NSWBA Transition

Thank you for your questions and other responses to our last update about the NSWBA Transition. It is wonderful to know that so many of you feel passionately about the future of bridge.

In the most recent message, we introduced the Transition Committee that will oversee the evolution of the NSWBA. This raised important questions around governance, which is the system by which an organisation is controlled and operates, and the mechanisms by which it, and its people, are held to account.[1]  Please find a diagram summarising the existing governance structure below.

[1] Governance Institute of Australia

An important message from John Scudder, Chair of the NSWBA Council:

The Strategic Review undertaken in 2022 made clear recommendations on how to shape the future of bridge in NSW, and what strategic obstacles require attention. This future vision accords with the direction that the NSWBA directors have asked the Transition Committee to implement.

I believe our community needs some renewal through new people who bring additional skills, ideas and energy.  I am optimistic that the many new volunteers will ensure continuity and strengthening of our operations.  For clarity - the NSW Bridge Association Limited is a single legal entity, and any references to “new” organisations does not mean two new companies will be created.

It is pleasing that two groups of skilled volunteers are preparing to lead once the separation happens.  In our last update these groups were referred to using board language – for those that have asked for clarification: technically these are two committees of Council that are working on defining objectives, working structures, budgets and plans to ensure the success of the two organisations going forward. Until the separation occurs, these groups will serve as advisors to the present directors.  Our plans will be communicated appropriately and of course be subject to member review and approval.

Please join me in expressing the Council’s gratitude to the many volunteers – on the Transition Committee, Club Proxy Board, State Proxy Board and many others without a formal role. They have a great deal of work to do to implement this change and set up our community for success. Should you have any concerns about the restructure of the NSWBA you should contact the members of the Transition Committee or myself.

The Transition Committee is made up of six members with a Project Leader, Program Manager, and two representatives each from the Club and State Proxy Boards.  Best we do some introductions…

	Dagmar Neumann – Project Leader NSWBA Councillor Professional board director and consultant experienced in strategy, change and transformation management (technology and business). I play Monday nights and weekend congresses. I’m always keen to meet people and chat.
	Mary Anne Loveridge – Acting Chair of the Club Proxy Board Executive Coach with strong leadership, communications and change management skills with experience in governance and managing risk. I play bridge regularly in the city on Wednesday morning. I look forward to getting to know more members.
	Jeff Newton - Deputy Chair of the Club Proxy Board Retired technology professional with experience leading teams for large global companies in the Financial Services industry. I live within walking distance of the club and enjoy the Wednesday morning duplicate session.
	Glenda Parmenter - Chair of the State Proxy Board NSWBA Councillor, former President of the Armidale Bridge Club Retired nurse academic, experienced in team leadership and course design. I play at the Armidale Bridge Club on Tuesday nights and Thursday afternoons and in the NSWBA Online Pairs League on Thursday evenings.
	Rakesh Kumar - Deputy Chair of the State Proxy Board NSWBA Zonal Councillor, Southern Zone Retired academic, experienced on policy and management committees, including the Academic Board and University Council at UNSW. I play duplicate bridge every Monday at Southern Highlands Bridge Club, online on weekday evenings, as well as congresses and state/national tournaments.
	Jake Andrew - Transition Program Manager Vice President of NSBC Strategy advisor and coach with experience in executive leadership, product and innovation, investment banking, and organisational restructure. I play Monday nights, occasional daytime sessions and most NSWBA congresses.

Please feel free to approach us with any questions about the program’s progress, the committees, and our roles.

We are currently compiling a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions). While we certainly don’t have all the answers yet, we aim to provide information and responses to your emails. Please feel free to raise further questions.

Please keep an eye out for future updates – we plan to send these every two-to-three weeks. In the next update we will provide detail about the purpose and objectives of the two organisations. We will also post these updates on the NSWBA website.

Thank you for your continued help and support.