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CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2001
There have been two significant milestones in the Neurological Foundation's activities this year. Firstly, our expenditure on research has been higher than in any of the previous 30 years of our existence and we have set our highest budget for new research.
Secondly, we have completed a review of the Foundation's research policy and programme.
Each year the Executive Committee reviews projected income and expenditure proposals in October and recommends a budget to the Council. At its December meeting, the Council then confirms the budget for all of the Foundation's activities for the following year.
The budget for research is then balanced against the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee for new research in the ensuing year. The money actually spent on research in any particular year reflects decisions made by the SAC in previous years. So expenditure in the period on which I am reporting, that is 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 was $800,000 and the budget for new projects, that is for the year starting 1 April 2002 is $1 million. Both of these figures set records for the Foundation.
The new budget is entirely the result of the generous support of New Zealanders who want to see the outcome for people affected by neurological disorders changed. It's a simple equation really; a better outcome will only come from finding out what causes these disorders and then how to prevent or treat them. That requires research and research requires funds. The people of New Zealand have responded to this challenge and this million-dollar budget is the result. |
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John Burton (Chairman-Neurological Foundation National Council) |
The expenditure figure is based on the budget of a year or two earlier of course, reflecting the fact that research takes place over time and that grant money is often not spent in the actual year the grant is awarded. Expenditure has always been a little below the budget figure reflecting the Foundation's determination to spend its funds wisely. We take a conservative approach which is only right and proper. All our funds come from our supporters, the people of New Zealand, who want an outcome based on our mission:
"To alleviate suffering from diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system through research and education".
The task of the Council and officers of the Foundation is to ensure that that mission is achieved with efficiency and economy. To this end, both the budget and, later, the expenditure are scrutinized very carefully.
Controlling the budget is a vital activity of any organisation. However, we need from time to time to look at our policies. It was with this end in mind that we decided, last year, to review our research policy and programmes. We were fortunate to secure the services of Professor John Gavin, an eminent New Zealand pathologist and scientist, to examine all aspects of the Foundation's research earlier this year. Professor Gavin canvassed widely and received submissions from many individuals and organisations. His report has been circulated and will be considered by the Council at its December meeting. I am pleased to tell you that the review report comments favourably on both our policy and our programme and, while Professor Gavin has recommended a number of steps that we should consider, he has not suggested any major change.
This has been an important exercise for the Foundation. You may recall we reviewed our "Vision and Values" a couple of years ago. Now with Professor Gavin's report, I can state with assurance that that the Foundation is on the right track. However, we should never be complacent and I propose to recommend to the Council that this sort of review, using external assistance where appropriate, should be undertaken at regular intervals.
The Financial Report, published elsewhere in Headlines, contains details of the Foundation's financial position. Earlier I referred to the source of the Foundation's funds - they all come from the community as donations and bequests - and I am pleased to report that our income has continued at a satisfactory level again this year. Indeed the increased expenditure and research budget I mentioned earlier are a direct result of the community's support. This is very pleasing - we are totally dependent on public generosity and we receive no Government funding. The Government, of course, has its own research organization, the Health Research Council. The Neurological Foundation is able to operate as it does, as a specialist neurological research organization, because it is independent. Our task is to achieve the outcome sought by our members and supporters; to alleviate suffering from disorders of the nervous system through research and education. With resources donated by members and supporters, the Foundation is able to do just that.
This satisfactory outcome is the result of the efforts of a large number of people. It starts with our members and supporters, of course, and I am most grateful to all of you. To my Council colleagues; to members of the Scientific Advisory Committee; to volunteers who work both in the Divisions throughout New Zealand and at the National Office; to the staff of the National Office and also to our Community Liaison Officers, I express my appreciation. You are all vital components in this endeavour to search for the causes of neurological disorders and look for ways to alleviate the suffering that results from them. Thank you all.
John Burton
Chairman
National Council
Postscript: As a result of a substantial bequest received late in 2001, Mr Burton was able to recommend to the Council a revised research budget of $1 million for the coming year.
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2008
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Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2006
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2005
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2004
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2003
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2002
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