The North / South Language Body Annual Report & Accounts 2009

Board MembersThe functions of the Agency are exercised by the Board. The following served as board members during theyear ended 31 st December 2009:Mr Mark Thompson (Chair) (resigned 10 July 2009)Mr John Hunter – Interim Chairman (appointed 16 December 2009)Ms Angela Graham (Deputy Chairperson)Dr Ian AdamsonMr William LeathemMr William HumphreyMs Jacqui ReedDr Aileen Douglas (resigned 27 September 2009)Mr William Roulston (resigned November 2009)Mr Tony Crooks (appointed 16 December 2009)The Audit Committee comprised the following members during 2009:Mr William Humphrey (Chair) (resigned December 2009)Mr William Leathem (resigned December 2009)Mrs Angela GrahamMr Ray Dolan (Co-Opted Member)Disabled EmployeesThe Ulster-Scots Agency is developing an updated Equal Opportunities Policy statement including provision fordisabled employees.Employee InvolvementThroughout the year employees were kept involved in the full workings and plans of the Body through formaland informal meetings, courses and briefings. Staff where consulted at all times as new procedures and policieswere developed and they had an opportunity to contribute or comment.Payment to SuppliersThe Ulster-Scots Agency is committed to the prompt payment of bills for goods and services received inaccordance with the UK Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, as amended and supplementedby the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2002, and the Irish Late Payments in CommercialTransactions Regulations 2002. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, payment is due within 30 or 45 days, asappropriate, of the receipt of the goods or services, or presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand,whichever is later. There was no system in place during 2009 to measure compliance with the prompt paymentregulations. The Agency introduced procedures in March 2011 to monitor prompt payments on a monthly basis.Health and Safety PolicyThe Ulster-Scots Agency prepared a circular to provide guidance for all staff in connection with the evacuationprocedures and security arrangements for premises occupied by the body. This information has been provided toeach individual member of staff and instructions are posted in a prominent position in the building. The Agencyhas a Health and Safety policy.34