Standing Committee Minutes
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Minutes of the Standing Committee
Of the Durham Union Society
On the 22/02/2012
In the Debating Chamber, Palace Green
Present: Mr Freeman, Mr Dory, Mr Tunnicliffe, Mr Mellis, Miss Livesey, Miss Trewick, Mr Plygakwo
Welcome
Mr Freeman welcomed Miss Livesey and Miss Trewick to their first Standing meeting and congratulated Miss Trewick on being elected to Michaelmas President.
Applause
Apologies: Mr Hauschild had sent his apologies. Mr Ball was missing
AC Grayling
Mr Freeman explained that the PPE society had been under the impression that the AC Grayling address was a joint event with equal attribution, despite the invite essentially being from the Union to talk at the Union. He had had a meeting with Mr Mellis and the PPE President yesterday where we had put forward a reasonable compromise of 3 benches set aside for paid up PPE members which had been rejected by the PPE executive. Prior to Standing there had been a second meeting between elements of Standing and the PPE exec. After a constructive dialogue in which useful comments were made by several of Standing members as well as some input from the PPE exec, we graciously agreed when Mr Freeman opened the event to note the work of the PPE president in getting AC Grayling to speak at the Union. Having mutually decided there was no further reason to be there the PPE exec left and Standing commenced.
Consultative Committee
Mr Mellis noted that Consultative Committee had had a meeting last Wednesday and had several ideas. Flyers would be provided alongside posters for college secs to distribute in more useful locations around colleges. They reported far more positive feedback now that speakers advertised actually then turned up. A proposal for a discounted membership following the decision to increase it for Freshers who signed up early was unlikely to be practical but showed that they were thinking of new ways to improve the Union.
Returning Officer email address
Mr Mellis proposed that the Returning officer should get a @dus.org.uk account
This was accepted on a general aye.
AOB
Mr Dory noted that at present debates trainers didn’t get time included on the 24NBC accommodation ballot which seemed unfair. He proposed training at one or more sessions should equate to 1 Gen Com week.
Mr Freeman expressed some fears about logistics and keeping records. It was easy to abuse this privilege
Mr Mellis thought that it would help Debating and so long as it was clear who the ‘trainers’ were this shouldn’t be a problem
Mr Freeman suggested Mr Dory write up a proposal for Standing to approve next week
Mr Tunnicliffe thought it would be good to encourage debaters to see themselves as a part of the Union and branch out as he had done
Mr Dory noted that we were having an issue with getting the handover from Mr Ashton to Miss Livesey for the Custodian duties
Mr Freeman promise to liaise with Sharon to try and get that resolved. He also wished Officers who were in a position to, to write guides to their roles for a new Handbook to ensure consistency. He also wished to know if we were following up the offer from Trustees from Ms Fowler to advertise our debating successes
Mr Tunnicliffe confirmed himself and Miss Cohn were working on just that
END
Minutes of the Standing Committee
Of the Durham Union Society
On the 15/02/2012 at 1.30pm
In the Debating Chamber, Palace Green
Welcome
Present: Mr Freeman, Mr Ball, Mr Dory, Mr Hauschild, Mr Tunnicliffe, Mr Mellis
Apologies: Mr Ashton was not here but had not sent apologies
Minutes
Mr Mellis noted that in camera minutes did still have to be written down but then blacked out once typed up and then given to Mrs Turnbull
Motion
Contact the Secretary for this particular section of minutes
Ball
Mr Freeman thought that although ticket sales were disappointing the night itself had been rather good
Mr Ball thought that the table set up had made it more difficult to dance
Mr Hauschild stated that he thought there would have been more space and they hadn’t expected the Town Hall to set up the tables that way
Mr Mellis noted that Social secretaries and President’s could be more demanding of venues, it was surprising how much you could get if you negotiated for it
Mr Freeman thought that what was to learn was making sure prices were quoted correctly and using Social Comm more effectively was important
AOB
Mr Ball noted that one of his speakers wished to bring some literature along about the Northern Gay Pride March and was this acceptable to Standing
Mr Freeman noted party political stuff wasn’t acceptable but just a stack of dates and locations would be fine, although make sure you check it with Mrs Turnbull
Mr Ball also wondered if seeking co-operation from the DSU LGBT officer was a good idea
Mr Freeman replied that they weren’t very well funded and could be disorganised
Mr Hauschild thought going through college LGBT reps would be a good idea
END
Minutes of the Standing Committee
Of the Durham Union Society
On the 08/02/2012 at 1.30pm
In the Debating Chamber, Palace Green
Welcome
Present: Mr Freeman, Mr Ball, Mr Plygawko, Mr Hauschild, Mr Tunnicliffe, Mr Upton
Apologies: Mr Mellis, Mr Dory & Mr Ashton
Trustees
It was noted that the meeting had gone well with a positive response. Ms Fowler’s suggestion we advertise our debating success was particularly welcome and Mr Tunnicliffe would have to contact her with the help of Mr Goenka.
Mr Ball suggested that debaters who break internationally should receive ‘half-Palatinates’ as it is comparable to other sporting achievements, for example himself and Mr Dory at Euros. This could be asked of Ms Fowler and see how well it goes well. Mr Tunnicliffe may once again want to take the lead on this.
Mr Freeman suggested a subtle approach was best. He also suggested going back to the old method of recording good speakers and those who couldn’t attend.
Mr Ball suggested a full debate report
Mr Freeman didn’t think it needed to be so detailed
Mr Ball stated he was introducing charity donations at the end of his debates. He was slightly behind on speakers but would spend a full day on Friday on it
There followed an in camera discussion
Mr Ball said that he found it difficult to get an equal number of female speakers.
