BOWLS ENGLAND Introduction by the Chief Executive Tony Allcock MBE It has happened! - the arrival of Bowls England - the new modernised unified body of the English Bowling Association and the English Women's Bowling Association. Sport England gives the definition of modernisation as follows:- "The process of continuing development for a NGB (National Governing Body) towards greater effectiveness, efficiency and independence"   Bowls England will anticipate and respond to the numerous and various needs of Members. In this changing world, Counties and Clubs increasingly require support in facing the many challenges. "One voice one sport" will have a greater impact in the wider environment. The new body will clearly identify specific and agreed targets for the development of the sport. These will be achieved by: Close association with the EBCS and EBYDS developing the sport for all ages (including school sport) Supporting those working with disabled and vulnerable people Development plans for those who wish to reach the top levels of competition A streamlined robust management, accountable to Members and a monitoring of all activities Greater avenues of communication The identified benefits of modernisation Streamlined administration Increasing and retaining participation A successful Nation Improved image of the sport To be "fit for purpose" and to attract Government funding for vital areas of increased participation, development and world class performance. The way forward: Commercial approach and Professionalism A commercial led focus moving away from the total reliance placed on affiliation fees for existence. A professional outlook and attitude will be adopted. Autonomy A streamlined democratically elected Board appointed by Members to provide decision-making and leadership, accompanied at all times by accountability to the Members and the monitoring of the Board's performance. Strategy The setting of clear strategies moving the sport forward towards a common goal, providing continuity and stability within Bowls England. To consider any change to be in keeping with the most effective and efficient way of managing practical timescales and realistic budgets. To highlight priorities in modernisation objectives and to bring focus and accountability into consideration at all times. To maximize income and to keep Member fees as practicably low as possible. The appointment of key staff and volunteers and to ensure that they are sufficiently supported in their role, providing the spearhead for the development of Bowls England. To acknowledge the crucial significance of the voluntary infrastructure and to provide all necessary support and training as appropriate To increase communication and knowledge direct to clubs through County Members. Accountability Bowls England is accountable to Members and funds providers. Technology IT related projects - using any new affordable technology - will be central to the modernisation programme. The effective use of the website for a wide range of services including Competition results, Competition entries and merchandising will be explored to the full. Communications As many more Clubs as possible will be encouraged to provide an Email address to enable them to receive information quickly and directly from Bowls England, This will achieve improved speed and accuracy of information flow and help to reduce the ever-increasing printing, packing and postage cost overheads. I am delighted to be the first Chief Executive of Bowls England and honoured to be appointed as such. It will be a challenging time for all as we process through the modernisation of our sport. The challenges which face all of us can be met with a new mission as men and women join together in providing the sport's first modernised organisation, recognised by both our Patron HM The Queen and the Government's Agents, Sport England. The Secretary of State approved our company title "Bowls England" in acknowledgement of a body which will strive towards sustained improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of the sport of outdoor bowls. Tony Allcock MBE Chief Executive 1st January 2008     Launch message from the Chair of the Board David Mitchell-Gears   On to the re-badged English Bowling Association Site   On to the English Womens Bowling Association Site