Annual General Meeting 2026 – Minutes
Date: 15 April 2026
Time: 10:48 – approx. 13:00
Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
Chair: Stephen Wheatley
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed members and attendees. Housekeeping notes were provided regarding hybrid participation. Members were reminded that discussion must comply with competition law and should not include pricing or commercial arrangements.
No conflicts of interest were declared.
- Strategic Discussion (Pre‑AGM Session)
2.1 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Member Engagement
Members discussed the future structure of Special Interest Groups. There was consensus that SIGs should move away from long‑running, loosely defined groups towards time‑limited, themed task‑and‑finish groups focused on priority topics for members.
Key points:
- UKHCA will run general member update meetings and sub task and finish groups will be set up to deliver specific topic activities.
This approach will support momentum, accountability, and greater member participation.
2.2 Communications, Newsletter and Case Studies
The Association confirmed a commitment to a regular newsletter every four months. The newsletter will:
- Update members on initiatives, projects and research
- Share case studies from members’ workplaces and outreach activity
- Highlight events, campaigns and collaborative opportunities
Members were encouraged to submit examples of:
- Workplace initiatives
- Outreach and education activity
- Use of new materials or approaches
- Lessons learned (what worked / what didn’t)
2.3 Outreach, Events and Promotion
Members shared examples of upcoming engagement activity, including participation in Airport Safety Week events (e.g. Birmingham, Gatwick and other UK airports). These events provide opportunities for:
UKHCA will develop a materials pack (including branded materials and name badges) to support members representing the Association at events.
Members were encouraged to:
- Follow and engage with the UKHCA LinkedIn page
- Tag UKHCA in posts to allow sharing and amplification
- Notify the Association in advance of relevant activities needing support or to represent the Association
- Guest Presentation – RNID
Speaker: Frankie Garforth, Inclusion Programme Leader, RNID
Frankie Garforth presented on creating inclusive workplaces for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, focusing on practical, low‑cost actions.
Key points:
- 9 million working‑age adults in the UK have hearing loss.
- A significant proportion experience negative attitudes at work, particularly from managers.
- Lack of confidence, rather than ill intent, is a major barrier to inclusive communication.
RNID’s “Make Your Workplace Inclusive” resources were introduced:
- Free, evidence‑based, quick to use
- Printable posters, communication tips, simple BSL phrases
- Practical workplace adjustments (captioning, lighting, acoustics, communication preferences)
RNID also offers CPD‑accredited e‑learning (via Signature) covering deaf awareness and line manager responsibilities.
Discussion highlights:
- Strong alignment between hearing conservation and workplace inclusion
- Need for better support in industrial and high‑noise environments
- Challenges with Access to Work, particularly in non‑office settings
- Opportunities for collaboration between RNID and UKHCA, including risk assessment guidance and sector‑specific solutions
RNID agreed to share links to resources, training and recent Access to Work research following the meeting.
- Thought Piece – Employer Liability and Recreational Noise Exposure
Presenter: Stephen Wheatley
A discussion paper was presented exploring potential employer and insurer liability arising from employees’ cumulative hearing exposure, including recreational noise.
Key themes:
- Increasing recreational headphone and leisure noise exposure
- Evidence that young workers may already present with hearing loss at onboarding
- Importance of baseline and periodic hearing testing
- Limitations of relying solely on Noise at Work Regulations as a legal defence
- Potential role of insurers in driving improved hearing health practices
The concept of influencing insurers to mandate improved monitoring and exposure tracking was discussed as a possible catalyst for sector‑wide change.
Members provided extensive feedback, highlighting:
- Complexity and current gaps in evidence
- Challenges around recreational exposure attribution
- Importance of proportionate, legally robust approaches
Members were invited to review and comment on the one‑page summary document, which will be shared via UKHCA channels.
- Formal AGM Proceedings
5.1 Confirmation of Notice and Quorum
- Notice of AGM issued 20 March 2026 (compliant with Articles)
- Quorum confirmed (15 members present)
5.2 Membership Update
- Membership numbers declined during the transition from Fitwise to BOHS administration
- Focus for 2026: rebuilding membership through outreach, events and partnerships
- Membership categories confirmed:
- Student: Free
- Individual: £50
- Organisation (2 contacts): £150
- Organisation (5 contacts): £200
5.3 Financial Report and Auditor Appointment
- Financial position reported as healthy
- Small surplus generated from conference activity
- BOHS administrative support currently provided pro bono
Resolution:
Edwin Smith reappointed as auditors
(Proposed and seconded – approved)
5.4 Appointment of Associate Directors
The Board proposed appointing three Associate Directors to strengthen leadership and sector reach for 2026:
- Gill Cussons
- Leah Philpott
- Sam Couth
Each appointment was proposed and seconded by members.
Resolution:
All appointments approved unanimously.
5.5 Conference and Awards
- UKHCA Conference confirmed for 3 November 2026, Manchester
- Proposal to introduce awards to recognise excellence and innovation
- Further details to be shared with members
- Any Other Business
No additional formal business raised.
- Date of Next AGM
15th April 2027
- Close
The Chair thanked all speakers, members and attendees. The meeting was closed.
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