As you will be aware there have been a number of changes to the staffing team within the SOA office in the recent weeks. Today we say goodbye to Sarah Hobbs after two years as our communications and marketing guru. Read More…
The new Operations Team led by Keith Roberts had their inaugural meeting in Edinburgh and thanks go to the Competitions Coordinator (Mark Nixon), Fixtures Secretary (Paul Caban) and Sally Lindsay (Trophies Coordinator) for their input. Staff member Colin Matheson was also present.
For the 2018 new membership year, from 1st November 2017, we’ll be offering an additional membership option to new and existing members. As well as the new option meeting the needs of our members, our funding from sportscotland is based on member numbers so it is a valuable aid to growing our membership and further developing orienteering in Scotland.
Read More…With Megan Griffiths, our previous sportscotland Partnership Manager, taking on other responsibilities within the organisation, we are delighted to introduce Jane Scott, our new partnership manager, to the orienteering community.
Read More…
The SOA is delighted to announce the appointment of Pamela Carvell to our Board of Directors.
Read More…
Each clock set has two displays: one for the start line which shows race time and one for the pre start / call up line. The start signal counts down the last few seconds with a beep, beep, BEEP to send the runners on their way. The internal Real Time Clock can be adjusted and synchronised to ‘internet time’ by using configuration software.
The clocks are looked after by Ted Finch who has more details and a Request Form on his web site… Each pair of clock displays is supplied in a robust box with charger. The box can be used as a stand for one of the displays. Tripod stands are also available for major events where crowds of waiting runners may obscure the pre start display.
The clocks may be borrowed by SOA clubs or hired by other orienteering or running clubs for events or training. Please contact Ted if you wish to use one. “Request a Clock”
The clocks were developed with the benefit of a grants from Sports Scotland.
The board reserves the right to propose changes to event levies or memberships at a future date, depending upon the results of this trial and any other factors which become relevant. If it becomes necessary to propose a change to the levy rate, this will be brought forward to the AGM in the usual way.
Read More…
The AGM will be held following the Scottish Individual Championships on Saturday 20th May, at 5.30-6.30pm. Board members for the posts of Board Secretary, Development Director and Finance Director will be voted in at this meeting; see more info on the available posts here.
SOA President Roger Scrutton and Treasurer Ian McIntyre went into some detail of the challenges facing the SOA, and explained the rationale behind the proposals presented in the SOA AGM booklet.
Read More…In recent years, all areas of our work – governance, development, events, education, communications, member services, performance and so on – have been expanding and demanding increasingly specific skills for their delivery. Although we have valuable volunteer contributions in some areas, notably events, performance and coaching, in order to continue to progress in other areas we are reorganising our staff in alignment with our Strategy 2016-2020. The simplest way to illustrate the reorganisation is with this table:
| Pre-2016 Staffing | 2016 Staffing |
|---|---|
| Professional Officer (Colin Matheson) | Chief Operating Officer (Stefanie Lauer) |
| National Development Officer (Hilary Quick) | Events Manager (Colin Matheson) |
| Development Officer Moray (Mike Rodgers)* | Education Manager (Hilary Quick) |
| Development Officer Highland (Johannes Petersen)* | Regional Development Officer North Scotland* |
| Development Officer Deeside (Sarah Dunn)* | Regional Development Officer South Scotland* |
| Development Officer Tayside (Mel Nicoll)* | Administrative Assistant (Sarah Hobbs) |
| *Contracts run to Autumn 2016 | *To be appointed over Summer 2016 |
Key points to note are that as of end May 2016 the post of Professional Officer and National Development Officer will no longer exist. Colin Matheson becomes Events Manager and will focus on all aspects of events and development related to events; Hilary Quick becomes Education Manager and will focus on delivering volunteer and coach education and Teaching Orienteering courses.
Stefanie Lauer joins us on 30th May as Chief Operating Officer based at the Scottish National Orienteering Centre in charge of all aspects of governance and planning.
Sarah Hobbs, also based at the Centre, joined us in February to assist Stefanie but in addition focus on communications and member services. Members will have been receiving emails from Sarah already.
Later in the Summer there will be a transition from four development officers dedicated to northern clubs to two Regional Development Officers providing coverage for the whole of Scotland. These two new officers will pursue some SOA priorities but also be in touch with all clubs in due course to explain and offer their services.