2019 Conference and AGM

30 Nov 30 Nov

Hilton Doubletree Manchester Piccadilly, One Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3DG

Saturday 30 Nov 19 - Saturday 30 Nov 19 10:30 am - 4:45 pm

lunch
Photograph: %author%. %publisher%

In 2019 we hosted our AGM in Manchester, following last years hugely successful event in London. Our free conference featured top speakers, interesting workshops and informative debates – and opportunities to help shape the ERS’ campaigning work.

Two Special Resolutions and two Ordinary Resolutions were proposed by members of the Society. Special Resolutions require 75% support to pass and Ordinary Resolutions require 50% to pass. Many members who were were unable to attend in person also sent proxy votes to us in advance of the meeting.

The results were as follows:

Special Resolution 1

  • For – 161 (49.8%)
  • Against – 151 (46.7%)
  • Abstain – 11 (3.4%)

The special resolution was therefore NOT PASSED.

Special Resolution 2

  • For – 51 (16.0%)
  • Against – 232 (72.7%)
  • Abstain – 36 (11.3%)

The special resolution was therefore NOT PASSED.

Ordinary Resolution 1

  • For – 96 (30.1%)
  • Against – 196 (61.4%)
  • Abstain – 27 (8.5%)

The ordinary resolution was therefore NOT PASSED.

Ordinary Resolution 2

  • For – 79 (24.8%)
  • Against – 208 (65.4%)
  • Abstain – 31 (9.7%)

The ordinary resolution was therefore NOT PASSED.

Conference programme

Time Activity
10.00 Registration opens – Tea/coffee available on arrival
10.30 Welcome and Introduction from Darren Hughes, ERS Chief Executive
10.35 Presentation from Jon Walsh, ERS Chair on ERS work over the past year.

Willie Sullivan, Director ERS Scotland and Jess Blair, Director ERS Cymru to also present on our work in those nations. 
11.30  – 12.45 Citizens Assemblies – mini taster session

Take part in a bite sized Citizens’ Assembly and experience the format, discussion, code of conduct, facilitation and methodology of this increasingly popular form of deliberative democracy.

11.30-11.45 – Introduction
11.45-12.10 – Session 1
12.10-12.35 – Session 2
12.35-12.45 – Questions and Closing
12.45 – 13.30 Lunch and Networking
13.30 – 14.10 General Election 2019: guest speaker for analysis and discussion
14.10 – 14.15 Workshop Introduction Session (Willie Sullivan)
14.15 – 15.15                   Workshop session – Choice of one workshop
Workshop One  Diversity Matters – Practicing What We Preach
How does the ERS reflect society? Jess Blair Director of ERS Cymru and ERS Council member
14.15 – 14.20 – Introduction by Jess Blair
14.20 – 14.30 – Council Member
14.30 – 15.15 – Deliberative discussion and questions
Workshop Two More evidence for STV: Local Elections 2019, the ERS report
Information sharing session  Ian Simpson, Research Officer  14.15 – 14.45 – Presentation  14.45 – 15.15 – Questions and predictions
Workshop Three Global Lessons: Examples on Campaigning Reform
What can we learn from overseas for our own campaigns?
Darren Hughes, Chief Executive
14.15 – 14.35 – Presentation
14.35 – 15.15 – Questions
Workshop Four Speaking up for Reform: Communicating our Campaigns Effectively 
Getting members views on our campaigns and language we use  Josiah Mortimer, Head of Communications  14.15 – 14.30 – Introduction  14.30 – 15.15 – Group workshop and discussion
Workshop Five General Election: Expectations and electoral reform 
Discussion around the ERS General Election Strategy  Willie Sullivan, Director of ERS Scotland and Senior Director of Campaigns  14.15 – 14.20 – Introduction  14.20 – 15.15 – Questions and predictions
15.15 Plenary – Workshop feedback from facilitators and delegates
15.45 Closing remarks and Conference closes.
16.00 – 17.00 Annual General Meeting (separate agenda available for members)
2019 AGM Agenda and Pack (209.7KB pdf)
2019 EGM Minutes (61.9KB pdf)
2018 AGM Draft Minutes (82.2KB pdf)

More about event location

Hilton Doubletree Manchester Piccadilly, One Piccadilly Place, Manchester

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Auburn Street, Manchester, UK

Get directions