Scottish Hockey drive through more positive changes

We are now 18 months into the Reset phase of our long-term vision to Reset, Build and Excel, in our ambition to be world class in equality, inclusion, welfare, participation, performance, and commercial success. The Reset phase is critical to the success of our vision, and it is essential this phase is used to put in place solid foundations and professional infrastructure that can deliver our vision and strategic plan.

In the first 12 months of Reset we have already seen significant momentum with a number of significant changes, not limited to the following;

  • Recommendations from a comprehensive member engagement project implemented.
  • A complete governance review which saw the new formation of a Corporate Governance Committee, a People Committee and District Committee.
  • A restructure at senior level inside the organisation, resulting in the appointment of a Director of Hockey Operations.
  • A full rebrand of the organisation alongside a new kit provider in New Balance.
  • Creation of a new games management system.
  • Comprehensive review and research of our programmes.
  • A robust strategic roadshow and consultation.

We are now delighted to announce more exciting and critically important changes to our organisation as we move into the final part of Reset.

Led by our new Director of Hockey Operations Jennifer Griffin, we have agreed significant changes to our workforce structure which has remained unchanged for several years.

As we move into a new strategic direction with modern strategic objectives it is essential, we create a “One Team” culture capable of delivering our vision.

Performance Hockey

We have listened intently to our partners, staff, volunteers and players and understand the challenges we have in creating a world class performance journey.

We want to create an environment where player welfare is central with a culture of community that helps us achieve our ambitions. As such one of the key changes to happen is the introduction of two full time National Coach and Programme Leads, which will not only coach the senior men’s and women sides, but will also play a vital role in supporting the player pathway and journey all the way from senior down to our Brave Academy Talent ID entry point.

It is essential our top coaches have a view and input of all our players coming through and play a part in devising the skills and mentality of our stars of the future.

We are delighted to announce that Chris Duncan, Senior Women’s Head Coach, will take up the National Coach and Programme Lead for women. Chris has done a fantastic job in the last 12 months and embodies our ambitions for our organisation.

DUNKIRK EuroHockey Championship Qualifier 2022
02 Scotland v Austria (Pool A)
Picture: Chris Duncan
WORLDSPORTPICS COPYRIGHT RODRIGO JARAMILLO

On this appointment Jennifer Griffin commented:

“Bringing Chris into this role will ensure continuity for the Senior Women team and allow him to build on the positive work he has done over the last year. Chris has a huge passion for developing players across the pathway and already actively links with coaches across aspiring and emerging teams to collaborate and share good practice on common themes.

“I am delighted to have Chris on board fulltime, this will have a considerable impact on the work we can do in this space.”

Chris Duncan, added:

“The landscape for Scottish Hockey is enormously exciting, and to be entrusted with the opportunity to help mould and shape what the future looks like is a tremendous honour.

“We have an incredible group of senior athletes who role model and represent our badge in an exceptional way on the world stage, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to be embedded within the long term development of future senior stars, and work with the highly committed coaching staff we possess in our pathway to deliver the objectives we are all so passionate about.

“Our collective and consistent performances in the years ahead depend on building a cohesive and aligned pathway that acts as one programme with multiple teams, giving our athletes and teams the best chance of performing. There is already some outstanding work being done and I look forward to contributing and aligning this towards our goals.

“I am enormously grateful to the Edinburgh Academy for their support over the past nine years, and with our objective of delivering world class teams in the long term, it is a real privilege to have the opportunity to help work towards this ambition in this new role.”

With Derek Forsyth retiring from Senior Men’s Head Coach last month we are looking to appoint the second National Coach and Programme Lead. For information on this exciting opportunity please click HERE.

As part of this change, our U21s programme will no longer be stand alone. The size of the senior squads will increase creating more opportunities for our upcoming talent to work with more established players and access to our top coaches. Creating a “One Team” community in everything we do is very important to us. Where appropriate, Scotland will compete in U21 competitions drawing on eligible players from the senior squad.

Our efforts to change and improve what we do are not confined to coaching. We are very pleased to advice that we have introduced another brand new role, Performance Programme Manager.  This role has been created to support the Director of Hockey Operations in setting and delivering the strategic direction, culture and values for high performance hockey in Scotland.

They will work across the pathway and link with national coaches and sportscotland on specific plans and support programmes. They will oversee both male and female pathway squads and link directly with the Brave Programme Lead.

We are pleased to announce that former Senior Men’s Coach Derek Forsyth who has extensive knowledge and experience of performance hockey has been appointed in this role.

Glasgow – EuroHockey Championship Qualifier 2022
02 Scotland v Gibralter (Pool A)
Picture: Derek Forsyth
WORLDSPORTPICS COPYRIGHT ADY KERRY

On all these exciting changes Barry Cawte, Chief Executive of Scottish Hockey, said:

“We are moving forward at a rapid pace with strength and ambition. Jennifer since coming in as Director of Hockey Operations has continued that momentum.

“We are fulfilling our intent to be better and to progress under our vision. We have a great community in our hockey landscape and we have listened to them. We have acted on what we have heard and I am extremely excited about the future.

“I would like to thank all our partners and everyone across the Scottish Hockey landscape for their support, patience and understanding as we make these crucial changes.“

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