ISQua's AGM & President's Report

ISQua's Annual General Meeting was held on Thursday, 29th October 2020 at 11am GMT. 

Over 120 Members attended the meeting which was chaired by our out-going President, Wendy Nicklin. 

The President reported that her 3-year term concludes at this meeting. The key points were:

The President’s key priority throughout her term was to increase Board effectiveness, which continued through to the Board retreat in March 2020 in which the goal was to set the stage for Strategic Planning. The Strategic Plan renewal will be considered by the new ISQua Board.

The staff undertook significant work to develop new policies and amend existing policies to ensure compliance with the Charities Governance Code issued by the Charities Regulator.

The area of financial sustainability has been a major focus of the Board for several years. Added to this is the challenge of COVID-19. The CEO and the team have focused on steps to balance the budget and this is being accomplished – thanks in part to the subsidy from the Irish government. Significant steps have been taken as the staff continue to work from home and focus on a virtual way of working.

A sincere thank you was extended to the Irish Department of Health which has provided ISQua with an increase in its annual financial contribution This support demonstrates the commitment of Ireland to the role of ISQua.

The President expressed thanks to Sara Yaron whose term as Honorary Advisor for Person-Centred Care ended at this AGM. Sara has made valuable contributions to the Board and ensured that the focus of ISQua’s work was truly person-centeredness. A decision has been made to increase from one to two Honorary Advisors for Person-Centred Care.

The President thanked CEO Peter Lachman, who is concluding his 5-year contract in April 2021. She noted that recruitment for the new CEO is underway.

Thanks were also extended to the ISQua team, the Officers and the entire ISQua Board for their ongoing commitment and contributions in making a difference in health and healthcare quality and safety globally.

The President virtually presented the Presidential Citation Award for Distinguished Service to Professor Cliff Hughes, thanking him for his valuable and dedicated contributions to the mission of ISQua for many years, which have been outstanding, of an exceptionally high calibre and of immense value to ISQua. In making these contributions Cliff has contributed to the improvement of the quality and safety of healthcare worldwide.

Wendy handed over the role of President to Prof Jeffrey Braithwaite. As President, Jeffrey adjourned the meeting and announced the date for the next AGM, 28th October 2021.

A full copy of the minutes will be circulated to all Members within the next month. If you have any questions or comments in relation to the AGM please contact Sinead smcardle@isqua.org.