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Equal Lives is planning to host its first face-to-face Annual General Meeting (AGM) since 2019, having conducted the previous three events virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re very much looking forward to members, staff, and volunteers meeting at the AGM in November.
This year, the Equal Lives AGM will be held on Wednesday, 29th November 2023, from 1 pm – 3 pm at: St Witard Baptist Church Witard Road Norwich NR7 9XD
What is an AGM?
If you haven’t attended an AGM before, you might be wondering what an AGM is and why it’s such an important event in our calendar! An AGM, or Annual General Meeting, is held once a year and serves as a platform for Equal Lives' trustees to inform members about the organisation's progress, finances, and any upcoming plans and changes.
It’s also an opportunity for our members to ask questions and find out more about the organisation, and for us to find out more about you, too! As a user-led organisation, it is important for us to hear your experiences of, and views about, issues that affect you. One of the reasons we must hold an AGM is to allow for voting on certain business items. These are stated in our governing document, which is legal document that clearly states our purpose as a charity, how we carry out our work, and other rules that we must follow.
To vote at the AGM, you must be disabled, live in Norfolk or Suffolk, or be the representative of a user-led group in Norfolk or Suffolk. Members will be able to vote in new trustees, vote to sign off the last AGM minutes and audited accounts, and vote on any other ‘special resolutions’ that might require voting on. This can be done via our survey (which we will email our mailing list closer to the event) or at the AGM itself.
Before the meeting, we’ll send out everything you need to know so that you can understand what you’re voting on. If you’re not on our mailing list, please sign up here!
What will happen at our 2023 Equal Lives’ AGM?
The following items will be addressed at the AGM in no particular order, as we’re still in the planning stages of the event!
An update from the Chair and the CEO.
A vote on our new and returning trustees.
A vote to approve the minutes of the last AGM and audited accounts.
A talk from Ash, our wonderful volunteer, about his experience as an Equal Lives volunteer.
A talk from a guest speaker.
A chance to find out more about our services and to meet our teams and managers.
A chance to network over teas, coffees, and biscuits!
What access accommodations can I expect at the AGM?
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible.There will be a BSL interpreter, PA system and hearing loop there. Whilst we will not strictly enforce Covid-19 or seasonal flu prevention measures, we do ask that you remain thoughtful to the reality that some of those in attendance are likely to be immune-compromised/medically vulnerable, and may also be less able to utilise personal protective measures for medical reasons. So, lateral flow testing, not coming to the event if you test positive or feel unwell, mask wear if appropriate and careful hand-washing are all encouraged.
If you have any access requests, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on info@equallives.org.uk, and we will do everything we can to facilitate them. We will be live streaming the AGM for all those who cannot attend in-person.
In a few weeks we’ll send an email to our mailing list with further information about how you can vote as well as how to RSVP for the event! Hetal Murphy Senior Fundraising Officer
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