## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** ## **Annual General Meeting of the British Society for Medical Mycology** ## **Monday 10[th] June 2024 17:30 – 18:30** ## **Leonardo Hotel, Cardiff** - **1)** Apologies for absence _Treasurer: Lily Novak-Fraser (LNF) Executive members: Ali Abdolrasouli (AR), Alyssa Husdon (AH, Clinical junior rep), Mark Fraser (MF)_ _Members: Neil Gow (NG, former President), Caroline Moore (CM, former Treasurer), Gordon Ramage (GR), Silke Schelenz (SS), Derek Sullivan (DS), Ruth Ashbee (RA)_ _Present in the room: President Malcolm Richardson (MR) General secretary Margherita Bertuzzi (MB) Meeting secretary Dora Corzo Leon (DCL) Junior Rep Norman van Rhijn (NvR) Local meeting organiser Lewis White (LW) Executive members: Rebecca Gorton (RG), Elena Roselletti (ER), Lottie Brown (LB), David, Chandler (DC) Members: Richard Barton (RB), Rosemary Barnes (RB), Julian Naglik (JN), Steve Bates (SB)_ - **2)** Minutes from Annual General Meeting held September 4[th] September, Manchester _Minutes seconded by RG and JN_ - **3)** Executive committee elections (MB) a) Upcoming posts for exective i) General Executive member posts – due to renew September 2024 _MB mentioned forms for the nomination of new General Executive members will be circulated and asked all the attendees to get in touch if interested or to let know to other people that might be interested._ _**ACTION FOR MB:** circulate nominations for the society_ ## **4)** President’s report (MR) _MR started by thanking the local organisers of the meeting and the BSMM Executive committee members for their service to the society._ _MR discussed the status of the society and overall representation in larger societies, for example the Neil Gow (NG), previous president of the BSMM is currently the new president of the European Federation of Medical Mycology, where he rapresents also_ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _the BSMM. It was raised previously that this might be a conflict of interest; but there it was not in our capacity to change that with the European Federation of Medical Mycology. MR noted this might change now that NG is president. LW and RG rapresents the BSMM for the UK HSA Standards in microbiological investigations (SMI, diagnostic standards for the UK) and MR thanked them for it. MR mentioned we are also represented on the Royal College of Pathologists by SS but she hasn’t been able to attend any of their meetings in a long time to MR is going to approach SS to ask whether she still would like to cover that role or step down. MR asked for views of this and RG responded she thinks that AH, clinical junior rep, could support SS in this. Other rapresentations include Healthcare Infection Society guideline writing group of the hospital acquired infections primarily aspergillosis and a number of people in the room (LW) are contributing to the global Candida guideline – LW confirmed these are nearly ready and the ECMM guidelines. We were asked if as a society if we would endorse the Candida guidelines and MR confirmed that we will endorse and we will do the same with the Aspergillosis guidelines – MR also indicated he is on supporting the British Association of Dermatologists with the revision of the onycomicosis guidelines._ ## _**ACTION FOR MR** : contact SS about her representation of the Royal College of Pathologists._ _MR continued stating we have supported various conferences, i.e. the symposium on NGS at the FIS meeting, the British Society for Immunology congress, which was held in Belfast, the Human Fungal Pathogen conference in Nice. MR stated we have got 2,130 followers on X. MR uptated on the working groups, commenting on the impact these guidelines have had. Reports from SS and RA, leading the two working groups have been circulated._ - **5)** Scientific meetings a) Feedback on Mycology 2024 Cardiff (LW and DCL) Feedback received from the meeting so far was very positive (stated by DCL and MB) but a request for feedback will be circulated. ## b) BSMM 2025 September Norwich (DCL) _DCL reported Stefan Bidula will be the local organiser for 2025 and this will be advertised at the end of the Cardiff meeting. The meeting will be held in September, before the start of the academic year. DCL comminucated the decision of the Exec to move the annual meeting to September and keep this constant to help people planning, while not overlapping with other meetings. MF flagged that it would be important to have this before the academic year starts, but after the end of the summer holiday. Timing will also affect the possibility of utilising university accommodation instead, which would be a huge saving in terms of budget (normally about 45K recently due the inflation, as opposed to 30-40K the past years)._ ## **6)** Treasurer’s report (MB on behalf of LNF) _Below see notes and slides provided by LNF and read on the day by MB_ _Treasurer’s report for financial year ended 31st August 2023_ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _Slide 1 - Page 1, title of the presentation, move to slide 2 to start presentation._ _Slide 2 – Page 1 of Accounts These are the financial statements for the British Society for Medical Mycology for the year ending 31st August 2023. This is the third set of accounts after converting our Society to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and therefore consists of a full 12 months’ worth of accounts._ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _Slide 3 – Page 2 of Accounts The Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the British Society for Medical Mycology is on the second page. This report concludes that accounting records are in accordance with accounts regulations, and that no unusual items or disclosures in the accounts seeking explanation came to the examiner’s attention. These accounts have also been submitted to the Scottish and English/Welsh Charity commissions in accordance with the regulations governing charities in the UK._ _Slide 4 – Page 3 of Accounts The statement of financial activities is broken down in the seven-page report, which has also been sent out to our membership. Page 3 of the accounts is a summary of the society’s income and expenditure from 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023, and page 4 shows the balance sheet as at 31st_ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _August 2023. The details of this income and expenditure are found in the numbered Notes on pages 5-7 of the accounts. Where available, the figures for 2022 are shown on the far right for comparison. The figures shown in the accounts do not include VAT. The income for 2023 (page 3) consisted mainly of subscriptions amounting to £5,162 (£2,143 in 2021), which is a healthy increase on last year’s subscriptions. Although figure comparisons are outstanding at this time, the membership subscription payment rate has improved since 2022 with the introduction of a new payment platform accessed directly from the BSMM web site. We would urge all members to support your Society by visiting the web site to renew their membership in this manner if they have not done so already. This platform ensures payment of the correct amount (£30 for full member and £75 for 3- year student membership). In addition, one-time membership application or renewal ensures future membership payments are automated. Please note that there are some current members who still have a direct debit in place who have not transferred their method of membership payment to the new system. I urge that you do so as soon as possible and amend instructions on your bank account; please contact our Honorary Secretary or Honorary Treasurer if you need further instruction. My thanks to Margherita Bertuzzi and Norman van Rhijn who are key in maintaining membership and effective payment, respectively. The other stream of income is from annual meetings. Many thanks to the organisers, sponsors and participants of the Manchester 2023 meeting, which was very successful scientifically, and yielded a surplus of £7,866 (£22,761 in 2022). The surplus difference between 2022 and 2023 meetings is due to payment of 2022 meeting arrears in 2023 and sponsor payments that will be reflected in next year’s accounts. This is also reflected in the total income shown below. The BSMM did not co-host meetings with any other societies in this financial year. Therefore, total income of the BSMM for 2023 was £13,028 (£31,030 in 2022). Expenses of the Society are summarised on the lower half of page 3. Although there were no Glyn Evans Mycology awards taken up in 2023, the society increased its allocation of Travel Grants to £2687 (from £0 in 2022). The Society supported nine Travel Grants (worth £200 each) for the Exeter meeting in 2022, provided 3 meeting prizes (£300) and 3 Travel Grants for attendance of international meetings (£1500) in this financial period. The society offered another ten Travel Grants (worth £200 each, 5 of which were taken up) and provided 4 Poster/Talk prizes (£300 total) for the Manchester 2023 meeting; this uptake will be reflected in the next accounting period. It is the aim of this honorary treasurer to bring the accounting period back to reflect the calendar year if possible. Although submissions for access to travel grants has increased moderately over the last 2 years, we encourage our members, particularly student members, to apply for travel grants, especially the Glyn Evans Mycology award._ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _Slide 5 – Page 5 of Accounts The Management and Administration costs are detailed in Note 2 on page 5 of the accounts. These amounted to £2689 (£2644 in 2022), and comprised the annual Accounting Fees (£445, £455 in 2022), Banking Charges (£808, £338 in 2022), increased Executive Member Travel Costs (£600, £0 in 2022) and Website and Computer Expenses (£836, £485 in 2022) reflecting post-COVID increased activities and a move to update the BSMM web site further. No other expenses were incurred._ _Slide 6 – Back to Page 3 of Accounts Therefore, total expenses for the BSMM for 2023 amounted to £5376 (£3744 in 2022). The net incoming resources for 2023 were £7652 (£27,286 in 2022)._ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _Slide 7 – Page 4 of Accounts The balance sheet of the Society is shown on page 4 of the accounts and details the bank, PayPal and Stripe accounts held by the BSMM in 2023. The British Society for Medical Mycology finished 2023 with a net worth of £221,396 (£213,744 in 2022). I would like to thank Mr Keith Thomson of Gardner and Partners Accountants in Aberdeen, who has been a very supportive accountant for the BSMM over the last 18 years, and who has patiently continued to answer many questions in my second year as Honorary Treasurer._ _Slide 8 – “Behind the scenes” slide These financial statements suggest that in 2023 our Society returned to its previous activity levels and established a platform for expanding its supportive funding. The modernisation of the BSMM platforms has continued - we thank our Junior Representative, Normal van Rhijn, for continuing to make improvements to the digital systems used for membership and the web site. Over the last year, I have continued fulfilling the accounting requirements for the Society, including HMRC, VAT and Charity Commission requirements. The Society’s previous Honorary Treasurer, Caroline Moore, has continued to be a significant support in this process. Unfortunately, due to family illness, I have not made the banking strides promised at last AGM: there remains the urgent issue of securing a second (and possibly third) bank account to protect the Society’s funds under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and consider ethical investment opportunities to enable future proofing the Society’s plans. However, with the introduction of Stripe for membership and annual meeting registration payments, the risk has been mitigated to some extent. Our collaboration with the University of Exeter on the MSc in Medical Mycology has progressed significantly with the support of our members. As the course goes into its third year and based on a member poll, discussions are underway between the Society and the University of Exeter on how to progress this association further by supporting students directly via educational grants that will be administered by the University on our behalf. Our joint educational aims to further mycology training will hopefully also yield longer-term financial benefits to the Society._ Version No.: Registered Charity No: 1190926 Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _Slide 9 – Thank you slide Finally, I would like to thank Marghe sincerely for delivering this report on my behalf today. I would also like to say a huge thank you to all the Executive Committee members and meeting organisers that I have had the privilege of working with this last year. Your help and support have been invaluable. I look forward to the next 2 years in post and securing the Society’s financial status! Manchester, 10th June 2024 Margherita Bertuzzi on behalf of Lily Novak Frazer._ ## **7)** Secretary’s report (Margherita Bertuzzi) (5 min) a) Members update _MB reporter that we have got 127 registered pay members 39 with student status and 88 as standard members and that it is very important that we all move to the online registration system._ _**ACTION FOR MB:** send a reminder to the mailing list reminding to move to the online system, otherwise they will be eliminated from the mailing list. Send the form for registration to the 43 additional honorary and life members._ ## b) Update on travel grants _MBe reported that we have given out the 10 Grant travel grants since September 2023. These include 5 travel grounds to attend the BSMM conference and one Glynn Evans award._ - **8)** BSMM MSc/Diploma/ Certificate Course (Margherita Bertuzzi on behalf of Mark Ramsdale) (5 min) _Provided by SB_ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _SB took the chance of reminder the members present that they might receive a reminder to send in their recording and contributions if they haven’t already done so. MR asked if there is anything that the society could do to help advertising for the master and if there is any data on how the current students have been recruited. MR asked if there are leaflets that could be given to the Executive so that when they attend conferences they could distribute._ _**ACTION FOR MB:** follow up with MR and SB if there is any promotional material (leaflets/slides) which we could be distributing/putting on the website/advertise at conferences._ _SB asked clarifications about the decision of the BSMM to support the MSc in light on the support already given by UoE. MBe clarified that the monetary commitment will be the same as originally decided but we might spread across multiple students._ _**ACTION FOR LNF:** reprise the conversation with MR._ - **9)** Update on working groups (Malcolm Richardson on behalf of lead representative of each group) ## **BSMM diagnostic guideline working party report 5/6/24** The working party for the diagnostic guideline revision has started their work in December 2023. The group has been expanded on request of the BSMM president and is representing Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as reference laboratories and private labs with a total of 16 members. The focus remains on guiding best practice for laboratories as well as providing information for the clinical users on the utilisation of diagnostic tests for the management of serious fungal diseases. Since the last publication in 2015 the BSMM standards have formed the basis of the ECMM centre of excellence laboratory standards. It is an exciting opportunity to review new evidence to support our revised recommendations. We have already collated the majority of the new draft information and are aiming to have a final draft towards the end of the year. Working party chair: Silke Schelenz ## **Update of BSMM TDM Guidelines Report** ## **Composition of the working group:** - Dr Ruth Ashbee – Chair of WG - Dr Abhijit Bal - Consultant Microbiologist/Head of Service, Glasgow - Prof Andy Borman – Deputy Director, Mycology Reference Laboratory, UKHSA, Bristol - Dr Rebecca Gorton - Principal Clinical Scientist, HSL, London - Dr Haifa Lyster – Consultant Pharmacist, Harefield Hospital, London Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** - Dr Riina Richardson – Honorary Consultant Medical Mycologist & Senior Lecturer in Infectious Diseases, Manchester - Ms Kara Tedford - Senior Paediatric Antimicrobial Pharmacist, Crumlin, Ireland; Hon Senior Clinical Lecturer in Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland - Prof Adilia Warris - Co-Director, MRC Centre Exeter; Consultant Paediatric Infectious Disease Physician, Great Ormond Street, London - Prof Lewis White - Consultant Clinical Scientist, Head of Welsh Mycology Ref Lab ## **Progress to date** - The working group has been expanded to include members with expertise in paediatrics and also two pharmacists, one a paediatric pharmacist and the other with experience of use of antifungal in ECMO and ICU patients. The guidelines will include specific sections on paediatric TDM and special patients which will include those on ECMO, in ICU, and various other groups where antifungal pharmacokinetics may be altered. - The group has held 3 meetings with a 4[th] planned in Cardiff. During the meetings the draft structure of the new guidelines has been agreed and will use a similar approach to the previous guidelines, posing questions about each of the antifungals in relation to TDM. Material which remains unchanged from the previous guidelines will be summarised but not repeated. We have also obtained agreement from Peter Donnelly, editor of Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, that he is happy to consider the review once written. - The members of the group have been split into teams with each team allocated a specific section to draft. Once the sections have been written they will be blended and all members will comment on the whole manuscript - The literature reviews are being performed by a librarian from Manchester University and we are currently optimising the search strategy, looking at using either conventional search terms or AI generated responses to the questions to be posed in the guidelines. - Literature will be evaluated using Rayyan, software for systematic literature reviews, which enables working group members to collectively decide which articles to include or exclude. - It is hoped that the literature searches will be finished by the end of June and there will be a first draft of the manuscript ready by the end of 2024. Ruth Ashbee, June 2024 ## **New working groups** _MR mentioned having asked David Moyes about the progress of a possible NGS working group. LW confirmed he has also been involved in conversations with Mike Bromley and Darius Armstrong-James. David Moyes had reported that they “have started to make some progress recently, with Chrysi Segaki from MHRA starting to_ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: ## **The British Society for Medical Mycology** _move things along with standards like mock communities. Lewis and I have a list of people to involve, so it is in progress”._ _MR and RG has been discuss about a possible working group on diagnosis of superficial fungal infection (PCR diagnostics and all diagnostic methods) as there is significant heterogeneity in the approach._ _**ACTION FOR MR:** i) send with MB an SOP for formulating a working group so that it can be adopted; ii) discuss this further with RG_ _RB suggested we should have an advisory working group to advise on mould exposure in the house – to formalise the sort on interventions that many of the members (for example MR) do regarding mouldy houses._ _**ACTION FOR EXEC:** discuss how to approach the initiation of the suggested working groups._ **10)** Website update (Normal Van Rhijn) (5 min) **11)** AOB (1 minute) _Campbell Gourlay (member) enquired if there would be appetite to have a joint event with the microbiology society of if we would be interested in supporting their events. MR indicated we have supported previous conferences with other society and had joined meetings. DCL mentioned that AH could also support shared organisation. RG indicated as well that additional Executive members could be co-opted to help for this._ _**ACTION FOR DLC:** follow up on this to see what sort of support the Microbiology society has in mind_ Version No.: Status.: Active > Form No.: BSMM-F-04 Effective Date: 27/09/2021 Registered Charity No: 1190926 Author: CHARITY REGISTRAlloN NUMBERS ENGLAND & WALES 1190926 SCOTLAND SC050556 BRITISH SOCIETY FOR MEDICAL MYCOLOGY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 AUGUST 2024 GARDNER & PARTNERS LTD Chartered Certified Accountants g Rosemount Place Aberdeen AB25 2UX BRITISH SOCIETY FOR MEDICAL MYCOLOGY 1190926 & SC050556 INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH SOCIETY FOR MEDICAL MYCOLOGY YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER I report on the accounts of the charity for the y¢ar ended 31 August 2024 which are set out on pages I lo5. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The charity's trustces are responsibl¢ for the preparation of tbe accounts in a¢¢ordance with the lenns of the charities and trustee investment (Scotland) Act 21N)5 and the charities accounts (S¢oiland) regulations 2006. The charity trnstees consider that the audit requ1￿Ment of regulation l(41) (d) of the accounts regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examijje the ￿COunt$ as required under section 44(1) (c) of the act aJ)d to stat¢ wh¢thcr particular mattws have come lo my attention. BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT My examination is carried out in accordance with regulalion I l of the charities accounts (Scotland) rcgulalions 2￿6. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kq)t by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes Consideration of any unusual items or disclosurcs in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the trustees wncerrLing any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the cvidcnce that would be requircd in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audil opinion on the view given by the accounts. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT In the course of my eXa￿InatiOn no matter has come to my attention. l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requiTements To keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) and regulation 4 of the 2006 accounts regulations, and To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with regulation 9 of the 2006 accounts regulations have not bccn mei, or 2. To which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order io enable a proper understanding of the a￿Ount& to be reached. Keith Thomson FCCA Gardner and Partners Ltd Chartered Ccrtified A¢wunlants 9 Rosemount Place Aberdeen AB25 2UX 29 May 2025 THÈ BRIThH socErY FOR MEIXCAL IIYCOLOGY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2D24 unrestric￿ R¢sts1ct•J Totsl Fund8 Fund8 2024 Total 2023 bscrfplcfis 3115 3115 5162 Sur￿4￿ Exeter M8storB C￿[58 Annual Meeting -16104 -16104 B2nk Inlw•# 8lo&J & Prvfrt St￿0 S RdfflbwGmoT Book Sal Spc#)wthlp Gtyn Evwva M￿Award FuThl -12989 .12989 13028 ble Ex Travel Grnnts Trnvgl Grarts. Ev8M kIy¢*F￿nrf Dlplom ma￿￿0 Dlploma Travd Costs Fwgal Re&¥sty FIS Spo8k#s Exporn05 Book Cos1$ UKCMN Costs Worklw PWtyC￿dldO Synth UIX B￿￿ry 7868 11314 11314 70 -24X*3 7652 FuThl8 Browht FLTh4 231Th5 -8689 221M 213744 205782 4689 197rA13 221396 THE BRITISH SOCETY FOR MEDICAL MYCOLOGY BALANCE SHEET A8 AT 31 AUGUST 2024 X124 2023 1878 1878 29427 47659 150549 stIiP8 41659 104034 Cash in Hand 223513 Cvn•nt Liabillll•• VAT 1671 446 547 2117 1971W3 221396 197093 221396 Funds 205782 197093 221396 apwovwj bythe Mthe And SI￿•d on tr￿r bBh*l by Treasurer THE BRITI8H SOCETYFOR MEDIC￿ W(GOLOGY NOTES TOThE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PEIIIOD ENDED 31 A￿UsT 2024 The bejn uthrlh• Hoith>l&•lCm8rtk 3115 2143 8b]od & ff￿1 PIDffit ShwE Fks ￿e￿b￿s￿￿t 3116 43 193 5T20 485 14 T￿rar 1125 THE BRiiisHsocEfY FOR MEDICPL IIYCOL06Y NOTES TOTHE XCOUNTS FOR TItE pER￿D ENDED 31 AUGiisf 2024 wJ•te F¢95 Srfjr&)rshlp DonatiDn ofPrf EXpwvJ1￿rn Ar¥)mmoO8dDn & C8t8 Po818ge, Photor*ng. o ArrJlary8 Tw*nk¥l CD81s Sthjry Swpl D•W Fg SF<>rwrnhip 16761 31 45618 r2761 Exp¥NIIt Rctrt HI 143 81719 su￿1 -16104 THE BRIIISH SOCETY FOR I￿ED1￿L MYCOLOGY TES TOTHE ACCOUNTS Fcth THE PERIOD£NI>ED31 AUGUST 2024 a18Th￿rdOndthe￿*S￿IYa tr8Wt al)wd•￿e•rthS aim3trJ prov4Joap￿Ic•flGI￿ ￿[P￿t￿lI￿l101h8r1BbMtr)ts￿lnlnIrwj. £NI(£Nil.2V23Iw8B p*d to O 20231. Travel war15 offW28 l£laB7. 20231 1519. 20231 ir•jr￿th*. AlrlaDfNII (£141. 2023lYms rtbYthr8&1 bj ofthe rurnMitto•(bykv thE￿or. No+l¢wwkn W ba&npo10 to 8w¢>Jrnmrtte¢ rn•mbgrd.