British Rowing statement on Chester-le-Street ARC
The British Rowing Board has taken the decision to suspend the affiliation of Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club with British Rowing effective from Tuesday, 2 August 2022
Update:
On Monday, 23 January 2023, the Board of British Rowing agreed to lift the suspension of Chester-le-Street ARC
In July 2022, Chester-le-Street ARC was suspended of its affiliation to British Rowing on account of concerns relating to club governance. Since then, they have worked closely with British Rowing to identify areas for improvement, and put in place changes to satisfy the Board of British Rowing that they were in a position for their suspension to be lifted.
As per recommendation from British Rowing, on Wednesday, 1 February, a new Constitution was approved by the members of Chester-le-Street ARC at their AGM, and the Club has adopted a revised Disciplinary and Grievance Policy.
To ensure the recommendations are implemented and followed, the Club will be monitored for a further 12 months.
Having worked with the club over the past two years to improve its structure and governance, we have continued to receive various complaints about the governance and administration of Chester-le-Street ARC.
Having since been made aware of various challenges, including the resignation of the trustees, committee members, and key officials, and the decision made by the club’s trustees to temporarily close Chester-le-Street ARC, the Board discussed matters further at its July Board meeting.
The current situation is of great concern to British Rowing and we are committed to working with the club to identify the best route forward toward an environment that is well-governed and enjoyable for all. We hope that discussions, to be held in the coming weeks, will result in the Club being able to resume its affiliation and to re-open the club to its membership.
Whilst Chester-le-Street ARC is closed, British Rowing will be working with the region to identify opportunities locally for members to be able to continue enjoying rowing over the summer, and will communicate this with the members and parents of junior rowers at the club in due course.
British Rowing will continue to liaise with the Club and report progress to the Board. British Rowing will not comment further in relation to this matter at this time.
