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The Governing Body
Modernisation Programme
What Is The Modernisation
Programme?
The modernisation
programme is designed to support Governing Bodies in becoming robust,
representative, accountable and inclusive organisations that demonstrate
leadership and good governance to their members. The programme also has a
substantial contribution to make towards the Sport NI’s Corporate Objective
of developing “Professional, Accountable, and Autonomous Sporting
Organisations”.
The funding for the
programme was obtained through UK Sport Modernisation funding. It is
anticipated that the programme will provide a legacy through knowledge and
skills transfer to the Governing Body that will enable it to manage it’s
responsibilities in core areas. It will also ensure that all organisations are
‘fit for purpose’ by way of:
§
Sound
Corporate Governance and decision-making;
§
Transparent
Human Resource policies and procedures;
§
Robust
financial controls and procedures;
§
Timely
production of management information, enabling the organisation to plan, monitor
and control activities and budgets.
What Does The Programme
Involve?
Typically, the programme involves:
-
An initial diagnostic
interview against the Investing in Change framework (completed by Sport NI);
-
Completion of a management
audit (completed by AHL Business Assurance Limited);
-
A one-day intensive seminar
(usually held over a weekend with independent consultants);
-
Access to follow-up
specialist advice to address areas identified in the seminar “action plan”.
What Progress Has Been
Made To Date?
To date, 10 Organisations
have been selected to take part in a pilot project:
§
Northern
Ireland Athletics Federation;
§
Northern
Ireland Gymnastics Federation;
§
Northern
Ireland Judo Federation;
§
Royal
Yachting Association (NIC);
§
Canoe
Association of Northern Ireland;
§
2 & 4 Wheels
Steering Group;
§
Mountaineering Council of Ireland;
§
Ulster
Branch Irish Rugby Football Union;
§
Ulster
Branch Badminton Union of Ireland;
§
Ulster
Branch Irish Table Tennis Association.
These 10 bodies are currently taking part in a dedicated
springboard seminar before committing to a 12-18 month development programme for
the boards and senior staff of the GB.
What Support Will Be
Available To The Governing Bodies?
A panel of experts is available to support GB's after
completion of the one day seminar to meet the objectives identified in the
“Action Plan” drawn up at the close of the seminar. The requirements of each GB
vary, but support is likely to be made available in one or more of the following
areas: HR management, employment law, governance structures, sports ethics,
leadership, marketing, public relations, member communications, risk management,
health and safety, volunteer support, sponsorship, financial management and
related topics.
Depending upon the level of demand, Sport NI may
negotiate a separate contract to provide key services in-house.
Will The Programme Be
Extended?
Sports NI plans to
progress a second tranche of Governing Bodies through the programme in September
2005.
The above programme will
enable Sport NI to consider re-prioritising its exchequer budget to
enable the continuation of the modernisation agenda in Northern Ireland.
What Are The Benefits For
Governing Bodies?
There are a number of
benefits to be realised by the Governing Bodies, most notably:
-
Independent audit of the
organisation highlighting key areas for improvement;
-
Support from Sport NI in implementing recommendations for improvement;
-
Classification of risk
determined for each Governing Body facilitating a move away from standard
monitoring, vouching and payment procedures to a more proportionate approach;
and
-
Opportunity for Sport NI to consider a more strategic method of ‘investing in plans’.
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