BSACLIFE
Edward believes in supporting BSAC overseas
Q Is diving more inclusive than it used to be ? How can we make it more so ?
A This is something that Council is wrestling with at the moment . The problem with evaluating areas such as diversity is that we haven ’ t captured that sort of data in the past , so there ’ s no baseline . However , we are making a start .
We now have the EDI course [ Equality , Diversity and Inclusion , an e-learning course ], which is available to members online . It ’ s primarily about how we think and write , so that we are more inclusive . This mindset is now permeating our marketing material and updates are being made when we review course material .
“ I ’ d like to see a longterm relationship between the UK dive centres and their local branches ”
Q How do you see the relationship between BSAC and partner diving centres developing in the future ?
A I ’ d like to see a long-term relationship between the UK dive centres and their local branches . One of my stated objectives when I was standing for Chair was that non-members should be able to take BSAC modules through a Centre . They could then get a three-month membership , receive SCUBA magazine and hopefully decide to join the branch long term . I still support that , and it aligns with the strategy .
Q What lessons did BSAC learn from the pandemic ? Has it changed the club ?
A Yes , dramatically . Before the pandemic there was talk of e-learning , digitisation and the like . It would have happened naturally , but it could have taken another 10 years . But the pandemic allowed webinars and online learning to be developed and to happen quite quickly . That ’ s permanent – we ’ re not going back . HQ is becoming more dynamic , and that ’ s partly because the Council is thinking more strategically ; and we expect HQ to follow suit . The engagement of the new Head of Diving and Training , Dom Robinson , is an example of our capacity for dynamic change when it is required .
Q If you had one thing you would change about BSAC , what would it be ?
A Looking to the future , we will continue to update the Articles of Association on a regular basis , and look to bring in independent non-executive directors . I think this move will be in the long-term benefit of the organisation , because we ’ ll get away from ‘ group-think ’, because we ’ re all divers and we cannot think about an issue outside that sphere .
In 2009 , with his favoured bailout configuration
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Q How can BSAC continue to remain at the heart of diving and snorkelling culture in these unpredictable times ?
A We must never compromise the level of safety within our training , because we are recognised throughout the world for turning out competent divers . BSAC qualifications are respected and recognised all over the world , and I ’ m proud that wherever I go , the dive guides can look at my qualifications and know that they don ’ t have to worry about me .
I ’ m very proud of this status and I think we need to ensure we don ’ t undermine it by compromising the quality of our training . Governance is important to provide a framework for a network of clubs , but it ’ s all for nothing if we don ’ t maintain our standards in training . �