Before you send your AGM notice

The notice is where most AGM problems start. Before you send yours, check your governing document for four things:

1. How much notice you have to give, and whether it is clear days (the day of sending and the day of the meeting don't count)
2. Who has to receive it, which may be every member and not only the trustees
3. How it can be sent, and whether email is permitted
4. What business must appear on it, such as elections or approval of the accounts

For charitable companies, the Companies Act sets a minimum of 14 clear days for a general meeting, but your articles can ask for more. SCIOs and CIOs follow their constitutions.

If the notice is wrong, decisions taken at the meeting can be challenged. Checking the constitution first avoids having to reconvene.

General guidance, not legal advice.