Once again, because of Covid restrictions, this year’s Annual General Meeting for TOFS took place over Zoom at the end of March.  Hon Chairman and Trustee Duncan Jackson welcomed everyone and introduced the TOFS trustees and office staff.

The minutes from the 2020 AGM were approved and the highlights of 2020 were discussed, Chief Executive, Diane Stephens presented on notable achievements in line with TOFS’ strategic objectives which are: to increase pastoral support to families and Adult TOFS; to raise engagement with relevant UK healthcare professional bodies and to reduce excessive dependence of TOFS on its trustees.

Despite the turbulence created by the pandemic, key achievements within pastoral support, membership and communications were attributed to significant contribution and teamwork from staff, trustees and an increased number of volunteers.  These achievements include:

• Extensive volunteering input, number of volunteers increased from 17-42
• TOFS Local Contact team expansion, from 5 to 19 volunteers
• New generic leaflet made available for members
• The Soft Feed recipe book published
• Hidden Disability lanyards made available
• Record year for membership growth
• Continued growth in the Facebook group
• Successful 2020 Awareness week, new resources produced (bibs and wristbands) for parents/carers and Adult TOFs
• Over 200 families/Adult TOFs supported via online Q&A and Talk with TLC sessions

Hon Secretary and Trustee Graham Slater talked about international collaboration, engagement with healthcare professionals and research and development.

Hon Treasurer and Trustee John Pearce presented the Accounts and treasurer’s report.  It was noted, that whilst 2020 was an ‘up and down year’ financially, the end-of-year accounts showed a healthy overall income of £120,000 - wonderful in these circumstances – and largely thanks to the OA/TOF community.  These healthy reserves enable the Trustees to plan on further expansion in 2021.  Retention of TOFS’ accountants were approved, and there were no objections to the re-election of those trustees retiring by rotation.  A new appointment of Clare Johns as Trustee was approved

TOFS' 2020 accounts are available to view on the Companies House website.