PAVO hosts first in-person AGM and Conference since 2019, highlighting the value of the Powys voluntary sector

Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations hosted its first in-person annual general meeting and conference in four years last week in Newtown.

Over 100 attendees gathered at Cefn Lea Conference Centre for the event, which previously moved online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The occasion brought together third sector organisations and partners, and was an opportunity to network and exchange ideas, and hear from Powys volunteers. 

Pavo Chief Executive Clair Swales, said: “It was wonderful to see everyone in person, and feel the great energy in the room.”

Clair Swales and Angela Owen, PAVO Head of Internal Services, presented the PAVO 2023-24 Impact Report and Financial Statements to attendees. 

 “The impact report underscores PAVO’s dedication to strengthening the voluntary sector across Powys,” Swales said. 

“I was extremely proud to spotlight key initiatives and milestones from the past year.”

Angela Owen added: “Presenting the financial statements and trustees report for the past year was not only a chance to celebrate our achievements but also a powerful reminder of the essential role PAVO plays in supporting Powys communities."

The conference opened with an address from Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, who shared her thoughts via video. 

She emphasised the critical role the voluntary sector plays in Welsh communities and acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, including austerity, lingering effects of Covid lockdowns, and the cost of living crisis.

Young Powys volunteers George, Maia, Millie, and Sam represented The Game Change Project in Newtown. They shared their experiences of mentoring young people, building confidence, and witnessing positive transformations in their community. 

Volunteers from The Arches Rhayader & District Community Support, Rhayader Luncheon Club, and the Mid and North Powys Mind Mums Matter group also highlighted the impact of their work via video.

A morning panel discussion, chaired by Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair, explored the value of Powys' voluntary sector. 

Panellists were Carl Cooper (Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board), Diane Reynolds (Director of Economic Development & Growth at Powys County Council), Rob Jackson, volunteer management expert, and departing PAVO Trustee Dominique Jones. They emphasised the importance of the third sector in Powys in building resilient, thriving communities.

In the afternoon attendees participated in five interactive workshops that encouraged meaningful dialogue and idea-sharing. Topics such as social return on investment and the reality of working with citizens in the design and delivery of services were covered.

Clair Swales said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day a success, whether by hosting stalls, leading workshops, or supporting behind the scenes.”

Jamie Burt said: “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire PAVO team for their hard work and dedication. 

“It was a pleasure to host our first in-person AGM and conference since 2019. 

“Everything went smoothly, which is a testament to the hard work put in leading up to, during, behind, and in front of the scenes.”

At the event, three trustees were elected to PAVO’s board: Margaret Evitts was re-elected, while David Price, former High Sheriff of Powys, and Lisa Griffiths, CEO of Bracken Trust, joined as new board members.

They were welcomed by Clair Swales who added: “I’d also like to extend special thanks to our departing trustees, Dominique Jones and Trish Buchan, for their invaluable contributions to PAVO’s mission.”

To read the full 2023-24 Impact Report, please visit: https://www.pavo.org.uk/.../Impact-Report-2023-24-Final.pdf