England Touch Association - Annual Report 2014 England Touch Association - Annual Report 2014 | Page 8

ETA Annual Report GOVERNANCE (Review) Summary: Good governance continues to be an integral part of the ETAs’ priorities, ensuring that we develop as an organisation but equally adapt to respond to the rapid growth of our sport. An effective board will provide good governance and leadership by:  Working effectively both as individuals and as a team. The ETA has recruited new board members with the skills, experience and diversity our organisation needs.  Being open and accountable. The ETA has evidenced this by handling complaints impartially, effectively and efficiently.  Behaving with integrity. The ETA has put this aspect into practice by taking decisions and actions based on ethical standards. Key Areas of Development: As an essential feature for good decision‐making capability the ETA has developed the following new formal structure and practice to deal with discipline and grievance cases  Judiciary and Advisory Panel Procedure including Terms of Reference to deal with discipline and grievance cases Ultimately good governance presents a challenge, but as an essential feature for good decision‐making capability the ETA has facilitated the development of additional (1-3) and existing (4-5) documentation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Health and Safety Policy in response to clubs utilising Students' Union Volunteering Services Data Protection Policy to integrate sports science based player data collection Sponsorship Guidelines to protect our reputation and enhance our member benefits Code of Behaviour for All Participants to ensure equality for all ages NTS / CTS Rules incorporating new tournament logistics allowing two series to be played on the same day Key Areas Working Towards: 1. As an organisation we continue to set good internal policies and procedures but this also requires keeping them up to date. The board will work towards a basic timetable for reviews and revisions to achieve this 2. Supporting the evolution of our player demographic we endeavour to launch our Safeguarding and Welfare Policy, requiring all of our member clubs, tournament and regions to accept responsibility 3. Sign Up to the Sport and Recreation Alliance Voluntary Code of Good Governance Key Areas for Consideration: To use the Scotland Disciplinary Practical Guidance document and provide our experience, feedback and advice back to Scottish Touch Association periodically. Carly Heselwood Governance Director 8 England Touch Association