Dear Clubbies,
Congratulations for all your hard work toward getting an
absolutely fantastic response to National Jandal Day! We had
significant coverage in the media and thanks to State for their
support in this.
The New Zealand community donated $380,000 (tentative), almost
all of which goes directly back to clubs to help them keep their
communities safe in the water.
Key points covered included:
- President Bob Harvey attended the meeting and outlined his
progress on the concept of developing a SLSNZ Foundation. It aims
to mobilise supporters of Surf Life Saving to assist build a
capital base to underpin SLSNZ activities. The board is currently
taking advice and exploring a number of platforms to ascertain
which provides the best long term organisational security.
- The Board of Water Safety New Zealand joined the meeting
to discuss a more coordinated approach to water safety sector
programmes and funding. It was agreed that the CEOs would develop a
terms of reference for further discussion.
- "Running with Scissors" reported back on their work to consider
commercialisation opportunities for Surf Life Saving in New
Zealand. The report provides important independent recognition for
the value that Surf Life Saving plays in the New Zealand community
and identifies a number of opportunities to leverage the Surf Life
Saving brand in this regard. The Board appreciated the attendance
and input by SLSNR Chair Stephen Smith. Following a presentation to
staff on 12 December work will focus on prioritising and planning
implementation.
- The board accepted a report with advice about SLSNZ
intellectual property, its protection and use by other parties, for
example, advertising that may use SLSNZ images like patrol flags.
Potential for licensing arrangements and brand protection were
discussed and the board has requested further work be completed in
this area.
- Financial reports were presented that show that we are still on
track for a year end surplus. Cash flow is still forecast to be
tight during the high expenditure months of February and March -
the Board asked that mitigation options be developed. It's
comforting to note that the organisation is far better positioned
than last year to manage this period.
- Despite minor data migration challenges during the installation
of the new financial system in November profit and loss, balance
sheet and forecast to budget results were produced in record time
and staff can clearly see the benefits of the new financial
reporting system.. It allows better financial reporting and cash
flow forecasting. Importantly, it provides complete transparency
reporting for expenditure of grants. This will first be used in the
December grant report required for the New Zealand Lotteries Grants
Board.
- The Board was pleased to receive an internal communications
plan. It was suggested that the communications plan would better
sit alongside a broader stakeholder strategy with further work
required on this.
- A policy for the disposal of fixed assets was approved. The
first asset to be disposed under this policy is to be a rather
tired used vehicle!
- Minutes from Club Chairs meetings in Eastern, Central and
Southern were presented along with a running action list from those
meetings. It was noted how these forums had improved with robust
discussion aimed at supporting improvement of both SLSNZ and
regional activities. The next round of meetings is planned for
March/April 2012. SLSNR have confirmed that SLSNZ Board
representatives are to be invited to attend a meeting of Northern
Chairs in mid-December.
- An update on implementation of the Leadership Programme was
discussed. Guidance provided that the budgets are to be adjusted to
match the Government's Centenary Grant for this programme. We are
reviewing the way we bring to market to ensure access across the
SLSNZ movement.
- An updated risk management plan was presented that highlights
the 6 highest risk items for the organisation along with mitigation
activities. These risks are: failure to achieve income targets;
exceeding expenditure targets; staff retention, and loss of key
institutional knowledge; failure to meet all legislative compliance
obligations and not meeting the requirements of POM or a serious
health and safety incident at an SLSNZ event or programme. These
risks are to be reviewed at each Board meeting and mitigation plans
are actively managed to reduce probability or potential impact of
each risk.
- Club support payments - This week the first instalment of Club
Support Payments will be distributed by SLSNZ to the 67 clubs of
the 4 regions. We will distribute just over $232,000 from Lotteries
Grant Board and $13,800 for Beach Education club hire. There are 6
clubs that have not returned their club agreements and the payment
will be held until these have been returned and club obligations
have been met. The next instalment is due to be paid in the first
week of March 2012.
- An update was provided for the CEO recruitment process. To
generate maximum exposure advertising for the position is planned
to commence in late December with further advertising in start in
the second half of January.
- The Board agreed to a restructure proposal that would see
permanent General Manager roles for Club Development and Programmes
and Services advertised later in December. A new GM role for
Corporate Services will be created to cover financial, fundraising
and grant and information. The position of General Manager Business
is to be disestablished and replaced with a Sponsorship and
Marketing/Branding Manager. The Board is aware of the tremendous
efforts being put in by staff as we move into the busy summer
season. Pat and the team are always looking at ways to be more
effective and efficient to better serve the needs of the clubs and
the community and the Board supports initiatives to do
this.
- The planned meeting between the SLSNR and SLSNZ Boards was
deferred till early 2012 due to current club commitments of the
Northern Board. Instead the respective Chairs meet briefly to
better understand the positions of the respective
organisations.
The Board held a teleconference on 13th December to continue
discussions from the last meeting:
- With the increasing use of social media and because of the
immediate nature of communication through social media - the
ability of public to comment, and the difficulty in moderating
content social media poses risks that other forms of media do not.
The board adopted a new social media policy which clearly outlines
appropriate use of social media applications, in order to ensure
that the risk to the organisation is minimised wherever
possible.
- We have received an approach from a corporate interested in
helping SLSNZ achieve its purpose 'To protect our community in the
water' through education to adults in the community.
Next meeting:
11/12 February 2012 at Mt Maunganui - NZ Surf League
As you can see it was a full agenda and the Board really
appreciates the efforts of Pat and the wider management team who at
a very busy time of the season, continue to produce great insights
and reporting to support the Board.
As usual, I greatly appreciate you feedback or queries.
As this is my last planned communication before the holidays, on
behalf of the Board I wish you a merry and safe Christmas.
See you on the beach...
Yours in surf
Michael Bassett-Foss
Chairman
Surf Life Saving New Zealand
