In 2001 the Government established, through UK Sport, the Modernisation Programme. This was designed to help sport's governing bodies (NGBs) respond to change, by finding innovative ways to improve their structures, systems and management culture to enable them to increase participation and develop talent.

For smaller sports, modernisation work is led by the Central Council of Physical Recreation (the CCPR) under the auspices of Sport England's Impact and Improvement Fund.

As part of this, in 2007, the British Aikido Board (BAB), supported by the CCPR, commissioned KKP to review and update its governance and management. Following receipt and enthusiastic adoption of the recommendations of this report, KKP was, in 2008, commissioned to support BAB to produce its five year development plan.

Governance review

The KKP governance audit recommended a new management structure which has now been implemented. This clarifies BAB's central role and functions and is geared to increasing its capacity to meet increasing demand. Work was also undertaken to increase awareness of the role and functions of the Board and Executive Committee, amongst the general membership.

To assist this, it was recommended that two rotating one-year membership posts be added to the Executive Committee; these positions to be held by two principals from different member associations. Over time, this ensures that the full extent of the duties undertaken by the Executive Committee is better understood by more of the membership.

Development plan

Taking account of work already done, KKP then worked with key BAB officers to produce a first draft development plan for British Aikido (covering 2009 to 2012). This analyses the current situation, highlights key issues, proposes a set of strategic aims and objectives and a suggested timescale for action. The plan is constructed around the key areas of:

• Management and administration
• Participation/members
• Coach education and development
• Volunteers
• Clubs/facilities
• Marketing and communications

The plan presents a concise, coherent framework for development of Aikido in the UK. Its implementation will help to drive up membership levels in clubs and associations and improve standards of performance. It is a launch pad working document and contains all the necessary ingredients for the new management structure to work with and adapt as necessary.

Vincent Sumpter, Chairman of BAB said,

"KKP has helped us to build the foundations for a much needed culture change to modernise our sport into a robust and professional governing body."

Richard Norman, from the CCPR said,

"BAB has really moved on over this period and we are delighted with the steps taken to improve the governance, management and direction of the sport; KKP's input has enabled the sport to move at the right pace and to make the sort of progress we were hoping for from this commission."

**

KKP works closely with NGBs across the UK. It provides strategic and operational input, organisational reviews, executive recruitment, database development and club development support. Our philosophy is centred upon the concept of equipping NGB boards and management teams (paid and voluntary) with the skills and resources to define what they need to do and to govern and manage their sports more effectively. From direct senior management mentoring and support to workforce planning, we assist NGBs to meet the ambitious targets that they are now tasked to achieve.

Find out more about how KKP supports NGBs