Inaccurate reporting?

I am concerned by what I believe to be inaccurate reporting on the Shetland News website in the report New trust chair confirms cuts to come (SN 21/2/13), which states that “Betty Fullerton participated via phone and voted via text message through Ian Kinniburgh who acted as her proxy.”.

As far as I’m aware, there is no provision in Shetland Charitable Trust’s administrative regulations to allow for proxy voting at board meetings.

I believe I’m correct in assuming that Ms Fullerton participated in the meeting on Thursday 21 February via mobile phone under the provision of Shetland Charitable Trust’s Administrative Regulation 10.7 as she, or any other trustee, is entitled to do.

It seems to me that it isn’t helpful for any media outlet, particularly a local one, to report inaccurately on important local issues.

It seems inevitable that there will be major challenges ahead for the trust in the near future without the media adding to negative public perceptions by including inaccurate information in their reports.

Les Sinclair
Annsbrae Place
Lerwick

Response from Shetland News:

Our report on the election of the chairman and vice-chairman of Shetland Charitable Trust accurately reflected proceedings in Room 16 of the Islesburgh Community Centre on 21 February.

The term ‘proxy’ was used during the meeting in exactly the way reported by Shetland News.

The trust’s admin regulations, particularly reg 10.7 allow for attendance, participation and voting via phone once a quorum of 12 trustees are present at the meeting.

Trustee Betty Fullerton sent her votes to Ian Kinniburgh who then placed these for her as part of the secret ballot.

The trust has now confirmed to us their legal team had no issues with the procedure.

We were however not correct in saying that the newly elected trust chairman was a prominent member of the Windfarm Supporters Group.

Mr Hunter pointed out that he had resigned from the group two years ago.

He also resigned as the chair of the Shetland Community Benefit Fund Co-operative just hours after being elected to lead the trust.

We apologise for the inaccuracy.