I find myself being elected President with the concerns over the Association’s future firmly behind us. However there are still new challenges on the horizon particularly against the backdrop of the current financial situation. I look forward to building on our recent successes through the solid work of our various sub committees.
During my year of office I would hope that we can make a significant move towards securing financial stability for the Association in the medium to long term. It also remains important that members continue to get value for money.
Autumn 2008 will see the Treasury review Friendly Societies’ compliance with the Annotated Combined Code. We remain confident that self regulation of the governance of Friendly Societies will continue despite losing the experience of Graham Berville (former Chairman of the AFS/AMI Steering Committee).
It has been some considerable time since the Oddfellows have been represented at the highest level of the trade organisation. Many of you will remember Len Mostyn, OBE who was President of the NCFS and Derek Winbush who rose to be Vice President in the 1990’s. When I first joined the Friendly Societies movement both Len and Derek shared their wealth of knowledge and experience with me. I will endeavour to use their guidance during my year of office to further the fortunes of the Friendly Societies movement.
Philip J Howcroft, President
Previously Martin worked for the Association of British Insurers, where he was Director, Raising Standards, leading a number of projects designed to improve confidence in the industry.
Before that he worked for the Consumer Protection department of the FSA, working on a range of policy issues, and was previously employed by building societies and banks for 15 years, mainly in sales and planning functions. Martin holds an MBA and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Martin Shaw, General Secretary