The 49th Bield AGM on September 17 will discuss the transformational changes which have occurred throughout the year, the impact of COVID-19 on the sector and how the charity will continue to advance innovative changes.

Bield is continually adapting and updating its services to use the latest digital technology to serve customers, making the hosting of a virtual AGM a welcome challenge.

Clare Beesley, governance and administration manager at Bield, who has been organising this year’s AGM, said: “It has been a very different build up to the AGM this year as a result of having it online.

“We have had to contact all the potential attendees to ask for their email addresses so we can invite them to the meeting via Zoom. This has been a first for us.”

The running order of the AGM will be similar to previous years, however there will be no specialist speakers so the meeting is expected to be shorter than normal.

Members will also not be able to physically vote on the day, but will be required to vote via post beforehand.

Clare added: “Only time will tell whether our virtual AGM will be a success although this could become our new ‘norm’ going forward as we digitise our processes and services further.

“As an organisation, we’re looking forward to the next opportunity to invite customers to come together when this is possible.”

Bield will also be giving out long service awards following this year’s AGM, with 27 members of staff receiving 15 years of service awards and four will receive 25 years of service. A certificate and voucher for the staff members’ hard work and dedication will be posted following the AGM.

Highlights from the AGM will be shared on the Bield website and social channels after the meeting, along with the Annual Report for 2019/2020.