Council Secretary Portfolio
Council Secretary's Report to Convention - PCC Peter Burnett
As another year concludes in my role as Council Secretary, I would particularly like to thank Brigitte, who has consistently provided invaluable guidance, helping to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
Our Headquarters team has continued to evolve and strengthen over the past year. Alongside Brigitte, Jan, and Steph, we have welcomed a new member, Martina, who has joined us on a part-time basis. Martina's regular hours are Mondays Thursdays and Fridays, so if you hear a new voice when contacting HQ, please extend a warm welcome to her.
We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable team at Headquarters. Their hard work often goes unseen but is vital to the smooth running of our organisation. The volume of phone calls they manage daily, coupled with the substantial administrative workload behind the scenes, ensures that operations continue seamlessly.
In addition to their regular duties, the team continues to successfully manage the Birmingham operation of Spectacle recycling and also manages the National Message in a Bottle Project coordinating the efforts of the volunteers involved. They have also taken on the significant responsibility of being the central contact point for all insurance-related matters—an achievement that deserves particular recognition.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to CC Kav and Council Treasurer Philip Goodier and the entire Council for their ongoing support throughout the year. It has been a pleasure working alongside you all.
Sergant at Arms
National HQ - Lion Brigitte Green
1. Progress Since our last Convention
So much is happening at your National HQ so we are pleased to update Convention
We were so sorry to lose Lion Mandy Broadbent from the team but of course totally supported her decision to move on to new pastures. We are delighted that she remains active within Bolton Lions Club and stays in touch with us at HQ.
- We have built on the work we started with PCC Lion Philip Goodier on all matters insurance and continue to act as the hub for all insurance questions.
- We support all of our Multiple District Officers and Council Officers and I hope offer them a good support system to assist them in their job roles.
- We have provided training to clubs on the new online Portal.
- Worked closely with the Health and Safety MD Officer and our Safety Champions to develop training materials. We are grateful to Lion Andrew Wilcox who carries out a very thorough office Health and safety inspection to keep us all safe and legal.
- Organised the intake and sorting of over 1,200,000 spectacles and coordinated several successful shipments to Medico France and to other Charities to distribute glasses to those in need
- Organised and overseen stock levels for MIAB and respond to all enquiries on MIAB within the same day.
-We are delighted that the new membership booklet created at HQ with huge support from the late PDG Lion Alan Hall is now on its third print run and is being well received by members.
- We have prepared numerous club and district certificates for recognition.
Digital Transformation and Communications: We have been asked by Council to take on the Marketing and PR role and therefore we have now
- Launched multiple new digital platforms:
• Members Website – 750+ active users
• Public-Facing Website – newly launched
• Online Shop – now live
• Spectacle Recycling and MIAB websites – fully operational
- Released the first digital issue of the Lion Magazine.
- Exploring options to outsource some PR and marketing tasks.
- Working with SDC to refine a sustainable communications strategy.
2. Ongoing Projects
Message in a Bottle (MIAB)
- Strong demand continues despite the age of this project
We are working with one Police Force to use the information in the bottle as a start when looking for missing persons, yet another new use for the bottle
Spectacle Recycling
- This project has reached record-high volumes post-Christmas.
- Increased support from businesses such as Amazon UK, British Airways, Boots the Opticians, Specsavers, Vision Express, Costco wholesalers, Wimbledon lawn tennis Association, West Midland Passenger Transport plus many more. All of them wish to collect glasses on behalf of Lions.
3. Future Plans and Objectives
- Attend relevant trade and training events to keep up to speed.
- Continue to work closely with Lion Dave Allen and collaborate with him on a number of future projects and video productions to improve member resources
- Publish the second digital Lion Magazine.
- Finalise updates to communications materials.
Headquarters Modernisation
Current Challenges: We are looking at the general wear and tear of the building at National HQ- it does have an outdated infrastructure and inadequate layout for how we use the building currently.
Your first impressions on entering HQ is more like entering a warehouse in appearance.
Proposed Improvements:
We are looking at completing refurbishment and accessibility upgrades.
- Creation of dedicated spectacle sorting area.
- Improved reception and interior aesthetics.
All of this of course is dependent on costs and we have an external company looking at a full costing and building plans sadly it's a slow process but we shall prepare everything for Council to make final decisions
4. Conclusion
The past few months have shown huge changes. We continue to modernise operations while honouring our Lions traditions. With the Council's continued support, the future of National HQ remains strong and service focused.
Acknowledgement of Service
As PCC Lion Philip Goodier prepares to step down, we express deep appreciation for his steadfast service. His counsel, financial stewardship, and quiet dedication have guided us through many seasons.
We thank Lion Philip sincerely and extend our full support to PDG Lion David McKirdy as he takes on the role
