Scottish Curling Time for Change
IN THEORY EVERY CURLER SHOULD HAVE GOT A COPY OF THE FOLLOWING LETTER FROM SCOTTISH CURLING, IF NOT IT HAS BEEN ON THEIR WEBSITE FOR SOME TIME.
Between the detail on the email/web site and the questionnaire there are some constructive general changes, constructive historical changes and changes that need serious consideration prior to changing.
I WOULD ENCOURAGE EACH AND EVERY CURLER TO RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE BY THE CLOSING DATE OF 17TH MARCH 2019
At the end of last year, a Working Group was formed to look at creating a modern dynamic structure that equitably represents the membership of Scottish Curling and the wider society in Scotland, ready to face the challenges of the future. We want to share some of the initial thoughts of the group with you and seek your input.
Last year we received really valuable input from members on surveys concerning our future strategy and competitions. From that, one of the biggest challenges identified was that ‘the Organisational Structure is not forward thinking’ and ‘share good ideas and best practice’ was one of the best ways that we could help individual clubs.
Our drivers for change are:
• To increase participation in curling in Scotland
• To sustain membership of Scottish Curling
• To help people realise their ambitions within the sport
• To have a modern structure that is fit for the future
• To engage more directly with the members
• To be inclusive and promote diversity for the sport
• To have excellent governance for curling in Scotland
Some barriers that the group have identified include:
• The present structure with separate Areas Standing Committee and Ladies Standing Committee limits equality and diversity
• President and Chairperson have always been male
• Some groups are under-represented at all levels
The Working Group has identified that a new “National Members Forum” could provide a platform to share best practice, innovation and ideas with members drawn from across the country. This group would replace the Areas Standing Committee and Ladies Standing Committee. Such a group would meet 3 times a year, have a diverse membership, from across the country and be as gender balanced and inclusive as possible. Meetings would focus on subject areas suggested by members, clubs, ice rinks and staff. To help increase member engagement the meetings could potentially be streamed live and members could interact from the comfort of their own home.
We want to get your views to help us modernise the structure for curling in Scotland. Whether you are new to the sport or a long-standing member, your opinions as a member are valued. Your responses will help the Working Group focus on the areas for change and improvement. We thank you very much in advance for your valued contribution.
The Working Group is comprised of 12 members: Graham Lindsay, Margaret Nicol, Jim Cullen, Morag Wellman, Brian McArtney, Corrie Lawrence, Janine Wilson, Lorna Brown, Kat Howes, Maggie Wilson, Kevin Troup, Bruce Crawford, Judith McCleary.
Please answer the following questions by ticking the appropriate box and adding any comments that you wish. The survey can be seen here and is open until Sunday 17th March 2019.
Alternatively, you can paste the following link into your browser https://www.scottishcurling.org/structural-review-time-for-change/