The Swiss Benevolent Society (SBS) gathered its members for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 1, 2024, at the Swiss Embassy in London. The evening was a delightful blend of interactive community engagement with the SBS Team addressing the year prior’s annual reports, in addition to reflection, discussion, voting, and forward-looking dialogues.

The AGM was chaired by Suzanne Egloff, who opened the meeting with a warm welcome to all attendees. In her opening remarks, Suzanne highlighted the importance of community and collaboration within the Swiss community in the UK. She also welcomed several representatives from other Swiss Societies, including the new Minister of the Swiss Church London, Manuel Zimmerman Grey, President of the Consistoire, Daniel Everett, Loredana Guetg-Wyatt, President of FOSSUK, and Leonore Lavorel, President of the New Helvetic Society. As well, she extended appreciation to our hosts, our SBS Board Representatives from the Swiss Embassy, Consul General Thomas Wagner and Consul Laurent Vuillemez who is Head of Chancery. Their presence underscored the growing spirit of collaboration within the Swiss community, which ultimately translates to better service for Swiss nationals residing in the UK.

Suzanne reiterated the SBS’s commitment to providing invaluable assistance to Swiss citizens and its proactive approach to addressing the growing needs of the community.

The Key Highlights 2024

Key highlights from the meeting aimed at enhancing transparency of SBS activities reported, followed by discussion amongst the Members – SBS team included:

• Financial Stability and Growth: The Treasurer, Federico Sassoli de Bianchi, reported a positive financial performance, driven by increased investment values and decreased expenditure. In 2023, the organization achieved a net movement of funds totalling £47,401, reversing the previous year’s deficit. The investment portfolio delivered a positive return of +7.49%.This strong financial performance is a testament to the SBS’s prudent financial management and strategic investment decisions.

• Expanded Welfare Services: The Welfare Office successfully managed a balanced caseload of 56 cases in 2023, delivering comprehensive support to Swiss residents in the UK. The office provided guidance, financial aid, administrative assistance, and wellbeing support to clients in need. In terms of financial assistance, the SBS provided regular aid to 26 cases, including one-off grants and educational grants. To address the 10% rise in living costs in 2023, regular financial aid was increased by 32% to £100 every four weeks. One notable success of the Welfare Office was the implementation of a new wellbeing coaching approach, which provided valuable support to clients facing challenges.

• Strategic Planning: The SBS is actively working on a new membership program and developing partnerships to enhance its support and wellbeing activities. The organization aims to increase outreach to students, particularly in light of the new Pilot Programme Educational Grant stimulated by the significant increase in educational costs Swiss post Brexit.  Partnerships with other Swiss organizations are planned to offer more community events and wellbeing support activities. Additionally, the SBS aims to offer wellbeing coaching to clients and is actively recruiting a Welfare Office professional with a counselling licence to expand its social care support services.

During the open discussion, several questions were raised and responded to by the SBS team. These will be further elaborated on in the minutes.

A Vote of Thanks

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of the SBS over the past year. Special thanks were extended to Federico Sassoli de Bianchi, and Marc Peter for their dedication and leadership as Trustees. Nadine Hoffzimmer, in the Welfare Office, was recognised for her compassionate care towards clients, meticulous attention to detail in her role as company secretary and in handling administrative tasks, as well as her proactive initiative to enhance her skills to Wellbeing Coach to better assist clients. Suzanne also highlighted the support of SBS advisors, Elsbeth Baxter and Emmanuel Robert, for their invaluable guidance. Furthermore, she acknowledged the continued support of the Swiss Embassy in the UK, which has been instrumental in the success of SBS events and charitable aid initiatives.

One of the most touching moments of the evening was the recognition of Margrit Lyster, SBS’s former Welfare Officer and a long-standing member and supporter of the SBS. Margrit’s continued dedication and commitment to the organization were acknowledged with a heartfelt vote of thanks and a beautiful flower bouquet.

As the AGM concluded, it was clear that the SBS is in a strong position to continue its mission of providing invaluable assistance to Swiss citizens in the UK. With a dedicated team, a solid financial foundation, and a commitment to community engagement, the SBS is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of its members and contribute to the vibrant Swiss community in London.