The Covid-19 crisis has caused considerable disruption for us all, including presenting CIHT with some challenges as well as opportunities. To support the organisation as it navigates its way through these times, CIHT has been reviewing its business continuity plans and in this instance the role of the Presidential Team.

The Board of Trustees came to the decision that having stability in terms of the CIHT leadership team is going to be critical for the remainder of this year and into 2021. The Board was unanimous in its view that changing the President and Chair in June would not be appropriate as we will potentially be facing some very testing times (and decisions) ahead.

The Trustees highlighted that the need for continuity at this time would be in the best interests of CIHT and put us in the best position to navigate the level of uncertainty we are facing. The Presidential team (Martin Tugwell, Deborah Sims and Neil Johnstone) confirmed they were willing to take on an additional year in their respective roles.

The proposal for Martin to be re-elected at the June AGM for a further one-year term as President and Chair of the Board was put to Council and was unanimously approved on 24 June 2020. Deborah Sims would take on the Presidential role in June 2021, with Neil Johnstone becoming President in 2022. Matthew Lugg would continue on the Board of Trustees for a further year as Immediate Past President. This was subsequently confirmed through a unanimous vote at the AGM on 24 June 2020.

In governance terms, this is exceptional and permissible. This would be a one-off proposal in response to this unprecedented situation.

CIHT would like to formally welcome Martin Tugwell as our President for 2020 – 21.

If you wish to discuss this or any issues relating to it, please contact e: governance@ciht.org.uk