Board Meeting - 27th September 2023

The Healthy Minds Board of trustees met on Wednesday evening, 27th September 2023, with six trustees present, and Chief Officer, one Operations Manager, Business Sustainability Manager, Membership and Engagement Coordinator, and Admin Support (notes), also in attendance.  
The main agenda item was consideration of a draft proposal for Healthy Minds’ membership model and arrangements. The board received a report from the Membership and Engagement Coordinator, which provided an update on discussions held since the board agreed that membership remains the best approach for Healthy Minds, as agreed at its previous meeting in July 2023. The proposal seeks to emphasise accessibility, engagement and co-production, as well as responsibility. The focus will be on individual members, whilst recognising that some individuals may want to support Healthy Minds without the responsibility of membership. It also recognises that the option for organisations to be able to become members, probably non-voting, needs also to be set out. The draft proposal will be launched at this year’s AGM, and then consultation, including with staff, volunteers, forum members, service users and others with an interest in HM within Calderdale. The arrangements for final decision and implementation will be set out during the consultation process, with a view to completion during 2024. The board thanked the Membership and Engagement Coordinator for her excellent input and leadership on developing the proposal and outlining consultation. 
The AGM is planned for 25th October 2023, to link with the Forum planned for that day. The Chief Officer is finalising the annual report and accounts, for circulation in early October, prior to board sign off and the AGM. 
The board considered a self-assessment of understanding and compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission’s The Essential Trustee. The self-assessment was analysed for the board by the Business Sustainability Manager. Compliance was thought to be good in most areas. A number of actions have been agreed to support improved compliance, for completion by December 2023.  
The board also received and discussed the Chief Officer’s operational report, report on the Chief Officer’s appraisal and objectives, Development and Finance Sub-Committee reports. 
The board thanks all staff and volunteers for all their work in providing a range of services to local people, across Calderdale.  
Paul Hunt 
Chair of Trustees, 12th December 2023