Governors' and managing committee records

The governors of the Wilberforce Memorial originally consisted of all donors and annual subscribers of a certain amount and over, that amount being reviewed over the years. In 1874 it was £10 and £1 respectively [see WM/1/4/1/4].
The governors held an annual meeting, usually in March or April each year and special meetings when called for by at least ten of the governors [WM/2/5/5/4]. They were responsible for electing the members of the managing committee at their annual meetings. The managing committee was in charge of the management of the Yorkshire School for the Blind and, at a later date, the Wilberforce Home for the Multiple-Handicapped Blind. The committee consisted of the president, vice-presidents and not less than fifteen governors. The first president of the managing committee was Earl Fitzwilliam, one of the founding members of the Wilberforce Memorial. He was succeeded in 1857 by his son, and in 1902 by his grandson.
The managing committee met monthly, the first meeting taking place on 11 August 1834. Special meetings of the managing committee could be called if five or more members desired it. The committee could appoint a chairman, honorary treasurer and trustees. They had the power to set the rules of the institution, admit and expel pupils, and employ and discharge all staff and pay their salaries and wages. They also dealt with investments, funds and other sources of income [see WM/2/5/5/4]. The Managing Committee became known as the Board of Trustees from September 1993 onwards.
The governors' and managing committee records consist of minutes (together with an index), agendas and annual reports.

Published