Council Chairman Portfolio Reports
Kavaljit Dev, Council Chair
My dear Family of Lions
Time truly flies! It feels like just yesterday that I addressed the Convention in Weston Super Mare as the Council Chair Elect. Since then, we've held three Council of Governors meetings, with the final one scheduled for the Thursday and Friday of the Convention weekend. Additionally, we've met on the third Sunday of each month when necessary to discuss important matters. It has been a privilege to facilitate these meetings, ensuring that our decisions are thoroughly discussed and beneficial for the future of our Multiple District. My heartfelt thanks go to the Council and Vice Council for their deliberations and cooperation.
Our work wouldn't be complete without the invaluable contributions of three key individuals: Council Secretary PCC Peter Burnett, Council Treasurer PCC Philip Goodier, and our national Headquarters manager, Lion Brigitte Green. Their knowledge, support, and guidance throughout the year have been greatly appreciated. I also want to acknowledge our Past International Directors (Phil Nathan, Howard Lee, and Geoff Leeder) for their input and advice during the Council of Governors meetings.
Membership in our Multiple District has been declining for several years, and this year we made it a top priority to address this issue collectively. Lions Clubs International has launched the Mission 1.5 goal for membership growth by 2027, and our Council of Governors has set an ambitious goal for MD105: reaching 10,000 members by the end of the Lionistic year 2026. Sadly, we lost our Multiple District Global Membership Team (GMT) coordinator, Past District Governor Alan Hall, at the beginning of the year. District Governor Elect Susan Wilding kindly stepped in to cover the position, and in January, PCC Stewart Sherman Kahn and Lion David Houghton were appointed as GMT and Global Extension Team (GET) coordinators respectively. Although there was no requirement for a GET officer at the MD level this year, the Council of Governors decided that identifying the potential for new clubs and supporting their chartering is crucial for membership growth.
In October, I had the opportunity to represent MD105 at the Lions Clubs International summit for Mission 1.5 in Oslo. Joining the District Governors, GMT, and GET coordinators from the eight Districts, we focused on goals and action plans for membership growth. I also attended membership workshops and an autumn forum held by our Districts, witnessing our members in action addressing key matters at the local level. Monthly meetings with the District GMT and GET leads have been a pleasure, and their enthusiasm and passion are yielding results. At the time of writing, MD105 has shown a positive growth of 69 members. Thank you to the MD officers and all the membership teams for their dedication.
Our Global Service Team (GST) portfolio is extensive, with meetings held four times a year at our MD headquarters in Birmingham. PID Phil Nathan leads the MD GST, supported by PCC Philip Goodier as the secretary. I've been able to join these meetings and am humbled by the service projects carried out in MD105. Approximately 2.2 million people have been served, and over 270,000 volunteer hours have been recorded, though not all figures have been reported in the new Lions portal. The Lions of MD105 are dedicated to our motto "WE SERVE," and I thank each one of you for your service to Lionism.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Helen Keller's challenge to the Lions to be the "Knights of the Blind." We've seen the fruition of the Lions Child Sight Vision screening programme in MD105, and I was appointed chairperson of the executive committee overseeing its implementation. It's a privilege to be part of this project, which has touched the hearts of the Lions of MD105 and will ensure future generations receive timely treatment to prevent vision loss.
The Multiple District Leadership programme is led by PCC Alastair Joel. At the beginning of the Lionistic year, sessions were held for MDOs on expectations, key dates, and IT support. With the launch of the new members site, Brigitte and IT officer Dave Allen delivered sessions on accessing the new developments and the resources on the bookshelf. The District Governor Elect training and the Regional Lions Leadership Institute (RLLI) training are also in the pipeline. The MD105 Leadership Symposium for younger in-service members organised by Lion Linda Picton took place at the end of November and I had the pleasure of presenting the graduation certificates to the attendees.
MD105's Youth programmes are exemplary, with the Youth Exchange programme revived in August. Having been involved in the youth camp at the District level, attending their gala and presentation evening as the Council Chairperson was certainly a unique experience. Two other key youth programmes held their finals at the MD level. In December we had the ROAR finals online and our young Ambassadors of the 21st Century finals were held in February. Inspiration and humbling are the words that be used to describe presence in these events. Thank you to the Youth officers for all their hard work in bringing forward these extraordinary youngsters and keep live our youth projects.
My first official representation for our Multiple District was at the Europa Forum in Bordeaux in October, where I voted on matters on behalf of the Council of Governors and attended meetings with other European Council Chairpersons.
On 11th March, we held our annual Lions Day with the United Nations in Committee room 14 at the House of Commons with 150 Lions and guests joined us for a fully packed programme. We were fortunate to have two International guest speakers Past International President Douglas X Alexander and PDG Daniel Marnry-Elkins. We also had the opportunity to listen to two other inspirational heart-breaking stories from UNISEF and the charity "Birmingham for Ukraine". These events don't just happen. A lot of hard work goes into the planning and organisation. My heart felt thank you goes at all involved in making this day special for us.
The District Conventions season has just ended, and I've attended all eight conventions. Thank you to the District Governors and their teams for the warm welcome and respect given to Pammy and myself. We've enjoyed being part of these special weekends and meet the International guests at the conventions Vice International President Mark Lyon ; Immediate Past International President Dr Patti Hill and International Directors Marcel Daniels from Belgium and Dr. Karl Brewi from Austria.
As my tenure draws to an end, I want to thank the current Council for their faith in me and for selecting me as their Council Chairperson. This journey has been memorable, and I'm grateful to all the Multiple District Officers for their roles and support.
Congratulations and best of luck to DG Stu Young and the incoming Council of Governors. I am confident that they will continue to build on the achievements of the past years and make decisions that will further strengthen our Multiple District.
This year, as we celebrate 75 years of dedicated service in the British Isles, we reflect on our proud history and look forward to an even brighter future. Together, we can continue to make a significant impact, improving lives and communities around the world. Here's to another 75 years of excellence and service.
I look forward to welcoming each one of you, Past International President Brian and Lion Lori Sheehan and the other International guests from Germany, Netherlands and Ireland to our MD105 convention.
Constitutions, Nominations and Resolutions - Lion Trevor Kell
This year, despite working with one Club to get a resolution to Convention, sadly, it didn't materialise, as the seconding club failed to respond. I also heard on the grapevine of at least two others that - 'might be coming your way' - unfortunately, none did. All three resolutions to be debated at Convention therefore, have been submitted by Council.
Convention is where the Clubs of the Multiple District get to influence where we are going as an organisation. Members in Clubs have ideas all the time 'wouldn't it be better if ' Why don't MD do '
Your Council of Governors cannot possibly have all the answers, let's be honest, they probably don't even know all the questions! We all have an investment in how the organisation works and it is up to all of us, not just the Council, to drive the organisation forwards.
Each District has its own CNRO (Constitutions, Nominations and Resolutions Officer) who would be only too willing to help a Club formulate a resolution. I too, am only a telephone call or email away to offer advice.
Resolutions can come from a Club, seconded by another Club (this assumes you talk to other Clubs!) or from a District. They all start as an idea from an individual member or a small group of Club members.
The timetable for submitting Resolutions and Amendments and guidance on the procedures is circulated with the Convention Call which goes to all Clubs in early August. By necessity, this timetable is strictly adhered to.
Please - Feel free to stand up in Convention and debate or question the Resolutions and the Officers reports being presented for you to consider. If you don't understand something then please ask, there is a good chance that others in Convention don't understand it either. All we ask, is that you keep your questions relevant to the subject being currently being discussed. Only Registered Club delegates may vote, but any member can debate or question the resolutions or the M.D. Officers.
Throughout the year I have advised Council, individual DG's, District Officers and Club members on various Constitutional and procedural matters. My contact details are in the Directory available on line, and I am always happy to help, usually getting back to members within 48 hours.
SDC - David Pope
Your SDC Team consist of:
IPCC David Pope Chair
CT Philip Goodier
CS Peter Burnett
Office Manager Brigitte Green
IPDG Kevin Hunter (105N)
1st VDG Chris Speed (105CE)
2nd VDG Tim Hanton (105SC)
Your SDC has met regularly since the last Council meeting and have concentrated on the MD105 Strategic 5 year plan, last updated in 2021. It was felt to be too wordy and repeated itself on more than one occasion. The backbone of the 5 year plan is built around:
Membership
Leadership input received
Marketing & Communications input received
Headquarters input received
Input has been received from GLT, PR/Marketing & HQ, still nothing has been received regarding Membership.
We had hoped to be able to share a draft plan in January.
The Finance Committee met on 11th January, the output from the meeting has been incorporated in the finance resolution to Convention.
A draft members survey regarding MD Conventions has been created and has been shared with the MD Conventions Officer. Once agreed we will send it out to our members, this is now likely to be after this years MD Convention.
Patron Liaison Officer - PDG Patrick Hamblin
In conjunction with the staff at National Headquarters, I organised and issued the certificates for Clubs and Members that have achieved 50, 60, 70 and 75 years of service. All these 79 certificates were individually signed by our Patron, The Duchess of Edinburgh.
On behalf of the Multiple District, I sent Christmas greetings to Her Royal Highness and her Household.
Also, on behalf of the Multiple District, I sent birthday greetings to Her Royal Highness on the occasion of her 60th birthday.
I drafted messages for Her Royal Highness for Tonbridge Lions Club and London Central Host Club on the occasion of their 75 years celebrations and for District 105A on the occasion of its 60th Anniversary.
I introduced our Patron to the new digital Lion magazine.
I discussed the possibility of our Patron signing certificates for new Clubs and Branch Clubs, which she has agreed to do.
Following receipt of an invitation from the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, I liaised with the Chairman of the Council of Governors and made the necessary arrangements.
MD Events Officer - IPDG Dave Ebsworth
1. By the time you are reading this, we are at Convention. The Convention team together with Host team and Council Chair Kav have work hard to bring together a different and interesting Convention for 2025.
2. This year has been interesting working with different hotels and venue, we have got to know the staff over the year, yet to have a change in the St George less than a month before convention, I am hoping it doesn't have an effect on us.
3. The Host Committee under PDG John Chambers have work hard to bring us all the fun at the fair on Friday night. I wish to thank them for this.
4. Your Convention team is the same as last years and again have worked hard all year behind the scenes to assist Council Chair Kav in achieving this Convention, so thank you team.
5. Council Chair Kav, thank you for your support and placing your trust in my team and me and I hope we don't let you down.
6. Council please enjoy the weekend.
7. I have already started work on 2026 Convention, venue Newcastle and have asked Lion Richard Nash after speaking to DGE John Sellers to be the Host Chair which he has agreed.
Compliance Officer - IPDG James Mathers
Brief details of progress since last report
In the absence of a Multiple District Compliance Officer during 2023-24, it is not possible to refer to the previous report.
The primary purpose of the role is to provide advice to the Council of Governors, either collectively or individually, and in that respect I have been called upon to help resolve several issues, some of which have been procedural and others involving legal questions.
Proposals or decisions:
None at this time
Plans/objectives going forward:
I will continue to serve the Council of Governors when called upon and conduct reviews of the various policies adopted by the Multiple district where appropriate.
Vulnerable and Safeguarding Officer - Lion Christine Munday
This year has shown a bgger uptake in the clubs getting their members to be checked. This has been helped by the members taking part in the sight camera initiative.
A lot of questions have been asked about 'friends of Lions', for the time being I think they must work aongside or in the vacinity of a checked Lion.
Thank you for the effort many of you put in to keep the public, the club and Lions safe.
Data Protection - Lion Robyn Banks
LION LIONESS ROBYN BANKS DATA PROTECTION OFFICER
This is my fifth full year in post.
DISTRICT DATA PROTECTION/DATA COMPLIANCE OFFICERS
This year - as always I have had support from my fellow District Officers. I have delivered presentations in CW, CN and SE this year attended by Lions from across the MD.
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE (ICO) FEE
Unfortunately for Lions and businesses alike, the ICO have raised the Fees this year from £40 /£35 per year to £52/£47 per year. The fines have also risen commensurately too. This is totally outside my control. The guidance on paying for Clubs of 5 members plus remains the same as the criteria have not changed.
I continue to provide assistance with the process whenever requested.
PRIVACY NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION
I continue to draft Privacy Notices and associated documentation for clubs across the MD. It should be noted that I conduct this work for Lions Clubs free of charge, but it is my professional integrity on the line constantly. Any ADVICE given is based on 25 years experience in the field and with the backing of my business professional indemnity insurance no such thing as a "silly question"!
I am happy to continue to provide advice to clubs whenever they may request it whether it is answering questions, giving advice on utilising data or providing appropriately-worded documentation. I am happy especially if this can be achieved electronically to "visit" clubs, zones, regions or District meetings to present on the matter.
There is a selection of Articles on MD website which provide guidance on the ICO fee, Privacy Notices and give the suggested wording for Email footers, forms (whether on a website or on paper).
EMAILS
There remains concern across the MD about utilising personal email addresses for Lions "business". Under the auspices of the laws, there is no difference between using a personal email address as opposed to a "lions " address both are considered "personal data" and subject to the laws where they are used for lions "Business".
In terms of security, a personal address would be considered more secure as a business address that links to a large business such as a bus company or the NHS would be targeted more by hackers. Indeed the personal addresses that have been hacked are due to the link through the addres to a large organisation such as Hotmail or google mail. Hacking is unavoidable and we can all take reasonable measures to ensure the security of the data of ourselves and those we interact with.
If the email address appears on a website for example on a club site for contact purposes then it is seen as being in the public domain and may be used by scammers or others trying to elicit support for "good causes". There is no breach from the Lions point of view because the addresses used are in the public domain.
CASEWORK
If any Lion believes that there has been a breach of Data Protection/UK GDPR laws involving their data through the Lions organisation, they should report it to either the District Officer or myself (or both) for investigation.
INTERNATIONAL
I am a member of the EU Privacy Protection Group, representing MD 105. This Group has been resurrected, after COVID, as some of our European counterparts are having issues with uploading required data to LCI.
I went to Europa Forum in Bordeaux in October 2024; there have been meetings online and face to face since. I am pleased to report that MD 105 are held in high regard in this group and my work is much respected. We have a very secure system through the Portal for our data compared to many in the Constitutional Area and they are following our lead. This work includes an International Agreement with LCI which is being finalised as I write this report and I hope to publish this on the MD members website once ratified.
Health and Safety - Lion Andrew Wilcox
1. Decision Required of Council - Nil
2. Justification for Decision Required N/A
3. Action taken since last Report
I have responded to requests for assistance from HQ, Districts and Clubs via email or telephone calls.
I have received notification of a small number of minor accidents occurring this year. No enforcement action resulted.
Health & Safety Guidance for Lions was updated and published on the MD Library.
Following the successful IOSH Safety training for District Safety Officers last year, rollout of risk assessment training to Districts/Clubs has continued. Regular online meetings have been held throughout the year with the national Health & Safety Team members to share information.
Documents have been added to the Health & Safety Bookshelf for use by Clubs.
I continue to monitor forthcoming changes in legislation such as changes to Fire Extinguisher chemicals, Waste disposal rules, and The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn's Law. I have attended webinars from a number of organisations to update my knowledge.
