Organising Committee and Safety Management Framework

Working Together for Our Members

Behind every class, grading, competition, course, fundraiser and social event is a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to help Brothock Shotokan Karate Club flourish.

Our Organising Committee (OC) is far more than a committee. It is a team of parents, members and volunteers who work together throughout the year to support the development of the club, create opportunities for our members and ensure we continue to operate to the highest possible standards.

Whilst karate training takes place on the dojo floor, much of what makes our club special happens behind the scenes.

The Organising Committee helps organise competitions, grading events, fundraising initiatives, social activities and community projects. They support the day-to-day operation of the club and create many of the opportunities our members enjoy throughout the year.

Whether it’s subsidising training courses, investing in equipment, organising championships, supporting young leaders, arranging family events or simply ensuring the club continues to develop, every contribution helps strengthen Brothock Shotokan Karate Club.

Over four decades, this collective effort has helped create thousands of memories and opportunities for our members and their families.

Organising Committee and Regular Training Schedule

Good Governance Matters

Running a successful martial arts club is about much more than delivering excellent karate instruction.

The Organising Committee plays an important role in ensuring the club is professionally managed, financially transparent and accountable to its members.

Working alongside the Club Owner, the committee contributes to a wide range of areas including:

• Financial management and transparency
• Fundraising and allocation of club funds
• Child Wellbeing & Protection
• Health & Safety
• Governance and compliance
• Strategic planning
• Community engagement
• Continuous improvement

Funds raised by the Organising Committee are managed separately and invested back into opportunities that directly benefit our members. This has enabled the club to subsidise training, purchase equipment, support events and continually invest in member development.

The partnership between the Club Owner and the Organising Committee has served the club well for many years, combining clear leadership with openness, accountability and community involvement.

Safety Management Framework

The Organising Committee works alongside the Club Owner to oversee and continually review the Club’s Safety Management Framework (SMF).

The SMF brings together the policies, procedures and guidance that underpin every aspect of club life, including:

• Child Wellbeing & Protection
• Health & Safety
• Risk Management
• Governance
• Operational Procedures
• Codes of Conduct
• Club Policies

Whilst the Club Owner holds ultimate responsibility for Child Wellbeing & Protection, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Committee members, instructors, volunteers, parents and members all play an important role in creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy karate with confidence.

The committee also helps provide constructive scrutiny, ensuring our Safety Management Framework remains effective, proportionate and subject to continual improvement as the club evolves.

Learn more about our Safety Management Framework

A Partnership That Works

Brothock Shotokan Karate Club is privately owned by Billy Wales, who is responsible for the operation of the dojo and the delivery of karate instruction.

Supporting the Club Owner is an experienced Organising Committee whose commitment, professionalism and willingness to volunteer have helped shape the club for many years.

This partnership combines clear leadership with community involvement, enabling decisions to be made efficiently whilst encouraging openness, accountability and shared responsibility.

It is a model that has enabled the club to remain financially stable, well governed and focused on what matters most—creating opportunities for our members.

Meet the Team

Our Organising Committee brings together a wide range of professional skills, experience and life knowledge, all united by one common purpose—to help Brothock Shotokan Karate Club continue to thrive.

Name	Role
Deborah Black	Merchandise Coordinator & Deputising Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer
Dan Boland	Volunteer
Kerry Boland	Volunteer
Paul Brown	Bonus Ball Coordinator
Richard Dunnell	Volunteer
Mathew Fairlie	Volunteer
Chris Grewar	Treasurer
Barbara-Ann Mackay	Volunteer
Jason Middleton	Licensing Officer
Karen Payne	Volunteer
Sylvia Poong	Website Administrator
Lyne Souter	Lead Fundraiser
Colin Swankie	Volunteer
Adam Watson	Volunteer
Billy Wales	Secretary, Safety Management Framework Custodian & Deputy Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer
Colin Wilkie	Volunteer
Wendy Whyte	Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer
Phil Petrie	Photographer

Meetings

The Organising Committee normally meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are open to all parents and adult members, reflecting our commitment to openness, transparency and community involvement.

Agendas typically include club development, finances, safeguarding, forthcoming events, fundraising and opportunities for members.

Get Involved

One of the characteristics of a well-run community sports club is that parents and members are encouraged to become involved.

As highlighted in the Children 1st – Parent’s Guide to Finding a Safe Sports Club, clubs should actively welcome parents and carers, recognising the positive contribution they make to children’s sporting experiences. We are proud to embrace that philosophy as part of our Safety Management Framework.

Everyone has something to contribute.

You don’t need to be a karate instructor to make a difference. You may have professional skills, practical experience, fundraising ideas, IT knowledge, financial expertise, event management experience, first aid qualifications, photography skills or simply be willing to lend a hand at competitions, grading examinations or club events.

Many of our volunteers began simply as parents supporting their children. Others are former members who wanted to give something back. Whatever your background, your contribution—large or small—helps create opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist without the support of our club community.

If you would like to attend an Organising Committee meeting, volunteer at an event or learn more about how you can support the club, we would be delighted to welcome you.

Together we can continue creating opportunities, strengthening our community and ensuring Brothock Shotokan Karate Club remains a safe, welcoming and inspiring place for everyone to train.

Thank You

Every class delivered, every championship organised, every fundraiser held and every opportunity created is made possible by people who are prepared to give something back.

Our Organising Committee and volunteers are the heartbeat of Brothock Shotokan Karate Club.

Their commitment has helped shape the club for more than forty years, enabling generations of children and adults to enjoy karate in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.

Quite simply, Brothock Shotokan Karate Club would not be the club it is today without them.

To every committee member, volunteer, parent and supporter—past and present—

Thank you.

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