Dr. John Milne, Patron of the BDA Benevolent Fund, gave a warm welcome to attendees and presided over the 140th AGM, on Tuesday 4th July 2023, which took place in person for the first time since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Chairman’s Report
Dr Ros Keeton began proceedings and gave the final report of her Chairmanship, outlining both the past activities and future direction of the Charity – the theme at the AGM and 140th birthday celebrations.
Applications up 60%
Applications for financial assistance were up by 60% on the previous year (2021) and demand for the Charity’s services remained high, especially from the dental student demographic. This was in part, due to a second research exercise amongst dental students ascertaining what their wellbeing and financial issues were. The results of the second survey highlighted difficulties resulting from the pandemic had been replaced by worries about the cost-of-living crisis, with some students even cutting back on food and going to food banks.
Dental students need support
Dr. Ros Keeton expressed concern about the sobering results of the student survey and called on the profession to address issues raised and support future generations of dentists.
Handing over the baton
Dr. Ros Keeton concluded her report by focusing on the strong position the BDA Benevolent Fund is in to support dentists in the future. She thanked the team, led by newly promoted Chief Executive, Laura Hannon, for leading a charity with good governance, good technology, and corporate citizenship, that supporters and donors can have the utmost confidence in.
Stability in times of uncertainty
Dr. Chris Hayward then went on to present the Treasurer’s report, taking attendees through the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts for a complete view of the Charity’s activities and finances.
The main point of note was income remained stable and increases in expenditure supporting the growth of activities were made possible thanks to very generous donations from Local Dental Committees (up 54% on 2021), as well as ongoing support through BDA branches and sections, and individual givers.
Re-elections
The Charity embraced technology and voted electronically via ballot to re-elect three current Trustees for a second term to the Board of Trustees:
- Dr Peter Crooks
- Dr Molly Deykin
- Dr Alex Gormley
Amendment to charitable objects
Members were then called on to vote on the resolution to amend the objects of the Charity with the main change to include supporting:
“someone who was entitled to work (through qualification, registration or equivalent) as a dentist in their home country and has asylum seeker or refugee status in the UK”
Laura Hannon gave a background introduction for the rationale before voting and the motion was passed unanimously.
New Co-Chair nominations
Dr. Ros Keeton was thanked for her many years of service on the Board of Trustees, by Vice-Chairman, Dr. Austin Banner who gave a speech and presented her with gifts.
He also informed the attendees that the Board had nominated two current Trustees to take up the roles of Co-Chairs-Dr. Molly Deykin and Dr. Shafaq Hussein. They will be formally ratified at the next board meeting on 20th September.
Attendees were invited to a lunch, followed by a panel discussion on “The Future of Dentistry”.
The date of the next AGM is Friday 28th June 2024.
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