Gilbert + Tobin’s Charities + Social Sector team have created a free and interactive app to assist charities and nonprofits understand the requirements for holding AGMs, including in circumstances where the conduct of an AGM is affected by restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual general meeting (AGM) is often a key event in the yearly calendar for charity and not-for-profit organisations, but AGMs may very well be different this year if they are even held at all.

AGMs represent a valuable opportunity to engage with members, to reflect on the past year’s activities and operations, to consider financial statements, to elect directors and conduct other business related to the governance of the organisation.

The restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic mean many charities and not-for-profits may be unable to hold AGMs at the time or in the manner they would in normal circumstances.

Even with restrictions beginning to ease in some parts of Australia, it is necessary to consider whether AGMs are able to be (or should be) held face-to-face, or whether they should be postponed, cancelled or held using technology.

The app will help answer questions like does an organisation need to hold an AGM, can an organisation postpone its AGM, and can an organisation hold its AGM remotely using technology.