The Future Policy Review was a comprehensive review of the BMC's work and services aimed at making sure the BMC is doing what you - its members - feel it should be doing.

Launched in June 2003 the Future Policy Review (FPR) followed similar initiatives undertaken by the BMC in the 1970s and 1980s. A Steering Group was been set up, chaired by Bob Moulton and this reported its findings to the BMC AGMs 2004 and 2005.

What is the scope of the Review ?
A: The Review will identify the key challenges facing the BMC and British Mountaineers over the next 10 years and advise on how these challenges can be addressed. It will identify past policies that are still relevant, policies that need amendment and those that are now redundant. It will draw on the results of the BMC Membership Survey 2000 and identify any gaps in knowledge about membership. It will primarily focus on England and Wales - the geographical remit of the BMC. It will consult with the BMC Areas, kindred organisations (MLT, MCofS etc), technical specialists and other members of the BMC voluntary management structure. It will distinguish between those activities the BMC undertakes for its members and those it undertakes for the general public. It will address the whole of the BMC's membership and the wide range of mountain activities they pursue. It will engage climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers at all levels to generate interest, feedback and support for the BMC.

Q: What are its Terms of Reference ?
A: The Review will address 5 key areas of the BMC's work and services as follows:

1. Future Challenges. Define the main challenges and problems facing the BMC and mountaineers in England and Wales over the next 10 years. Advise in outline terms how the BMC should address these issues.

2. Activities and Priorities. Review the BMC's specialist activities and sub-committees in terms of their relevant importance, their structure and their operational efficiencies. Recommend restructuring and refocusing as appropriate. Determine whether the BMC should be a 'facilitator' or 'provider' of services and activities.

3. Volunteers and Staff. Review the relationship between volunteers and paid staff at all levels within the BMC. Advise on how the BMC can better support volunteers throughout the country and also on what is an appropriate level of staffing for the organisation.

4. Membership Structure. Report on the state of the BMC's membership structure and the relationship between the costs and benefits of club and individual membership. Make outline recommendations for a future membership structure.

5. Management Structure. Advise on how the BMC's voluntary management structure can be improved.

Q: Who is on the Steering Group?

A. The membership is as follows:

Bob Moulton (Chair, BMC Future Policy Review Steering Group)
Mark Vallance (BMC President)
Dave Turnbull (BMC CEO)
Andy Cave (UIAGM Guide)
Miriam Denney (BMC volunteer)
Anna Gregory (Independent)
John Horscoft (Independent)
John Mason (BMC Vice President)
Paddy O'Neill (FRCC)
Iain Peter (National Mountain Centre, CEO)
Kate Phillips (Kendal Wall, Manager)
Iain Smith (CC President)
Ken Wilson (Publisher)

Q: How do I have my say ?

A: As part of the Review - the BMC has already held 10 Open Meetings around England and Wales to gather the views of members. A total of 425 people attended the meetings. Further consultation is planned and the BMC welcomes feedback and views from any members or organisations with an interest in the BMC's work and services.

Q: What's been said so far?

A: Summaries of the Area Meetings are as follows:

	Lakes Open Meeting Summary
	London Open Meeting Summary
	Midlands Open Meeting Summary
	North East Open Meeting Summary
	North West Open Meeting Summary
	Peak Open Meeting Summary
	South East Open Meeting Summary
	South West Open Meeting Summary
	Wales Open Meeting Summary
	Yorkshire Open Meeting Summary

Click here to read the Future Policy Review 2003 - 2005.

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