FURTHER to our letter published in your June 18 edition and Ann Chapman's response, we wish to point out that in addition to being the non-elected chairman of Age Concern Ealing (ACE), Ann Chapman is also an Ealing councillor.
Many feel that these two roles are incompatible and can result in a conflict of interest.
It comes as no surprise that Ms Chapman blames us for trustee woes, a tactic they have used since we uncovered their constitutional failings. We believe that Ms Chapman has misrepresented and distorted events at the February 2010 meeting, a meeting inadequately chaired and ultimately abandoned due to the lack of properly prepared ballot papers.
At that meeting, in a hall filled to overflowing with ACE members, Mrs Chapman failed to win a vote of confidence. Apparently these are the 'damaging actions' to which she refers.
Having failed in her bid to be the elected chairman, what gives her the right to speak for the organisation? Why is she still in office? If the acting trustees are so certain of their position, why have they halted the registration of new members? After five months of 'consultations', why do they continue to delay the election of trustees?
As well as being both ACE members and taxpayers, most of us in the pressure group have worked for Age Concern Ealing, either as paid
staff or as volunteers.
We are familiar with the internal problems of the organisation and care deeply about the welfare of Ealing's older residents. Thanks to dedicated ACE staff and volunteers, the good work of the organisation has never been questioned.
Our concern is the restoration of proper governance and effective management, which would result in more services of even better quality.
As the situation stands, the acting trustees do not seem to grasp that they are accountable to the membership and not the other way around.
Having had their years of improper governance exposed, these self-appointed trustees should do the honourable thing.
The mayor has yet to assure us of his continuing support for an organisation in governance limbo. While we are waiting for his reply, we welcome comments from interested parties.
CONCERNED ABOUT AGE
CONCERN EALING concernedaboutace@gmail.com
Name and address supplied
