News

Council Minutes - July 2008

Council met on Tuesday 15 July 2008 at The Society’s Headquarters in Bath.

Mr. John Simpson ARPS an elected Member of the Advisory Board was co-opted to Council and will become a Trustee of The Society with immediate effect.
Dr. Senior advised that the Strategic Plan would be uploaded to the Members’ Area of the website and it was agreed to change the terminology of that part of the site from Members’ Login to Members’ Area.
 The Trustees Report for January to December 2007 was approved  for publication together with the Consolidated Accounts which had also been tabled at the meeting.  Publication will be as a download from the Members’ area of the website and hard copies will be available from Fenton House on request.
Mr. Blake presented the Management Accounts for the first six months of the year. The accounts show both income and expenditure broadly in line with The Society's 2008 budget. Mr Bailey advised that in the current economic climate it was likely that value of The Society's investments would show an overall fall by the year end and recommended to Council that funding for items of non recurrent expenditure should be put on hold until the either the economy changed or funding was obtained from other sources.
Ms. Goode reported on her recent visit to the Arles Photography Festival.  There is a reasonable probability that The Society could exhibit next year – the 40th. Anniversary of the Festival or failing that have space to advertise The Society.
Mr. Mant advised the Trustees on the progress with the joint event with Jessops on the 15th and 16th November 2008.  The title of the event will be ‘Think Photography 08’ and it will be held at the National Motorcycle Museum Conference Centre in Birmingham.
The latest report from PilotMAX was considered and concern was expressed over the apparent lack of publicity for the 151st International Print Exhibition.  A review meeting with Pilot MAX will be sought before the next Council meeting.
Consideration was given to quotations received from Omni Productions for improvements to The Society’s website.  After discussion it was agreed to defer a decision for financial reasons until October when the proposals would be reviewed again.
 A visit is being planned for members of the Chinese Photographers’ Association in late September / early October.  The provisional programme includes attendance at the Awards Ceremony and familiarization with the Distinctions processes and standards.
Council received a report on Student and Youth Recruitment Strategy and agreed to proceed with the suggestions.  These are in summary:-
• Distinctions applicants under 25years of age to be given a 50% discount on application fees.
• Set up a youth area of the website.   On hold for further discussion until it can be financed.
• Include an additional page of information for students in the members pack.
• Provide critiques and advice for students on their work at major events  
• Publicity posters in universities and colleges and consider provision of The Journal to college libraries.    
• Investigate possibility of featuring students’ end of year shows in the Journal.
• One year free membership subscriptions for young people under 25 years of age to reward success in RPS Exhibitions.
• Organise career based workshops.
Mr. Blake confirmed that the next Advisory Board meeting together with associated meetings would be held at Smethwick Photographic Society’s premises on the 27/28 September 2008.
The next Council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 19 August 2008 in Bath at 10.30 a.m.