The British Federation of Brass Bands could be heading towards destructive internal strife according to a critical source who has spoken to 4BR.

Report

4BR understands that the situation has become so serious that the organisation, which aims to become a newly incorporated body entitled ‘Brass Bands England’ later this year, could be reported to both the Arts Council England and the Charities Commission over the way in which it is being run.

It has also been revealed that some leading officials and trustees of the BFBB are now no longer on direct speaking terms, or able to work together, following accusations of mistrust and mismanagement.

Resignation

4BR has been informed that the latest blow to the Federation has come with a letter of resignation from the highly respected Treasurer, Nigel Morgan, following an ongoing dispute concerning aspects of the administration of the British Brass Band Registry.

A BFBB meeting was held this weekend in Barnsley where it is understood, these issues were discussed, as well as the ongoing progress that has been made towards the organisation’s future status.

Bullying

4BR understands that issues surrounding the running of the British Brass Band Registry have become increasingly complex and antagonistic, with accusations from both sides of bullying and unprofessional working practices.

However, it is understood, the dispute centres on whether the Registry is actually operated and administered at ‘arms length’ from the BFBB charity, despite ostensibly coming under its subsidiary trading arm, BFBB Contests Ltd.

Factions

4BR understands that critics within the BFBB feel that the failure to strictly ensure this has been undertaken may contravene Charity Commission guidance and rules, leading to heightened tensions and a lack of co-operation between factions within the organisation.

The source told 4BR: "This is the most serious issue of all – although not the only one. Proper guidelines need to be followed to ensure the protection of the Registry and any employees, as well as with the proposed changes to the BFBB itself.

However, it seems some people believe they are not. Nobody seems to know what is happening and legitimate questions that have been asked have not been answered, despite numerous requests."

Charity

According to their website, the BFBB is currently, ‘...an independent registered charity’ and a ‘democratic organisation, with an Executive Committee elected annually by its membership’ that, ‘works in partnership with The Arts Council and the Voluntary Arts Network (VAN). BFBB is also a member of the Arts and Business Development Forum.’

It goes on to say that; ‘The Charity is administered and managed in accordance with the governing document 'Constitution', by the BFBB Trustees known as the Executive Committee, consisting of not less than eight and not more than sixteen members.’

Serious

However, the source added: "This is a very serious state of affairs. Decisions that have been made could possibly be in breach of Charity Commission rules. Does the membership know what is going on in regard to the proposed changes, and if they are actually shown to be beneficial?"

They added: "The running of the BFBB has become secretive, with people believing that its work is being undermined by those on both sides with their own agendas. Battle lines have now been drawn – especially about the future of the Registry."

Further resignations

4BR has been informed that at least two senior figures have now resigned from the BFBB in the last few months, with the possibility of further high profile resignations being asked for in the near future, if the matters cannot be resolved.

4BR understands that at present there has been no published date for the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the BFBB or for a possible EGM.

BFBB response

In response to the findings presented to them by 4BR, the BFBB stated:

"The British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) acknowledges an ongoing situation within its organisation, but is not able or prepared to discuss details in a public debate.

The BFBB takes the well being of its staff and volunteers very seriously and is following procedures that have been put in place. As an organisation partially funded by Arts Council England, the BFBB has been in constant touch with them during the past couple of weeks by telephone and email.

BFBB is disappointed to have received the resignation of its Treasurer, Nigel Morgan and is talking to him with the hope that he may reconsider."

The BFBB takes the well being of its staff and volunteers very seriously and is following procedures that have been put in placeBFBB

Normal business

Robert Morgan, Chairman of BFBB told 4BR: "Normal business continues this weekend with the National Youth Championships taking place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. This flagship event has a record entry of 45 bands this year which has taken many hours of organisation and a long day ahead is forecast for the BFBB team.

The 2012-2015 Business Plan has been submitted to Arts Council England as part of the National Portfolio Funding Agreement and last Saturday the 2012-2013 Activity Plan was approved for submission to the Arts Council."

Great pace

He added: "Our ‘Brass the Baton’ project continues to move forward at great pace with 60 events, 150 brass bands/ensembles and over 7,000 participants taking part so far. We are very proud that it is the only project of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad designed specifically for Brass Bands."

Robert also pointed out: "On Friday 13th April some members of the BFBB Executive met with Angela Smith, MP for Penistone & Stocksbridge, who is the new Chair of the All Parliamentary Committee for Brass Bands. Another Parliamentary meeting is planned for June when music hubs and bands in the Royal Parks will be part of the agenda."

Company Limited

Robert concluded: "At last year's AGM, held in April, it was announced that National Portfolio Funding had been awarded to BFBB. This would mean a 15 month accounting period to bring BFBB in line with Arts Council England's year end. This ended on 31st March and accounts are now being prepared before the date of an EGM is announced.

Also as part of the agreement, a Company Limited by Guarantee needed to be formed. It was hoped that this would have been in place by last weekend, but is taking longer to complete than expected, resulting in a delay of a couple more weeks.

Notice

When completed, an EGM will be held to transfer the assets of BFBB to the new company Brass Bands England. All members will be given at least 21 days' notice of the meeting together with full details of voting rights and a copy of the new Memorandum and Articles of Association."