Kevin's observations

The application to Education Otherwise for details of the voting members was, and still is, desired for a simple and open reason. To allow contact between voting members of the charity.

This application has revealed some very serious matters that impact on all voting members with ramifications for non voting members as well.

The information that has now been made available by the Trustees of EO show a very confused situation regarding the members register, how many voting members there are and on what basis the number is calculated.

This does immediately raise one very important question, who has in the recent past, been contacted, as is required, with regard to meetings at which SUM's are eligible to vote. If the number of SUMs is unknown or in dispute any instance where a vote is required, including AGMs and EGMs necessitates all SUMs being informed.

There is also an acknowledged concern regarding the actual validity of the documentation used when a member decides to become a SUM apart from the question of a SUM being aware that their details may then become available to other parties under a Section 116 request.

It is clear that there are many aspects of this matter that require investigation and clarification so that we may all know exactly what the true position is.

The members register may be in some disarray, that seems clear, what is not clear is why this has not been understood before and action taken to rectify the situation.

This is nothing to do with the 116 application, all this has done is to bring it out into the open.

In so far as the solicitors letter is concerned I leave you to make up your own mind what is being said, offered and the validity of the protection being sought.

The case law mentioned in the defense of the application seems to me, as a lay person, to be very different to what is happening here. Not least in that I have, and have never had, any intention to offer myself as a trustee nor am I seeking anything other than a means of communication with the people who have decided that they wish to have a say in matters relating to the organisation of which we are all members.

My personal belief is that any charity should have a structure and ethos of operating that is open, transparent and upholds all the principles of democracy. This is not a criticism of any person but a simple statement of belief.

Democracy can not exist without an open and free exchange of views and a real respect for every ones right to be heard and have their opinion respected.

Sincerely

Kevin Denton