I have been Chair for over a year now, and I want to highlight a few important developments in our association since I was elected.
Following a highly successful Annual Reunion in Cardiff last month, the Bulletins in September and this month have provided links to the photographs from the event and also the video recordings of the excellent keynote speakers. The four well-attended excursions were informative and entertaining, with the photos of the groups shown here.
You will have seen that several Regions have forthcoming pre-Christmas events, and I encourage members to consider attending, underlining that you’re welcome to attend events outside your region. There are two new Regional Representatives along with several new member support officers at regional level, and please do bring any questions or suggestions to your regional teams.
There have been some key developments in our relationship with FAFICS, which engages with the Pension Fund and the After Service Health Insurance (ASHI) schemes on our behalf. BAFUNCS co-nominated the new President, Darshak Shah, who was elected in July, and now has a BAFUNCS representative on one of the Standing Committees, Magdi Bona, as well as a BAFUNCS focal point on communication, Erica Meltzer. We will provide you with regular updates on the UN pension and ASHI.
We have had a boost in recruitment following an email circular through the Pension Fund, with almost 30 new members and several more in the process of becoming members, and our membership is now over 750. I would like to highlight the Membership Directory on the website which allows you to see a list of other members in your region and from your former organsation(s).
The importance of communication with members has been recognised with a new plan being approved by the Executive Committee in August. We will be working to reorganise the website and improve its appearance, aiming to launch the new site next year. We will also establish a team to generate content for the various communication channels, including our profile on LinkedIn.
BAFUNCS will reach a major milestone in 2027 with our 50th anniversary. We will mark this in various ways at our events and through our communications. The 2027 Annual Reunion, to be held in Chester at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel from 6-8 September, will be a principal event to celebrate that landmark, so please mark your calendars. A variety of other special activities and publications will be organised and announced through the bulletin and the website.
I want to thank the members of our Executive Committee and the regional teams for their efforts to keep BAFUNCS vibrant and to provide you with useful information.
Stephen Rudgard, Chair of the Executive Committee
