It is over a year since the Fans took over Portsmouth Community Football Club. The name indicates how important it is to us and to the wider football world.
At the AGM last year the Board agreed to consider the way that our Elections are carried out and after the work of a subcommittee including members who had a particular concern, we considered the alternatives.
Unfortunately, due to the extra work placed on key members, particularly the Secretary, and the precariousness of the Club's playing position towards the end of last season and the work involved, we have not been able to consult the members in advance of this year's election.
However, it was clear from the discussions of both the Sub Committee and the Board that the overwhelming feeling was that this year the Election Policy should free up the ability of candidates to use up to date media but still abide by rules of fairness.
This is an ongoing exercise and this years’ experience will be carefully recorded and, as usual, show how PCFC and PST can influence other organisations in the way forward.
It is fair to say that the Board Members this year, as indicated above, have had to manage the tensions we anticipated would arise after taking over the Club. The time needed to be devoted to the position is not inconsiderable. The thanks are sometimes lacking!
Members of the Board, however successfully they are carrying out their tasks, have to face re-election at least every two years. We constantly seek a good mix of skills and ideas.
The Pompey Supporters’ Trust will therefore seek to elect five Board Members this year and we would like to invite candidates formally to consider applying to serve for a two year term to help shape and progress the PST.
Details of what you have to do to apply are set out separately.
The schedule that has been agreed is as follows:
• The date on which you must have been a Member of the PST to qualify to vote or to nominate a candidate is 30th June 2014.
• Nominations to stand in the Election must be received by 6 pm on 31st July 2014.
• Voting papers will be sent out to qualifying members by 15th August 2014.
• Voting closes at 6 pm on 5th September 2014 and all ballots must be received by that date to count.
The ballot will be conducted by Email and Post and we urge all members to make sure we have your correct contact details and that your subscription, if you are not a life member, is up to date. Please Email
[email protected] to check your details.
Please remember that not more than one vote will be accepted from any email address so that if more than one member currently uses the same email address, the others will need to register another email address with the Trust by 10th August 2014 or vote by printing off the voting form and posting it.
If nicknames are used in the voting process, they may not be recognised and the vote cast will not be counted.
The Election Policy and Board Management Policy, to both of which each candidate must sign up, will be on our website shortly. In the meantime candidates should complete the Nomination Form at the bottom of this news story.
The 5th AGM will be held on the 29th September 2014 at Fratton Park when the results will be declared, if not earlier, and you can meet the successful candidates.
For the avoidance of doubt, only successful candidates who can demonstrate the appropriate management skills will be nominated to serve on the PCFC Board.
A G Foot
Honorary Secretary, July 2014