The ABF AGM was overseen by Popularis, experts in the management of third sector elections, to ensure independent elections and as required by the Charity Commission. The result was delayed to January 9th at the agreement of the 12th of December AGM to allow extended voting because of the postal strikes.

The new trustees are:

Re-elected:
Dr Esh Alladi, Marilyn Cutts, Nick Fletcher, Karen Gledhill, Peter Harding, Amanda Holt, Christopher Luscombe, and Rebecca Johnson.

Elected as new trustees:
Abi Eniola, Andrew Jarvis, Dipo Ola, Hannah Whittingham.
In addition, Colin Bennett remains as co-opted Honorary Treasurer.

Spokesperson Dr Esh Alladi said on behalf of the trustees “The ABF has the assets to help many more actors and stage managers in need get back into their stage careers after difficulty and to continue to help those for whom illness, frailty and injury have ended their work. We intend to discharge our responsibility with a refreshed care and energy to help more people, broaden the types of assistance offered and to be more effective by working in partnership with other performance charities. This is just as we believe our founding trustees led by Sir Henry Irving would have wished. Our new Cost of Living Crisis grant scheme is a just the first of what will be many new ways by which the ABF supports the theatre community.

Interim General Secretary David Harvey said “this was the ABF’s first democratic open election, and it was terrific that twenty-five members came forward to stand as candidates. Everyone would like to thank them for their commitment to help the ABF and to share their abilities, care, and ideas as the charity sets out to help many more actors and stage managers in today's challenging time for performers and their families.