widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / Wills slams trust’s admin policy

SCT vice-chairman Jonathan Wills.

SHETLAND Charitable Trust vice-chairman Jonathan Wills has criticised the trust’s administrative framework and likened it to the work of Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin.

He said the fact that trustees are unable to amend proposals discussed at meetings, and only approve or reject them, makes for a “stage-managed charade”.

In response, audit and governance advisory committee chairman Keith Massey confirmed Wills’ concerns are being explored and that results of the discussions will be reported back before the trust’s next meeting.

Wills spoke up about the issue at Shetland Charitable Trust’s meeting in Lerwick on Thursday as the £230m trust approved its latest budget for dispersing grants among the community over the next financial year.

The vice-chairman said if he had disagreed with just one of the many strands of funding but admin procedure meant the whole report would have to be re-examined, instead of one section potentially being amended.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

In a statement issued after the meeting, Wills said trustees were previously allowed to discuss and amend proposals put in front of them.

He added that the current system might put people off from becoming trustees in the future as it creates a “cosmetic fiction of democratic procedure”.

“The present arrangements effectively preclude any amendments at all. It is no exaggeration to observe that this procedure exactly follows the bureaucratic procedures used by Stalin to impose his will upon the Politburo of the USSR,” Wills said.

“It is normal democratic practice in all public bodies and commercial companies for board members to discuss and amend the proposals put to them. It was normal practice at the charitable trust and its predecessors for many years, with few ill effects.

“I have been told that such amendments might lead to ‘knee-jerk reactions’ and ‘decisions taken on the hoof’ – note the hackneyed phrases, always a sign of uncertainty. This is nonsense.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“If trustees really cannot be relied upon not to propose ill-thought-out, foolish and emotional amendments, or not to reject such amendments after reasoned debate, it suggests that the trust administration and the chair must have a very low opinion of our good sense and public spirit.”

Massey told Thursday’s meeting that the issue had already been “informally” talked about, adding that he “welcomed the discussion”.

“The issue of amendments to recommendations has been raised previously, and the trust’s audit and governance advisory committee is currently looking at it to address the concerns of Dr Wills and other trustees,” Massey said after the meeting.

“We expect to report before the next trust meeting.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.