District Forum September 23rd 2026

District Forum on Wednesday 23rd September 2026 - Copy of Minutes

Anne provided a safeguarding update focusing on physical contact policies and requirements for Rotary events. She emphasised that every club must have a safeguarding policy and should consider including safeguarding in risk assessments for events. Key points included restrictions on physical contact with children, young people and adults at risk, requirements for written parental consent before taking photographs and new regulations effective from 1st September 2026. This also included enhanced DBS checks for activities lasting more than three days in a 30-day period. Anne also addressed specific concerns about Santa's sleigh events, stating that only Santa can sit on the sleigh and no physical contact is permitted with children.

3. Belinda Wilson - ITSA Digital Trust and Andy Jarrett, AG Area 4 and ITSA Ambassador

Bee presented ITSA Digital Trust's work, including their computer reconditioning program for UK charities and IT lab construction in African schools, highlighting their need for funds and specific IT equipment donations. She outlined plans for the Great Gloucestershire Mouse Hunt - a collection event scheduled for Saturday 30th January, where Rotary clubs will collect USB mice, keyboards, laptop chargers, and specific cables at local Tesco stores. The event will be preceded by an ITSA Digital Trust Rotary Open Day on October 21st, where clubs can learn more about the charity and the collection effort.

Andy emphsised the points made and asked as many clubs as possible to participate.

4. Ukraine Veterans Centre Project - Will Jackson – District Lead for Ukraine

Will Jackson presented a project to build a veterans centre in Oleksandriya, Ukraine, which will provide physical and psychological support for veterans and their families. The centre will include a gym, psychological support facilities, and accommodation, with a total funding need of $200,000 where the organization needs to raise $100,000. The project has already secured a building, completed architect drawings, andreceived support from local authorities and businesses. With gym equipment already collected and demolition work completed by UK volunteers working alongside Ukrainian veterans the project is progressing well.

Anyone requiring further information about this initiative should contact Will at will@aid-ukraine.org.uk

5. Club Global Grant Update - Diana White – District Rotary Foundation Lead

Diana provided an update on the club's fundraising achievements, noting they raised $84,500 (below the $100 per capita target but with a 13.4% increase over the previous year). She outlined 15 approved district grants totaling $14,000 that supported projects worth $100,000 across 15 clubs, and highlighted seven ongoing global grants including projects in Egypt, Nepal, Ukraine, and Ghana that clubs might consider supporting.

Diana also announced an opportunity for members to join a polio immunization campaign in India with a limited group of 30 participants, including visits to local projects and the Taj Mahal.

6.Bob Maskall – RGB&I Chair of the Board

Rotary Membership Growth Strategies

Bob spoke about the importance of belonging in Rotary and encouraged members to reflect on why they joined and share that with others to attract new members. He emphasised the need to better publicise Rotary's impact through social media and highlight the benefits beyond just fundraising amounts. Bob also urged Rotarians to help address membership challenges by supporting new club formations and working with district teams to make Rotary more appealing in local communities.

North Star Initiative Update

Bob provided an update on the North Star Initiative, explaining that all Rotary International funds were spent as required by RI and a final report will be submitted in October. He noted that while membership increased by 3,300, the organization lost 4,700 members, with about half leaving due to dissatisfaction. Bob acknowledged Alan Bartholomew’s concerns about updating the Rotary website template and making learning resources more CPD-accreditible. He committed to send a communication about planned initiatives over the next 12-18 months to demonstrate the board's forward-thinking approach.

Rotary Club Funding

7. Update on Nepal

In the absebce of Chris Firth, Disctrict International Lead, Drewe Lacey provided an update on Nepal relief efforts, announcing plans for a multi-district meeting in October to create an Inter-Country Committee with Nepal, and indicated that while short-term disaster relief needs are largely met, reconstruction efforts will require substantial support in the future. Any one wishing to donate to help with the disaster now should contact Drewe at drewe.RotaryD1100@gmail.comwho will provide the details.

8. Any other business

District Membership Strategy Pilot Programme

Jonquil Brooks discussed the district membership strategy pilot programme that she is rolling out to evaluate its effectiveness. She offered to provide information to clubs in areas like Hereford, Cheltenham, and Swindon.

Drewe reported that the Bishop's Cleeve Club launched a new website at www.rotaryclubofbishopscleeve.co.uk  as part of their membership campaign and completed the required survey. Jonquil requested to review the results.

Mentoring Course 7th November

New Members Networking Event 21st November

Alan Bartholomew requested additional attendees for the above upcoming learning and development events at Hatherley Manor, particularly noting low subscription for the new member event.
9 District Governor Lucy,

Thanked the speakers for their input and to everyone for attending