Sharing some reflections here on another manic year – I’d usually do this privately but maybe there are some things here of interest to others in the sector? If so, do reach out for a chat – everything below has generated a lot of learnings.
Summary: it was a busy and sometimes chaotic year where under challenging circumstances a lot of progress was made in a number of areas. Looking ahead, we can build on the successes and take the learnings forward to be more focused, efficient and impactful as we work to get closer to those that facilitate cycling.
It goes without saying that every success is always down to a team of people doing great work, sharing ideas and suggestions and collaborating to get things done– grateful to have such brilliant colleagues at @British Cycling, @Scottish Cycling and @Welsh Cycling as well as connections across the sporting sector who keep us going in the right direction. But, especially pleased with the team I’m honoured to lead, some of the great work we have accomplished and some of the initiatives I have led or initiated.
- Having only been able to deliver course since April 10th, we trained 3,000 coaches, leaders, officials and instructors with a further 3,015 training online with us through Refresher training, first aid, safeguarding or CPD.
- 91% of learners are ‘very satisfied’ with course delivery, average score for our brilliant tutors is 9.5/10 and average score for courses is 8.6/10
- Increased annual bursary pot from ￡10k to ￡120k, targeted at young people, women & girls, and diverse groups. We have issued 150 bursaries this year, with 100 to young people.
- Led the Total Computers Scholarship project, with 18 scholars now recruited and set for an incredible journey with us across 2022-2023
- Led the consultation on first aid, leading to the delivery of British Cycling Virtual First Aid course to enable our workforce to access first aid training and enable them to return. 700 learners have taken the course this year.
- Set up the British Cycling Coaches Network on Facebook, which has over 1,100 qualified BC coaches now active.
- Volunteers in Focus: started this in January as a way to celebrate and shine a light on the incredible impact volunteers have on cycling and our communities. The stories get me every time! This has run monthly with the fabulous Hilary Conway keeping this going.
- Webinars: continued the progress in this area from 2020 with a series of Ignite and Coaching Conversations webinars at the start of the year, which over 2,500 people accessed
- We recruited 11 new tutors with 83% of them female, working towards our target of gender parity in the workforce by 2024
- Supported the development of the British Cycling overall strategy, our diversity, inclusion and equality strategy ‘Our Ride’ (launched in July) as well as the Education & Volunteering plan. Some amazing work done across BC, and much more coming up.
My year of personal & professional development was shaped by asking a respected colleague to mentor me, which I have to say has been transformational and helped map a journey for the next 3-5 years.
- In September I began a Senior Leader Apprenticeship and PgDip in Management Practice at Alliance Manchester Business School.
- Took part in both Inclusive Employers ‘Leading for Renewal’ programme and Sport England’s/ Moving Ahead ‘Mission: Include’ programme, shaping my understanding of issues related to diversity and inclusion. Pleased to get an honourable mention as a mentor as part of Mission: Include!
- Enjoyed being a part of the Sport England ‘collaboratorium’ for coaching & education, learning loads from other NGB leads and building relationships. Looking forward to this
Looking forward to (in 2022) and ‘resolutions’
- A covid-free year of Education delivery! (fingers crossed)
- Getting started with the Total Computers Scholarship class of 22
- Working harder to ensure more people from more diverse backgrounds can access the cycling education courses they want
- Working closer with facilities and providers to improve the learner experience
- Working with colleagues to improve development of the existing workforce, especially coaches and officials
- Committing to visiting every English region and both Wales and Scotland.
Has it all been positive?
Of course not - what a crazy year! It has been a stream of seemingly never ending challenges and problems to overcome, but I'm proud that I and others I work closely with have overcome them and delivered. So many people have showed incredible resilience, perseverance and strength to come through - chapeau to all. I've felt tired, frustrated, anxious, nervous, hopeful, optimistic, angry and all other kinds of emotions - as I know many managers from across sport and wider industries have felt too.
I know people have struggled and will continue to struggle this year. I felt Omicron sap the last of many peoples energy and it's not quite a clear road ahead just yet. But, we have to be positive, keep innovating and keep moving forward under whatever challenges the pandemic throws at us. Cheers to 2022!
