The VAL AGM was held on Wednesday 25 September and the theme for this year’s event was ‘Valuing Social Action’.

VAL’s Chair, Sarah Rogers, opened the event discussing the highlights of the year for VAL, some of the activities undertaken and emphasising there was a lot to celebrate from this.  Sarah then introduced our keynote speaker, Lord Mayor Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.

The theme of the AGM was captured in her speech, as she highlighted the transformative power of social action and how she sees the benefit this brings as she speaks to people across the city.  The Lord Mayor spoke of social action as “the glue that holds us together and in Leeds it is a force we should all be proud of” that “in Leeds social action is what we live and breathe day in and day out.”

Hannah Bailey, VAL’s Chief Officer closed the speeches, thanking everyone at the event, before talking through VAL’s plans for the year ahead and beyond, supporting positive social action.

Throughout the sessions our speakers received questions on a variety of areas, including issues surrounding housing, eradicating child poverty and how VAL supports volunteer recruitment.

After Hannah had finished speaking the AGM moved onto covering the formal AGM business. This included a report from our auditors, Thomas Coombs, and the announcement of the results of elections to the VAL Board which saw us welcoming both new and returning Trustees for the year ahead.

The AGM concluded with attendees enjoying a brunch which gave them the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the sector who had come to the event.

Thank you to everyone who came along, and everyone involved in making it a success.

VAL Annual Report 202324