Dons Trust end of year update 2025
AGM Report Back
Many thanks to all who participated in our AGM – in person, online or by submitting their proxy votes in advance.
All the motions due to be decided were passed overwhelmingly. You will be able to find the voting numbers on the DT website news section.
Two significant votes were the adoption of new policies covering motions to general meetings and disciplinary situations. The latter will require a pool of potential panel members to come forward. We anticipate sending out more details and a call for people to put themselves forward in the New Year.
December Board Meeting
Following the AGM, the new Dons Trust board held its first meeting. Angus Fox was re-elected as Chair of the board, with Graeme Price as Vice Chair and Angus, Graeme and James Longhurst chosen as the board’s representatives on the AFC Wimbledon PLC board. All votes were unanimous.
The board also asked David Rey, who has brought exceptional financial and business experience to the board over the past months, to remain to fill one of the casual vacancies for the coming year.
Join the Dons Trust board and help shape our future
The Dons Trust board is looking to fill up to three vacancies on the board to help guide us through what promises to be a busy and exciting period in our history. This includes one casual vacancy and up to two co-opted positions, all lasting until the next AGM.
Why this matters
The next 12 months will be pivotal. We expect to be running a campaign and holding a vote on a proposal to sell further equity in the club, and the DTB will be heavily involved in encouraging members to take part in the conversation and vote as well as vetting any prospective partners who emerge.
In addition, we are looking to:
• Approve our updated constitution
• Grow membership numbers
• Secure further funding for our Women’s team
• Deliver a range of other projects.
Our commitment to diversity
We know that our current board does not fully represent our membership or fan base. We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences to help us change that.
What we’re looking for
There are no hard and fast rules as to who can join the board, but you must be a member of the Dons Trust.
But we will be looking for people who can:
• Work collaboratively as part of a team
• Bring experience in communications, finance, project management or strategy consulting
• Contribute to a more diverse board
• Be committed to putting in the hours needed. This isn’t a full-time role of course, but we expect members of the DTB will be putting in around 6-10 hours per week until June and able to attend meetings both online and in-person (in the London area).
About the vacancies
• Casual vacancies: These arise when an elected member is unable to fulfil their full term. These appointments will last until the next AGM.
• Co-opted positions: The board is also able to co-opt up to two members. These appointments will also last until the next AGM.
How to apply
If you have any questions, please contact secretary@thedonstrust.org.
Expressions of interest should include a CV and a covering letter explaining how you can help the Trust and the board and sent to the same email address.
This is your chance to make a real difference to the future of the Dons Trust and AFC Wimbledon. We look forward to hearing from you.
Independent review of elections
The Terms of Reference for the independent review of the elections process have been agreed and shared with the membership. As part of the review, the independent reviewer will be interviewing members of the Elections Steering Group, Dons Trust Board, Secretariat and Election Candidates. The reviewer would also like to gather the views of the broader membership and any supporting evidence. This can be submitted via: Link
Responses will be seen by the independent reviewer only and the Dons Trust Board will not have access to responses. The Board encourages members to express their views as part of the review. The call for evidence closes on 9th January.
The Terms of Reference can be found here: Link
What comes next?
In the New Year, as well as a call for members of potential disciplinary panels and the appointment of new board members, the Dons Trust board will be asking members to formally approve the new Trust constitution that was discussed at the November SGM.
We will also be starting the debate about allowing the Trust to sell further equity in the club (the 50%+1 proposal) and to seek investors who are prepared to support the long-term future of AFC Wimbledon. As we have said before, our club is one of the most efficient in League One, but that still means a trading loss of around £1m – £1.5m each season. The DTB believes that this move is crucial to securing our future as a majority fan-owned club. But we need to make sure that all questions and concerns are addressed and that members have the chance to hold a detailed and informed debate about the proposal before a decision is taken.
2026 promises to be a year with lots of decisions to be taken. We will consider a range of options to facilitate investment whilst protecting our stadium business, our football department and our fan owned ethos.
We wish you and your families all the best for the holiday season. Come on you Dons!