What was discussed at the AGM?

The Annual General Meeting of Council (AGM) was held on Saturday 16 June. 

The council received our annual report and accounts, heard about the organisation’s achievements in 2022 and reflected on the last 2 years.

At the AGM, chief guide Tracy Foster, chair of the board of trustees Catherine Irwin and CEO Angela Salt listened to feedback and answered questions from council members. They agreed that more council meetings are needed in the coming months to talk about how council members are involved in consultations.

While the AGM was taking place, members gathered in London to make their voices heard and speak out on our recent announcements about British Girlguiding Overseas (BGO) and the activity centres. Tracy Foster and Angela Salt met with the members over the course of the weekend to listen and answer questions.

We acknowledge the strength of feeling that has come through letters, emails, on social media and on the 2 member calls over recent weeks, as well as the letters of understanding and support we’ve received. 

Speaking out and taking action are the foundations of our organisation. We feel the impact and want to say thank you to every member who’s shared thoughts, feelings, ideas and questions. We’re working through your questions and continuing with the staff consultation. We’ll be in touch with more information following the outcome.

We recognise the impact of the recent decisions and understand the challenges with how they’ve been communicated. We’ll be working closely with the council as well as countries and regions. We want to make sure members know how their voices can be heard, look at new ways to share ideas and feedback, and help members feel better informed going forward.

We continue to look at options for girls living overseas. And, depending on the outcome of the staff consultation, we’re open to options on the sale of the activity centres.