As you are aware the HCF is a non-profit making organisation. The prompt payment of fees and subs ensures that we have sufficient funds to cover forum expenses on a rolling basis. Any delay seriously affects our ability to plan and/or develop ideas.
Increasingly, we are experiencing problems in respect of payment. At last count fees in excess of £1000 remain outstanding. We can not sustain this cost.
Invoices are issued some 5/6 weeks in advance of a forum but unfortunately it is not practical for us to issue them any earlier. We appreciate that for most delegates accounting departments are responsible for settling invoices however it is the responsibility of the member main contact to ensure fees are paid promptly.
We are also experiencing a problem with delegates who turn up on the day without having paid or contacting Charlotte or I in advance. It can be extremely embarrassing for the delegate as we may well have to disappoint by turning them away, due to Health & Safety restrictions on numbers/access.
There is also a cost for you as a member office for a full day lost on
claims assessment.
Charlotte and I are now expending a reasonable amount of effort trying to obtain payment from member offices some eight to twelve weeks after
payment becomes due. As all committee members give their time on a voluntary basis, we hope you agree it's best to focus on arranging and preparing for forums as opposed to additional admin duties.
Regrettably therefore we will be implementing the following procedure with immediate effect:
Delegates will be automatically refused entry if they arrive without
first having paid/contacted Charlotte/Sally-Anne at least 48 hours before the meeting.
If fees/subs remain outstanding in excess of 8 weeks post ORIGINAL
invoice, company membership will be removed.
We will no longer issue multiple reminders either written or verbal.(One reminder will be provided and this will also give warning of member removal unless payment is received by a certain date)
The committee appreciate that members might well be disappointed with our decision however we hope you can understand our rationale.
We also recognise that the vast majority of members are prompt payers.
Thank you for your continued support.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Sally-Anne
(Treasurer and Secretary) or Peter Barrett (Chairman)
give us your feedback We value any feedback you have about past Forums, or if there are any issues you would like us to focus on for future Forums.
contact us Please also contact us if you have any questions about membership, fees or member contact details. We will be happy to help you.
