BSAC ’ s future :
The way forward
As BSAC members , we are part of
something unique and amazing . When you ’ re on the inside it ’ s easy to forget how special and unique we are . To survive as a volunteer-run organisation in a commercially competitive environment in a sport , like many , that is experiencing global decline is a worthy achievement . It is important to remember the successes and how far BSAC has come . However , despite BSAC ’ s achievements , the current reality is a long-term gentle decline in membership and addressing this and the organisation ’ s future sustainability , has become priority .
The challenge will be to keep the great parts – the fantastic spirit and ethos of our community , our high-quality training and safety focus , and our adventurous spirit - and evolve it to become something
Lead of BSAC ’ s Strategy Group , Rachel Quinn , sets out the opportunity BSAC has to become the ‘ go to ’ community for anyone wanting to learn about , enjoy and protect the underwater world
attractive and accessible to many more . A plan for this has taken shape in the form of the BSAC Strategic Plan 2021-2023 ( viewable online
at bsac . com / strategy ). It sets out BSAC ’ s bright future and how we ’ ll get there . Thank you to all the clubs , members and stakeholders that got involved in the consultation process of helping shape the plans .
Where are we now ?
2020 was an extremely challenging year and we ’ re not out of the woods just yet , with extensive restrictions still in place . Never has there been a time of such challenge for BSAC , but equally , never has there been a time in which our clubs , volunteers and members have pulled together to support each other so remarkably . A sincere thank you to all members for your loyalty and everything you have done during this time .
As a result of the spirit and agility of our clubs , members , volunteers and staff , we managed to deliver many new initiatives in 2020 ( such as online learning , webinars and course development ). Recruitment of new members was greatly challenged , however , and BSAC ended 2020 with 23,912 members , 3,090 less than at the end of 2019 ( new members in 2020 were 2,407 down on 2019 ). Sadly , Covid-19 has compounded the downward trend in membership .
The previous strategic plan ( 2016-2020 ) delivered some good and enduring work - a refreshed look for the organisation , a new website with integrated digital services to members , Discovery Diver , updated Ocean and Sports Diver courses , and new member recruitment support and digital services for local clubs . However , although there were some successes and the membership decline slowed during that time ( pre-Covid ), the long-term gentle decline in membership remained .
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