Press Release - NBA to restructure rule book to fit its expanding ambitions

NBA to restructure rule book to fit its expanding ambitions.

The National Beef Association has decided it must adapt its constitution and internal rules so they fit more comfortably with an organisation that has grown in size, and influence, since its foundation in 1998.

This was decided during its AGM, which was held at Hexham, Northumberland, yesterday (Thursday September 20th), when it became clear that structures adopted almost thirteen years ago were no longer adequate and a comprehensive re-organisation of its management methods was needed.

A Review Committee made up of four directors is to work with a range of advisors to re-examine its Memorandum and Articles and suggest new management structures.

These will be put before the membership for comment and after the results of this discussion have been considered the final version will be offered for formal adoption at an extension of the Association’s annual meeting which will be held in approximately four months time when the trustees report and 2010 accounts will also be put forward for approval.

Yesterday’s AGM was suspended until the Review Committee, which will be chaired by Hamish McBean (Scotland) and includes Stephen Heenan (Northern Ireland), Peter Surman (England) and John Fleming (Breed Societies) completes its work.

The remaining directors, including former chairman Oisin Murnion and treasurer, James Fanshawe, stood down so that this important development could be undertaken and the NBA become even more effective.

“I am looking forward to chairing this committee so that the National Beef Association can become even stronger and even better than it is,” said Mr McBean.

Retiring chairman, Oisin Murnion, was keen to see the NBA make further progress. “It is an all-UK organisation with a special and important role to play on behalf of beef farmers. Neither I, or anyone else in Northern Ireland, would want to see that hampered,” he said.

NBA director Kim Haywood is also pleased that the Association’s management structures are to be reviewed. “The NBA has come a long way since it beginnings and has outgrown its original rules,” she said.

“It is to put together a new governing structure that will be a much better fit for an organisation that has expanded and become more ambitious as the years have gone by.”

“Myself and all the NBA’s staff are looking forward to helping the Review Committee reach a fully considered conclusion.”

Bob Schofield, chairman of the NBA’s Northern Council, thanked Mr Murnion for the work undertaken during his tenure as national chairman and praised former directors for the statesmanlike nature of their decision to step down so revision and consolidation could be achieved.

For more information contact:

Kim Haywood, NBA director, Tel. 0131 336 1754/07967 698936