This is a message to members who attended the AGM.
Following the point raised by a member regarding the notice period for the AGM, the Charities Commission sent the following note:
Dear Miss Patient
Friends of Animals League – 201654
Thank you for your email dated 15 May 2009 about the charity named above.
We thank you for informing us of the circumstances regarding the charity’s AGM and the slight misjudgement that led to some members not receiving 21 days notice of the meeting.
Furthermore, we acknowledge your admittance that the provisions of the charity’s governing document have not been strictly adhered to in this instance.
However, we do feel that the course of action taken at the AGM to offer the members present an opportunity to vote on whether to continue with the meeting was pragmatic and done in the best interests of the charity. Consequently, in light of the outcome of the vote and the wishes of the majority we have no objection to the action taken. Therefore we would not insist on this occasion that the meeting be deemed invalid.
We recognise that the further expense incurred from arranging another AGM would not be in the best interests of the charity.
As you have made reference to in your email, there are a small number of interested parties who are dissatisfied with the circumstances surrounding the AGM. Please be mindful of their opinions and ensure that all efforts are made in the future to prevent a similar error occurring again and to avoid any potential disruption and dispute.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding this matter.
Yours sincerely
Neil Poole
Charity Commission Direct - Caseworking Team
