Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) held its AGM on Monday 29th of June at 2pm via Zoom.

The well attended meeting, chaired by Sheila Garson, endorsed the Annual Report and the audited accounts. There was no change in the make up of Directors and Trustees.

Download:  VAO Annual Report 2019-2020

Commenting on the Annual Report, VAO’s Gail Anderson, explained that it was a ‘snapshot’ of the variety of activities that the umbrella organisation supports in the islands.

She said that it was ‘amazing what a small staff can achieve’. There have been changes to the Team over the past year but all positions are now filled. Gail explained about the strong collaboration that takes place in Orkney and that VAO really values those partnerships.

This coming year funding has been secured for two successful projects:

1. The Community Link with the GP surgeries in Kirkwall and Stromness
2. Enhancing Wellbeing  in Our Island Communities

There will be an advert appearing soon for a community engagement post and further on one for a Tech Peer Mentor. Both of these positions will be of huge benefit to people in Orkney.

The Covid19 pandemic has seen amazing responses from community organisations in Orkney, said Gail and cemented the role of the Third Sector as a vital one.

She concluded by thanking the Team, members, partners and funders.

The accounts, audited by Scholes, were presented to the meeting by Ivan Houston. They show the many projects funded and supported by VAO who redistribute money to where local projects need it. Two of these which will also continue are Connect and the Young People’s Project. VAO as well as providing advice, support and funding to local organisations is itself and important employer in the islands.

The main funder of the core work undertaken by VAO is the Scottish Government.