Strategy Development was the main item discussed at the Bowls England Board meeting which took place on Wednesday 26th August. Board members explored the organisation’s vision, mission and objectives going forward as a precursor for further discussion in September.
We are currently talking to key stakeholders and non-bowlers to understand what we need to consider to attract new audiences and new players. Do you have a suggestion for the future of our sport or would you be keen to get involved in a focus group? If so we’d love to hear from you. All views are valued and we will factor them into our thinking as we take our sport forward. Just e-mail: ourfuture@bowlsengland.com
The strategy will be launched in the New Year and we are planning a series of national roadshows ahead of the 2021 season to help engage the whole of the bowls community.
A number of items were covered in the Chief Executive’s Operational Update.
In conjunction with the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA), we launched the Let’s Roll marketing campaign. The objective is to encourage clubs to provide free, introductory sessions for new bowlers and support the initiative from a national level with digital resources and Facebook advertising. It’s not too late to join the 350-plus clubs that have signed up, further information at: https://www.bowlsengland.com/lets-roll/
Following the Board’s commitment to support plans for a national recruitment drive during the 2021 season, an outline proposition has been drafted for an annual national bowls weekend, with more details being released in due course. The future of our podcasts also featured on the agenda. Feedback for the podcasts has been very positive with future episodes featuring club-level players with interesting and inspiring stories to tell, with a shorter more conversational style. You can view all the podcasts on the Bowls England YouTube page: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjtPZ9KqcGZA1L0fHqxfMeg
In the international arena, we have received the indicative outcome of the assessment on the Commonwealth Games Preparation Programme funding submission, which is subject to a resubmission based on Sport England’s initial feedback. In addition, it was acknowledged that the future unification the of the British Isles Bowls Council and British Isles Women’s Bowls Council gave the opportunity to fully review the purpose and governance of these events in order to create a structure that is fit for purpose. It was also noted that, working with the Birmingham 2022 organisers, Warwick District Council is continuing the renovation of its Victoria Park greens in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.
Good governance is vital to all organisations and we are aiming to achieve Sport England’s Tier 3 Code of Governance. Advertisements to join the Governance Working Party was shared by seven external agencies, as well as promoted across all of the Bowls England social media channels. Following a positive level of interest, the interviews were held on Wednesday 2nd September and we will announce the composition of the Working Party shortly.
Finally, following discussion, it was resolved to change the competition regulations in regard to the wearing of Bowls England branded shorts in order to allow clubs and counties to wear their own branded shorts, providing they conform to our uniform regulations so that we can present a consistent image for the sport. The regulations will be updated in the coming weeks.
With a new Chair, Chief Executive and a long term strategy in development, this is an exciting and seminal period for Bowls England. Owing to two existing board members’ terms coming to an end, we are seeking applications for the member-elected Director of Development and Director of Coaching positions, to join our Board of Directors. You can find more information, in relation to these positions at: www.bowlsengland.com/vacancies/