Member update from CEO

Member Update from CEO – August 2025

1. Summer update 

This summer has been a brilliant celebration of everything that makes our sport so special – from unforgettable moments on the pitch at every level, with aspiring juniors, emerging talent, senior squads, and masters all showcasing their passion and performance. Highlights included reconnecting with the rich history of Scottish hockey at the Scotland v France match, alongside strengthening vital collaboration with our clubs and key stakeholders. Looking ahead, our Board has set a clear direction: we have to develop a strategy that is built upon meaningful engagement and collaboration, underpinned by transparency, communication, and accountability. Our intention since I started in post has been to work together to strengthen our sport and create better ways of working for the future. We still have some challenges we will inevitably have to work through and below I have provided a short summary highlighting some of the amazing achievements that have taken place over the summer with some important updates to build upon that direction, to work with our key stakeholders openly and transparently to shape the future of our sport.

Board Update

We were delighted to welcome new Non-Executive Directors (Neil, Simon, Emma and Mike) at recent board meetings. Collectively our board have helped set the direction of travel as we engage with members and prioritise this collaboration moving forward. Further details on our work are provided below.  Meet our board

2. New Kit Partner at Scottish Hockey

Following a competitive process with contributions from our board, staff and Masters Hockey we are delighted to have identified the Osaka brand as our new kit partner with Specialist Sports leading their distribution in the UK. Partnering with such a vibrant hockey brand presents many opportunities some of which have already been realised.

3. Policy updates in Scottish Hockey

Improved governance at Scottish Hockey has been an area of focus for Scottish Hockey in 2025 to build a more consistent approach to our work and services both for our staff and members. Scottish Hockey has now updated our Employee handbook that references a number of key policies and guidance for staff and are working on an anti harassment and respect policy, updated Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy as well as an updated Safeguarding Policy. 

Reviewing our policies is key to establishing consistent ways of working that are fair, inclusive, and legally compliant. The People Committee have supported these efforts and further updates will be provided ahead of the new season. An update on our transgender participation policy, following the Supreme Court clarification earlier this year, was due for release this week; however, due to factors beyond our control, this has been delayed. We will share the guidance as soon as possible before the start of the season.

4. Events

Huge congratulation to everyone involved in delivering

• the U18s European Championships
• Aspiring and emerging (B & G) squads travelled across Europe to compete at the highest level,
• Senior Men and Women competed in the European Championships performing well with women achieving some of the best results ever achieved at that level.
  
• On top of all of that our Brave Cup was a great success with hundred of participants competing last weekend supported by our President, Craig Munro has also been hugely supportive in recent weeks attending and supporting a number of key events.

Staff and volunteers deserve enormous credit for this volume of work in such a short period of time.

5. Organisational Progress

• Staffing, structure & Strategy – Since I started in post at Scottish Hockey I have invested significant efforts to ensure Scottish Hockey moves forward sustainably and part of this has included work to engage stakeholders in developing a long term strategy that will be underpinned by a financial plan and a staffing structure that compliments the needs of our sport and addresses some of the challenges we are aware of including communication challenges. This will take a bit of time to implement and our plan is to take a careful and considered approach to our staffing structure when we have clarity on our long term strategic priorities. As a result we may be short staffed in the interim due to some vacancies. Rest assured where we are clear on next steps we are working to strengthen leadership capacity and better support staff and our members.
• Financial Position – Through careful cost management, our financial outlook has improved compared to last year but the margins involved in running any business are still tight to get to where we want to be. While we are still working towards full stability, and some historic commitments remain that are challenging, we are encouraged by the progress being made and remain focused on doing all we can to achieve a balanced budget for 2025.
• Club & Member Engagement – The CEO, staff and board are attending district sessions across Scotland to listen, build trust and understanding, and gather input from key stakeholders on the sport’s long-term strategy.
• Safeguarding & Governance – Strengthening safeguarding remains a top priority, with ongoing improvements to processes, policies and resourcing. If you need any support please contact our engagement manager. 
• Commercial Partnerships – A new kit partnership has been secured connecting Scottish Hockey to one of the most exciting hockey brands. Alongside this we have secured contractual savings, helping to strengthen sustainability and value for money across a few important areas of the business.
• Membership Fees – Fees will remain unchanged for the 2025/26 season. Communications have been shared with all Members to activate membership for the year which is now open for season 2025/26.

6. Looking ahead

• By September, all district engagement sessions will be complete, informing a draft long-term strategy by December 2025.
• By the end of the year, we expect to have clarity on our strategic direction, budget, and a sustainable staffing structure to strengthen delivery in 2026.

As Scottish Hockey continues to evolve during this period, there have been some recent staffing changes. Sam Macfarlane is moving on from a part time role in Competitions. We do have some additional staffing changes on the horizon that I will update on in due course. We thank Sam for her contributions to hockey in Scotland and wish her every success for the future. We are also excited to announce the appointment of our new Lead Manager – Performance in the coming days. 

This communication is aimed to reflect our commitment to openness and collaboration with key stakeholders to shape the future of hockey in Scotland. As we approach the new season, we are preparing an updated disciplinary code that will provide a singular process for managing discipline both on and off the pitch. If we can support you in any way in the mean time please don’t hesitate to get in touch – and good luck to everyone for the start of the season. We have noted some key dates below for your awareness. 

Dates for diary

Recent posts:

• Member update from CEO
• Scotland women defeat France to finish sixth at EuroHockey Championship
• Martin Shepherdson completes tenure as Scottish Hockey chair
• Scotland women defeat Ireland at EuroHockey Championship
• Scotland battled all the way but it's a win for Belgium in Women's EuroHockey Championship
• Scotland women draw with Spain at Euros in Monchengladbach
• BRAVE Cup Finals 2025 delivers drama, action, and goals!
• Scotland women defeated by England at EuroHockey Championship in Monchengladbach
• BRAVE Cup day 3 sees Lightning and Devils go head-to-head
• Thunder and Lightning on the pitch on BRAVE Cup day two