11 Feb 2025
The open mic on the 3rd of February provided an opportunity for members to chat with John and Lyndsay about any areas of interest. We had five members in attendance, and the discussions covered policy consultation communication and timelines for asking members to provide feedback. We agreed to continue to keep consultations open for a two-week window as this gives enough time for feeding back. Emails will also always be used to inform members of the opportunity to consult on updated policies.
We briefly discussed facility access and closure of local facilities. It was explained that this is a national issue, and Local Authorities have to make some very difficult decisions around closures due to budget cuts. Scottish Archery can voice concerns with sportscotland about specific area or facility issues, but as budget cuts are taking place nationally, unfortunately services viewed as non-priority will be targeted first. At the National Sports Governing Body Chief Executive forum there are actions underway to challenge this thinking and view reduced funding in sport as a potential systems failure in respect of the knock-on effects this will have on the health of the nation, NHS waiting lists and community cohesion.
There was a brief discussion around the Scottish Tour, with information coming out very soon with regards to locations. We finished with a discussion around whether participants felt the Open Mic sessions were useful. The majority of member attendees asserted that they do find it valuable to meet informally on an open forum discussion platform.
The next Open Mic session with John and Lyndsay will take place on Thursday 24th of April at 8pm.