Results announced at National Trust AGM as the charity reflects on a year of progress

René Olivieri, Chair of the National Trust’s Board of Trustees, thanked the members, saying: “You, our members, are the backbone of the National Trust. Every time we act to keep the rain out of a historic house, re-wet a wetland, plant a drought-resistant tree, restore an overgrown footpath, or put out a devastating wildfire, there is a bit of you in all of that.

“You know that when you renew your membership each year you are not simply acquiring a season ticket for some very good days out, lovely though they may be. You are doing something rather more profound than that. You are taking action and making a statement.”

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, reflected on the past year and the charity’s new strategy ‘People and Nature Thriving’: “This has been a year in which some of the things we care about have felt fragile, as economic and environmental challenges continue to grow. But hard times are not a reason to retreat from our ambition. They are a reason to face into it. As we look ahead, our focus remains on helping more people discover nature, beauty and history, making sure everyone has a chance to share in them, and together protecting them for the future. That is how we can ensure the things people hold dear continue to thrive.”

“Over the past year we have seen our strategy come to life in many different ways, from the Sky Gardening Challenge and Windows to the Wild, to the return of the long-lost Esther tapestry to Oxburgh, and the gift of remarkable places including the home of Rules restaurant and 22 Parkside into the Trust’s care. These moments show how helping people discover nature, beauty and history can inspire them to care, and ultimately to help protect what matters for future generations.”

This year, the Trust welcomed Dr Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, who gave a talk to members on nature and the extent to which it underpins our lives, from clean water and sustainable food production to climate resilience and the health of our population.

AGM Resolutions

Members also shared their views and voted on two resolutions.

• One resolution called for any member who wishes to stand for election to the Council of the National Trust to be nominated and seconded by other members, a position the Board of Trustees rejected. The majority of voting members voted against the resolution.
• A second resolution demanded that the Trustees instruct their finance officers to begin a competitive tendering process for banking arrangements as soon as practicable. Members voted for the resolution, which aligned with the Trustees’ recommendation.

Election of Council members

This year, 36 members with valid applications chose to go forward to the members’ ballot to join the National Trust Council, which plays a key role in the charity’s governance. There were five vacancies.

The Council, the body that appoints trustees and helps to monitor and support their work, is made up of members who have a range of expertise in everything from education and agriculture to nature and the built environment.

Following the vote, the members joining the Council are:

Gemma Britton, 30,129 votes, elected
Monique Cleary, 27,592 votes, elected
Jim Dixon 29,380 votes, re-elected
Sarah Hollingdale, 30,308 votes, re-elected
Simon Kearey, 28,429 votes, re-elected

A summary of the results:
Resolution 1. Members’ resolution about nominating and seconding by other members of Council candidates, (18,615 for/ 40,549 against). Resolution not carried.
Resolution 2. Members’ resolution about competitive tendering process for banking arrangements (53,257 for / 4,905 against) Resolution carried.

The Board of Trustees will now reflect on the outcomes of voting.

The Quick Vote usage was as follows: 55% for resolutions, 52% for Council elections.

The full resolution results can be read here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/annual-general-meeting.

The complete event's recording will be available on the same page.