WHU Staffing update and office move
Over the last few months, the WHU have been working through a staffing structure review which will allow us to better align resources to deliver the strategic plan.
The WHU strategic plan sets out a clear mission statement: "to continue the development and promotion of hockey in Wales as an exciting and successful family sport accessible to all".
This will be achieved through the delivery of three core business goals:
- Increase participation across Wales
- Improve performance at all levels
- Raise the profile of hockey
Staffing Structure
To support the delivery of our goals, the WHU Board of Directors took the opportunity to review the staffing structure within 2009 and concluded that the head office staffing structure will be reorganised as follows:
- A new post - Head of Performance (part time) will be employed with a specific remit of leading the WHU performance strategy from Performance Development Centers to GB
- Coaching has been split into 2 areas
- support to performance related coaching will be provided primarily by the performance department
- the identification, support and progression of new and developing coaches (level 2 and below) will be supported through the development team
Mike Leatt
After 3 successful years as CEO of the WHU, Mike comes to the end of his contract in February 2010. Mike has decided not to take up the opportunity of a further term, but instead has agreed to continue working with the WHU to continue in an interim part time capacity to provide continuity and support to the performance team and national squads through to the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
Interim Management
In order to implement the new staffing structure outlined above and ensure continuity whilst we recruit the required posts, the WHU Board has agreed an interim management plan which will be populated as follows:
| Team | Post Title | Post Holder |
| CEO | Helen Bushell (interim) | |
| Development | Head of Development | Helen Bushell / Katie Hamer |
| Development Support Officer | Vicki Kovacs | |
| Coaching and Workforce Development Officer | Vacant | |
| Performance | Performance Lead | Mike Leatt (interim) |
| Performance Coordinator | Vicki Sutton | |
| Operations | Operations Manager | Chris Brewer |
| Operations Support Officer | Fi Tibbett | |
The interim appointments of Helen Bushell as CEO and Mike Leatt as Performance Lead have been put in place to ensure continuity through a busy period for the WHU and to ensure the delivery of the core business objectives.
The posts of Chief Executive Officer and Head of Performance will be recruited during 2010.
The post of Coaching and Workforce Officer will be advertised in February with a view to a successful appointment being made for the 1 April 2010.
Development will be led by Helen Bushell in the interim with Katie Hamer providing support for 2 days per week.
Vicki Kovacs has accepted the role of Development Support Officer and will remain heavily involved in the delivery of coach education across Wales.
Chris Marriott, the current National Development Manager (Coaching) has accepted redundancy and will leave post on the 31 March. Chris has given 12 years of service to the WHU and we sincerely thank him for his contribution, commitment and hard work.
Office move
The WHU will be relocating offices from Ely into the Welsh Institute of Sport week commencing 8 March 2010. This is an excellent opportunity to place the organisation in a more sporting environment and access the facilities that WIS has to offer. Further information regarding contact details and address will be confirmed in due course.
Karen Evans
Chair, 15 February 2010
