The BCU is managed through its Board of directors who are ultimately responsible to the membership.
The Board meets at least 3 times per annum.
Brian Chapman Chairman, SCA Representative
Albert Woods President, Chairman of World Class Management Group (WCMG)
David Belbin Treasurer
David Gent Acting Chair of the Coaching Strategy Group (CSG)
Eddie Palmer SCA Representative
Graham Lyon Canoe England Representative
Greg Smale Canoe England Representative
Alan Baker WCA Representative
Phil Blain WCA Representative
Keith Fitzsimmons CANI Representative
Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are held in every calendar year; calling notices are sent to all ‘Individual’ members and give at least 21 days’ notice. AGMs are held for the following purposes:
• To receive from the Board, a full statement of account.
• To receive from the Board, a report of the activities of the Union since the previous AGM.
• To elect the Chairman, President, Vice-President and Treasurer. (where appropriate)
• To appoint the Union’s auditors.
• To transact any other business as may be brought before it.
The English Council
The English Council is the committee established to manage the sport and recreation of Canoeing in England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Reports directly to the Board.
David Gent, Chairman and BCU Vice President
Kevin Dennis, Vice Chair
Representatives from all English Regional Development Team - North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire, North West, East MIdlands, West Midlands, East, London, South East, Southern, South West
Representatives from 11 disciplines - Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Canoe Marathon, Wildwater Canoeing, Canoe Polo, Canoe Surf, Canoe Sailing, Canoe Freestyle, Sea Touring, Whitewater Rafting, Lifeguards
Chair of English Coaching Management Committee - Steve Scorer
Chair of Access Policy Group, Vic Brown
English Representatives on BCU Board
English Council Terms of Reference
World Class Management Group (WCMG)
The WCMG is comprised of the following people:
Albert Woods Chairman, BCU President
Brian Chapman BCU Chairman
Paul Buxton UK Sport Representative
Paul Owen BCU Chief Executive
John Anderson BCU World Class Director of Performance
Anne Hounslow Canoe Slalom Committee Chair
Brian Gandy Marathon Racing Committee Chairman
Peter Moule Sprint Racing Committee Chairman
The WCMG is also attended by Andy Maddock and Anne Ferguson, BCU Academy Managers.
UK Coaching Management Committee (UKCMC)
UKCMC manages the BCU’s coaching affairs in the UK and reports to the Board.
Waterways and Environment
The proposed new structure for the reformed Waterways and Environment department for Canoe England will be introduced in the coming months. This will comprise of a Strategy Group and an Operations Group.
Richard Atkinson, as the new Waterways and Environment Manager, will produce terms of reference and a process for nominating the chair for each group. In addition, he will be asked to develop the groups to maximise skills and knowledge to support the department’s work. We will be looking for volunteers with suitable skill sets to contribute to both groups and role descriptors and a process for applications will be announced in the new year.
English Coaching Committee (ECC)
The ECC manages coaching affairs in England. Reports to the English Council.