Following a period of flux with bowls’ Commonwealth Games place status, Bowls England has now approved some structural changes to Performance Director, Mo Monkton’s, team. These changes support recommendations in the new performance strategy, consider Bowls England’s new responsibilities to international para bowls and reflect the performance elements of the domestic competitions’ changes, designed to create more connection between Inter-County competition and the England international programme. The Performance Management Team will be strengthened by the formal introduction of a new Performance Coach role which elevates the role of coaching in our international programme, a Para Team Manager to work with the England para bowlers and a team of Area Scouts who will work closely with County Association Team Managers to identify talent. Bowls England welcomes applicants for all advertised roles.
The Board also approved the evolution of Bowls England’s Honorary Membership category. This was initially set up to recognise past-Presidents of the EBA and EWBA and past-Presidents since Bowls England’s inception. This will continue to be the case but will be expanded to provide a mechanism to reward and recognize someone who has made a notable contribution to Bowls England and made a commendable impact upon one or more areas of business, on and/or off the green. Life Membership remains the ultimate accolade the Bowls England Board can bestow on an individual and our Certificate of Merit, nominated by members, celebrates a significant achievement by those involved in grassroots bowls.
The Board discussed the forthcoming AGM and approved the proposals to change the Articles of Association consistent with discussions with County Associations at the Aviva National Finals and Counties’ Conference. Following the Audit Clearance meeting with Dafferns, the 2023/24 Audited Accounts were presented and approved. The Accounts showed a deficit of £25.7k whilst the business’ cash reserves increasing to £674,863 due to a reduction in debtors with improved invoicing processes approaching year end.
The Board also received an update on an array of operational matters progressed since the last meeting and reflected on the current risk register to ensure risks are being mitigated. The minutes of the January Board meeting can be found here.