Bore da, good morning everyone.
I am delighted to be part of gofod3, and am grateful to WCVA for inviting me to speak today.
I have learnt that gofod translates into English simply as space - an apt motif for this nationwide coming together of charities to celebrate successes, reflect on the challenges ahead, and gain insight and energy from one-another.
The Commission is, of course, the regulator of charities in England and Wales. We take this two-country remit very seriously.
COVID placed limits on everyone's freedom to connect.
We did our best to bridge the gap. For example, the pandemic prompted us to convene regular online meetings with charity representatives to discuss emerging issues and concerns. The aim was to see how we could work together to support the charity sector through the challenges that COVID was bringing.
It has proven a valuable source of intelligence, insight and action, and I'm grateful to WCVA for its contributions, ensuring the distinct voice of Wales is heard in that forum.
But overall, the quality and quantity of our engagement with the sector and other stakeholders in Wales has suffered.
Now, as we emerge from beneath the cloud of the pandemic, I, and our new Chair Orlando Fraser QC, are determined to make up for lost time. And to renew the Commission's commitment to engaging with charities across Wales.
I'm delighted to announce that our Annual Public Meeting will take place in Cardiff in October. It will be a hybrid event, allowing for in person attendance by delegates across Wales and western England and enabling others to join on-line from wherever they are based.
I do hope many involved in charities in Wales will join us.
