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Last update: Friday June 3, 2005 9:44
Officers:
Work together with the President, under the guidance of the BCF Council, to
the general benefit of English chess and the BCF.
Provide to the BCF Council annual reports, strategic plans and a financial budget.
Officers ensure the BCF is an open access organisation without discrimination
with respect to age, ability, colour, creed, gender, occupation, race or religion
or political affiliation.
Officers are defined in the Constitution as the Chief Executive and the Directors.
The FIDE Delegate and the Chairmen of the Standing Committees of Council are
also defined as Officers but are not members of the Management Board (hereafter
MB). The Chairmen are responsible to the Council and also have the right but
not the duty to attend meetings of the MB.
President:
Manages, with the assistance of the Chief Executive, and chairs meetings of
the Council; acts as a focal point for the concerns of delegates, members and
chess players generally; acts as an ambassador for the BCF, seeking to improve
its public image; is, ex officio, a member of the MB. Takes the leading role
in Government relations and other external affairs and, in so doing, liaises
closely with the Chief Executive. Monitors compliance with all agreements between
the BCF and Government, sponsors and other external bodies.
Liaises closely with the Constituent Units and Game Fee organisations through
their representatives on the MB and, as appropriate, directly.
Between meetings of the MB, has its delegated authority, in consultation with
the Chief Executive, to manage risks and seize opportunities.
Provides overall management and direction of the BCF Office at Battle. Is accountable
for policy and expenditure on the Yearbook, ChessMoves and the BCF Diary. Appoints
officers, where appropriate, to these fields of activity and oversees their
work; dismisses such officers if appropriate. Such appointments do not relieve
the President of responsibility and should be reported to the MB at or before
its next meeting. Establishes objectives and standards of performance for the
Manager of Finance & Management Services, the manager of the Office at Battle,
identifying any training, development and welfare requirements. Brings forward
recommendations to the MB on organisation, facilities, or staff changes.
Chief Executive:
Chairs meetings of the MB and manages the agenda and documentation for those
meetings; assists the President in the preparation of the agenda for meetings
of the Council. Appoints the Minutes Secretary for all meetings of both the
MB and Council. Ensures he or she is au fait with the BCF Constitution, Standing
Orders for Council and the MB, Election Protocol and Financial Standing Instructions.
Is the designated officer responsible for administration (Constitution 9.3,
9.4.2, 9.9, C1, C2.5 and C2.6) and for the Game Fee Scheme (Constitution A4.7).
Provides ‘hands on’ direction to and co-ordinates the activities
of the Directors, liaising as necessary with the representatives of the Constituent
Units and Game Fee organisations on the MB. Ensures the MB operates within its
agreed strategy and is accountable to the MB and to the Council for the achievement
by the MB of all plans. Ensures all decisions by the MB are followed through.
Is ex officio a member of all MB Committees, with the exception of the Selection
Committees. Monitors the activity of all MB Committees.
Directors:
Develop chess in their field, paying due regard to the overall strategic objectives
of the Federation and the Annual Business Plan. Communicate regularly with the
Chief Executive, in particular prior to each Board Meeting. Appoint officers,
where appropriate, to the organisation of their directorate and oversee that
work; dismiss such officers if appropriate. Such appointments do not relieve
Directors of responsibility and should be reported to the MB at or before its
next meeting.
Provide such services and undertake such activities as shall, from time to time,
be approved by the MB. Provide annual reports to the BCF Council, a financial
budget and administer expenditure under the supervision of the Finance Director.
Provide details, as required by the Director of Strategic Planning & Grading,
for the Annual Business Plan, the three-year rolling Corporate Plan, the Annual
Achievement Report and Review and other reporting requirements of the Department
for Culture, Media and Sport. Report to the next meeting of the MB any significant
deviation from Plans or Budgets. Directors report as necessary to the MB. Act
at all times in accordance with Standing Orders and Financial Standing Instructions.
Ensure that rules and information on all competitions etc., for which they are
responsible, are provided to the office for inclusion in ChessMoves and display
on the BCF website
All Directors (and all other members of the MB) are normally expected each year
to attend meetings of the MB (approx. 6) and of Council (usually 2). Meetings,
spread throughout the year, are normally held in major cities on Saturdays from
11.00 to 18.00. Reasonable expenses may be claimed. If unable to attend a meeting
of the MB, members may appoint a proxy (Constitution 12.1). It is expected that
the proxy will be in a position to report on any outstanding actions to be undertaken
by the member and on other important current issues.
Finance Director:
Manages the preparation of the annual statement of Accounts of the Federation
and presents it on behalf of the MB, duly audited, to the Annual Meeting of
Council. Oversees the records kept by the BCF Office, ensures they are accurate
and adequate for accounting purposes and for the preparation of VAT and other
statutory returns. Guides the work of the accounting staff in the Office, prepares
the Federation’s annual budget, in liaison with the BCF Directors, the
MB and the Finance Committee. Produces for the MB periodic management information
and forecasts of income and expenditure; takes remedial action, as may be required,
in consultation with the Chief Executive and the MB. Is responsible for the
collection of Game Fee by the Manager of Finance & Management Services and
Office staff and provides forecasts. Evaluates the various risks to which the
BCF is exposed and proposes to the MB the appropriate course of action, including,
as appropriate, insurance. Provides general advice to the Federation on financial
matters, taxation, statutory accounts and reporting requirements.
Director of Strategic Planning & Grading:
Liaising closely with the Chief Executive and the Finance Director, takes the
lead with the MB in the identification of corporate strategies and co-ordinates
the production of the three-year Corporate plan, the Annual Business Plan, the
Annual Achievement Report and the Annual Planning Calendar. Gains the approval
of the BCF Council to these documents. Acts as a prime BCF representative to
the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and manages the timely production
of reports to the Department to enhance and protect the annual government grant
to the BCF. Appoints a Strategic Planning Officer, who may attend relevant meetings
of the MB.
Manages, organises and supervises the national system for grading the standard
of chess players both at ‘standard play’ chess and Rapidplay. Prepares
for publication lists of players and grades, at intervals to be decided by the
MB, and supports the ‘Master Points’ Scheme. Improves systems to
facilitate the efficient and cost effective provision of grading information.
Reports and explains progress and developments in the grading system, including
any problems encountered, or remedial action necessary.
Works with the Finance Director and BCF Office staff in resolving any problems
that may arise in connection with the collection of Game Fee.
Promotes and encourages participation in the Game Fee Scheme and develops appropriate
strategies with the Director of Membership Development.
Director of Membership Development and ICT (Information & Communications
Technology):
Takes the lead responsibility for developing the BCF’s new approach to
membership (of all categories), fees (including Game Fee) and the benefits attaching
(including grading), building on the preliminary discussion at the Annual Meeting
of Council in April 2003. In collaboration with the Finance Director produces
financial models and, with the assistance of the representatives of the Constituent
Units and Game Fee organisations, consults with Unions, Counties, Leagues and
Congresses to ensure that plans are seen as feasible and can be implemented
successfully. Produces definitive proposals and an implementation plan for consideration
by Council. Acts as convener of the MB Membership Committee.
The Director advises on the development of office and internet systems, structures
and associated training. Brings forward to the MB recommendations on the development
of website policy; advises the BCF webmaster, who is a member of the office
staff. Recommends to the MB plans to source and deploy all BCF ITC hardware
and software. Makes recommendations to the MB on any consulting services and
costs in this area, should they form a necessary part of our plans. Ensures
an inventory of all BCF ICT hardware, software and licenses is created and maintained.
Ensures compliance with the terms of ICT licenses and contracts.
Marketing Director:
Develops and implements a strategic marketing plan aimed at increasing the commercial
revenues of the BCF by developing a market research led approach to strengthen
relationships with members, Game Fee payers, chess organisers and officials,
local and national media, and the wider business community.
Develops a strong and clearly differentiated brand image for chess, and uses
this as a means of promoting the image of the BCF and of generating favourable
publicity for the Federation. Develops and enhances the image and perceived
value of chess and of the people who organise and play the game.
Co-ordinates the search for sponsors and sets standards for the BCF’s
relations with them. Is convener of the MB Sponsorship Committee.
Is responsible for the 'BCF Book of the Year’, and the 'BCF Player of
the Year' Awards and makes proposals to the MB for all BCF endorsements. Ensures
with the President and the convener of the MB Awards Committee that these and
other Awards are presented in the way that attracts the best publicity and reinforces
the BCF’s relations with local chess players and organisers.
Director of Women’s Chess:
Offers advice and promotes all kinds of suitable activity, particularly education,
training and practice, for all female players. Co-operates with other BCF Directors,
BCF Affiliates, and other organisations whether, or not specifically identified
with women’s chess. Co-operates with other bodies, as appropriate, to
organise the participation by females in all forms of chess activity. Makes
grants to events, teams, players and coaches in accordance with the Annual Business
Pan and Budget.
Is responsible for BCF participation in FIDE and ECU events for adult females,
liaising with the Director of Junior Chess & Education for females under
the age of 21. Arranges other international events, as appropriate, for the
benefit of female players. Co-operates with other bodies, as appropriate, to
organise the participation by the Federation or its nominees of female players
in international events.
Director of Congress Chess:
Organises the British Chess Championships and Annual Congress and all other
BCF tournaments, other than those which are the specific responsibility of another
Director. Organises the BCF Grand Prix, the safe custody and maintenance of
all playing equipment, including internet equipment, belonging to or used by
the Federation. Makes recommendations to the MB regarding the appointment of
persons as (1) BCF Arbiter (2) BCF Senior Arbiter and (3) International Arbiter.
Is responsible for the BCF Chess Calendar. Supervises the ‘Master Points’
Scheme.
Director of Home Chess:
Has overall responsibility for the: National Counties Team Championships, National
Club Championships, National Counties Team Rapidplay Championship, Counties
and District Correspondence Championships, the Adjudication Service, Prison
Chess, Chess for the Disabled and Chess for Senior Citizens. Provides delegates
to appropriate bodies associated with the Federation such as the British Postal
Chess Federation and the British Chess Problem Society. Is responsible for any
BCF Internet Chess Playing Service.
International Director:
Organises the participation by the Federation or its nominees in open international
events (other than events open only to players under the age of 21 (the responsibility
of the Director of Junior Chess & Education) or those for the benefit of
female players (the responsibility of the Director of Women's Chess). Makes
grants to events, teams, players and coaches in accordance with the Annual Business
Pan and Budget.
Arranges such other international events as the Federation may authorise from
time to time. Ensures, in co-operation with the Directors of Junior Chess &
Education and of Womens’ Chess, that the continuing development of our
leading juniors is fostered as they emerge into adulthood. Is responsible for
the work of the International Rating Officer, including nomination of all players
for FIDE titles. Makes recommendations to the MB, in conjunction with other
Directors as appropriate, regarding the appointment of persons for other FIDE
titles. Works together with the FIDE Delegate to advise the Federation on all
questions arising in relation to FIDE and the ECU, including the FIDE Laws of
Chess and other aspects of the FIDE handbook..
Director of Junior Chess & Education:
Offers advice and promotes all kinds of suitable activity, particularly education,
training and practice, for all players under the age of 21. Co-operates with
other BCF Directors, BCF Affiliates, and other organisations, whether or not
specifically identified with junior chess. Co-operates with other bodies, as
appropriate, to organise the participation by the Federation or its nominees
in international events for players under 21.
Is responsible for the National Counties Under-18 Championships and the BCF
Schools Teams Championship. Promotes links between junior players and organised
adult chess. Works closely with the Director of Coaching.
Director of Coaching:
Constructs a series of courses, methods of examination and certification for
chess coaches, trainers and teachers at various levels of chess playing and
teaching skills. Maintains a centralised database of such people. Obtains Government
recognition of certification by the BCF. Establishes meetings of coaches. Co-ordinates
with other Directors the provision of the best available coaches for players
and teams. Is responsible for seeking police clearance of coaches appointed
to work with juniors. Promotes links between colleges and voluntary organisations
and organised chess.
Works closely with the Director of Junior Chess and Education and with other
Directors about adult chess.
FIDE Delegate (This Officer post is elected by Council but is not a
directorship):
In conjunction with the International Director, represents the interests of
the Federation to FIDE and the ECU; communicates all relevant decisions by FIDE
and the ECU to the Federation. Promotes the appointment of suitable English
candidates to FIDE and ECU posts and committees
NB: Changes to the above responsibilities may be made by the MB at any time to reflect changing circumstances and/or personnel; such changes shall be reported on the BCF website and in ChessMoves.
NB: No other appointed officer shall bear a title including the word ‘Director’ in any form, unless such title has been given the prior approval of the MB.
CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS:
(9.2) The Management Board shall with the Agenda of any meeting of Council
furnish members of Council with a list of responsibilities of those Directors
whom it is intended to elect at that Meeting. Elected persons shall hold office
until the end of the Annual Council Meeting following their appointment unless
resolved otherwise. Such responsibilities will be subject to a simple majority
vote in Council, unless they involve a change in the definition of ‘OFFICERS’
(Constitution 3.8), in which case a separate Constitution Change paper, requiring
a two-thirds majority, will be needed. Prior consultation with the Chairman
of the Constitution Committee is recommended.
Council also elects the Chairmen of its two Standing Committees and appoints
the Auditor. These jobs are described in the Constitution as follows:
(6.2.3) The auditor shall have access to all the financial records and is entitled to require from the Federation’s President and Officers such information and explanations as he or she thinks necessary for the performance of his or her duties as auditor. Unless Council directs otherwise, a person may only be appointed as auditor if that person would be eligible for appointment under section 25 of the Companies Act 1989 had the Federation been a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1985.
(10.1) *subject to amendment at the Annual Meeting, September 2003* A Finance Committee, of which the President shall be a member ex officio, which shall regularly review the financial affairs of the Federation and offer such advice as it may deem appropriate. Members of the Finance Committee shall have access on a privileged and confidential basis to all the financial records of the Federation. The Council shall elect the Chairman of the Finance Committee and shall elect or appoint such other members as it sees fit.
(10.2) A Constitution Committee, of which the President shall be a member ex officio, which shall advise the Management Board and Council on the interpretation or application of any part of this Constitution or its Appendices and which shall advise on the drafting of amendments to the Constitution. The Council shall elect the Chairman of the Constitution Committee and shall elect or appoint such other members as it sees fit.
Any proposal to change these three responsibilities would require a separate Constitution Change paper, which would require a two-thirds majority in Council. Prior consultation with the Chairman of the Constitution Committee is recommended.
G.F.Walsh
President
July 2003