I do worry about the amount of hidden subsidy in ICOM and indeed similar organisations.  Having Chairman, Secretaries etc. for both ICOM and the International Committees is not an optional luxury, if nobody was prepared to stand then the organisations would cease to function.

In UK based voluntary (not-for-profit) organisations with which I am involved we always reimburse essential telephone, postage and travel costs to business meetings for those who hold possitions on the managing committees.    Although some people are able and happy to cover these costs themselves I always like to see this done via the accounts (as expenditure and a donation of equal value).  This means that if someone who can't afford to cover their expenses takes over the amount of donations falls rather than the costs of running the organisation rising.

As far as ICOM is concerned I would like to be able to see the true costs of running the organiasation.  This would also show how much is donated in kind to ICOM by committed organisations and individuals.  That is effectively how much my membership fee is subsidised by others.

Trevor Reynolds
English Heritage

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