Voluntary Action Orkney , the umbrella organisation for charities, not for profit and social enterprises has recorded another successful year. Holding their AGM on Monday 10th of June in Lifestyles, Kirkwall, the organisation is in fine fettle.

The biggest news for VAO is that they have acquired new premises and will be moving to Garden House, Kirkwall. Planning permission has been submitted to Orkney Islands Council.

Sheila Garson, Chair,said that it would be a great building for the voluntary sector. It was near the new Balfour hospital and on a direct bus route. It even has its own parking which of course wasn’t available at the current premises in Bridge Street.

In her remarks to the meeting Sheila Garson outlined the partnership working the organisation does and that after a period of uncertainty it was looking forward to a clearer direction of travel with a clearer focus on local needs. She expressed her thanks for the amazing staff who work for VAO.

Although core funding has remained the same VAO has been successful at being awarded funding which has helped many local groups.

A change to the constitution permitting directors to serve for an extension of 2 years was approved. This meant Sheila Garson was retained as Chair and Elaine Grieve as Vice Chair.

Reporter: Fiona Grahame