Highlights
The BCGBA Board has recorded this July update webinar to provide further explanation of the Association’s current position, the progress made over the last 12 months, the challenges faced, and the priorities for the period ahead.
The webinar builds on the written update shared on 18 June and is intended to help members, clubs, counties and volunteers better understand the journey the Association is on, the reasons for change, and the next steps.
Webinar section guide
The webinar is structured into the sections below. Timings are provided to help viewers navigate to the parts most relevant to them.
Time | Section | Speaker(s) | What this section covers |
From 00:00 | Opening and purpose of the webinar. | Steve Cochrane | Sets the tone for the webinar, acknowledges concern and frustration across the sport, explains the Board’s responsibility, and makes clear that the purpose is to provide understanding, not ask for blind agreement. |
From 01:13 | Why the 18 June update was shared. | Dan Newton | Explains why the written update was issued, the progress made over the last 12 months, the direction of travel, and the need to provide further context behind the changes being made. |
From 02:03 | The main journey and what has been found. | Dan Newton | Covers what was identified through the handover, the first few months in post, and the wider review work. Explains why the issues were connected rather than isolated. |
From 07:02 | Examples that made change necessary. | Dan Newton | Provides examples behind the June update, including safeguarding, conduct and discipline, HR and employer responsibilities, competitions and true cost, systems and digital infrastructure, insurance, and CLG / legal vulnerability. |
From 17:35 | Why small adjustments were not enough. | Dan Newton | Explains why like-for-like replacement or minor changes would not address the underlying issues around capacity, systems, governance, resilience and accountability. |
From 19:15 | What could have been done better. | Dan Newton | Acknowledges that communication has not always kept pace with the work, that the journey has not always been explained clearly enough, and that more structured engagement is needed. |
From 22:10 | Governance explanation. | Kay Simnett | Explains the transition to Company Limited by Guarantee status, the relationship between Articles of Association and Bye Laws, HR and employer responsibilities, governance standards, role clarity, and why stronger governance protects the sport. |
From 31:46 | County and community perspective. | Steve Clamp | Reflects on how the current position lands locally, why change is still necessary, and what counties, NAC representatives and clubs can do next. |
From 35:18 | What we need from counties, NAC representatives and clubs. | Steve Clamp | Covers constructive challenge, local explanation, examples of what is not working, people willing to help, and the need for a mature conversation about future funding and sustainability. |
From 38:37 | Current position and response to misinformation. | Dan Newton | Addresses the current position and clarifies key issues including Board structure, CLG status, trustee funds and trophies, matters of special business, the EGM process, fees, staffing and recent communications. |
From 43:54 | Closing ask and next steps. | Dan Newton / Steve Cochrane | Summarises what is needed from the community, reinforces that the purpose is to protect Crown Green Bowls rather than take it away from bowlers, and sets out the Board’s commitment to clearer communication and proper process. |
Share your comments and questions
If you have any comments or questions after watching the webinar, please use the form below to share your views.
When submitting comments or questions, you will be asked to provide some background information, including your club and county. This will help the Board understand the context of the points being raised.
We will review comments during the week commencing 13 July and share responses as an FAQ no later than Friday 17 July.