2011 AGM: October 15th

[John Upham]

The Annual General Meeting (October 15th, 2011, Euston Hotel, London) approaches and was wondering if we knew who was standing for re-election and which posts are likely to require new candidates?

As far as I know the following posts require new candidates:

Director of Junior Chess and Education
Director of Marketing

We know that Andrew Martin will not (unfortunately) be continuing in the role as Manager of Coaching.

Can anyone add to my minimal list?

[IM Jack Rudd]

I am standing for re-election.

[Andrew Farthing]

At a meeting of the ECF Board yesterday evening, it was confirmed that the following Board members would be standing for re-election:

President - CJ de Mooi
Non-Executive Chairman - Mike Gunn
Chief Executive - Andrew Farthing
Director of Home Chess - Adam Raoof
Director International Chess - Lawrence Cooper
Director of Finance - Gareth Caller
Non-Executive Directors - John Wickham and Jack Rudd

As expected, Peter Purland is not standing for re-election as Director of Junior Chess & Education. As far as I know, there have been no nominations for this role so far.

Also as expected, Stewart Reuben is not standing for re-election as Director of Marketing. I have nominated Tim Woolgar, who was very recently appointed as Stewart's alternate, for the role.

The deadline for nominations is 13.30 on Wednesday 7th September - see http://www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3382 for details.

It should go without saying that nominations are welcome for all of the Board roles, regardless of whether the incumbent has chosen to stand for re-election.

[Roger de Coverly]

Also as expected, Stewart Reuben is not standing for re-election as Director of Marketing. I have nominated Tim Woolgar, who was very recently appointed as Stewart's alternate, for the role.
.

This is he, presumably
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Woolgar

[Jon D'Souza-Eva]

Chess Boxing... God help the ECF.

[Adam Raoof]

Chess Boxing... God help the ECF.

Don't forget, some people said '...that bloke off Eggheads?!'

[Andrew Farthing]

Anyway, it's all part of the masterplan to combine chess with every sport known to man.

For example, since the Worcestershire Congress which I help organise takes place near a river, we'll be introducing a Chess Rowing regatta. I understand that Paignton and Torquay will be going for Chess Windsurfing and Chess Pitch & Putt respectively. The Bournemouth Chess Beach Volleyball plans are particularly exciting. Suggestions for other congresses are eagerly awaited.

Not only that, but if we blend with each of the current Olympic sports, the IOC is bound to admit chess into the fold.

And to think that people say that the ECF is short of new ideas...

[Adam Raoof]

You cannot beat Diving Chess.

http://www.boardability.com/game.php?id=diving_chess

[Mick Norris]

Anyway, it's all part of the masterplan to combine chess with every sport known to man.

For example, since the Worcestershire Congress which I help organise takes place near a river, we'll be introducing a Chess Rowing regatta. I understand that Paignton and Torquay will be going for Chess Windsurfing and Chess Pitch & Putt respectively. The Bournemouth Chess Beach Volleyball plans are particularly exciting. Suggestions for other congresses are eagerly awaited.

Not only that, but if we blend with each of the current Olympic sports, the IOC is bound to admit chess into the fold.

And to think that people say that the ECF is short of new ideas...

Will have to be chess football at the Etihad Stadium in March

[Sean Hewitt]

Also as expected, Stewart Reuben is not standing for re-election as Director of Marketing. I have nominated Tim Woolgar, who was very recently appointed as Stewart's alternate, for the role.
.

This is he, presumably
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Woolgar

I guess so. Would this not be a conflict of interest? Imagine a sponsor who might put £5k into chess. Will Mr Woolgar direct them towards chess, or chess boxing?

[Andrew Farthing]

Would this not be a conflict of interest? Imagine a sponsor who might put £5k into chess. Will Mr Woolgar direct them towards chess, or chess boxing?

Provided that the normal rules are followed concerning declaring potential conflicts of interest, I think it's acceptable. We have to be realistic. Just about everyone on the Board is involved in other chess activities and organisations, so the potential for conflicts of interest arise.

I myself have a personal interest as a player in leagues and congresses and as an ECF Direct Member, plus roles in my club, league, county association, the MCCU and the organisation of the Worcestershire Congress. My non-chess activities as a trustee of an Age Concern arguably give rise to a declarable interest when the ECF considers the issue of its approach to older players (e.g. the debate over whether the concessionary membership fee should include the over-60s as well as juniors).

[Sean Hewitt]

Would this not be a conflict of interest? Imagine a sponsor who might put £5k into chess. Will Mr Woolgar direct them towards chess, or chess boxing?

Provided that the normal rules are followed concerning declaring potential conflicts of interest, I think it's acceptable. We have to be realistic. Just about everyone on the Board is involved in other chess activities and organisations, so the potential for conflicts of interest arise.

You're right about others declaring conflicts of interest as and when they rise. That is right and proper, and of course conflicts are the exception rather than the rule. My concern is that, in matters of marketing, it appears that Mr Woolgar may need to declare a potential conflict of interest on every occassion which rather negates his ability to fulfil the role - at least the role as I envisage it.

[Roger de Coverly]

- at least the role as I envisage it.

I've never really understood what the ECF's Director of Marketing was supposed to do. What product is he marketing and who is he marketing it too? You could argue that the ECF's product is competition chess and that he should be marketing to those who can play but don't compete. That doesn't seem to be what they do.

[Adam Raoof]

- at least the role as I envisage it.

I've never really understood what the ECF's Director of Marketing was supposed to do. What product is he marketing and who is he marketing it too? You could argue that the ECF's product is competition chess and that he should be marketing to those who can play but don't compete. That doesn't seem to be what they do.

I would say that the role is, at present, what you make of it. There is a job description

"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... etc"

but from my point of view the Director should be raising awareness of the game, and hard cash from sponsors. I agree that there are conflicts of interest, and I am sure that they will be raised at the AGM.

[Sean Hewitt]

I would say that the role is, at present, what you make of it. There is a job description

"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... etc"

but from my point of view the Director should be raising awareness of the game, and hard cash from sponsors. I agree that there are conflicts of interest, and I am sure that they will be raised at the AGM.

That's pretty much what I thought it was. More of a Sales or Commercial Director than Marketing Director really, but the name is not important. My concern is that when negotiating "hard cash from sponsors" there could be a real and significant conflict of interest given Mr Woolgar's role with Chess Boxing.

I'll wait for his election address before making a decision, particularly about his chess playing activity and why he wants to do the MD job but, as it stands, I would vote against his appointment - even if that meant another victory for 'none of the above."