RUN A PTA – Online AGMs
If you’re looking to make your AGM more accessible, holding it online can remove some of the barriers and increase attendance
FAQs Online AGMs
How can a PTA benefi t from holding an online AGM? Holding an annual general meeting (AGM) is a formal and essential part
of running your PTA. During the meeting, your committee will report on activities, assess progress and review the group’s operations. Hosting your AGM online can lead to a better turnout as attendees won’t have to worry about childcare or travel. If you haven’t held your AGM online before, make sure you feel confi dent dealing with the technology and any problems it may pose.
What are the most common technical diffi culties? While online meeting platforms have become commonplace,
technical issues can still arise. Allow time at the start to ensure that all participants are logged into the meeting and that everyone can hear and see clearly. Ask for cameras to be turned on. Choose your platform carefully and check that key committee members have a basic knowledge of how to use it. A paid account with Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet may work better than the free accounts, which limit your meeting time.
How can I tell if my PTA is allowed to hold its AGM online? Before proceeding, check your PTA’s constitution. It’s likely that
online meetings are allowed, as this practice has become standard in recent years. If your governing document
50 AUTUMN 2025 School Fundraising
prohibits online meetings, consider proposing an
amendment during your AGM.
Can we hold a hybrid meeting to attract more attendees? Some PTAs combine their real- world AGM – perhaps in the school
hall – with a livestreamed version, offering the best of both worlds and aiming to increase numbers. However, this combined format does introduce challenges, particularly in terms of communications. It’s essential for someone, such as the PTA secretary, to manage and respond to messages and votes within the platform during the meeting.
If we hold our AGM online, do quorum rules still apply? Yes. Check your constitution to fi nd out how many people should
attend. Many specify that you’ll need twice as many attendees as there are committee members to meet quorum requirements. A hybrid approach can help make sure you achieve this goal.
What are the disadvantages of a wholly online AGM? While online meetings are indeed handy, they lack the element of
face-to-face interaction that’s often so important for PTAs. Meeting in person helps strengthen relationships among parents who may otherwise only chat briefl y at the school gate. If you notice any new faces during your online AGM,
make it a priority to connect with them in person as soon as possible.
How should we promote our upcoming online AGM? Publicise the AGM through your usual channels, ensuring you
follow the rules for notifying members and giving notice. Offer reassurances about the process to make potential attendees feel more comfortable and ensure everyone who has requested it receives the link. Include information about how you will distribute essential information, such as the minutes from the previous AGM.
What’s the best way to distribute the documentation? Make it easy for everyone to access the necessary documents.
Experienced helpers may be able to obtain them from your existing systems, such as Google Docs, Dropbox or Microsoft 365/OneDrive, but you can also use email or share on WhatsApp.
How does voting work in an online AGM? Your constitution may have some stipulations, but most PTAs will
simply use raised hands. Alternatively, you may request ‘likes’, use the chat function or utilise a polling feature on the meeting platform.
BY DANIEL ETHERINGTON. IMAGE: LUMENST/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
