There was a great turnout at Three Villages Hall in Arrochar for our final board meeting of the year on 8^th December.  Representatives of ACT Board, Staff and Advisors were welcomed by Duncan MacLachlan (temporary Chair in Ross Lilley’s absence).  New Board member James Fraser was welcomed, as were new Advisors Ross Aitchison and Tracey Wightwick.  ACT CEO Julie Young updated the meeting on recent ACT progress and funding successes, particularly around the Argyll’s Rainforest project and Climate Change activities, and some of the other opportunities and challenges which ACT is experiencing.  ACT have received an amazing amount of support over recent months, which is the result of a great deal of hard work,  and puts us in an exciting position, but the increase in staff numbers over the next few months and general level of activity and raised profile will have an impact on the team and our ways of operating. 

 

Julie also reminded everyone that ACT has its 10^th birthday in 2024.  It seems timely to mark that anniversary by re-consulting on our objectives to ensure that we are still reflecting community priorities.  Other suggestions for ways to mark the occasion were invited.

 

Sara Maclean ACT Strategic Finance Manager then presented the Annual Accounts 22-23 and Q2 Financial report.  The Board will sign those off and submit to OSCR by the 31^st Dec deadline.  Over recent months ACT have transitioned to a new accountants, auditors and payroll provider – so a huge amount of work has gone into getting these documents ready to present but the new systems are close to fully functioning and operating well.  We shortly have to embark upon our bi-annual policy review, and consider our data and cyber security protocols.  Thanks to our Board members and Advisors who offered assistance with those tasks.

 

Sara and Jamie Joyce ACTNow Manager were then joined by new recruit Andy Macpherson, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Manager,  to outline the new and continuing climate action projects which ACT is involved with. The new ABCAN (Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network) Hub will be led by Jamie and four new engagement officers currently out to recruitment.  Andy’s Climate Action Manager post is funded by Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership and hosted by ACT.  The main deliverable for this role is to produce a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for the region.

 

Duncan closed the meeting with a round up of the discussions, a thank you to Advisors Marina Curran-Colthart and Sally Wilkin who have stepped back from their roles, and to Jan Dunlop who has stepped back as a Board member but remains with us as an Advisor.  Everyone enjoyed the chance to catch up in person, made all the better by mince pies and teas and coffees provided by the team at Three Villages Hall, which is always a great venue to visit.