Meeting Minutes 19 May 2025

Present

Simon Pickett (HM Ex officio), (Staff), Andrew Roberts, Rich Bijster, Nigel Barton, Tom

Webster, Paul O’Reilly, Robert Sheardown. Ben Whinney

Apologies were accepted from:

Gary Purvis, Nathan Whales, Andrew Jones, Mark Whittington, Tom Deller

Tom Webster chaired the meeting in the absence of the President. This extra Committee meeting had been called to consider issues relating to the forthcoming AGM on 9 June. As a consequence, the agenda was different from the usual format.

Minutes from the last meeting and actions arising

No comments were raised on the previous minutes so they are considered accepted by the Committee

Actions from the last Committee meeting:

Action 5.1: RB to confirm speaker for Speech Night

Action 5.2: RB to set up sub-committee for the Annual Dinner and provide overview for next meeting.

Action 5.3: NW to arrange sub-group for cricket match planning on 4 July Action 5.4: SP to discuss format of teams with BW

Action 5.5: SP to draft words for newsletter on charitable donations from H-S match Action 5.6: BW to consider long term approach for the H-S match.

The Committee agreed that Actions 5.1 – 5.6 were not related to the AGM so they will be transferred to the Committee meeting following the AGM.

Action 5.7: SP to issue latest survey data prior to next meeting.

SP presented the latest data available from the recent Alumni survey. 52 responses were received.

Two pie charts summarising the main results of the survey are attached to these minutes. These were in relation to the following questions:

1. Please rank the most important ways the alumni society can work for you. A way to keep in touch with fellow students was the most popular response here (Figure 1).
2. Considering volunteering, where would you potentially be able to support us? Mentoring came out on top (Figure 2).

Most responders preferred an online approach to assisting with the Alumni.

The results highlight the potential interest in the Alumni. However, more work is needed to decide how this interest can be developed further e.g. how offers of work experience could be distributed within the Alumni, probably via LinkedIn. An action to help facilitate carer opportunities is needed. However, this will be deferred until after the AGM. It was considered likely that a sub-committee would be formed to further develop ideas from the survey.

Action 5.7 complete.

Action 5.8: TW to review latest vision statement for Alumni

TW and NB had further developed the vision and values statement drafted at the previous meeting. The text was discussed in the Committee with some minor changes made. The final version reads as follows:

Vision

Our vision is to be an engaged alumni that proudly champions our school’s legacy, fosters connections and empowers students. By leveraging alumni and staff expertise we will inspire growth, strengthen our community and ensure the continuing successes of The King’s School, Grantham.

Values

Community – Cultivating a supportive alumni network that fosters belonging. Service – Giving back through mentorship, philanthropy, and involvement.

Ambition – Inspiring growth, excellence, and achievement in alumni and the school.

Action – Turning ideas into tangible initiatives through collaboration and leadership.

These will be used in the revised Constitution and will appear on the Alumni website.

Action 5.8 complete

Action 5.9: RB (with AR) to review the Constitution and suggest any improvements/updates.

RB presented the proposed revised Constitution to the Alumni for review. The proposed revisions were discussed at length with the final text to be issued to the Alumni for consideration/voting at the AGM no less than 14 days prior to the date of the AGM.

Action 5.9 complete

Action 6.1: RB to update the revision of the Constitution and issue to SP before 26 May when it will be distributed to Alumni along with the AGM agenda.

Date of next meeting

The next Alumni meeting will be the Annual General Meeting to be held on 9 June at 7.00pm in the library and online. The agenda with online joining instructions will be issued no less than 14 days prior to the date of the AGM.

Nominations for positions on the Alumni Committee shall be received by SP (acting as ex- officio Secretary for the AGM) no less than 7 days prior to the date of the AGM.

Actions arising:

Deferred from Alumni 5:

Action 5.1: RB to confirm speaker for Speech Night

Action 5.2: RB to set up a sub-committee for the Annual Dinner and provide an overview for the next meeting.

Action 5.3: NW to arrange sub-group for cricket match planning on 4 July Action 5.4: SP to discuss format of teams with BW

Action 5.5: SP to draft words for the newsletter on charitable donations from H-S match Action 5.6: BW to consider long-term approach for the H-S match.

From Alumni 6:

Action 6.1: RB to update the revision of the Constitution and issue to SP before 26 May when it will be distributed to Alumni along with the AGM agenda.