Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Reflections from Voice4Change England’s 2025 AGM

On July 24, 2025, staff, members, partners, and supporters gathered, virtually and with British Sign Language interpreters, for Voice4Change England’s (V4CE) Annual General Meeting. Under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” the event offered not only a retrospective on 2023/24, but also a bold look ahead at the sector’s challenges and possibilities.

Chair Neena Samota opened the evening, reminding us that V4CE’s mission - building a stronger, fairer society for Black and Minoritized Ethnic (BME) and other underrepresented groups - remains urgent. Through infrastructure support, advocacy, leadership, partnership, and amplifying the BME voice, V4CE continues to drive systemic change across policy forums and within the voluntary sector.

Treasurer Ila Chandavarkar outlined a year of financial transition. As pandemic-specific funding ended, V4CE harnessed its reserves and secured new grants from City Bridge Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund. The team worked hard to diversify income and rebuild unrestricted reserves, positioning V4CE for stability and allowing the Pathway Fund, now an independent company, to pursue its own ambitious future supporting BME organisations.

Director Kunle Olulode provided a powerful overview of recent years, from post-pandemic recovery to opportunities arising from changes in government. The launch of the government’s new convenant with civil society marks an inflection point: for the first time, civil society leaders have a direct seat at the table to co-design and review policy, service delivery, participation, and sector data.  

Kunle stressed the importance of open, respectful debate on complex issues; reminding us that the freedom to disagree remains at the heart of healthy civic life.  

Deputy Director Sharmin Shajahan highlighted V4CE’s achievements. V4CE’s grant programmes, partnerships with Comic Relief, Sport England, and the School for Social Entrepreneurs, and a flagship GLA democratic engagement campaign have reached thousands. Tangible feedback - stories of boosted confidence, new skills, and better organisational systems - underscored the real-world difference this work makes.  

Sharmin also looked forward, from the ten-year Horizons London Programme exploring anti-racism in education, health, housing, and the environment, to pioneering new climate and energy projects.  

The first keynote speaker of the event, Carol Akiwumi MBE, AVOCADO Foundation CEO, delivered a rousing keynote focused on economic justice and the need for radical solidarity. Reminding us that only 0.25% of UK foundation grant money goes to black and global majority-led organisations; and that “nothing serious ever really moves until investment is put behind it”. Carol called for intentional, bold investment, radical collaboration, and a commitment to “funding transformation, not just trauma.” 

Asher Craig, Pathway Fund CEO, offered a roadmap for a new, BME-led approach to social investment during her keynote speech. Thanks to tireless sector and policy advocacy, including support incubated by V4CE, Pathway has now secured £12 million from dormant assets and nearly £1.9 million in philanthropic funding.  

The Q&A session brought home the importance of engaging all voices in shaping policy and project work. Echoing the event theme, speakers championed radical candour, data-driven advocacy, and building a movement that does not compete for crumbs but works together for lasting change.  

As the AGM closed, gratitude poured in for the hard work of staff, trustees, and community partners. The evening’s discussions made it clear that V4CE is not just adapting to new times but leading the charge: breaking barriers, building futures, and putting equity, justice, and solidarity at the very heart of its efforts.  

Whether you’re a longstanding member or new to V4CE, now is the time to get involved; and to help shape a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. 

You can watch the recording of our AGM on our YouTube channel via this link: