Following a thorough and robust consultation change programme with members, the Board of Paddle UK would like to thank all those who took part.
Having listened to the views of almost 2,000 respondents, it is the Board’s intention to follow the views of the vast majority and take the recommendations forward to a General Meeting on Monday 25 November.
We encourage you to remain engaged as we act on your feedback.
Members will receive an official notice for the virtual meeting in the week commencing Monday 28 October, which will include registration instructions and proxy voting arrangements for those who cannot attend the meeting.
We shall make it as straightforward as possible for you to vote so please ensure your voice continues to be heard.
Earlier this year, the Board invited members to help shape future representation through a consultation process. Feedback from members for constitutional change has been positive.
In June 2024 the Board of Paddle UK opened a consultation with members, aimed at ensuring there is a better connection between the Board and our membership.
This was conducted through nine consultation sessions with a number of people attending multiple sessions. This helped shape thinking and we appreciated the clear advice given.
In September 2024, based on the feedback received during the online sessions, the consultation proposals were refined and shared with the membership in a survey..
The survey received 1,852 responses and was built around four key objectives, split into a number of individual statements, with the results favourable to see constitutional change.
- A Board that is diverse in skills, experience and background and that is truly representative of our membership – 83% strongly agree and agree
- A mechanism to ensure the key voices across England and our UK functions are heard and represented at Board level – 80% strongly agree and agree
- Establish a lead ambassadorial role directly linked to the strategic priorities of Paddle UK – 63% strongly agree and agree with 35% neither agreeing or disagreeing on the ceremonial nature of the role and length of tenure.
- To create an ambassadorial structure to help grow the profile of Paddle UK in a more engaged and purposeful way – 70% strongly agree and agree. This proposal does not require consideration at the General Meeting.
Following clear feedback received from the members the Board of Paddle UK will host a *British Canoeing General Meeting to propose changing the articles of British Canoeing (Paddle UK) to reflect the content of the consultation.
The three proposals will comprise:
- English Director vacancies will be open to all Paddle UK (English based) members. All candidates that meet the requirement of the role profile, assessed against a skills matrix, will be presented for a member ballot at the AGM.
- An Assembly will be formed in 2025, with representation across the English based paddling networks and communities.
The voice of the English based membership will be represented directly by the three England Board appointments and within Paddle UK’s Paddle England Assembly, which allows for the purpose and title of the current role of President to be reviewed.
- The proposals will also present the opportunity for a senior ambassadorial role to be established, which would be directly linked to the strategic priorities of Paddle UK.
The Board of Paddle UK encourages all members to fully engage with the constitutional change proposals and the forthcoming General Meeting, and look out for further information the week commencing Monday 28 October.
*PLEASE NOTE: British Canoeing is the official company name of the organisation, which trades as Paddle UK