Elections for positions on West Ham United Independent Supporters Committee.
Letter sent by Hammers United to the Football Supporters Association on Friday October 28th.
Hi xxxxx,
You are no doubt aware of the election process as laid down in the MOU and Supporter Representation Guide:
From the Memorandum of Understanding.
‘Chair The Supporters’ Committee will be chaired by a Chair who will be elected on an annual basis. The ISC recognise and appreciate the offer of support of that Chair by a staff member of the FSA, an offer which it will discuss on formation. The Chair will be supported by a Vice-Chair also elected on an annual basis, the Vice-Chair will be expected to stand in if the Chair is absent or conflicted on a specific item.’
‘Supporters’ groups will be represented on the Supporters’ Committee, each will democratically elect their own representative during the close season, by their own means. To aid continuity the founding members stated above will each hold a place for the first year of the Committee. In addition a representative will be elected from: ∙ Away season ticket holders ∙ Claret members Following the initial year of operation membership of group will be as determined in the Supporter Representation Guide.’
From the Supporter Representation Guide.
‘Each nominating its own member will be expected to name their representative for the season by July 20th each year. It will also be possible to name a deputy should they be unable to attend a specific meeting, the deputy must also adhere to all guidelines. There will also be an elected Chair & Vice Chair taken from the Committee members. Term of Office 1. Away Season Ticket Holders, Claret members (2 season term) 2. Supporters groups will nominate their representative at the start of each season 3. Bond holders will nominate their representative at the start of each season 4. Chairperson& Vice Chair (1 season terms) NB. There will be no limit on the re-selection of any member Democratic application and election process Those not representing existing supporter clubs will be subject to an election process.’
‘Anyone wishing to stand for Chair or Vice Chair must have already been appointed to the committee for the forthcoming year. The election for Chair & Vice Chair will be from an electorate made up from all season ticket holders, away season ticket holders and members. Any person appearing in multiple groups will only be allowed a single vote. Clearly the election of Chair will need to happen after the new season’s committee is confirmed but prior to its first meeting. The person receiving the most votes will be appointed Chair, the person in second place appointed Vice-Chair. In light of a tie the other committee members will hold a deciding vote, if that also creates a tie lots will be drawn. Process for Elected Supporter Representatives Supporters can apply to stand for election within their area of representation by completing an application form . The areas of representation are: 1. Away Season Ticket Holders 2. Claret members .’
The Independent Supporters Committee was founded in January 2021 and the only elections held so far have been for away Season Ticket Holders and Claret members representatives. The ISC is clearly in breach of its own MOU.
My committee has instructed me to write to you drawing attention to what is clearly a serious situation as meetings have already been held in breach of MOU. We would therefore be most grateful if you could progress elections as a matter of urgency.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Best Regards.
Paul Colborne.
Chair(Hammers United).
Hammers United is by far the largest democratic West Ham supporters’ group with over 19,000 members and our number grows every day. If you are not yet a member and wish to join please click on the following link:
http://hammersunited.com/join/
