AGM: David Lammy urges BFSS to continue to support displaced people

Outgoing BFSS President David Lammy told the BFSS Annual General Meeting the challenges faced by refugees and displaced people are likely to continue as he praised the work of BFSS and the difference it makes to the lives of young people.

Responding to a review of BFSS activities in 2022, including the launch of the Displacement Education Fund, Mr Lammy said he hoped support would continue beyond the £1million committed to the fund, most of which has been awarded in grants in less than a year. Chair Peter Miller reassured him this is likely to remain a focus of our grant giving.

Director Joanne Knight shared with the AGM highlights of our work in 2022, including the 43,000 people helped through projects funded by BFSS grants, and future plans.

She also gave an update on plans to change the BFSS name and shared the two shortlisted names: Equitable Learning Foundation and Educational Opportunity Foundation. These will now be put to our Members and Grant Partners to share their feedback and ideas, along with straplines which point to our heritage.

Treasurer David Baron introduced the Annual Financial Statements which were approved by Member vote, along with the AGM 2022 minutes and reappointment of the auditors, Begbies.

Mr Lammy also welcomed new President Estelle Morris as a “great educationalist”. Baroness Morris said: “The more trouble there is in the world, the more education is needed, but harder it is to deliver. So it is heartening to see the impact the organisation has which makes such a difference to so many lives and communities.”

Mr Lammy thanked outgoing Chair Peter Miller for all his work through difficult times, and departing Trustee Vic Craggs who joined BFSS as Grants Manager and later became a Trustee. Mr Miller praised our outgoing President for being such a powerful advocate for BFSS and more widely in support of our shared mission.

Jane Creasy was elected Chair after six years as a Trustee on the BFSS Council. And five  Trustees were elected including two existing Trustees confirmed for a second term: Janice Miller and Charlotte Cashman. Mr Lammy welcomed them and our new Trustees Suela Aksoy, David Crowther and Nick Tesseyman. You can find out more about them and their backgrounds in this news update:

Announcing our new President, Chair and Trustees