Club Update – 20th May
The Club has been addressing one of the most significant challenges it has ever faced – no section of society has been left untouched by the effect of Covid 19. Charged with the responsibility of steering the club through these times, the Board have continued to use the priorities as set out in its strategic plan to guide its work:
- Strive for success on the pitch
- Increase sources of income
- Increase attendances and improve the matchday experience for supporters
- Develop profile and engagement in the community with equality of access for all
- Improve communications internally and externally
- Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the club
The current unforeseen circumstances have led to varying some aspects of, the methods of how and the timescales of when we achieve these goals but we remain committed to the principles behind the document.
This is evidenced in our work at present in the following ways.
Review of Board Roles
John Taylor – Following the departure of Chairman David Dishon, Vice-Chairman John Taylor has stepped up to assume the post of Chairman. This role oversees the club, chairs the Board meetings and acts as the lead contact for the club. In addition John will continue in his operational roles especially in relation to working with key stakeholders such as NLL and the SFA.
John will be supported by directors in the following areas.
Gordon Thomson – Gordon will assume the post as Vice-Chairman while continuing in his role overseeing the implementation of the club’s strategic plan. In addition, he will retain the role of match secretary, and will continue as the club representative with the SPFL. He will also deputise for the chairperson when required.
Claire Thornber – Claire’s role will be enhanced to include the post as Company Secretary in addition to her legal duties on behalf of the club
Gordon Nisbet – Gordon will continue in his role of supporting income generating events and initiatives as well as Owners’ communications.
David MacPherson – David will be the lead person in monitoring Covid-19 actions requested by the Scottish Government.
Sporting Director (TBC) – The recruitment process is at an advanced stage for this role which will be a Board appointment.
Advisory Group
This group has recently been enhanced to assist the club at this critical time. The group which is fluid in its membership was initiated last year. The group was established to enable the club to benefit from the skills of individuals who may not be available to be part of the board however can provide advice, guidance and support as required, utilising their skills and experience for the benefit of the club as they deliver delegated tasks and projects.
At present, this group includes former chairs Ian Letham and John Alexander who have assisted in the commercial, operational and governance areas. Over the last six months the club has also been supported by Les Meikle in business planning, Campbell Ogilvie through his work on the European Clubs Association (ECA) sharing best practice in in areas such as club administration and strategic planning, while former Hibernian Head of Football Operations, George Craig, was instrumental in scoping out the role of Sporting Director and assisting with the recruitment and selection process.
We thank them all for their support.
Associate Directors
Appointed by the board last Autumn these individuals assist in the implementation of the strategic plan and in tasks delegated by the Board and they lead in the following areas-
David Alexander – Operations
Ian Fitzpatrick – Marketing & Commercial
Charlie Lowrie – Commercial
Craig Downs – Governance/Policy Development
In addition there are two other key roles that support the ongoing operations at the club.
Frank Meade – Financial Controller, who undertakes finance monitoring and management accounting
Graham Forrest – Head of Digital Media, who undertakes the co-ordination of all the club’s digital channels and is the lead in the delivery of all external communications
The challenge for the club is stark, but we are grateful for the support delivered by the volunteers listed above, not forgetting others, and in addition to the tremendous backing by club supporters at this time.