Foxes Trust Reform - the final step

[Foxes Trust Reform]

5 hours ago, Globalfox said:

Cannot say I am surprised as technically Mr Bason did not breach the rules. I strongly encourage those standing to actively campaign that is perfectly allowable. Let’s ask the podcast for a right to rebuttal interviews. Post continuously on every  forum with the messages. Fight fire with fire you have a good message then you need to tell the story, retell the story until you swamp the voting. The largest growth of the trust since inception has been on the back of the reform call continue to press it home. In the home straight bring it on home.

For anyone who wants to view the episode and make their own determination on "Mr Bason did not breach the rules", these are the two rules we feel Ian Bason broke:

 

6.1. Campaigning under the auspices of the Society will be restricted to the statements submitted by the candidates and to any hustings organised by the Society.

 

6.6. During the election neither the IEM, EMG nor the Society Board may provide advice to voting members as to the suitability of any candidate nor issue any voting advice to members collectively. Individual Society Board members who indicate a preference in public must make it clear that they do not speak on behalf of the Society Board and express a purely personal opinion.

 

Questions you'd need to consider:

 

1) Did Ian Bason appear on the podcast as a representative of the Foxes Trust or did he appear as an individual? If as an individual, did he speak only about matters relating to things he'd know as an ordinary individual or did he speak with knowledge of a Trust board member?

 

2) Did Ian Bason provide advice or guidance on the suitability of the Foxes Trust Reform candidates? If he did this, did he explicitly state this was his personal opinion?

 

If you're not satisfied in answering either of these questions, Ian Bason broke the rules and should be disqualified from the election.

[SemperEadem]

4 hours ago, foxinsocks said:

We all watched the video.

 

As a board member, did mr bason comment on candidates in an election?

As a candidate did he knock his opponents ...aka campaigning under the auspicies of the "foxes trust interview"?

 

Yet presumably he could do it all again?

 

Everyone will make up their own minds and upon the credibility of this process.

 

To be effective we need a trust with a large membership... and that requires fans to believe the trust is worthwhile.

As soon as they said complaints had to go to Alan Digby it was pointless.

[Foxes Trust Reform]

38 minutes ago, Loxm said:

It has been interesting watching this unfold! 

 

I would say this.. Apologies if any of the other candidates feel like they are 'disadvantaged' by Mr Bason appearing on the channel, although there has been an open offer for a while now for any of them to come on. It's not down to me to determine whats right or wrong as I dont know the election rules, but i could also see why Ian would want to do the interview to maybe defend himself having been dragged through the mud a little bit online without the luxury or reponding and hiding behind a group like.. i dont know.. 'foxes trust remain'? haha you get what i mean..

 

My own PERSONAL view point on the "knocking of opponents".. I saw it as Mr Bason commenting on the Foxes Trust Reform as a group and he didn't talk about or name any individual candidates (one of which appear on our channel regularly). Of course it's not rocket science to put 2+2 together and figure out who those candidates are by looking at FTR X page or FoxesTalk Posts.

 

Interestingly though, reading the candidates election statements I actually didn't have a clue which 4 were FTR guys other than Steve because he's a friend. Maybe I am thick. Maybe it was the 300 word limit. 

 

Either way, good luck to all of those running for election! Hopefully in future more come on and give their views on the Trust and the club! The offer is still, and will remain on the table 

Here's the thing... he appeared on 11th December but the election candidates were only announced on 15th December. So he couldn't have named individual candidates. HOWEVER, the election period had already started so campaigning from that point was not allowed.

 

What he did was get ahead of the candidates being released in the following few days and smeared those from our campaign.

 

Foxes Trust Reform and our candidates are respecting the rules of the election which is why we are being considered with our comms and approach. If the Foxes Trust are saying that these rules don't apply, then we'll go wild, but we think for the integrity of the process the rules should be applied with consistency.

 

You have referenced us not appearing on your channel previously. Funnily enough, it was in January 2025 around the time of the previous election process and Trust AGM and guess what? We were being careful about following the rules and due process!

[Foxes Trust Reform]

5 minutes ago, SemperEadem said:

As soon as they said complaints had to go to Alan Digby it was pointless.

He's the next biggest problem that needs addressing on the Trust board (his term expires one year from now).

 

Ian Bason, Matt Davis, Steve Moulds and Alan Digby: they've all sat in senior positions within the Trust, overseeing it becoming the completely ineffective organisation it was before we gave it a new lease of life.

 

The key questions are these: having seen the momentum within the Trust over the last year, are they not ashamed of what they had let it become? And why are they now so desperate to still be on the board when there are others that can clearly give the Trust what it needs right now more than they can? If they believe they are the right people, what was stopping them before?

[Loxm]

10 minutes ago, Foxes Trust Reform said:

Here's the thing... he appeared on 11th December but the election candidates were only announced on 15th December. So he couldn't have named individual candidates. HOWEVER, the election period had already started so campaigning from that point was not allowed.

 

What he did was get ahead of the candidates being released in the following few days and smeared those from our campaign.

 

Foxes Trust Reform and our candidates are respecting the rules of the election which is why we are being considered with our comms and approach. If the Foxes Trust are saying that these rules don't apply, then we'll go wild, but we think for the integrity of the process the rules should be applied with consistency.

 

You have referenced us not appearing on your channel previously. Funnily enough, it was in January 2025 around the time of the previous election process and Trust AGM and guess what? We were being careful about following the rules and due process!

Hey, I'm not against you. Just looking at it from a balanced point of view! Can see why you an other candidates might feel aggrieved. Although when you say you are being considered with your comms approach, I wouldnt have thought sharing a photoshopped image of Bason shaking Herlihy's hand as such!

Again, the offer is still there for when the election period ends and if you/others want to have a chat about everything 

[Foxes Trust Reform]

1 minute ago, Loxm said:

Hey, I'm not against you. Just looking at it from a balanced point of view! Can see why you an other candidates might feel aggrieved. Although when you say you are being considered with your comms approach, I wouldnt have thought sharing a photoshopped image of Bason shaking Herlihy's hand as such!

Again, the offer is still there for when the election period ends and if you/others want to have a chat about everything 

And, as you know, we're not against you and your channel.

 

But we do come across a lot of posts where people state an opinion but haven't taken the time to understand the Election Rules/Election Process. We're not arguing this case on our opinion of Ian Bason, we're arguing it on a fair and consistent application of the rules.

 

Yes, we retweeted a satirical Tweet. But maybe we have a good insight into the relationship between Ian Bason and Anthony Herlihy and that Tweet got pretty close to the truth...

[Loxm]

4 minutes ago, Foxes Trust Reform said:

And, as you know, we're not against you and your channel.

 

But we do come across a lot of posts where people state an opinion but haven't taken the time to understand the Election Rules/Election Process. We're not arguing this case on our opinion of Ian Bason, we're arguing it on a fair and consistent application of the rules.

 

Yes, we retweeted a satirical Tweet. But maybe we have a good insight into the relationship between Ian Bason and Anthony Herlihy and that Tweet got pretty close to the truth...

Yeah I know you're not against us. I do look forwards to speaking with you on the channel once the election period is over! I was just chiming in with my own personal view on it all! 

 

Have a nice Christmas, and all the best in the election to all the candidates!  Cheers

[blabyboy]

7 hours ago, LC1884FC said:

Got a shirty response to my complaint about Ian Bason's appearance on the podcast from the "election board".

 

They also CC'd everyone that had complained in the same email which is clearly a GDPR breach. Complete amateurs.

If you have made them aware of that fact then they should have reported it already. See: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-for-small-organisations/personal-data-breaches/72-hours-how-to-respond-to-a-personal-data-breach/#:~:text=If the breach is reportable%2C you can report it online.&text=If you're unsure if,line on 0303 123 1113.

I haven't seen it listed on the ICO site at present. They have breached and whoever is responsible for governance should be making the report. Having checked the FT site, the closest might be A. Digby who is head of Finance and Operations.

[blabyboy]

5 hours ago, Sol thewall Bamba said:

I've also seen the reply. Tried to infer how the nature of the response could indicate how the vote was going. The whole thing had obviously got under Alan Digby's skin, and he signed off "there will be no further correspondence on this matter". Maybe he's rattled, who knows.

Technically, whilst Mr Digby may state that the discussion has ended between you and him, there is nothing stopping us all contacting other members of the board to raise the concern with Mr Digby directly and then feeding back, similar to how you might engage with an MP as a third man when raising concerns with government.

 

It would be very questionable judgement for a Board member to not respond to any valid query from another board member.

[blabyboy]

5 hours ago, foxinsocks said:

I would be very concerned if digby had access to the ongoing voting.... anyone know of he does?

Relax. https://electionbuddy.com/pricing/

Scroll down, there is an independent auditor of the elections and you can challenge the result and see the split as needed...if anything, FT could be doing more by showing live results, but I guess they want a big reveal for the AGM.

 

The only thing to check for now would be if any Weighted vote invites have been sent. I very much doubt it, but sometimes "Trust, but verify" is an appropriate mantra here.

[blabyboy]

As a FT member, could any of the board on here provide some information to the following queries please.

 

1. The latest accounts published on the FT site are y/e Aug 2024. Why haven't the latest for 2025 been published? If you scroll down on this page (https://foxestrust.co.uk/documents) to the Latest set of published accounts link, it should be for 2025 should it not?

 

2. On the same page (https://foxestrust.co.uk/documents) there is a link to the document for Standing Orders for general meetings v2021. It mentions that mover of a motion can be presented at a meeting. Can you please tell me if motions can be presented at that meeting in-situ, or if the motion has to be submitted prior to the meeting ( possibly so that it can added as an agenda item for the Chair?). If it has to be presented prior, how long beforehand must that be and to whom?

 

Thanks for your efforts in providing any information.

[CockneyFox]

50 minutes ago, blabyboy said:

If you have made them aware of that fact then they should have reported it already. See: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-for-small-organisations/personal-data-breaches/72-hours-how-to-respond-to-a-personal-data-breach/#:~:text=If the breach is reportable%2C you can report it online.&text=If you're unsure if,line on 0303 123 1113.

I haven't seen it listed on the ICO site at present. They have breached and whoever is responsible for governance should be making the report. Having checked the FT site, the closest might be A. Digby who is head of Finance and Operations.

It's a breach of GDPR but it's also a very minor one - the impact of sharing personal email addresses alone is low and the ICO wouldn't care less.

 

Best practice would be for Digby to email everyone involved apologising for the mistake and requesting them delete the original email, but given the tone of that email to what were valid concerns, I'm not going to hold my breath...

[blabyboy]

18 minutes ago, CockneyFox said:

It's a breach of GDPR but it's also a very minor one - the impact of sharing personal email addresses alone is low and the ICO wouldn't care less.

 

Best practice would be for Digby to email everyone involved apologising for the mistake and requesting them delete the original email, but given the tone of that email to what were valid concerns, I'm not going to hold my breath...

I agree it is minor, but every breach must be reported so that the ICO can keep an audit against an organisation. If it keeps happening, they can then suggest amendments to training and practices.

Edited 24 December 2025 by blabyboy

[foxinsocks]

22 minutes ago, blabyboy said:

I agree it is minor, but every breach must be reported so that the ICO can keep an audit against an organisation. If it keeps happening, they can then suggest amendments to training and practices.

Out of interest... do i breach it everytime i cc someone to a new contact?

[blabyboy]

56 minutes ago, foxinsocks said:

Out of interest... do i breach it everytime i cc someone to a new contact?

That would depend on the context.

[Philkeavo]

Just read the candidate summaries and voted for change. I was particularly disappointed by Ian Bason’s annodyne ‘don’t rock the boat’ bs. The boats sinking Ian, the club is in crisis. New Leadership absolutely required.

[foxinsocks]

As a dirctor ian bason should not be commenting on the views of any candidates... 

As a candidate he should not campaign under the auspicies of the trust such as apprearing on a podcast episode called the foxes trust interview and warning against voting for reform candidates...

 

Whatever,  this whole thing isnt surprising.... is it?

 

Forsure its time for a change.  The tactics of the old guard have failed.  Anthony seems to control everything.  The club needs feedback and challenge...  kowtowing has allowed Top to carry on relying on  poor advisors (asuming he is taking the advice). 

 

To attract a big membership and to be relevant the trust has to be more than a group of sycophants.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 28 December 2025 by foxinsocks

[ramboacdc]

On 24/12/2025 at 15:31, SemperEadem said:

As soon as they said complaints had to go to Alan Digby it was pointless.

 

On 24/12/2025 at 15:41, Foxes Trust Reform said:

He's the next biggest problem that needs addressing on the Trust board (his term expires one year from now).

 

Ian Bason, Matt Davis, Steve Moulds and Alan Digby: they've all sat in senior positions within the Trust, overseeing it becoming the completely ineffective organisation it was before we gave it a new lease of life.

 

The key questions are these: having seen the momentum within the Trust over the last year, are they not ashamed of what they had let it become? And why are they now so desperate to still be on the board when there are others that can clearly give the Trust what it needs right now more than they can? If they believe they are the right people, what was stopping them before?

 

Will never forget his little grin and head wobbles as anyone said anything Ian was shutting down because them 2 didnt like it. 

 

If Ian is out and all 3 FTR's get in, he needs looking at being put in a role better suited for him. Anything facing the human race he seems to struggle with. 

[The Year Of The Fox]

What a mess this all is too

[1972 Fox]

Is there a date for the AGM?

 

Also when will the results for the elected candidates be known?

[Foxes Trust Reform]

On 30/12/2025 at 15:13, 1972 Fox said:

Is there a date for the AGM?

 

Also when will the results for the elected candidates be known?

The results will be announced at the AGM on Monday 26th January. The election voting closes at 5pm on Friday 16th January so anyone who has not already voted please do so now!

[Foxes Trust Reform]

We've shared a few details on why we're supporting Chris Rice, Jack Munton, Andrew Smith and Steve Potter in the upcoming Trust elections on our Foxes Trust Reform Twitter/X account here.

 

The Foxes Trust Reform mailing list received an update communication today as well - check your spam/junk folder if you have not yet seen it.

[Paninistickers]

End of January might work nicely timewise to ramp up pressure on the club. 

 

The current Trust regime would take weeks working on the wording of a.members'  survey, then months to evaluate the results, then need an EGM to write carefully worded polite letter to the club that's binned inside 3 milliseconds. 

 

A new, muscular,. conscientious,.media savvy and proactive Trust will embarrass  the club into action and accountability

 

[ramboacdc]

10 days left to vote. Bumping just in case anyone has missed this who wants to vote. 

[Foxes Trust Reform]

On 02/01/2026 at 16:41, Paninistickers said:

End of January might work nicely timewise to ramp up pressure on the club. 

 

The current Trust regime would take weeks working on the wording of a.members'  survey, then months to evaluate the results, then need an EGM to write carefully worded polite letter to the club that's binned inside 3 milliseconds. 

 

A new, muscular,. conscientious,.media savvy and proactive Trust will embarrass  the club into action and accountability

 

Wonder how many of the existing Trust board were supportive of the boycott last night?