Candidates’ Election Statements Election of Board Directors 2012

C2777_P2 Election of Board Directors 2012

Julia Bracewell OBE

Address: 31 Newlands, Kirknewton, Midlothian, EH27 8LR Occupation and position held within employing organisation (if applicable): Solicitor British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 119878 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service

Olympic Women’s Foilist: Represented GB at Olympic (Barcelona 92), World Championship (90) and European Levels (91). Winner Commonwealth bronze medals for Scotland (86 and 90).

Qualified FIE referee 1990

Responsible for fencing being included in the Inaugural School Games in Glasgow

Started Bristol University Fencing Club, led teams to UAU finals 3 years in a row and organised foreign fencing trips.

No previous positions in BF, but Chair of Sportscotland and board member of UK Sport (2005 to 2008), Board member GB Sports Council and Sport England (1993 to 2001)

Fencing Family – Daughter of National Fencing Coach for Scotland

Aims & plans if elected to the Board

To turn BF into world leading governing body in terms of performance sport and governance.

Oversee planning, development and implementation of a world class performance fencing plan which:

(a) produces Olympic Champions

(b) identifies and nurtures talent in partnership with the Home Countries

(c) develops strong club system

(d) produces and retains world class elite and performance level coaches

(e) produces world renowned officials and referees

Work to ensure executive and board work together for the benefit of fencers.

Enhance the standing and reputation of the board with fencers and external bodies.

The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

Ambition for fencing

Objectivity

Understanding and love of fencing

13 years’ experience at the highest level of sports administration, sports politics and strategic planning across many sports. Understanding of how grass roots, development and performance fit together and the need to work in partnership.

Professional – Corporate lawyer (former partner in US law firm, responsible for European growth strategy which

2 Election of Board Directors 2012 took firm from 7 to 100 staff in 3 locations and won various industry awards).

Strong people skills – influencer and negotiator

Member Governance Review Group for Scottish Hockey (full UKSport audit) and Scottish Athletics;

Strong network of contacts.

Names of 15 nominating members of BF:

1. Richard Kruse 2. Jonathan Willis 3. James Williams 4. Ronald Velden 5. Peter Jacobs 6. Keith Smith 7. Georgina Usher 8. John Troiano 9. Kirk Zavieh 10. Sean Walton 11. Paul Neil Maclachan 12. Robert Jamieson 13. Ray Stafford 14. Julian Ghosh 15. Sarah Paveley

Stuart Laws

Address: 39 Canterbury Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 6QW Occupation and position held within employing organisation (if applicable): Civil Servant (SEO) British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 39708 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service

I have fenced all 3 weapons for 23 years at a number of clubs across the UK, competing regularly at local and national level and on occasion internationally at FIE Satellite events. In recent years I’ve concentrated on Epee, fencing at LTFC where I am the current chairman and I’ve also been a long standing and active member of the Civil Service Fencing Union. More recently I volunteered to join BF’s Grow Group in order to help identify the best means to support UK clubs for all 3 weapons and increase general participation and retention within the sport.

Aims & plans if elected to the Board

I have always believed that fencing is far greater than the sum of its parts and it saddens me greatly that our sport has failed to deliver in so many areas. Fencing can only reach its potential with solid foundations, support from and for; members, clubs, coaches, parents, volunteers and strong leadership from the BFA working and interacting with its membership to improve the sport as a whole, rather than sacrificing many of its ideals in the pursuit of World Class Medals. If elected I will work to ensure the needs of the membership are foremost in our future planning.

The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

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I have been a civil servant for the past 22 years, working primarily with the MOD on the successful delivery of numerous initiatives, projects and programmes. My work to date has enabled me to develop experience in both leading projects in the public sector and in partnership with the private sector, I have also learnt how to troubleshoot and fix underperforming projects. If elected this background gives me the knowledge and experience to ensure future projects are balanced between the requirements and drivers associated with private sector delivery, whilst adhering to the constraints and rules of the public sector.

Names of 15 nominating members of BF:

1. Neil Graham 2. Tim Buzwell 3. Nadja Stamselberg 4. Mark Richardson 5. Neil McKinna 6. Howard West 7. Steve Roose 8. Ben Widdicombe 9. Tristan Lane 10. Vladimir Meshkov 11. Kate Smith 12. Carlo Pacifico 13. Corinna Lawrence 14. Tom Bennett 15. Pinar Orge

Frank S. L. Mills

Address: 7 Audley Mead, Bradwell, Milton Keynes, MK13 9BD Occupation and position held within employing organisation (if applicable): Retired British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 43753 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service

I became a member of British Fencing in the 1960s and after a fencing break of 18 years, joined again in 1995. I became a veterans committee member at that time and have been Chairman of the BVF for the last 4 years. I have fenced in numerous representative GB Veteran matches, been selected for 5 World Championships and fenced in 6 European Championships at foil and epee. I have organised numerous national veteran competitions, undertaken team management of the GB Veteran squads for European and World Championships and in 2011, we topped the country medal table at both.

Aims & plans if elected to the Board

To use the business skills acquired over a diverse range of international companies and charities, with the aim of obtaining significant and long term sponsorships and to use my fencing management capabilities to be a key member of the Board in producing a fencer development programme to enable British Fencing to achieve better results internationally, particularly to allow British Fencing to develop a programme aimed at achieving medals at the 2016 Olympic Games. I also believe that British Fencing needs to involve more grass root members in the decision making and fencer development process.

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The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

My career has been spent at senior manager and director level in marketing with international companies and charities. These include Unilever, Rothmans, Licensed Victuallers National Homes, Action for Sick Children and Parker Hannifin on brand promotion, advertising & publicity, research, event organisation and fund raising to a high level through obtaining sponsorship from international companies e.g. achieving a target of £1m plus each year for 11 years with L.V.N.H. The organising skills utilised in my business life have served me well for numerous fencing events, continue to do so and would be usefully employed as a British Fencing Board Member.

Name of 15 nominating members of BF: 1. Andrew Brown 2. Silvia Earl 3. Vanessa Hendra 4. Moya McNamara 5. John Crouch 6. Geoffrey Silverman 7. Marish Silverman 8. Jenny Morris 9. Carl Morris 10. Jane Clayton 11. Lawrence Burr O.B.E. 12. Jonathan Stanbury 13. Peter Baron 14. David Sweeney 15. Gillian Aghajan

Graham Rene Paul

Address: Uplands House, Upton, OX15 6HJ Occupation and position held within employing organisation (if applicable): Company Director British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 2775 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service

I competed in 4 Olympics and was team captain in another. I represented GB at foil, epee and sabre, and was British champion at both foil and epee a total of six times.

I was member of the Foil committee and then International committee from 1967 until end of 2011, and have served a term on the Board.

I developed the points system now used for the British fencing ranking schemes.

I have won several World veterans championships at both foil and epee.

I qualified as an International referee at foil and epee.

I coached for a season.

Aims & plans if elected to the Board

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I will work with fellow directors to achieve a consensus on issues. Rather than coming with pre-conceived ideas, I will make decisions based on their merits. Some recent Board decisions will require reviewing.

I will try to ensure that an effective CEO is appointed, preferably from the fencing community.

Fencing has historically has been run by volunteers and I will try to ensure that the introduction of more paid staff does not destroy this ethos.

I would like to expand the number of our top coaches, by training new ones, and facilitating our retiring top fencers going into coaching.

The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

I have been fencing for over 50 years and have a great deal of experience in competing, training, coaching, and organisation, across all three weapons, as well as having been a fencing dad. My broad experience means that I will not be biased towards one particular weapon.

I have an analytical logical mind, that will enable me to look at the issues that the Board needs to tackle objectively and hence come to the correct decision.

I am retired from full time working and hence will be able to devote the required time to Board activities.

Names of 15 nominating members of BF:

1. Keith Smith 2. Ray Stafford 3. Matt Haynes 4. Richard Kruse 5. Keith Cook 6. Jane Hutchison 7. Beth Davidson 8. Richard Bonehill 9. James Davis 10. Peter Huggins 11. Catherine Nicoll 12. Peter Jacobs 13. Ziemek Wojciechowski 14. Joan Whitehouse 15. Lawrence Burr

John Troiano

Address: 54 Traps Lane, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4SE Occupation and position held within employing organisation (if applicable): British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 39961 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service

Competitive fencer for the past 38 years, fencing at international level as a junior, senior, and veteran. Commonwealth Gold 1982 (Foil Team), European Veteran Championships Gold 2009 (Foil), World Veteran Championships Bronze 2009 (Foil), British Under 20 Champion 1978 (Epee).

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Qualified FIE referee (2004).

Previous British Fencing committee memberships include Foil Committee, Refereeing Committee, and Investment sub-group of the Finance Committee.

Organised Cadet/Junior Women’s Foil GB squad international competition trips 2004-2007.

Aims & plans if elected to the Board

Ensure that British Fencing: - Has a clearly articulated strategy that is realistic and measurable - Is governed to the highest standards where procedures are scrupulously followed - Has transparency and consistency in decision making (especially selection and funding) - Communicates openly with and listens to its membership - Is strongly financed and raises external sponsorship - Builds a broad base of successful clubs, and coaches to support elite success - Has an elite performance programme which develops success across all weapons - Recognises the need for profound change to achieve these objectives

The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

Commercial skills based on 31 years in business with Schroders plc, (a FTSE 100 financial services company). Current position - Head of Global Institutional business.

Significant experience of working on numerous boards as a director, including Schroders plc, and the Investment Management Association. Past and present directorships span public, and private companies in the UK and overseas.

Strong financial skills through professional qualification as investment analyst

Daily experience of implementing sound organisational governance, with integrity

Passion for and broad knowledge of fencing

Ability to work within teams, effect change, and manage conflict

Determination and commitment to make a difference

Names of 15 nominating members of BF:

1. Georgina Usher 2. Julia Bracewell 3. Kirk Zavieh 4. Ronald Velden 5. Natalia Sheppard 6. Ziemek Wojciechowski 7. Peter Jacobs 8. Frank Mills 9. Steven Paul 10. Paul Sibert 11. Andrew Brannon 12. Catherine Nicoll 13. Paul Abrahams 14. Tony Bartlett 15. Richard Sage

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Georgina Usher

Address: 110 Dora Road, London, SW19 7HJ Occupation and position held within employing organisation (if applicable): None British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 110844 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service:

Started fencing foil age 11, switched to epee at 16, involved in fencing ever since. Ranked World Top 15 whilst living and training in Budapest (1998-2000), won Ind Senior British Championships record 9 times, represented GB in 10 World Championships and won several Commonwealth medals.

Retired from competition in 2004 to concentrate on a (non-fencing) career and started coaching. After having second child in 2010, took up the sport competitively again, fencing in the 2011 European and World Championships. Restarted training to be a coach.

Scottish Fencing Representative on BF Board 2001-2003, and SF Performance & Excellence Director 2000- 2001.

Aims & plans if elected to the Board:

Work to ensure executive and board effectively • collaborate • engage and listen (2-way communication) • demonstrate transparency and accountability for the benefit ofall members.

Make our sport truly

1. Inspirational – Dramatically improve international performances by delivering a platform for a long term future of world class success for our fencers, coaches, officials and referees. 2. Inclusive – Encouraging and maximising participation and involvement at all ability levels, all ages, across all 3 weapons. 3. Well governed – A fit for purpose, best practice governing body that members are proud to belong to and partners are proud to work with.

The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

Love and passion for the sport, experience of competing at domestic and international levels for 20+ years, plus proven ability to lead, manage and deliver organisational change.

Professional career as management consultant (Accenture), project/change manager and operations director with proven ability to:

• Create and lead high performing teams to successfully deliver change • Turn aspirational goals into achievable, practical plans • Effectively communicate • Resolve conflict • Drive decision making Deep understanding of needs of performance fencers and appreciation of dedication required by them and extended support structure inc. parents, coaches, clubs.

Respect for contribution of volunteers.

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Names of 15 nominating members of BF:

1. Julie Bracewell 2. John Troiano 3. Kirk Zavieh 4. Ronald Velden 5. Lawrence Burr 6. Peter Jacobs 7. Steve Higginson 8. Richard Kruse 9. Joanna Hutchison 10. Graeme Hart 11. Jonathan Willis 12. Chrystall Nicoll 13. Maggie Maynard 14. John Ince 15. Greg Allen 16. Tony Blench 17. Paul Standing 18. David Shevelew

Nick White

Address: Field End, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0AG Occupation and position held within employing organisation (if applicable): Chartered Accountant/ Associate Director British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 120420 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service

I am a non-fencing fencing parent and have experienced everything that that entails (highs, lows, bizarre selection decisions, early mornings, late nights and fencing related holidays!). My son, Ben, was men’s epee number one cadet and junior, representing GB at three cadet world championships and three junior world championships. He was ranked fifth in the seniors in 2009, when he left the UK to attend university in the USA, having been recruited by one of the leading college teams. I served on county and club committees (e.g. at Newbury, where we quadrupled membership income in three years) in the mid-2000’s.

Aims & plans if elected to the Board

My aims and plans are to ensure that the Board is built around the three pillars of transparency, integrity and credibility. This will involve a re-appraisal of the structure and processes from top to bottom, including membership (recruitment and retention), organisational structure (from clubs through to British Fencing), competitions (from entry level to international representation), communication and accessibility (board members should be contactable by members), financial management (both how to raise money effectively but also how to ensure that every penny is spent in the best possible way) and accountability (board members should be accountable for their area of responsibility).

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The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

I am a Chartered Accountant and have taught finance and strategy at major corporations in around forty countries over the last eighteen years. My focus in on application rather than teaching theory and management speak. To stay successful, the skills I need are a strong intellect, subject knowledge, open-mindedness, creativity, transparency, accountability, approachability and professionalism. My attributes are a passion for fencing, credibility, independence, integrity, asking strong questions, communication skills, idea-generation and challenging sacred cows. I believe that my main attribute is the ability and willingness to listen and learn. I aim to be a breath of fresh air!

Name of 15 nominating members of BF: 1. Matthew Thompson 2. James Harris 3. Norman Golding 4. Tristan Parris 5. Bob Bales 6. Nat Lewis 7. Chris Jennings 8. Pierre Harper 9. Ian Briggs 10. David Hillier 11. Verity Howell 12. Phillippe Barbasiewicz 13. Ray Stafford 14. Nigel Hinchliff 15. Alain Barbasiewicz

Kirkham Zavieh

Address: 33 Sinclair Gardens, London, W14 0AU Occupation and position held within employing organisation: Director, Adelphoi Ltd British Fencing (BF) Membership Number: 120426 Standing to be elected as: Board Director

Fencing Experience & BF Service

Olympic Games – Barcelona 1992 (Individual and Team) World Championships – Budapest 1991

World Championships – Essen

World Championships – Athens World Student Games – Duisburg, Sheffield

Member of International Appeals Committee

Peter Frohlich – Olympic Coach I was one of a team who originally helped bring Peter Frohlich (coach of the Sabre World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist George Nebald) to the UK in 1993.

This included persuading him to come, finding him schools and a network of fencers to teach and create a

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National Sabre centre in London.

Aims & plans if elected to the Board

Engage in helping to set and maintain the right values and vision to achieve a healthy balance between the demands of international success and an active Fencing community at home.

To support success founded in the realities of budget.

To apply myself so that governance is applied fairly from the top.

The skills and attributes that you believe you would bring to the Board if elected

- 25+ years experience in Fencing at all levels (School, National, University, International, Olympic)

- Deep knowledge of the value of top coaching for success

- Experience as Board Director

- Founder of an existing successful UK Media and Technology Group operating worldwide

- Extensive experience in generation and negotiation of contract, strategic, budgetary analysis and decision

- Experience in finding solutions and bringing parties to agreement

Names of 15 nominating members of BF:

1. Allan Jay 2. James Williams 3. Julian Ghosh 4. Julia Bracewell 5. Jonathan Willis 6. Ian Williams 7. Georgina Usher 8. RGH Velden 9. Joanna Hutchison 10. Joe Nickel 11. Soji Aiyenuro 12. Jamie Metcalfe 13. Stephen Rocks 14. Patrick Jennings 15. Kira Roberts

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