We’re inviting you to our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12 November, 9am to 11.45am at The Cluntergate Centre.

This year, our focus is on leadership – something we’re not short of in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector where people make ends meet and go the extra mile to make Wakefield District a happier, healthier, better place.

• Learn about our work over the past year to support VCSE organisations and create better conditions for our local sector, with reflections from Nova’s Chair and CEO
• Reflect on what it means to lead well in these challenging times and how the VCSE sector can use its collective strength, with keynote speaker Karen Creavin
• Engage with our panel on their experiences of leadership and what’s on the horizon locally, to inform you as a leader
• Continue the conversation and network, with plenty of time set aside to meet VCSE organisations working locally and partners

Leading with Courage and Care

We hear from our members about what has been accomplished, thanks to your incredible leadership across a challenging few years.

So this year’s AGM is an opportunity for local organisations to come together and think about what is means to lead well going forward, so we can sustain ourselves and each other.

Keynote talk: Karen Creavin

Difficult times call for brave leadership, rooted in compassion, trust and collaboration. Karen will share what she has learned about leading through challenge and caring for ourselves and each other along the way. Bring your experiences, and hopefully leave with fresh ideas for the practices our communities need now.

Karen is co-founder of Cracking Change Collective, a systems leadership consultancy supporting place-based partnerships across England, including here in Wakefield. She was previously Chief Executive of The Active Wellbeing Society in Birmingham, where she now serves on the Board. Karen has coached chief executives and boards through some of the toughest moments organisations face, and is co-author of Active Communities (2024). She works closely with the LGA around systems leadership for elected members and senior officers,  and is a former member of Sport England’s Investment Committee. She is passionate about leadership that is brave, human, kind, and shared.

We welcome anyone [not just those in a leadership role] interested in community-led change to attend and contribute to shaping a stronger VCSE sector.

Event details

This event is open to staff, volunteers and trustees from VCSE organisations; council and healthcare colleagues; and other partners.

Please register by Monday 9 November by clicking 'register here'. You do not need to create an account or sign in to register.

• Refreshments will be provided.
• There is parking at the venue and nearby.
• Additional details and papers can be found on our website – printed papers are only available on request.

If you have any questions or would like some help booking your ticket, our team will be happy to help. Contact us at info@nova-wd.org.uk or call 01924 367418.