Success for BALI’s first-ever digital regional AGM

On Monday 27 April, BALI’s Scottish Committee was joined by Scottish members for their regional AGM 2020. The AGM, held over a video call platform, allowed members to discuss key topics surrounding the region and listen to guest speakers.

Organised by BALI’s Regional Support Officer Laura Doyle and the Scottish Committee, the event was supported by guest speakers from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and BALI Registered Affiliate member and BALI Insure benefit provider Aston Lark.

Guests had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Matthew Casey who very kindly stepped in on behalf of the Scottish Government. Dr. Matthew is a Senior Policy Advisor with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and has worked on projects including the import/export of plant material under a no-deal Brexit and the implementation of plant passports under the new Plant Health Regulations. Matthew covered a range of topics during his presentation on Plant Passporting including:

• EU Plant Passports (PPs): An Introduction
• The Widened Scope of PPs
• Authorisation to issue PPs
• The Content and Format of a Plant Passport
• Attachment of Plant Passports
• Auctions and Shows
• Defra Approach to Non-Compliance
• Comms resources

Following the presentation from Dr Matthew Casey, Matt Berale from Aston Lark presented on insurance support during COVID-19 and dispelled myths that have been raised due to the pandemic.

BALI's Chief Executive Wayne Grills also provided members with an overview of the various areas of membership they can get involved with, his involvement with lobbying at Government, BALI's activities from the previous year as well as looking ahead to the next membership year. 

Once speakers have completed their presentations, members were able to discuss key topics pertaining to the region and vote on key matters. Discussions were focussed on increasing membership engagement from the region and creating a formalised events calendar once lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

BALI's Regional Support Officer Laura Doyle comments; 

"I am proud to have been a part of BALI’s first-ever digital AGM for the Scotland region, and its planning process. During these uncertain times, it was vital that we could adapt to the situation, and still maintain business as usual to keep our members informed and involved. We, of course, needed to find a way to do so safely and in line with the current restrictions. The digital version of the AGM was successful in bringing everybody together and ensuring that the show goes on. We have had lots of positive ideas for the year ahead from attendees, and even took the opportunity to have two speakers join us digitally before the AGM making best use of the platform that we had."

BALI's Scottish Regional Chairman, Ryan Love comments; 

"The Scottish AGM took place on the 27th of April with a well-attended digital presence from the committee, BALI members and BALI staff. A lot of new & positive experiences for all involved. Special thanks to our guest speakers – Dr Matthew Casey who shared with us a wealth of knowledge on plant passports. Matt Berale from Aston Lark Insurance who gave some fantastic guidance on potential fleet insurance options that will most definitely benefit BALI members during the current COVID-19 situation. I’d like to include and extend a warm welcome and thanks to Allan Thomson of ‘Central training services ltd’ as he has decided to join the Scottish Committee. A great addition to the team moving forward. None of the above would have taken place or ran so smoothly if it wasn’t for Regional Support Officer Laura. I’m fairly new and appreciate the guidance provided by her."

Members located in the region will receive a copy of the official minutes taken at the event along with guest presentations next week. Missed out? BALI's regional committees will be hosting a range of exciting online events. To book your space check out our events calendar here.