March 2002

REPORT OF THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM took place during the Association’s annual conference in the East Midlands on 14th March. The meeting received and approved the annual accounts for 2000 and 2001. David Watkins, the Association’s honorary treasurer, reported a surplus of £40,000 for 2001 and advised that the financial position had been stabilised. The meeting also received the general secretary’s report outlining the Association’s activities for the previous twelve months. A number of constitutional amendments, relating to membership categories, the composition of Council and the terms of office of Council members, were proposed by the National Council and approved by the meeting. Copies of the minutes of the AGM are available from saramccaffrey@acm.uk.com.

Peter Pendle, ACM Chief Executive & General Secretary addressing members at the ACM Conference 2002

Joint Lobby of the House of Commons

The Association will be taking part in a joint lobby of the House of Commons, together with the AoC and the other recognised trades unions in the learning and skills sector, on 23rd April. The event is being organised by AoC. The sole purpose is to lobby Government on FE issues in support of the CSR submission for 2003/6. A key theme throughout the day will be the pay of staff in FE colleges.

The Association will be represented by its new President, Richard Atkins, and General Secretary Peter Pendle. Members and especially college principals are also encouraged to attend the lobby and meet with their MP in order to support the CSR bid. Full details can be obtained from Peter Pendle at peterpendle@acm.uk.com.

ACM AWARDS 2002

Congratulations to the winners of the ACM Awards 2002 voted for by the members. The Awards were announced at the ACM Conference Dinner on 14/3/02 in the East Midlands.

Ian Macwhinnie
Principal, College of North East London and ACM Past President
For outstanding services to the Association

Wilson Longden
ACM Caseworker
For outstanding contribution to the post-compulsory education sector

ACM Award

Unfortunately, neither recipient was able to attend the ACM Conference Dinner and therefore Wilson Longden will be presented with his award at the ACM Wales Conference on 22/4/02 and a presentation will be made to Ian Macwhinnie at the ACM Council Meeting on 10/5/02.

Both Ian and Wilson have been involved with ACM for a long time, indeed Wilson was one of the founding members and was the Association’s first General Secretary. Wilson went on to become a caseworker for the Association, representing and supporting members at all levels, he has gained a reputation throughout the sector as a result of his success as a negotiator.

Ian was President of the Association in 1995 and played a key role in establishing the Association as a professional organisation. He led ACM through a number of changes to enable it to mature from a small club within FE to a force to be reckoned with in the new post-16 sector. Ian has also made a huge contribution to the sector both at regional and national level.

The ACM Awards were produced by Bradford College using the latest industrial software and our thanks go to all those involved in the process and in particular to Eric Morgan, ACM Council Member, for co-ordinating the project. A photograph of the Award is displayed below (both awards are identical) and we are confident that the Awards will take pride of place in the offices of our winners.