12. Memorandum submitted by Seren Group
Ltd
I have read with interest the draft Corporate
Manslaughter Bill.
I query whether the document is sufficiently
clear in the case of Housing Associations (commonly Industrial
and Provident Societies), which have volunteer boards. I am sure
that these Boards will be very interested in this legislation.
I guess a similar problem would exist with Governing bodies at
schools or any other arena where volunteers act at governing body
level with the best intentions, but are predominantly influenced
by a professional staff.
The size of Housing Associations varies enormously,
but all have a volunteer board. While not wishing to absolve such
a Board from their Health and Safety responsibilities, I would
not wish this legislation to cause a recruitment crisis.
In most cases, Associations have a significant
executive that I would consider to be the senior management referred
to in the document, but this is not the case.
More questions than answers, but I feel that
there are a significant number of incorporated bodies with volunteer
boards who would aim to seek clear guidance on this issue. Naturally,
it would be useful if this guidance could form part of the legislation.
6 May 2005
| 
