A meeting of the EEIBA's board of trustees is coming up shortly and this is the day to finalise the various reports that need to go out soon. The trustees will look closely at our financial performance and the effective use of resources. Good governance includes regular reviews of policies and procedures.
We try to ensure that a good proportion of the meeting is set aside for general discussion and debate about key issues. At present, we are looking at the EEIBA's future, in relation to eliminating financial shortfalls and how we can improve the delivery of welfare.
There is substantial post. Every donation is acknowledged to ensure that donors know their support is appreciated. I try to think of new and novel ways to say thank you, but sometimes a simple one-liner says it all.
Also in the in tray is a new training manual for voluntary welfare visitors. We rely on more than 50 volunteers throughout the UK to keep in touch with the people we help.
Tuesday
A meeting with the national events manager, Pat Sheldrake, and the national appeals manager, Bryan Lovewell, at Sutton Bridge Power Station. We review progress with the Transformer Prize Draw Club, PowerDraw and Senator campaigns, the EEIBA's web site (www.eeiba.org) and national and branch functions.
The appeals side receives good support from our trade press friends, but it is an uphill struggle to entice individuals within our industry to pledge their financial support.
Some of our branch functions are looking as if they will produce welcome returns this year, and it is never too early to finalise the details of PowerBall 2004 on 12 November. I could hardly have ever realised that I would become such an authority on balloons, marching bands and cuddly toys! Like most businesses, unless you buy these items at the right price it is difficult to turn in a worthwhile profit.
We spend a lot of time reviewing and refining our database – the lifeblood of any commercial organisation. And financial analysis of some of the events coming up means we will have to make some phone calls to confirm commitments.
Wednesday
On the way north to Nottingham for a branch meeting, I call in to see a welfare beneficiary.
The breadwinner is on sick leave. Although his electrical contractor employer has been as generous as it can, sick pay came to an end a few weeks ago. We have already given some helpful advice about claiming various statutory benefits, but we received a phone call to say that there was a real problem with the childrens' school uniform. The kids are growing so rapidly that new shoes and winter coats are needed. The purpose of my visit was to check that all was well and to confirm that arrangements are being made to send some cash within the next few days.
Onwards to meet EEIBA supporters. The Nottingham Electric Club, Nottingham branch of the ECA and some branch managers of electrical wholesalers, are planning a dinner dance in the near future and need to discuss arrangements. I give them a briefing on what we are doing in Nottingham. They won the ECA Rose Bowl competition last year and are keen to do all that they can to keep it!
The business meeting does not take long. One of the electrical contractors pulls me aside to talk about one of his staff who seems to be struggling at the moment. A phone call to our regional office and a visit is fixed up.
Thursday
Back in the London office to gather papers for an important meeting of a trustee strategic review.
We are looking at the EEIBA's future in detail. There have been so many changes in the industries that we serve, with large companies disappearing from view and others struggling in a difficult economic environment. The switch of emphasis away from large donations from a small number of firms to promoting small donations from a large number of people, is taking time.
We are also looking at the shape of the EEIBA in the future to meet industrial needs. The telephone helpline service we provide for British Energy, Magnox, Powergen and Innogy is working well. Not an easy meeting.
Friday
Tonight we have a fund-raising ball at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, organised by our Sussex branch. Time to load the car with the ubiquitous cuddly toys and the stand-up bingo kit, then to Brighton for a briefing meeting with the national president and branch members.
The evening is a great success, raising £15 000. Importantly, everyone enjoyed themselves. We call it the 'Maureen factor'. Maureen is the wife of one of our supporters, and if she enjoys attending any EEIBA event, it makes it much easier for her husband to say yes! Plenty of happy Maureens tonight.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
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