A successful AGM and Annual Report for Grŵp Cynefin

Grŵp Cynefin has published its Annual Report for 2024–25, a year which saw it celebrating ten years of community-led housing, establish a brand-new leadership team and launch  an ambitious  new corporate plan: Lle i Berthyn / A Place to Belong.

The annual report is now live on the website, following a well-attended and successful Annual General Meeting this week.

The AGM, held at Galeri, Caernarfon, was attended by a host of Grŵp Cynefin tenants, Board Members, partners, stakeholders and staff members.

Grŵp Cynefin Chair Tim Jones welcomed this year’s guest speaker, Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones. As the consultation on Welsh Language Standards Regulations for Registered Social Landlords closed this week, it was timely to be reminded of the opportunity to lead by example and to collaborate with other housing associations regarding the standards. She added:

“We will need to develop a close relationship over the next year… What we want to do is maintain a constructive relationship with organisations that will fall under the Welsh Language Standards… and we want to do that in a way that’s supportive and friendly.”

Grŵp Cynefin Chief Executive Mel Evans reinforced the group’s commitment to keep tenants and customers at the heart of everything it does and said how delighted he was at the number of tenants present on the day. He also welcomed the publishing of this year’s Annual Report.

“The organisation’s commitment to the Welsh language, culture, and inclusive service design remains central.

“The past year has been transformative with a renewed focus on what matters most: delivering quality homes, supporting tenants, building thriving communities and maintaining and developing a great workforce.”

In his foreword, Chair Tim Jones reiterated the focus on Grŵp Cynefin’s tenants and customers:

“We’re not just listening – we’re embedding our tenants’ voices into everything we do, from service design to strategic planning and recruitment. It’s been a success, and it’s the way forward.

I invite you to explore this annual report and celebrate our shared achievements.”

Key Highlights from the Annual Report include:

• Tenants’ voices: Over 500 tenants, staff and board members shaped the A Place to Belong Corporate Plan through co-design and consultation.
• Community Impact: £1.66 million in financial gains secured for tenants.
• Award-Winning Engagement: Grŵp Cynefin’s Community Initiatives team won TPAS Cymru’s ‘Tenant Voice’ award and was shortlisted at the Northern Housing Awards.
• New Developments: 35 new homes completed at Llys Awelon, Ruthin; 409 homes allocated via Tai Teg; 487 properties upgraded through capital investment.
• Digital Transformation: Launch of community screens to improve access to services and information.
• Wellbeing Investment: HWB Dinbych secured multi-year funding for a new wellbeing programme.

Chair Tim Jones, added: “This report reflects not just what we’ve achieved, but how we’ve achieved it – through partnership, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose.”

Read the full annual report here