We review an outstanding year at our AGM
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) held the charity’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 7 July 2016. We welcomed over 50 representatives from Members and Associate Members to Stoke City Football Club. Attendees learned more about our charity’s work and contributed to our discussions on the upcoming strategy.
This year’s event was held in Stoke-on-Trent to recognise the role the city is playing in sport and inclusion. As well as it being this year’s European City of Sport, the city is one of the focus locations for the Get Out and Get Active, a programme led by EFDS. A representative from Stoke City Council outlined the city’s desire to improve opportunities in their area for disabled people to be active.
Our Chair, Charles Reed, and Barry Horne, Chief Executive, welcomed the guests and spoke about the charity’s work over the previous year. They presented this year’s annual report and reported on some of the successes.
Barry Horne said:
“Looking back at the Annual Reports over the last few years, I remain incredibly proud of what we are achieving. There is some hugely impressive content in this report outlining what EFDS, our Members and partners are achieving through collaboration. I invite you to dip into some of the detail set out throughout this report and on our newly revamped website.”
Tom Webster, our Engagement Advisor for the North East and North West, gave a presentation on the importance of regional voices within our strategies. With specific reference to the North East, Tom explained the make-up of the regional forum and their goal to bring more people together.
Two trustees having left the Board, members considered the election of two new Board members and the re-election of one for a second term. Our Chair, Charles Reed, thanked Lee Mason and Rashmi Becker for their commitment to the charity in the Annual Report:
“This year we say goodbye to two excellent Trustees who have given huge support to the organisation. Lee Mason and Rashmi Becker have both helped us to move our strategies forward and we know will remain connected to the cause.”
The AGM afternoon session was an opportunity for those present to be involved in discussions with our staff team leaders. Set around five key themes, the table hosts noted people’s needs and ideas for our forthcoming strategic plans.
EFDS would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has worked with us to make active lives possible. We look forward to building on the achievements of 2015-2016.
