Claire wrote:Whilst the Almoners are rather too secretive, is this suprising given the backlash that seems to accompany any decision that they make, not least of all on this site?
Could anyone here do any better?
And if so why sit back and comment only from the safety of your armchair?
How many people on here actually contribute actively to the school? Not just financially but also in terms of time and expertise?
What people seem to be suggesting on here is that they should be accountable to Old Blues as well. Not something that I really agree with as, fond memories of the place aside, I have little understanding of the current issues that the school faces, and I only left 3 years ago.
Claire, I don't think it's relevant whether or not anyone here could 'do any better'. Everyone has opinions about many subjects in which they are not 'expert'. For example, I'm sure a lot of us have opinions about Tony Blair, but this does not mean that we all feel we could be Prime Minister. We still have a right to express those opinions.
Also, through the discussions here I now feel that I have a better understanding of the current issues facing the school than at any time since I left (24 years before you!).
Re. contributing to the school, if you read some older threads you will see that many Old Blues would be willing to give their time and expertise, but have found that it is not always easy to find practical ways in which to do so.
Lastly, the Almoners are not, of course, directly accountable to Old Blues in the traditional sense. However, given the extent to which the Foundation has historically relied on financial support from Old Blues it is very desirable that we be kept informed about the school's affairs. After all, if someone is planning to make a donation or leave a sizeable legacy the least they should expect is that their gift would be used in an appropriate manner, and it would seem that the ultimate responsibility for this rests with the Almoners.
For this reason, people have a right to expect a little more accountability and transparency.
Ba.A / Mid. B 1972 - 1978
Thee's got'n where thee cassn't back'n, hassn't?