Dear Member
You should by now have received notification of proposed changes to British Showjumping’s Constitution; if you have not, please contact nicky.dobbins@britishshowjumping.co.uk
  

The changes proposed by the Executive Board are very important to ensure British Showjumping is in the best position to obtain funding from UK Sport in the run up to the Olympics in Rio 2016. This funding is important, as without it we would have to cut back on our funding of shows and training for every member.
 

The attached letter from Hugh Robertson shows that Government and funding agencies are looking at the governance structures within sporting organizations. Their requirement for British Showjumping is to have a Skills Based Board of around 8 people. A previous independent report into the governance of Equestrian sports also recommended smaller skills based boards. British Dressage, British Eventing and The British Equestrian Federation have already successfully implemented this approach.
 

A working group was set up by the British Showjumping Board last December to look at this guidance and at suggestions made by members over the last few years.  The Board reviewed the proposals and these were then discussed at meetings around Scotland, England and Wales to which all Officials, Area Representatives and Area Committee members were invited. Feedback was then incorporated into the final proposals for a new constitution to which the Executive Board gave their unanimous approval.
 

Therefore as well as the Skills Based Board adopted by BD and BE, we are proposing to form a Members Council made up for each Region of the 3 main stakeholder groups of Rider, Official and Organiser,  plus a space for other stakeholders, such as owners, breeders or volunteers. This Members Council will use its expertise to advise on the development of British Showjumping and provide guidelines for the National Sport. It will also put forward representatives to Board working parties and three members will be on the National Sport Committee. Two members will also be involved with the selection of the skills based Board Members.
 

The current Executive Board was unanimous in recommending this as the best way forward for British Showjumping. Please now show your support by voting for the changes, either in person or by proxy.
 

If you have any questions about the proposed changes please contact Iain.graham@britishshowjumping.co.uk         

Please click here for the letter from Hugh Robertson