Chairs can find themselves very alone and in need of a confidential sounding board; independent advice, or some practical help or research. Codes of governance in the sector, state that chairs should be able to commission independent professional advice, without having to ask for permission from the officer team.

BDA's ‘Chair's Support Service', provides that service

For a flat annual fee of £75.00 plus VAT we will be the confidential Independent Professional Advice for the chair, and by negotiation, perhaps other chairs in the organisation. There is no limit to the number of calls.

If the matter can be resolved quickly and easily, no further charges will be levied. However, If we need to do research or do additional work, the chair will need to commission this additional professional advice. The rate charged for these additional services will be at £350 + VAT per day (or pro rata). If required an in-depth investigation can be done for you (if warranted). We can then produce a report on action taken and we recharge the company under the contract through their Audit Committee, once matters are resolved. Work commissioned from elsewhere e.g. a lawyer would be at an additional cost.

Had this arrangement been running in the past, it would have prevented some major associations from being torn apart! This arrangement prevents the need for a separate pot of money to exist, and the complexities of accounting for this.

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