REPORT ON VOLUNTEERS FORUM (By Attendee)
There were around 5 staff and 4 Volunteers’ including myself.at the meeting
I was a few minutes late but interim CEO was summarising the situation with regards the investigation underway of the CEO. Taylor explained that the process had taken so long because the CEO had put in a grievance. However this has now ended and the Trustee’s are immersed in an investigation process.
Following this he talked about the patrons, as apparently, there is view abroad that the historical relationship with CoolTan Arts’ patrons - Maggi Hambling, Clare Allen, Rosemary Shraeger, Arthur Smith, Ali Smith – has not been entirely satisfactory. A perception was aired by the Acting CEO, that with the possible exception of Rosemary, engagement with the patrons has evaporated
He proceeded to explain the funding successes achieved since the last AGM. Which includes £7,500 through the London Community Foundation, another £5,000 has come in from The Peabody Trust, if I understood correctly. Over and above this, I am pleased to report, more funding (an actual figure wasn’t given) has come in as a consequence of the work done by CoolTan staff and participants at the Affordable Art Fair, and more yet from the Chapman Trust. As if this wasn’t enough, we have more good news from the Breakfast Club from where some £500 has come in to CoolTan for valuable projects.
Tom McCabe (as Operations Manager) gave a presentation outlining staffing at CoolTan. If I understood correctly, CoolTan has 20 paid staff including the reintroduction of the self Advocacy Team. a Development Officer post (funded by Southwark), a second administrator, and the engagement of two Cleaners.
I also noted that CoolTan Arts now has a new Trustee, Mark Burnett, although I remain unclear as to the details or origins of this appointment.
The discussion then moved onto events being planned:
· Preparations for the 25th Anniversary of CoolTan Arts Exhibition.
· I did enquire into what role the CEO/founder would be playing in these celebrations. As it is essential they participate
All in attendance were receptive to this suggestion,
Saffron asked about the practical implications for the CEO’s return after the investigation process. The Acting CEO clarified that CoolTan developments over the interim period have specifically revolved around process and procedural enhancements, so such transition need not be in any way disruptive. He noted that there would be personal implications in the necessity for him to stand aside from his acting role, returning to previous personal plans. He gave his assurances to the room that he would do this in the event of such an outcome.
My thanks to CoolTan Arts for the volunteers forum
