SUN SHINES ON THE AGM

Preceded by meetings of the Executive Committee and Council, delegates from all over the UK heard Paul Gallacher, chairman of PASMA, report on another successful 12 months for the association.

Following unanimous approval of the association’s accounts for the 12 months ended 31 December 2007, highlights of his report included:

-         The continued growth of the PASMA training scheme

-         Completion of the revised training scheme procedures

-         The appointment of PASMA’s first training scheme manager

-         PASMA’s successful participation in Safety & Health Expo 2008

Despite have earmarked two properties as potential headquarters, the chairman went on to explain that negotiations had been unsuccessful and that a decision had been taken to acquire a short term lease on a city centre property in Glasgow. This would provide an initial base for the new in-house secretariat and allow the recruitment of staff to begin. It was hoped the new team would be in place by 1 January 2009.

At the conclusion of the formalities the chairman made three presentations: the first to Eric Abbey for three continuous decades of service to the association; the second to Brian Houston in recognition of his award of an MBE; and the third, made in his absence, to Chris Huddart of Emagine (Learning & Development Solutions) Ltd in recognition of his considerable contribution to the development of PASMA instructor training. His presentation will be made to him personally at a future date.