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Last update: Tuesday February 6, 2007 10:36
At the Council Meeting of the British Chess Federation held on April 23rd 2005 it was resolved that the name ‘English Chess Federation’ should be adopted. It was also resolved that the number of Directors of the Board of English Chess Federation shall be subject to a maximum of nine persons but shall not be less than five.
In line with the details of the resolution the Management Board recommends that the structure of the Board of the English Chess Federation together with other ancillary posts shall be as described below
Applications are invited for these posts. The Annual General Meeting of the English Chess Federation is scheduled for Saturday 22nd October 2005. All applications must be received by the Secretary of the ECF at the BCF Office by the firm closing time and date of Noon on Wednesday 14th September. No application can be accepted after that date.
Each applicant for a post must be either:
(a) for the same post, a retiring Director, the retiring FIDE Delegate, a retiring Chairman of a Standing Committee or a retiring Manager;
(b) a nominee by the Board for an Executive Director or Manager post;
(c) a person proposed with one of the following levels of support:
the President;
the Chief Executive;
the Director of Finance
the Director of International Chess;
the Director of Home Chess;
the Director of Junior Chess and Education;
the Director of Marketing;
the FIDE Delegate;
the Chairman of a Standing Committee;
any two Trustees;
any Representative Member of a Constituent Unit;
any two Representative Members of Counties;
any two Direct Members’ Representatives;
any two of a Trustee, a Representative Member of a County and a Direct Members’ Representative;
any five Individual Full Members or Representative Members.
Each application must specify under which of the above categories it is made and, where appropriate, the name and position of those supporting the nomination and their signatures.
The candidates may supply to the Secretary an election address not exceeding
one sheet of A4 paper in size, printed black and white on one side only, which
the Company shall at its own expense, without any amendment (save in respect
of material judged by the Secretary to be defamatory), copy and circulate with
the agenda of the Annual General Meeting of ECF or submit to the Board in the
case of Manager appointments.
Anyone wishing to receive further information on any of these posts, including
those of members of Council Standing Committees, should contact the Chief Executive
of the BCF, Roy Heppinstall (Tel: 01376 512741 or Email:
)
1. The Directors, the Secretary, the FIDE Delegate, the Chairmen of the Standing Committees and all Managers and Officers work together under the guidance of the Council, to the general benefit of English chess and the ECF. They provide to the ECF Council annual reports, strategic plans and a financial budget. They ensure the ECF’s services are available without discrimination on the grounds of colour, creed, disability, impairment, occupation, race, religious or political affiliation or sexual orientation and promote equal opportunities in a positive manner.
CRB Enhanced Disclosures will be requested for the holders of the following posts:
President
Chief Executive
Director of Home Chess
Director of Junior Chess and Education
Director of International Chess
Manager of Women’s Chess
Manager of Congress Chess
Manager of Coaching
All Directors shall make every effort to attend meetings of the Board (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 Board, Directors must appoint an Alternate in accordance with the Articles, who will be in a position to report on any outstanding actions to be undertaken by the Director and on other important current issues.
2. The Responsibilities of the Directors are as follows:
President:
Manages, with the assistance of the Chief Executive, and chairs meetings of
the Council; acts as a focal point for the concerns of members and chess players
generally; acts as an ambassador for the ECF, seeking to improve its public
image. 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 with member organisations.
Between meetings of the Board, has its delegated authority, in consultation with the Chief Executive, to manage risks and seize opportunities.
Provides overall management and direction of the ECF Office at Battle. Is accountable for policy and expenditure on the Yearbook, ChessMoves and the ECF Diary. Establishes objectives and standards of performance for the Manager of Finance and Management Services, the senior staff appointment. Identifies any staff training, development and welfare requirements. Brings forward recommendations to the Board on organisation, facilities, or staff changes.
Provides overall management and direction on ICT (Information & Communications Technology) policy. This covers the development of office and internet systems, structures and training, the development of website policy, the provision of advice to the ECF webmaster, the sourcing and deployment of all ECF hardware and software, the use of consulting services, creating and maintaining an inventory of all ECF hardware and licenses and ensuring that the ECF complies with the terms of all ICT licenses and contracts. The President will report regularly to the Board on ICT and make such recommendations as he considers appropriate for change.
Is a member of the Board Awards Committee.
Chief Executive:
Chairs meetings of the Board 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
Board and Council. Ensures he or she is au fait with the ECF Memorandum, Articles,
Byelaws and Regulations.
Liaising closely with the President and the Director of Finance, takes the lead with the Board in the identification of corporate strategies and co-ordinates the production of the long-term Corporate Plan, the Annual Business Plan, the Annual Achievement Report and the Annual Planning Calendar. Gains the approval of the ECF Council to these documents. Acts as a prime ECF 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 ECF.
Provides ‘hands on’ direction to and co-ordinates the activities of the Directors. Ensures the Board operates within its agreed strategy and is accountable to the Board and to the Council for the achievement by the Board of all plans. Ensures all decisions by the Board are followed through. Is ex officio a member of all Board Committees, with the exception of the Selection Committees. Monitors the activity of all Board Committees.
The Manager of Women’s Chess is responsible to the Chief Executive.
Other Executive Directors:
Fulfil their activities in accordance with their job description, paying due
regard to the overall strategic objectives of the ECF and the Annual Business
Plan. Communicate regularly with the Chief Executive, in particular prior to
each Board Meeting.
Provide such services and undertake such activities as shall, from time to
time, be approved by the Board. Provide annual reports to the ECF Council and
a financial budget, and administer expenditure under the supervision of the
Director of Finance. Provide details, as required by the Chief Executive, for
the Annual Business Plan, the long-term 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 Board any significant deviation from Plans
or Budgets. Act at all times in accordance with Company Byelaws and Board Regulations.
Ensure that up to date 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 ECF website
Director of Finance:
Manages the preparation of the annual statement of Accounts of the Company and
presents it on behalf of the Board, duly audited, to the Annual Meeting of Council.
Oversees the records kept by the ECF 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 individual ECF Directors, the Board and the
Finance Committee. Produces for the Board periodic management information and
forecasts of income and expenditure; takes remedial action, as may be required,
in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Board. Is responsible for the
collection of Game Fee by the Manager of Finance and Management Services and
office staff and provides forecasts of Game Fee income. Evaluates the various
risks to which the ECF is exposed and proposes to the Board the appropriate
course of action, including, as appropriate, insurance. Provides general advice
to the Federation on financial matters, taxation, statutory accounts and reporting
requirements.
Develops the ECF approach to membership (of all types), membership fees (including Game Fee) and benefits (including grading and representation) attaching to membership. Consults with Unions, Counties, Leagues and Congresses to ensure that plans are seen as feasible and can be implemented successfully.
Director of Home Chess:
Manages, organises and supervises the national system for grading players both
at ‘Standard play’ and ‘Rapidplay’ chess. Prepares for
publication lists of players and grades, at intervals to be decided by the Board,
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.
Promotes and encourages participation in the Game Fee Scheme and develops appropriate strategies with the Director of Finance. Works with the Director of Finance and ECF Office staff in resolving any problems that may arise in connection with the collection of Game Fee.
Is responsible for the work of the International Rating Officer, including nomination of all players for FIDE titles. Makes recommendations to the Board, in conjunction with other Directors as appropriate, regarding the appointment of persons for other FIDE titles. Works together with the Manager of Congress Chess, the FIDE Delegate and the ECF Chief Arbiter 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.
Has overall responsibility for the: National Counties Team Championships, National Club Championships, National Counties Team Rapidplay Championship, County 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 ECF Internet Chess Playing Service.
Liaises with the British Universities Chess Association.
The Manager of Congress Chess is responsible to the Director of Home Chess.
Director of Marketing:
Develops and implements a strategic marketing plan aimed at increasing the commercial
revenues of the ECF through 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 ECF 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 ECF’s relations with them. Is convener of the Board Sponsorship Committee.
Is responsible for the 'ECF Book of the Year’, and the 'ECF Player of the Year' Awards and makes proposals to the Board for all ECF endorsements. Ensures with the President and the secretary of the Board Awards Committee that these and other Awards are presented in the way that attracts the best publicity and reinforces the ECF’s relations with local chess players and organisers.
Director of International Chess:
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) Makes grants to events, teams,
players and coaches in accordance with the Annual Business Plan and Budget.
Arranges such other international events as the Federation may authorise from time to time. Ensures, in co-operation with the Director of Junior Chess & Education and the Manager of Women’s Chess, that the continuing development of our leading juniors is fostered as they emerge into adulthood..
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, liaising with the
Manager of Women’s Chess. Co-operates with other ECF Directors, ECF 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 ECF Schools Teams Championship. Promotes links between junior players and organised adult chess.
The Manager of Coaching is responsible to the Director of Junior Chess and Education
Non-Executive Directors:
Bring their business, chess playing and organisational skills and experience
to bear in the Board’s decision making processes, acting at all times
in the interests of the ECF as a whole.
To monitor in a non-executive capacity the Executive Directors.
To ensure that the views of unions, leagues, congresses and other member organisations are properly considered at Board meetings.
3. The Secretary
Fulfils the Statutory functions of the Secretary and the specific tasks specified
in the Articles.
4. The Responsibilities of the Managers are as follows:
Manager of Women’s Chess:
Appointed by the Board and reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
Offers advice and promotes all kinds of suitable activity, particularly education, training and practice, for all female players. Co-operates with other ECF Directors, ECF 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 Plan and Budget.
Manager of Congress Chess:
Appointed by the Board and reports to the Director of Home Chess.
Organises the British Chess Championships and Annual Congress and all other ECF tournaments, other than those which are the specific responsibility of another Director. Organises the ECF Grand Prix, the safe custody and maintenance of all playing equipment, including internet equipment, belonging to or used by the Federation. Makes recommendations regarding the appointment of persons as (1) ECF Arbiter (2) ECF Senior Arbiter and (3) International Arbiter. Is responsible for the ECF Chess Calendar. Supervises the ‘Master Points’ Scheme.
Manager of Coaching:
Appointed by the Board and reports to the Director of Junior Chess and Education.
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.
Establishes meetings of coaches. Co-ordinates with other Directors the provision
of the best available coaches for players and teams.
Is responsible for seeking CRB 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.
5. FIDE Delegate (This Officer post is elected by Council
but is not a Directorship):
In conjunction with the Director of International Chess, 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. Works with the Manager of Congress
Chess and the Director of Home Chess to advise the Federation of all FIDE and
ECU matters.
6. Committees Elected by Council
A Finance Committee, of which the President shall be a member
ex officio, which shall regularly review the financial affairs of the Company
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 Company. The Council shall elect the Chairman of the
Finance Committee (who shall have access on a privileged and confidential basis
to all Board papers) and shall elect or appoint such other persons as it sees
fit to the Finance Committee.
A Governance Committee, of which the President shall be a member ex officio, which shall advise the Board and Council on the governance of the Company and in particular on the texts of Bye Laws and Regulations made, added to, altered and repealed. The Council shall elect the Chairman of the Governance Committee (who shall have access on a privileged and confidential basis to all Board papers) and shall elect or appoint such other persons as it sees fit to the Governance Committee.
7. Appointment of Officers
All Directors are encouraged to structure the organisation of their Directorship
and wherever appropriate to recommend the appointment of officers. All such
appointments must be ratified by the Chief Executive and confirmed at the next
Board meeting.
Managers may be appointed for major activities only. All such appointments must be made by the Board
The payment of remuneration whether by fees or honoraria must have prior Board approval.
The appointment of a Manager or an Officer does not relieve the Director concerned of overall personal responsibility.