About SSSi
PRACTICAL ISSUES RE THE SPLIT OF SSSI FROM SLEF
Due to the problems with obtaining any insurance at all for SLEF whilst it was undertaking any marine work, it was proposed that SSSi would split from SLEF, with SLEF then ceasing to undertake any practical marine activities. This was formally agreed by Trustees on 20th June 2023.
This document sets out to formalise the governance issues relating to the split:
1. Activities/Responsibilities
In order not to invalidate the insurance of SLEF, any practical marine work, including survey work and beach cleaning, will now only be carried out by SSSi (subject to resources etc. and limitations due to its inability to obtain insurance).
This does not preclude SLEF from any campaigning/education/administration etc. relating to the marine environment.
2. Finances
As at 20th June 2023, the funds held in the SLEF bank totalled £9,643.53. This included £4,096.72 allocated in the accounts to SSSi for use in marine surveying.
In addition, £2,643.03 was held in the SLEF bank account in respect of the Robolimpets project, to fund the remaining project costs. Undertaking this project involves physically accessing the tidal zone of the shore and cannot therefore be undertaken by SLEF.
Proposals :
a) That £4,096.72 and £2,643.03 are given to SSSi, to be used specifically for marine survey work, as SSSi decide. This will include maintenance/replacement of the survey equipment which is now becoming quite old.
b) The money will continue to be held in the SLEF bank account for safe-keeping, and so the banking controls requiring 2 signatures to release the funds will continue to exist.
Should SSSi cease to exist, then any remaining funds will be paid back to SLEF, or transferred to another marine survey group, as appropriate. William Grant (the main donor) expressly requested that their donations were to be used for marine work.
3. Equipment
The following marine survey equipment was purchased through SLEF, with donated funds:
a. ROV and associated equipment
b. 2 GoPro drop down kits
c. Bathyscope
d. Pontoon for the survey boat
e. Gramper GPS unit
Proposals :
a) As the equipment was obtained via grants obtained through SLEF, the survey equipment at the date of the split will continue to be owned by SLEF, but on permanent loan to SSSi.
b) SSSi will not be liable for any loss/damage to the equipment that may occur, but will maintain the equipment to the best of their ability/funding, using the funds set out in 2).
c) Should SSSi cease to carry out marine surveying, any remaining equipment will be returned to SLEF to deal with as they see fit. William Grant (the main donor) expressly requested that their donations were to be used for marine work.
e) The Gramper Unit is on permanent loan to 2 Skye divers who are using it for survey work, and will remain with them.
