At each Annual General Meeting, our club elects a new committee to lead the club for the next year. Every committee is composed of four Branch Officers – the Chairperson, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Diving Officer – and up to six additional General Committee members.
All candidates are elected by a secret ballot. Candidates for committee positions are invited to give short speeches to members and answer their questions ahead of the crucial vote.
All committee members are volunteers.
2023/2024 Committee
Chairperson: Simon Price
The Chairperson is the “Chief Executive” of the branch, acting as the club’s leader and figurehead. They lead meetings of the committee and chair the club’s Annual General Meeting.
Secretary: David Plumb
The Secretary keeps records of meetings and membership of the branch and communicates on behalf of the branch to the membership and third parties. The Secretary takes minutes for committee meetings and the club’s AGM.
Treasurer: John Davenport
The Treasurer manages the branch’s money: keeping records of all income, for example members’ subscription fees, and expenditure, for example our costs to hire facilities or purchase new equipment.
Diving Officer: Steve Payne
The Diving Officer derives the authority for branch training and diving activities from the National Diving Officer of BSAC. Each branch’s Diving Officer is responsible for the training and diving activities of the club. They will ensure that these activities are carried out safely and according to the practices and procedures recommended by the NDO and principles of BSAC.
General Committee Member: Paul Davies
General Committee Members attend meetings of the committee, sharing their views and voting on decisions that advance the interests of the club and its members. Sometimes they are assigned tasks or added to sub-committees led by one of the Branch Officers.
General Committee Member: Stephen Devoy
General Committee Members attend meetings of the committee, sharing their views and voting on decisions that advance the interests of the club and its members. Sometimes they are assigned tasks or added to sub-committees led by one of the Branch Officers.
General Committee Member: Elaine Gough
General Committee Members attend meetings of the committee, sharing their views and voting on decisions that advance the interests of the club and its members. Sometimes they are assigned tasks or added to sub-committees led by one of the Branch Officers.
General Committee Member: Richard Jones
General Committee Members attend meetings of the committee, sharing their views and voting on decisions that advance the interests of the club and its members. Sometimes they are assigned tasks or added to sub-committees led by one of the Branch Officers.
General Committee Member: Jeff Nelmes
General Committee Members attend meetings of the committee, sharing their views and voting on decisions that advance the interests of the club and its members. Sometimes they are assigned tasks or added to sub-committees led by one of the Branch Officers.
General Committee Member: David Nicolson
General Committee Members attend meetings of the committee, sharing their views and voting on decisions that advance the interests of the club and its members. Sometimes they are assigned tasks or added to sub-committees led by one of the Branch Officers.
Delegated roles
After election, the Branch Officers are permitted to delegate some of their responsibilities to other club members. This often leads to the creation of new Officer positions: for example, the Secretary may appoint a Social Secretary to organise social events and get-togethers for the club. In most cases, a Branch Officer should receive the committee’s approval ahead of delegating responsibilities to other club members; however, the Diving Officer is free to appoint a Training Officer at their leisure. Whatever the case, each Branch Officer will be held accountable for the actions of those to whom they delegate their role.
Roles delegated include:
Vice-Chairperson: Paul Davies
The Vice-Chairperson deputises for the Chairperson in their absence.
Equipment Officer: TBC
The Equipment Officer looks after club equipment and our club compressor. This may include purchasing new kit, sending things of for servicing or repair, and monitoring who is hiring club equipment to go diving.
Welfare Officer: Rebekah Mells
The Welfare Officer ensures that the club takes appropriate measures and has robust policies in place to support the wellbeing of club members, in particular younger members and vulnerable adults.
Social Secretary: Elaine Gough
The Social Secretary organises social events: meals, quizzes, get-togethers and the all-important Christmas party.
Social Media Officer: Stephen Devoy
The Social Media Officers manage content on the club’s social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) and website.