I am writing to give a short update on the Scottish Cycling AGM which was held on Saturday the 30th of November 2019.
This important meeting is a critical company function that, whilst dealing with what can be perceived as dry governance issues, can nevertheless have significant and far reaching impacts. The changes to the Articles of Association passed by the membership helps direct and inform our actions, which impacts on the work and activities of staff and volunteers across Scotland.
The changes to Articles are the first of a two-stage modernisation of the constitution of Scottish Cycling. The principal purpose of the first stage was to update the Articles to reflect current best practice in sports governance and introduce flexibility regarding the composition of the board of directors.
In addition to the amendments to the Articles, the AGM voted to award long serving volunteers Ken Whitson and Alasdair MacLennan with the celebrated Badge of Honour to reflect the innumerable years of service in a voluntary capacity at a national and international level. Alasdair’s presentation took place at the AGM itself with Ken electing to receive his at the Scottish Cycling Conference and Awards Weekend on the 7th and 8th of March in 2020.
Board membership has also changed following the AGM and I would like to recognise the contribution of Alasdair Maclennan who steps down but will continue to represent the best interests of Scottish and British Cycling through his membership of the UEC. As many of you will be aware, Alasdair is a true stalwart of the sport and have served on the Scottish Cycling Board since 2008, including eight years as President.
Andrea Lockhart has also stepped down from the Board as she has recently been appointed as Chair the British Cycling Gravity Commission. Forever a serial volunteer, Andrea will continue in her role as a Commissaire and will also continue to support the Scottish Cycling Board’s activities through her discipline specific knowledge and experience.
I would also like to convey my deepest thanks to Kathy Gilchrist who has solidly chaired the Scottish Cycling Board over the last four years. Kathy will continue as an appointed Board member and as the Scottish Cycling representative on the British Cycling Board. Kathy will also Chair the BC Integrity Committee.
The baton as Chair of Scottish Cycling has been passed to Martin Cooke, who was appointed as a director in November 2015, since when he has chaired the Finance & Governance Committee. Martin brings over 30 years of national and international strategic and business experience as General Counsel of The Edrington Group, with a particular interest in business and sport interaction.
Following the appointment of Directors at the AGM, it gives me great pleasure to welcome our four new elected members:
- Diane Clayton-Chisholm - West Lothian Clarion
- Fiona Cockburn - ACC Velopreda
- Nigel Holl - Stirling Bike Club
- Scott Hutchinson- Dunfermline Cycling Club
For a little background on each of our new directors, their nomination forms can be found here.
Last, but by no means least, John Watt also joins the Board as an appointed director. John has devoted the last four years as an independent financial advisor supporting the work of the Finance and Governance Committee. John brings with him significant experience in infrastructure and corporate finance to the Board and will Chair the Finance and Governance Committee, going forward.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our passionate and dedicated volunteers and staff team for another blistering year as we look forward to 2020.
Best Regards
Tom Bishop
President
Scottish Cycling
