SCUBA Editor Simon Rogerson interviews BSAC’ s newly elected Chair, Andy Shenstone, asking about the club’ s direction under his leadership
CLUBLIFE
A view from the
Chair
SCUBA Editor Simon Rogerson interviews BSAC’ s newly elected Chair, Andy Shenstone, asking about the club’ s direction under his leadership
Andy Shenstone has been elected BSAC Chair at a time he himself describes as a“ crucial point” in the club’ s evolution. Over a wide-ranging interview, we discussed BSAC’ s evolution, the nature of change in the diving world and his own scuba background.
In his day job, he is Chief Executive of NEBOSH, the UK’ s largest occupational health and safety awarding body. About 14 years ago he joined his local BSAC branch and embarked on a journey that has seen him qualify as an Advanced Diver, becoming an active instructor and allround volunteer along the way.
Over the course of our interview, his respect for the volunteer ethos crops up repeatedly. At the same time, he believes that BSAC must continue to change in order to remain relevant to its members and the wider public. Articulate, and with a thorough grasp of corporate governance, Andy’ s interview could fill many pages of SCUBA. What follows is a distillation, a taste of his outlook on club life, and what his time at BSAC’ s helm may bring.
How did you get involved in diving?
I started diving around 14 years ago. My family had reached an age where I had more spare time, and I’ ve always loved the water. I approached my local branch, Vale Royal Sub-Aqua Club, just a few miles away from where I live in Cheshire. My first true open water dives took place at the Delph, and my first sea dives off Rhoscolyn in Anglesey.
What was your relationship with BSAC in your early days?
Initially it was just the branch. I progressed through Sports Diver, then Assistant Instructor. Assistant Instructor is one of BSAC’ s most popular and best regarded courses. It was my first exposure to BSAC more widely. Learning with National Instructors and Instructor Trainers opened my eyes to volunteering beyond the branch.
How did you become involved in club governance?
Soon after joining Vale Royal, an established member asked me to‘ do the money’... I hadn’ t even qualified [ as a diver ] at that time, but I said I’ d step up once I got my Ocean Diver. As soon as I qualified, she handed over the accounts file and said:“ Right – your turn to give back... would you please do the books?”
That was 14 years ago and I’ ve been trying to pass on the job of Honorary Treasurer at Vale Royal ever since. If fellow branch members are reading this, the position remains open! Anyway, that was my first involvement in governance, and I’ ve been looking after the money ever since, in one way or another. It’ s about recognising that in a volunteer system, you get out what you put in. The branches that really thrive have managed to harness the fact that every member has something they can contribute.
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