Key Conference 'Breakout Sessions' Centre on Area Associations

Within a packed 2009 Annual Conference volunteers from all parts of the organisation split into six syndicate groups to consider a new draft role & responsibilities outline for Area Associations, as well as to reflect on ideas to refine CSSC's structure, particularly in terms of the relationships between Regions and Areas.

'Breakout Sessions' can often be some of the most valuable time spent at Conference as smaller group work tends to encourage everyone to get involved and to offer ideas or opinions. 2009 was no exception and a wide range of views were offered on the two issues under consideration.

There was clear agreement that improved clarity of the roles and responsibilities of CSSC affiliate groups would be beneficial. The draft Area Association (AA) outline was welcomed and, with some small refinements, was seen as a useful summary of what Areas should aspire to achieve where their circumstances permitted. Some Areas suggested that they currently met the majority of the elements outlined, whilst others suggested that their circumstances and the volunteer time available made the list more challenging.

Conference attendees saw considerable benefit in also agreeing similar outlines for Departmental Associations, Regions and Sports & Activity bodies and sharing each of these with the other affiliate groups and making them available to members.

The second element of the Breakout Session centred on possible organisational change. Reflecting on the feedback given at the 2008 Conference, groups considered the merits of linking AAs more directly to their respective Regional Councils and strengthening both the role of Regions and their business connections to CSSC nationally.

In the limited time available, it was difficult for groups to explore all the possible ramifications of altering the current inter-relationships between Areas, Regions and CSSC nationally, but a number of extremely helpful comments and current experiences were shared. A few of the common themes included: -

• Several regions were already developing a more 'joined up' approach to the conduct of CSSC business within their catchments
• DAs and Sport & Activity Bodies saw potential communication benefits in the approach suggested
• Several practical issues were raised in terms of the proposed Regional Management Boards, such as their make-up, the conduct of business, involvement of Areas, etc
• How funding would operate was seen as a fundamental issue that many attendees would welcome more information on
• Several members commented on the need to also tackle the flaws in business relationships between Departmental Associations and CSSC.

The feedback gathered during these sessions has given plenty of food for thought for the small Management Board sub-group looking at Task 16 of CSSC's Strategic Plan. They will report back to the Management Board in September with recommendations on how best to progress this important area of work.

If you attended Conference and have further views and comments to offer, please email strategicplan@cssc.co.uk. If you weren't at Manchester and would like more information, please feel free to contact the same email address for further details.