Our Annual General Meeting 2020

This year, our AGM will be held on Monday 14th September.

As always, we’re keen for as many of our members to be involved in the meeting as possible – but because of the coronavirus crisis it will be a bit different this year. To make sure we can keep people safe and respect social distancing, we will be taking advantage of the additional flexibility offered by the government to hold a ‘virtual AGM’.

This will mean that members can join the meeting from the comfort of home using their smartphone, tablet or computer. By using video conferencing to hold a virtual AGM, we can guarantee that we’ll be able to go ahead even if restrictions around social distancing and group gatherings are still in place.

How do I join the virtual AGM?

We will be sending information packs to all members in August. The pack will include instructions on how to log in and join the virtual AGM. It will also include information on how to cast proxy votes if you are unable to join the meeting.

If we have your email address, we’ll send your information pack by email – so keep an eye on your inbox! The email will include a link to the full information pack and you will be able to cast proxy votes online too. If we don’t have your email address, your AGM information pack will arrive in the post.

Why are information packs being emailed? 

We usually send out a full information pack in the post to every Watford Community Housing member. However, we know that these days, more and more people like to do things online and avoid wasting paper.

We’re also committed to delivering value for money for all of our customers. Every year it costs around £10,000 to post the paperwork to all of our members, so by sending this information by email we can save money and make sure that more of your rent money goes directly towards better services and improvements to customers’ homes.

What will be discussed at the AGM? 

The AGM will include a report from the Chair of our Board on how we’ve performed over the last year. Members will then be invited to vote on a series of motions, such as approving our financial statements for 2019/20.

This year, there is just one proposed change to the rules that govern how we operate, which members will vote on. We are able to hold a virtual AGM this year because of temporary changes the government has made in response to the coronavirus crisis, but because this will make it easier for more people to get involved we want to amend our rules so that we have this option for future years too (including where social distancing might still be in place).

This would allow more members to join meetings, making it easier for residents to have their say on our future and how we are run. The proposed change has the full support of our Gateway Membership Team, which represents residents.

Please remember to keep an eye on your email inbox or the post for your AGM information pack in August – we hope you can join us for the meeting!