGM being held of your intention to attend to allow us to manage anticipated numbers arriving at each office.
We apologise for any inconvenience but are sure members will understand that safety comes first during such difficult times. The 2nd Quarterly meeting of the Trustees will also go ahead on the same date via the video conferencing facilities.
Please keep checking the website for further updates which will be posted as soon as any new information comes to light regarding current restrictions in place which will impact on the charities routine business, thank you and stay safe!
The Scottish Police Benevolent Fund wishes to announce that as a result of the ongoing Covid 19 Worldwide Pandemic and its associated impact across all sectors, the Board have taken then decisions to postpone the 2020 AGM until further notice. This is in accordance with the rules of the Constitution, where a delay due to exceptional circumstances is permitted.
The Annual General Meeting will therefore no longer take place on Monday 17th August 2020 at the SPF West Area Office, Paisley with a preliminary date of 2 November, 2020 scheduled pending future developments with the pandemic. Details of the location of where the AGM will be held will be posted in due course.
We apologise for any inconvenience but are sure members will understand that safety comes first during such difficult times. The 1st Quarterly meeting of the Trustees will still go ahead in accordance with strict social distancing guidelines and via video conference to allow consideration of applications submitted.
Please keep checking the website for updates which will be posted as soon as information allows an informed decision to be made. Thank you.
At the recent 2019 AGM held on Monday 19th August at The Scottish Police Treatment Centre, Castlebrae, Auchterarder, Nigel Bathgate, the Chair of the SPBF gave his annual address to those in attendance, a copy of which is replicated below:
“May I take this opportunity to extend a further welcome to you all for attending this year’s, which will be our seventh, Annual General Meeting of the Scottish Police Benevolent Fund.
Reflecting on this year’s activities, it has been both a successful and challenging year where the number of beneficiaries has trebled on the previous year. The charity has paid out a significant amount of financial support to individuals and families in need. I will leave Mark to deliver the financial status of the charity over the last year. Please be assured, however, the charity is functioning as it should be, delivering financial support to those who need it most. It is however important to reflect that we are a charity of last resort and do not become the first port of call for those in financial need. We are also not the provider of financial advice; there are many organisations that can provide that before this charity becomes involved.
During the meeting that follows, we will discuss the need for business planning and develop a long-term strategy which we have not previously had.
The charity also needs to identify funding sources and not simply be the charity that provides to other charities. Overall, we have been a charity that is a victim of its own success in terms of promotion to the wider police family. It is also interesting to note that the Police Service of Scotland has not donated to this charity over the seven years of its existence, although it gives to the Police Treatment Centres and other worthy causes.
Since our last AGM, the charity has developed a ‘Bad Debt Policy’. This remains a rarity, however, for the Benevolent Fund to have to enact this policy.
The charity is also heavily involved in the progressing of Restitution Orders. Restitution Orders arrived with a fan fair at this very location in 2012, introduced by the Scottish Government but, has lain dormant until it was raised by the Scottish Police Federation with the Justice Minister a year or so ago.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following individuals and organisations who provide support to the Scottish Police Benevolent Fund:
Mairi McGregor, the charities Treasurer for all her efforts throughout the year to liaise and direct payrolls, manage the applications, negotiate with auditors and generally provide a well-stocked library of historical but relevant information which guides many a Trustee.
Mark Mulholland, our Auditor for his continued association with this charity, for providing the annual accounts and for leading us comprehensively through them.
Further thanks go to the Scottish Police Federation, Association of Superintendents and the Retired Police Officers Association who all provide their support directly and indirectly through promoting the charity and providing personnel so that the local committees and the Board of Trustees can deliver and support beneficiaries.
In continuing that theme, the members of the local committees and those who are on the Board of Trustee similarly deserve recognition for the hours that are committed to delivering essential assistance throughout the year. Time is an underestimated resource but it is often time that impacts most significantly on our beneficiaries or, potential beneficiaries and it is the time spent with Local Reps that deliver significant assistance.
It would also be remiss of me at this AGM to not acknowledge the significant contribution over many years of our colleague and, Charity Trustee, Gary Brown. Can I wish Gary our best wishes for his retirement from the Police Service.
It is difficult in terms of our charity to talk about success. Our constitution provides that the purpose of the Scottish Police Benevolent Fund is the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need.
During this last year, the charity is supporting a number of new individual beneficiaries. I will let Mark highlight the amounts involved. I should stress that the sums involved are not insignificant and highlight this charities commitment to supporting our members and, often members of the wider police family in times of tragic need. That commitment will never cease.
In relation to our investments, the headline figures appear satisfactory. At 31 March 2017 the invested fund was worth £1,920,832. The fund has grown and now sits as of the 31 March this year at £1,972,547. Therefore, growth is reflected in the generated income in excess of £50,000.
Out with the individual beneficiaries that the charity provides, assistance to the charity continues to support a number of external causes all of which have a direct link to the Police Service.”
The Scottish Police Benevolent Fund is pleased to announce that the 2019 Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 19th August 2019 at the Scottish Police Treatment Centre, Castlebrae, Auchterarder, Perthshire, PH3 1AG. The meeting is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. All members are invited to attend.
Directions to the PTC can be viewed via the link below:
https://goo.gl/maps/eTVE4gjYFwmfTsEC9
