A Clarification by the Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network

Issued to all Group & County Controllers - 31st July 2008

The Network notes with disappointment the decision of the RSGB Board to terminate their agreement to the 2004 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a document which formed the basis of an understanding between the two organisations.

The Network is also disappointed by the manner in which the RSGB Board withdrew from the MoU. The terms of the MoU required that if either organisation wished to end the agreement 90 days notice would be required. No such notice was received by the Network from the RSGB. The intention of the notice period was to indicate that one of the parties had serious concerns about the workings of the MoU. In some circumstances this would allow negotiations to take place with a view to re-drafting either part or all of the MoU. By unilaterally withdrawing from the MoU the RSGB has chosen not to take up this option. The Network is, however, pleased that the RSGB has stated that it looks to the eventual unity of RAYNET under the direction of the Network.

In the news item published in its members area on 29th July 2008, the RSGB made several statements which require clarification.

The RSGB Board at its meeting on 12th July 2008 decided to withdraw from the MoU. This action was taken without reference to the Network. The MoU represented an understanding between the two organisations; the wording of the MoU was negotiated over a significant period prior to its signing in 2004. The position statement adopted by the board, without consultation with the Network, will have significantly less weight than a MoU. Being a unilateral document the position statement can perhaps only have significance for those RAYNET groups affiliated to the RSGB.

The Network rejects any suggestion that it breached the requirements of the MoU, which in the Network's view, formed a good basis to describe the relationship between the Network and other organisations operating in the voluntary emergency communications field.

With regard to the RAYNET Manual and the production of membership cards for RSGB RAYNET members by the Network, it was felt that given the actions of the RSGB Board further co-operation on these matters would be inappropriate. It should be noted that these projects were initiated by the Network several years ago.

The matters of common insurance arrangements were first raised by the RSGB at the meeting held between the organisations on 24th July 2008. The Network indicated that as the two organisations have different insurable interests a common insurance arrangement would not be possible. This was accepted by the RSGB during the meeting.

In March 2008 the RSGB issued a circular and questionnaire to affiliated clubs and societies. The Network had the benefit of seeing a pre issue draft of the documents. The Network requested that the documents should not be circulated until there had been an opportunity to discuss the implications for RAYNET with the RSGB. This would have been entirely in line with the requirements of the MoU. The RSGB chose not to agree to the Network's request.

The Network has not used the term "Larger Market Force" as shown in the RSGB news document. The term "RAYNET Market Share" was used during the meeting between the Network and the RSGB on 24th July 2008. The term was used to describe the relative number of members of RAYNET affiliated to the Network (approx 65%), the RSGB (approx 28%) and the independent groups. The figures were based on data drawn from RSGB yearbooks.

The Network recognises that informal contact with the RSGB is likely to be appropriate. Given the stance taken by the RSGB in its position statement, it is not yet clear what benefits RAYNET members would gain from regular formal meetings between the Network and the RSGB. If at some stage the informal contacts are seen to be helpful, then the position regarding formal meetings can be reviewed.

The Network will continue to lead RAYNET in supporting groups by:

• Operating the national RAYNET call-out scheme, and will call out any group regardless of affiliation.
• Make available the Network internet forums for the discussion of RAYNET topics by individuals who are members of groups of any affiliation,
• Accepting and publishing entries in the National RAYNET Diary of Events from non-Network groups
• Make available supplies of RAYNET related items to non Network members (albeit at a non-discounted rate)
• Organise regular RAYNET meetings based on Government Regions at which non-Network members will be invited and may participate (although they may be excluded form some parts of the meeting e.g. in Network elections)
• Liaise with User Services at a national level for the for the benefit of all RAYNET members irrespective of affiliation.

The Network's primary aim is the provision of Voluntary Emergency Communications.

The Network will continue to lead RAYNET for all UK radio amateurs involved with the provision of Voluntary Emergency Communications.

 

Cathy Clark - Chairman
Phil Williams - Deputy Chairman
31st July 2008