Vacancy for Secretary on our committee

The H&DAA Committee are looking for a replacement for Debbie, who is retiring as our secretary in September 2023. This role, like all committee roles is voluntary and provides a vital element in the smooth running of the Association.

For a detailed view of the role, see Debbie’s notes below. You can email Debbie on secretary@horfieldanddistrictallotments.co.uk to talk through what it’s like.

Debbie’s view of the Secretary role
I am standing down after five years as H&DAA secretary – and the Association are looking for someone to take up the role. I thought it might be helpful to outline a bit about the work involved.

The role takes, on broad average, about 2-3 hours a week – but this varies with whatever is going on. Some weeks are considerably busier than others.

I am part of the Committee which is are made up largely of field representatives from each of the three H&DAA sites and who are, importantly, friendly, supportive and good to work alongside.

I prepare the agendas for the general Committee meetings (10 per year) and take and circulate the minutes. Committee meetings are currently held in the Balehouse at Golden Hill, on the second Monday of the month from 7.30pm.   I also share organisation of the Spring AGM, along with taking the minutes.

Most of the correspondence is done on email now, though some members prefer to be contacted by post. Correspondence ranges from liaison with outside organisations, including Bristol City Council, to complaints – and the occasional congratulations. All issues get discussed at the Committee meetings.

The bulk of correspondence is around the ‘neglect process’ – which concerns allotment plots and tenancies which are falling short of the requirements of the Tenancy Agreement. All correspondence is written on behalf of the Committee.

I have also been part of Committee sub groups, looking at policies and guidelines.

I think that the main requirements for the Secretary role are: some computer skills – Word and email particular, simple record keeping, confidentiality, some flexibility in terms of time commitment, and an ability to take minutes (the Committee are patient).

I have learnt a lot in the past five years and have really enjoyed the work; it has been a privilege to work with such a friendly, supportive group of allotment enthusiasts.

I would be happy to have an informal chat if that would be helpful. I can be contacted on secretary@horfieldanddistrictallotments.co.uk