At the March 2017 England Hockey AGM a resolution to review the structures within the sport was put to the AGM and passed via a 98% majority. The AGM resolution, proposed by Alderley Edge and London Wayfarers Hockey Clubs, read as follows:

“This resolution proposes that England Hockey review the sport's current governance structure across the country so that it provides the best opportunity to develop the sport; increasing participation levels and the chances of sustained success at national and international level while safeguarding participants and giving members the best possible experience in the 21st century”. 

Since the AGM the England Hockey board has discussed the resolution further at its May meeting and agreed the approach to the project. A working group has been set up with Liz Pelling (England Hockey Vice President) as Chair, two board representatives Andy Tapley (Membership Elected Non-Executive Director) and Richard Sykes (Independent Non-Executive Director), Neville Wrench (nominated by the Regions Consultative Committee as their representative) and two Executive Directors Rich Beer (Development) and Ian Wilson (Finance Director). This group has now met on two occasions, and presented a scope and timescale for the initial stages of the project to the Board at its July meeting.

The next steps are to gather as much information as possible about the current strengths and challenges facing the governance structures of the sport. The scope of this work will focus primarily on the club game and the structures that support this such as Regions, Counties, HUAs and Leagues. To do this effectively an independent consultant will be commissioned over the coming weeks to carry out detailed consultation and ensure that views are heard and considered in a fair and open minded manner.

We intend to approach all clubs and associations later in September and throughout October to gather as much feedback as possible. In the meantime we would really encourage organisations to consider the resolution further before the opportunity to feed in to the consultation so responses can be as constructive as possible. Further communication will follow in September but in the meantime if you have any questions please contact ian.wilson@englandhockey.co.uk.