We’re inviting you to join us at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 12 November, 9am to 11am at The Hepworth Wakefield.

This year, our focus is on looking back and moving forward:

• Celebrate what we’ve accomplished over the past year with reflections from Nova’s Chair and CEO
• Learn about developments of Wakefield District’s VCSE Collaborative, what they’re working on next, and what this means for you
• Dig into “what’s wrong with charity” with our keynote speaker Penny Wilson, previous Chief Executive of Getting on Board, and discuss what we can do to make a better future for the VCSE sector
• Use those insights to connect with Nova Members and network with partners

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

What's planned?

From 9am to 9.15am

Welcome time! Say hello to friendly faces, get a pastry and find yourself a seat. Then we'll be welcoming one of our Nova Members for a special performance.

From 9.15am to 9.45am

We'll work through the official AGM business and ask full Nova members to vote on this year's resolutions.

• Welcome and apologies
• Chair's opening remarks
• Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 6 December 2023
• Presentation and acceptance of the Annual Report and Accounts 2023/4
• Appointment of Auditors
• Appointment of Directors

Do your staff, volunteers and trustees know what we do and the support we offer? This is a great opportunity to get an overview of our work and make the most of your free membership.

From 9.45am to 10am: A short break

From 10am to 10.30am

Our wonderful guest speaker, Penny Wilson, will consider what's wrong with charity.

According to Penny, it's not the things which are reported in the papers. Most charity CEOs aren't well paid, services are generally impactful, there is incredible innovation, an army of volunteers supports the sector. Good stuff.

Is the notion of "charity" still fit for purpose? How are voluntary organisations perceived by other sectors? Are we entering a mental health crisis for charity leaders? What's wrong with how charities are funded? 

Look to the future of our sector and join in the meaningful discussions led by Penny, charity commentator and consultant. Penny was previously Chief Executive of the excellent trustee support charity, Getting on Board, now closed due to the increasingly challenging funding environment. She has been a trustee of numerous organisations, most recently the National Migraine Centre.

From 10.30am to 11am

Keep those discussions going and make connections. This time is dedicated to networking.

Event details

We welcome anyone interested in Wakefield District's VCSE sector and Nova's work to attend this event - staff, volunteers and trustees of Nova Member organisations; statutory and healthcare colleagues; and other partners.

Refreshment and breakfast will be provided.

We're excited to be holding this event at the iconic The Hepworth Wakefield, a Nova Member, in their Auditorium.

Address: Gallery Walk, Wakefield, WF1 5AW. More information on getting to The Hepworth on their website.

Accessibility: The Auditorium is on the ground floor and has level access from the foyer and are easily accessible by a wheelchair user. The auditorium has an induction loop. There are accessible facilities and five parking bays on site at the end of Gallery Walk for Blue Badge holders only. More information on access at The Hepworth.

If you have any questions or would like some help booking your ticket, our team will be happy to help. Contact us at info@nova-wd.org.uk or call 01924 367418.

AGM Papers

• Official Notice of Nova's Annual General Meeting 2023/24
• Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 6 December 2023
• The Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 - to follow
• Biographies of Trustees for Appointment
• Proxy Voting Form 2024

At every AGM, one-third of our elected Directors must stand down and put themselves up for re-election. At this AGM we will be asking members to re-elect three of our existing Directors: Jan Archbold, Lucy Ndlovu, Sam Heathcote, and Lee Wood who have retired by rotation.

If you are unable to attend the AGM and wish to appoint a proxy, please contact our team on 01924 367418 or at info@nova-wd.org.uk and we can advise you on who you can appoint as your proxy.

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