The Gresham (City Side) Committee was scheduled to meet on Friday 23 May 2025 to discuss a range of matters related to the Sir Thomas Gresham Charities, Gresham College, and the Gresham Almshouses. The meeting included both public and non-public agenda items, with the latter addressing issues considered not in the best interest of the charity to disclose publicly. Key items for discussion included the election of a chair and deputy chair, appointments to the Gresham College Council and Gresham Working Party, and a risk management update for the Sir Thomas Gresham Charities.

Election of Chair and Deputy Chair

The agenda included the election of a Chair and Deputy Chair for the committee. The election of the chair was to be conducted in accordance with Standing Order 28, and the election of the Deputy Chair in accordance with Standing Order 29.

Gresham College Council and Gresham Working Party Appointments

The committee was scheduled to discuss appointments to the Gresham College Council and the Gresham Working Party. According to the report pack, the committee is responsible for:

the appointment, from the membership of the Court of Common Council, of one representative to attend General Meetings of the Council of Gresham College and up to four Directors to serve on the Council of Gresham College.

Risk Management Update: Sir Thomas Gresham Charities

A report from the Town Clerk, the Chamberlain, the Executive Director of Community & Children’s Services, and the City Surveyor regarding a risk management update for the Sir Thomas Gresham Charities (registered charity number: 221982) was scheduled to be discussed.

Gresham Almshouses

The committee was scheduled to receive updates on the Gresham Almshouses¹, including a general update report from the Executive Director of Community & Children’s Services, and a progress report on works being done to the almshouses.

Other Business

The agenda also included several routine items, such as:

• receiving the Order of the Court of Common Council dated 25 April 2025, which appointed the committee and approved its terms of reference.
• approving the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 14 February 2025.
• a report of action taken by the Town Clerk.
• considering joint Gresham Committee matters related to the City Side.
• reviewing the revenue outturn for 2024-25, presented by the Chamberlain and the Executive Director of Community & Children’s Services.
• addressing questions from members on matters relating to the work of the committee.
• addressing any other business that the Chair considers to be urgent.

Additionally, the committee was expected to pass a motion to exclude the public from the meeting for certain items of business, as they related to functions of the Court of Common Council not subject to the provisions of Part VA and Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and because it was considered that it would not be in the best interests of the charity to disclose these items in a public meeting.