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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Apr 10, 2020 9:50:17 GMT
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Post by BVADMIN on Apr 20, 2020 15:37:33 GMT
GBGB ISSUE TRUST ULTIMATUM..... GREYHOUND STAR — APRIL 20, 2020 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain have written a strongly worded letter to the Greyhound Trust trustees inviting them to consider the position of their chairman and CEO.
It has been widely known that GBGB has been concerned over the financial activities of Greyhound Trust for some time. Meetings have taken place between Board and Trust representatives with the former being dissatisfied with the response.
As a result, they have seemingly issued a strongly worded ultimatum to the trustees to put their house in order or face a reduction of funding and a possible referral to the Charity Commission.
The full issue is set out below:
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Post by BVADMIN on Apr 20, 2020 21:31:38 GMT
TAKEN FROM THE RACING POST.COM WEBSITE:::: Greyhound Board chairman Jeremy Cooper (above)
has written a joint-letter with Joe Scanlon (Fund chairman) to the trustees of the Greyhound Trust...GBGB relationship with Greyhound Trust described as 'untenable' THE chairmen of the British Greyhound Racing Fund and Greyhound Board of Great Britain, Joe Scanlon and Jeremy Cooper, have written a joint letter to the trustees of the Greyhound Trust informing them of an “untenable relationship” with that charity's chief executive Lisa Morris-Tompkins and chairman Professor Steve Dean.
Long-simmering tensions have boiled over due to concerns about the finances of the Greyhound Trust with Scanlon and Cooper claiming that the Greyhound Trust's cash at bank and in-hand reserves, which the letter states was previously £1.5 million, have been depleted.
Among a series of challenging assertions, the letter criticises the Trust for "what little information you were prepared to provide", suggesting financial issues even before the current situation caused by Covid-19 that has shut down all greyhound racing.
It adds: “Over the past few weeks, we have become increasingly alarmed and deeply concerned by comments and sentiments made by the Trust CEO and your chairman in calls and correspondence.
“The Greyhound Trust was conceived as an industry-led initiative but regrettably it seems that much of that link to the sport has and continues to be eroded away by its current leadership.
“Your letter of April 13 states that it represents the views of the Greyhound Trust board. We believe it is therefore incumbent on us to inform you as Trustees that neither your CEO nor Chairman retain the confidence of your largest donor . . . . it is unfortunate that, at a national level, the relationship is now untenable.”
The BGRF contributes £1.3 million annually to the Greyhound Trust and the joint letter estimates another £0.5 million contribution from GBGB stadia but that is now being reviewed.
A payment for April from the Fund to the Greyhound Trust, totalling £10,125, comprising 50p per day per greyhound for the 675 currently estimated to be in the Trust's care, has been made while GBGB managing director Mark Bird has separately written to individual Greyhound Trust branches stressing: “We are wholly committed to finding a way . . . that ensures that the excellent work that you do at branch level is able to continue and thrive both now and into the future.”
Additionally, Scanlon and Cooper have called for the Charity Commission to investigate the GT's financial management.
Neither Morris-Tompkins nor Dean were able to be reached for comment.
Dr Andrew Higgins, the former Greyhound Trust chairman who stepped down in 2015 after seven years in the role, said: “I have no current knowledge of the position other than I will say that the welfare of the greyhound must be paramount, common sense must prevail and it is essential that, through dialogue, a solution is found.”
Clarissa Baldwin, chairman of the Greyhound Forum, an umbrella group of welfare organisations, said: “It is disturbing to see such a distressing mis-match between the Greyhound Trust (GT) and the GBGB/Fund.
“There is little doubt that the GT carry out a vital function in the rehoming of about 3,000 to 4,000 retired greyhounds every year, without them the Industry would face greater criticism for their lack of care of retired racing greyhounds.
“However, without the financial assistance from the Fund, the charity and the dogs would be in a parlous state. Whilst we must congratulate GT for their tireless work, we urge both parties to work together to ensure the dogs come first and foremost.
“At a time when we are all feeling tensions and worries about the future, what a shame it is to see two organisations ‘at odds’ when they should be working together for the better good.”
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Apr 21, 2020 14:06:02 GMT
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Post by BVADMIN on Apr 21, 2020 22:37:38 GMT
TAKEN FROM THE RACINGPOST.COM:::: Lisa Morris: issued rebuttal to criticismGreyhound Trust bites back at Fund/GBGB criticism THE Greyhound Trust responded on Tuesday to claims that its relationship with the sport's key organisations is "untenable" by expressing its “surprise and disappointment” and is considering whether to pursue legal action.
Long-simmering tensions had boiled over due on Monday in a letter to the Trust from the chairmen of the British Greyhound Racing Fund and Greyhound Board of Great Britain, Joe Scanlon and Jeremy Cooper. They wrote of what they called the “untenable relationship” with that charity's chief executive Lisa Morris and chairman Professor Steve Dean.
The joint letter also raised concerns about the finances of the Greyhound Trust with Scanlon and Cooper claiming that the Greyhound Trust's cash at bank and in-hand reserves, which the letter states was previously £1.5 million, have been depleted.
Among a series of assertions, the letter also criticised the Trust for "what little information you were prepared to provide", suggesting financial issues even before the current situation caused by Covid-19 that has shut down all greyhound racing.
It adds: “Over the past few weeks, we have become increasingly alarmed and deeply concerned by comments and sentiments made by the Trust CEO and your chairman in calls and correspondence.
“The Greyhound Trust was conceived as an industry-led initiative but regrettably it seems that much of that link to the sport has and continues to be eroded away by its current leadership.
“Your letter of April 13 states that it represents the views of the Greyhound Trust board. We believe it is therefore incumbent on us to inform you as Trustees that neither your CEO nor Chairman retain the confidence of your largest donor . . . . it is unfortunate that, at a national level, the relationship is now untenable.”
The BGRF contributes £1.3 million annually to the Greyhound Trust and the joint letter estimates another £0.5 million contribution from GBGB stadia but that is now being reviewed.
A payment for April from the Fund to the Greyhound Trust, totalling £10,125, comprising 50p per day per greyhound for the 675 currently estimated to be in the Trust's care, has been made while GBGB managing director Mark Bird has separately written to individual Greyhound Trust branches stressing: “We are wholly committed to finding a way . . . that ensures that the excellent work that you do at branch level is able to continue and thrive both now and into the future.”
Additionally, Scanlon and Cooper have called for the Charity Commission to investigate the GT's financial management.
Releasing a statement on Tuesday, Morris said: “The Greyhound Trust would like to express surprise and disappointment at the comments made by the GBGB Board in their letter dated April 20 regarding the financial solvency and management of the Greyhound Trust and suggested lack of confidence felt by the Industry in the Greyhound Trust Board, principally the CEO and Chair (Lisa Morris and Professor Steven Dean).
“The Greyhound Trust like many charities is currently experiencing a significant downturn in public donations as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and we have also seen a reduction in funding from the GBGB over the last 12 months but we strongly refute the assertion that the Trust is now or has been at any time on the ‘point of insolvency’.
“There is in our view no foundation for any of the assertions made regarding the financial position of the Greyhound Trust or the conduct of our CEO and Chair as contained in the letters circulated by the GBGB to the racing Press and Greyhound Trust branches. The Chair and CEO retain the full and unequivocal support of the Greyhound Trust Board. Our purpose remains to support the welfare of the greyhounds in our care and we will absolutely continue to do so. As such we will be taking urgent legal advice on this matter and have no further comment at this time.”
Dr Andrew Higgins, the former Greyhound Trust chairman who stepped down in 2015 after seven years in the role, had earlier said: “I have no current knowledge of the position other than I will say that the welfare of the greyhound must be paramount, common sense must prevail and it is essential that, through dialogue, a solution is found.”
Clarissa Baldwin, chairman of the Greyhound Forum, an umbrella group of welfare organisations, had said: “It is disturbing to see such a distressing mis-match between the Greyhound Trust (GT) and the GBGB/Fund.
“There is little doubt that the GT carry out a vital function in the rehoming of about 3,000 to 4,000 retired greyhounds every year, without them the Industry would face greater criticism for their lack of care of retired racing greyhounds.
“However, without the financial assistance from the Fund, the charity and the dogs would be in a parlous state. Whilst we must congratulate GT for their tireless work, we urge both parties to work together to ensure the dogs come first and foremost.
“At a time when we are all feeling tensions and worries about the future, what a shame it is to see two organisations ‘at odds’ when they should be working together for the better good.”
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on Apr 29, 2020 13:25:03 GMT
TAKEN FROM THE GREYHOUND STAR WEBSITE:::GREYHOUND TRUST RESPOND TO GBGB
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Post by BVADMIN on Apr 30, 2020 16:34:29 GMT
TAKEN FROM THE GREYHOUND STAR WEBSITE:::
greyhoundstar.co.uk/gbgb-press-statement-relationship-greyhound-trust/ GBGB PRESS STATEMENT:
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GREYHOUND TRUST... Commenting on the ongoing situation between the GBGB and BGRF and The Greyhound Trust, GBGB Managing Director Mark Bird has issued the following statement:
“We have today written to the branches of The Greyhound Trust to reiterate our support for the excellent work they do and our commitment to work alongside them now and in the future. We have been clear to the Trustees of The Greyhound Trust that we have lost any confidence in its current CEO and Chair and have unfortunately had to formally raise our concerns with the Charity Commission.
“We have received significant support and positive feedback from Greyhound Trust branches which, if anything, has strengthened our resolve to support each branch, irrespective of the breakdown of the relationship with the charity’s current central leadership. At present, the Trustees of The Greyhound Trust continue to express their full confidence in their CEO and Chair. This makes any ongoing relationship with the Trust at a national level untenable. There is nothing to be gained from any further discussion with them whilst the current leadership remains in post.
“We will be working over the coming weeks to finalise a means for paying branches directly in future rather than through the national charity.”
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Post by BVADMIN on May 4, 2020 20:57:58 GMT
TAKEN FROM THE GREYHOUND STAR WEBSITE..Gerry Barton, a branch volunteer, has forwarded a copy of the letter he has submitted today to Greyhound Trust CEO Lisa Morris. 4 May 2020
Lisa Morris Chief Executive,
The Greyhound Trust
Dear Lisa,
As you know, I’ve owned a rehomed hound and been a volunteer since 2008 and having read GBGB’s letter to the Trustees, the Trusts’ communications of 21, 24 April and 1 May, together with comment and opinions elsewhere, I felt compelled to write. I must stress that the following are entirely my own opinions and not those of the Branch although I am in no doubt there are many people in my Branch and elsewhere who hold similar views.
Regrettably, I cannot see anything in the responses from the Trustees that directly address the main concerns raised by GBGB. So, is there an imminent danger of insolvency and if not, what are the current balances and projected income and expenditure calculations that rebut the charge?
Is their analysis of the reductions in reserves correct and if not, what are the correct figures and, how did GBGB come to make a mistake?
Presumably, it is true to say a £400K loan was taken out during 2019, but why was that necessary and are they correct in saying another one is being negotiated? If so, for how much and why?
Every year the Accounts confirm the Trust’s policy of having reserves equivalent to six months operating costs and the 2018 Accounts show the figure for 2019 to be £1.63 million which was met on 31 December 2018. What is that figure now please?
These are key facts that everyone needs so they can assess the situation and determine a likely prognosis for the future. In my view your responses are very inadequate and unworthy of the Board of a National Charity. For example, when the issue is potential insolvency, to tell us GBGB “fail to recognise” the £3 million of gifted time from volunteers is to insult the intelligence of hard-working Branch members. Statements like that suggest it is the Trust and not GBGB that fails to understand the severity of the situation and for it to appear in the name of the entire Board is frightening.
On a freezing cold afternoon in Cannock, introducing these beautiful dogs to potential owners, we know the value of that time and the donations given to us whilst standing there. The issue is what the Trust has done with the donations and goodwill that such efforts have generated. Quoting what has been achieved in the past is the equivalent of looking the other way in this present crisis and the implication of GBGB’s letter seems to be that much of what is being boasted about has been squandered.
One of the puzzles for many of us is why the Trust seems so determined to be at odds with the industry and to want to diminish GBGB’s role as our largest single donor. The Trust exists to handle an issue that is part of the industry. If you believe the industry has some unpalatable issues, maybe you shouldn’t be involved with the Trust. But those of us that are accept not everything might be squeaky clean, but there is a vital job to be done to help improve things and particularly find good homes for some amazing animals who become brilliant pets. So, to appear reluctant to work closely with the GBGB seems myopic. Much as we are all grateful for independent donations, looking at the facts again shows they cannot possible replace GBGB in the short and medium term, so why not acknowledge this? In this context, are GBGB correct to say you refused to let Auditors talk to each other and if so why? Can you imagine Unilever treating a major customer like Tesco in this way?
The elephant in the room is of course Wings. GBGB refer to it as “increasingly somewhat as a vanity project”. Since these are personal views, I’ll restrict myself to three comments. First with 21 tracks and just over 600 trainers, but only two tracks and about 30 trainers within 50 miles of the centre, it didn’t seem very sensible to have kennels even if we did need a new Head Office. Second, like many others I’ve mentioned it to, I cannot believe we have agreed a site that has such draconian planning restrictions. If we no longer need it (or cannot afford to continue with it) is it really true we must restore the site to its former state? Where is the asset growth for the Trust in that? Finally, comparing the uplifting Strategic Objectives for 2015 in the 2014 Annual Review (also partly written by you) with “Plans for future periods” in the 2018 Accounts you get a very clear picture of the extent to which this project has consumed both time and energy, possibly to the detriment of the “day job” which is finding homes for hounds.
For those of us in the West Midlands, perhaps the most important issue is the vulnerability of the substantial funds we raised to replace our present kennel arrangements with Mr and Mrs Bandarak. I know these funds are “ring fenced”, but that is probably not the case in the event of insolvency and so the questions asked at the beginning of this letter need to be addressed in the clearest and most factual way As you know, we all hoped this project would be up and running by now and whereas there seemed to be some steam behind it a few years ago, the development of Wings seems to have diverted the effort to find a solution. You don’t need me to tell you that if these many thousands of pounds are at risk because of a lack of proper stewardship, those responsible will have betrayed the trust of a lot of very hard working volunteers, many of whom continue to help this enormously successful Branch.
For the last few years, many of us have been concerned about several aspects of Head Office management. Examples include high staff turnover, expensive and questionable re-branding exercise, high handed attitude to questions and criticism and significant turnover of Trustees. To a retired management consultant like me, they are symptoms of everything not being quite right and, possibly, the need for change.
This analysis seems to be confirmed by all the above and therefore I regret to say I share GBGB’s view that both you and Steve Dean should consider your positions and will be copying this letter to others to make them aware of my view.
Sincerely,
Gerry Barton
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Post by BVADMIN on May 24, 2020 9:01:52 GMT
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts and his wife Shirley
have just adopted a greyhound, like all the best people obvs.
Meet Suzie!
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Post by SALFORD GIRL on May 24, 2020 11:54:15 GMT
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