SCUBAHUB
BSAC Annual General Meeting 2022
While members have remained loyal , BSAC ’ s strategy is to build on its core base and keep the club relevant for the next generation of divers . Report by Simon Rogerson
THIS YEAR ’ S AGM PRESENTED A picture of an ever-evolving club that adapted quickly to the challenges of the Covid era , but must continue to adapt in the face of a changing society . Again , the meeting was carried out on a virtual platform – Microsoft Teams – which allowed more widespread access and a greener footprint .
New Faces
Virtual delegates were welcomed by BSAC ’ s outgoing Chair , Maria Harwood , who vacates the hotseat after three years of challenges she could never have anticipated . She is succeeded by Edward Haynes , who won a close electoral battle with Andrew Shenstone to become BSAC ’ s 2022 Chair . Edward has a strong pedigree in volunteering for the club , most recently serving as Honorary Secretary .
In her final address as Chair , Maria set out some of the challenges still facing BSAC , and why the club needs to pursue change . She pointed to the club ’ s declining demographic , a process accelerated by Covid . “ The good news is that the club managed to recruit nearly 3,500 members last year ,” Maria said . “ But this is tempered by the trend that as many divers leave as enter BSAC each year .”
The club has been working to a new strategic plan under Maria ’ s tenure , designed to offer a set of products more aligned with the priorities of younger people . She highlighted the new Advanced Ocean Diver course and the Branch + Centre partnership scheme as examples of BSAC addressing today ’ s market . Such modernisation has been complimented by the launch of the BSAC App , and the Know and Grow webinars , which help local branches build their membership offerings .
Still , Maria said , there ’ s room for improvement , and everyone can help . Last year , 944 divers were left unqualified and 200 branch queries left unanswered . There are mechanisms across BSAC to address such shortcomings if we work together , she said .
Maria concluded by expressing thanks to the outgoing Council members and welcoming the new ones , as well as congratulating her successor as Chair , Edward Haynes . “ Thank you to everyone , all the volunteers and the HQ team ,” she said . “ Thanks to all our members for sticking with us during this difficult period .”
Treasurer ’ s report
Janos Suto personified the new digital BSAC by delivering his report as Honorary Treasurer from inside his car , parked in Oban , where he had been diving . He said that new member recruitment was on the up , and the number of fully paid-up members had increased by 453 , standing at 22,047 .
Janos reported an increase in operating income , up 6 % to £ 1.5million , thanks in part to the recovery in instructor training . Meanwhile , expenditure decreased from £ 1.6 to £ 1.5million , due to a number of savings . With the release of £ 107,000 in grant income , the club was able to make a surplus of £ 100,000 to add to its balances .
All the same , Janos said , cash and budget for 2022 remains tight , and is being closely monitored . “ We want to continue building a sensible amount of reserves , and as part of the modernisation the HQ building has been put on the market .” A potential sale fell through , but Janos thinks it ’ s “ highly probable ” the building will be sold in the next 12 months .
Janos concluded by announcing a clean Audit Report , and thanked the retiring Audit Chair , Nigel Rogers .
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