By Charity Advice Service from NICVA
Published on 07 Dec 2005
Frequently asked questions on charity law and governance.
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) as the name suggests should be held once in every year.
At each AGM, make sure that all voting and other business is done according to whatever rules are contained within the governing document eg nominations, timescales, quorum.
Some organisations may invite people in addition to their members to the AGM. If so, you need to know who your members are to ensure that only those entitled to vote do so.
As well as electing new members on to the committee, the business transacted at an AGM includes the presentation and consideration of the annual accounts, balance sheet, directors/trustees report and the report of the auditor or independent examiner. You will also need to appoint the auditor(s) or independent examiner for the period until the next AGM.
Depending on what is contained within your governing document, the election of the office bearers may take place at the AGM or at the first meeting of the committee after the AGM.
If you are incorporated as a company limited by guarantee then you must hold an AGM within 15 months of the previous one (if newly established then within 18 months of incorporation).
Normally you will give your members at least three weeks notice of the AGM. If your organisation is incorporated it is also a legal requirement to circulate the annual accounts and annual report to all members in advance of the meeting along with any details of any resolutions.
Tip: It is now common practice for charities and other voluntary organisations to rotate the retirement and election of committee members to ensure continuity on the committee. You may have to change the clause in your governing document to permit this.
Back to FAQs
This page has been viewed 4774 times since it was published.
