2nd December 2017
I wanted to share with you an update of the key discussion points and decisions from the Board meeting held the weekend before last.
The first strategic discussion topic was on Regional Associations, where we reviewed the analysis that Sue Whitehead, Chad Ehlertson and Chris Smith had kindly pulled together. This resulted in an agreement that Regional Associations would sit within the England Handball governance, but with their own autonomy, and the linkage point of the England Handball Regional Delivery Partners Manager. A draft constitution including proposed structure is being finalised with advice from the Sport and Recreation Alliance, also informed by the England Handball Diversity Action Plan, and will be shared with you shortly.
The second strategic discussion topic was risk management. We agreed to implement a new dashboard visual containing a focussed set of risks, together with financials and other KPIs. We discussed the Safeguarding policy and agreed to get visibility of DBS checks for all coaches of Under-18 players. This will be included in the club information required going forwards.
A proposal for enhancing the end of season awards was reviewed together with the nominations process and the timing of the presentation. The list of agreed awards and guidance on nominations will be sent to all members before Christmas.
We discussed feedback and issues raised by members either via email (feedback@englandhandball.com) or at the club meetings. Thank you for your participation in this way. It all helps the Board's understanding of what you as members need, as well as enabling resolution of any issues in a timely manner. A specific write up of the key points from the club meetings will be circulated to all members very shortly.
It was agreed the existing code of conduct for staff and governance be expanded to include members. This is so we have clarity on behaviours that are acceptable and not acceptable, as part of ensuring we create a culture for everyone to thrive.
Following the Board meeting, the Audit & Governance Group met and we agreed the overall governance structure (see draft pictorial image attached) as well as the consistent Terms of Reference, recruitment and governance evaluation policies. A key decision from this was to have all governance components as Advisory Groups, not committees, providing recommendations to the Board for ratification.
In continuing to provide transparency, listed below are the key achievements from the CEO report to the Board. The full report will be published on the website together with the Board minutes later this month.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Medway Council who kindly hosted our Board meeting and the European Handball Federation’s third-round second leg Challenge Cup match between London GD and VSACME-Zalgiris Kaunas from Lithuania. I moved the Board meeting so I could attend the match with board members and we enjoyed a thrilling performance in an exceptional venue from London GD women’s team. With Medway Dragons HC in support, the spectator gallery full, the presentation of the event was superb and once again caught the eye of the European Handball Federation officials. It may also have helped London GD who scored eight goals more than in the first leg and held the opposition to 10 goals fewer. Congratulations to both teams, thank you to the volunteers and our hosts Medway Council for staging this third international Handball event at Medway Park. I look forward to attending more events at other venues in the future.
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