Voting for a new Board Director, elected by the Paddle UK (England) membership, is now open.
The ballot is open to Paddle UK (England) members from Wednesday 29th January 2025 and will close at 12pm midday on Monday 17th February 2025.
The ballot has now closed.
The candidate with the highest number of votes will be elected to the Board.
All full members of Paddle UK (England) have an individual vote to select one of the six candidates. The six candidates standing in the member ballot are:
- Joseph Bacon
- Caroline Barnes
- Nathan Rundle
- David Spencer
- Joel Stobart
- Richard Stockwell
Members voting will need to confirm their membership number in order to submit their vote.
For this purpose ‘Paddle UK (England) membership” is all Full Individual Members whose National Association membership is held with British Canoeing (trading as Paddle UK).
We look forward to members voting in the ballot and to ensure your voice continues to be heard.
About the Ballot
The ballot for the Board Director elected from the Paddle UK (England) membership follows changes to the articles, agreed at a General Meeting held on 25th November 2024.
The result of the election will be communicated to members within 14 days of the close of the ballot and be formally announced at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 18 March.
The candidate with the highest number of votes will be elected to the Board and their initial four-year term will start from 18 March 2025, when their appointment is formally announced.
Recruitment of two independent Board Directors will commence later this year.
FAQs about the England Director Ballot
What is the definition of a full member who is eligible to vote?
For this purpose ‘Paddle UK (England) membership” is all Full Individual Members whose National Association membership is held with British Canoeing (trading as Paddle UK). This includes On the Water and On the Bank membership.
What age can I be to vote?
Any member under 18 is classed as a youth member, not a full member. Therefore to be eligible to vote you must be 18 and over.
How will the winner be decided?
The candidate with the highest number of votes will be elected to the Board.
If there is an equal number of votes for multiple candidates then the current Chair of the Board, Professor John Coyne CBE, will have the casting vote.
Why do members in the national associations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland not have a vote?
Paddle Scotland, Paddle Cymru and Paddle Northern Ireland all have representation on the Board of Paddle UK through one Director each.
Following changes to the articles, the Board Directors for England are now voted in by full members of Paddle UK (England). This ballot is for one director vacancy on the Board.
Can I vote by proxy?
Proxy votes are not required under the articles and given the ballot is open for a period of time, there is no need to offer them to enable people to participate or vote.
Why is this a digital ballot? What if I cannot vote online?
Our articles specify a digital ballot. If a member requires assistance or a reasonable adjustment to be able to participate in the vote then please contact us on 0300 0119 500 and ask to speak to the Governance Team
Who can I speak to if I cannot vote or have an issue voting?
For a discussion on any adjustment you may require please contact our Customer Services at: or 0300 0119 500