On Wednesday 15 June, the Dons Trust Board (DTB) gathered via Microsoft Teams for its regular monthly meeting. This is a summary of matters discussed, pending publication of the minutes.
Attendees were as follows:
From the Dons Trust Board (DTB): Charlie Talbot, Freddy Flaxman, Hannah Kitcher, Kris Stewart, Luke Mackenzie, Michele Little, Niall Couper, Graham Stacey, Anne-Marie Godfrey.
Apologies: Graeme Price, Martin Newton (Secretary).
Also in attendance: Comms – Matt Stockbridge, Minutes – Josh Perrin.
The meeting began with considering and confirming Kris Stewart’s summary of the outcomes from the recent DTB away day at the stadium. These covered a range of strategic and structural issues, including:
• Role, purpose and membership of the elected and operational boards• Engagement with and communications to members in relation to any proposals for change• Mick Buckley’s proposals for leadership of the football club
The next point was to discuss the Interim Chair’s report to the upcoming PLC meeting. Key points that were discussed were as follows:
• Proposals for development at the stadium• The progress with and plan for raising commercial revenue for next season including hospitality and the use / hiring of the executive boxes• The playing and commercial arrangements for AFC Wimbledon Women• AFC Wimbledon management accounts and budget for next season
Luke Mackenzie was unanimously agreed as a replacement on the PLC board for Freddy Flaxman who has stepped down from that position.
There was then a quick financing update with a conversation to confirm when equity payments will be settled.Anne-Marie Godfrey spoke about her first meeting of the Diversity and Inclusion group. As they get organised, one of their first priorities will be to start to plan which fan events will be run at which matches once the fixture list is announced. Niall Cooper then provided an update on the Fair Game initiative. A first response has now been released by the Premier League but this only marginally improves the allocation of funds across the lower leagues and so it is hoped this will be rejected.
The board discussed a paper prepared by Michele Little on the upcoming membership survey which is due to be sent out at the start of July. This will cover a wide range of issues including fees and how the membership money is spent, the need for membership cards, bandings, attracting new members and various costs including highlighting the almost £10,000 spent each year on printing and postage.
The board then approved the purchase of Golden Goals tickets for next season.
Any other business saw a quick discussion over the feasibility of trialling face to face / hybrid DTB meetings. Finally, the board discussed ways in which they can improve the frequency and content of what is shared with members. The board then approved a proposal from Graham Stacey for a policy of sharing as much information as often as possible.