Post SI Network Annual Conference (no AGM) – 12 November 2017
Ros Urwin expresses appreciation for the opportunity to connect with members at the SI Network’s Annual Conference and congratulates those receiving awards. She thanks former Board Directors Amanda Adamson, Kathryn Smith, and Gemma Cartwright for their significant contributions to advancing occupational therapy and Ayres Sensory Integration.
She shares details from a post-conference Open Forum meeting attended by around 12 members, including five former Directors. This unpublicised forum allowed discussion of concerns about the Network’s legal governance.
Key issues raised:
Disputed governance: The current Board claims to operate under 2004 Articles of Association, as the 2009 Articles (passed at an AGM) were not filed at Companies House. However, forum attendees argue that the 2009 Articles remain valid, as they were legally adopted via member vote.
Lack of transparency and communication: Members were not informed of significant changes, including Board resignations and the absence of occupational therapists on the current Board.
Accountability concerns: Questions about who the Board is accountable to and what defines a “member” were not clearly answered.
Urgent need for improved communication: Ros highlights the lack of AGMs since 2014 and calls for the Board to re-establish two-way communication and accountability with members.
She notes a follow-up letter from the Chair acknowledging concerns. Read More…
Reply to: Position Statement on Legal Structure of SI Network – 4 November 2017
Ros Urwin expresses serious concern over changes made to the SI Network’s governance without member consultation, particularly the adoption of new Articles of Association and lack of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) since 2014. She highlights:
A lack of transparency: 2010 updated Articles not at Companies House, and members weren’t consulted.
Board composition concerns: since April 2017, no occupational therapists have been on the Board, contrary to the 2010 Articles’ requirements.
Governance issues: decisions have been made by a small group lacking representation from core SI therapists, relying instead on academics and a business manager.
She strongly opposes the idea that academic and business skills alone can guide the Network, stressing the need for clinical and OT voices.
While pleased that an Annual Conference is planned, she urges a return to member-led values and inclusive governance. Read more…
Position Statement on the Legal Structure of SI Network – 3 November 2017
The Sensory Integration Network (UK & Ireland) clarified its legal and governance structure in response to member concerns.
Key points:
Legal status: Since 2004, SI Network has operated as a private company limited by guarantee, legally named Sensory Integration Network (UK & Ireland) Limited.
Membership distinction:
The legal members of the company are the five Directors.
General network members (e.g., clinicians, therapists) are not legal members of the company.
Governance update:
The Board reviewed and updated its Articles of Association in line with the 2006 Companies Act.
The new structure includes roles in Education, Research, Membership, Business Operations, and Chair.
The update aims to simplify and modernise governance, focusing on academic and business skills to manage the organisation.
AGM requirements:
Under current UK company law, AGMs are not mandatory.
If held, AGMs would involve only the Board (the legal members).
Rationale for change: The changes were made in response to the evolving education landscape and funding changes, aiming to keep SI Network legally compliant and fit for purpose. Read more…