Honorary positions in the CTC

[Philip Benstead]

Honorary positions in the CTC

TO CTC
Could you confirm the following:

Is Jon Snow still the President of Cyclists’ Touring Club/Cycling UK?


Has CTC/CUK decided not to seek a new patron?

Have you considered one of the following as a new patron:
Charles III
William, Prince of Wales
Catherine, Princess of Wales
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (as ridden charity cycling event)

FROM CTC
Hi Philip,

Thank you for reaching out regarding Cycling UK’s president and patron.

I can confirm that Jon Snow has decided to step back from his role as Cycling UK President, and we are currently in the process of reviewing the role to ensure it brings maximum benefit to our charity. Next year we will consult with members and shortlist candidates before formally appointing a new President - so stay tuned for that news!

As for a patron, we are reviewing how a potential royal patron might align with our new strategy, and what that could look like if we proceed down that path. Some of the names you mentioned are certainly ones we would consider, but it’s important to note that the process for applying for royal patronage is a lengthy one, often taking over a year, and we want to make sure we’re making the right decision for our members, priority audiences and future work.

Thanks again for your interest, and please feel free to share any suggestions for our new President.
All the best,

Joshua

FROM PJB
Thank you for your reply.

I am surprised that the CTC/CUK website and cycle have stated that he has been the president for the last four years, when did he formally stop down?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Snow_(journalist)

Personal life
[edit]
Snow was once engaged to fellow television newsreader Anna Ford.[46] For 35 years Snow's partner was human rights lawyer Madeleine Colvin, with whom he has two daughters.[1][47] In March 2010 Snow married Precious Lunga, a scientist who was born and raised in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).[47][1] They had a child together by surrogacy in March 2021.[48]
Known as a keen cyclist and advocate of the activity, Snow served as president of CTC Cycling UK from 2007 onwards, to around 2020.[49] When his beloved Condor, titanium-framed silver hybrid cycle was stolen from his home, he publicised the theft on his blog and offered £250 reward for its safe return.

PATRON /PRESIDENT

I will ask members for suggestions.
BUT
A question to ask what is the role of the president?

AI SUGGEST SOME OF THESE, WHAT DO WE WANT /NEED?
The role of the president of a charity is multifaceted, involving leadership, governance, strategic planning, and acting as the organization's public face. Below are key aspects of this role:

1. Leadership and Governance
Board Leadership: The president typically chairs board meetings, sets the agenda, and ensures effective decision-making and governance.
Policy Oversight: Works with the board to establish and uphold the organization’s policies, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Mission Alignment: Ensures the charity remains focused on its mission and values.
2. Strategic Planning
Vision Development: Guides the development of a long-term vision and strategic goals for the organization.
Implementation Oversight: Ensures that strategic plans are executed effectively, collaborating with executive staff.
3. Fundraising and Financial Oversight
Fundraising Leadership: Plays a prominent role in fundraising efforts, engaging with donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations.
Financial Accountability: Works with the treasurer and executive team to oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
4. Representation and Advocacy
Public Relations: Acts as the face of the charity, speaking at events, engaging with media, and building relationships with stakeholders.

[gaz]

I will ask members for suggestions.

Jeremy Clarkson?

[Philip Benstead]

I will ask members for suggestions.

Jeremy Clarkson?

HA HA

[Philip Benstead]

What about James May https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_May

[AndyK]

Philip, you've just demonstrated that you should never rely on an AI answer.

The description you've copied and pasted there (a) ignores the word "honorary" (probably because you didn't mention it in the question) and (b) is very biased towards US definitions of the what the president of an organisation (commercial or non-profit) might do. It's a mash-up of the roles of chair, board members and chief exec.

In a UK charity, the honorary president's role is usually an ambassadorial and ceremonial one, presenting a public face of the organisation to the world. They're not part of the management and they're normally not even trustees.

Princess Anne is reportedly Patron or President of around 300 organisations, including being President of Save the Children, the Mission to Seafarers, the British Olympic Association, the In & Out Naval Military Club, Sense, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and many others. It may surprise you to learn that she does not chair all of their board meetings; nor does she involve herself in setting their annual budgets.

If the president has any role other than ambassadorial/ceremonial (for instance in some organisations they might formally preside over the election of the chairperson) it will be defined in the charity's constitutional documents.

When I became a Cycling UK trustee I felt it was important to understand what people's roles were in the organisation I was a trustee of. I assume you did the same in your tenure.

So how about if you tell us all what the roles and duties of the Honorary President of Cycling UK actually are, rather than just cutting-and-pasting something Google's pet AI told you in response to a badly-worded question?

Or would you like me to do that for you?

[Philip Benstead]

Philip, you've just demonstrated that you should never rely on an AI answer.

The description you've copied and pasted there (a) ignores the word "honorary" (probably because you didn't mention it in the question) and (b) is very biased towards US definitions of the what the president of an organisation (commercial or non-profit) might do. It's a mash-up of the roles of chair, board members and chief exec.

In a UK charity, the honorary president's role is usually an ambassadorial and ceremonial one, presenting a public face of the organisation to the world. They're not part of the management and they're normally not even trustees.

Princess Anne is reportedly Patron or President of around 300 organisations, including being President of Save the Children, the Mission to Seafarers, the British Olympic Association, the In & Out Naval Military Club, Sense, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and many others. It may surprise you to learn that she does not chair all of their board meetings; nor does she involve herself in setting their annual budgets.

If the president has any role other than ambassadorial/ceremonial (for instance in some organisations they might formally preside over the election of the chairperson) it will be defined in the charity's constitutional documents.

When I became a Cycling UK trustee I felt it was important to understand what people's roles were in the organisation I was a trustee of. I assume you did the same in your tenure.

So how about if you tell us all what the roles and duties of the Honorary President of Cycling UK actually are, rather than just cutting-and-pasting something Google's pet AI told you in response to a badly-worded question?

Or would you like me to do that for you?

I don't think the CTC knows the role of its President ?

[Philip Benstead]

In light of the comments above here are some expanded suggestion.


Here’s a more detailed expansion of how the role of an Honorary President in a cycling charity could be developed to have a more meaningful and impactful contribution:

1. Public Advocacy and Awareness
Prominent Advocacy: Use their reputation and credibility to become the face of campaigns promoting cycling for health, sustainability, and safety. For instance:
Advocate for safer cycling infrastructure in cities through public speeches, op-eds, or partnerships with urban planners.
Lead campaigns that target reducing car dependency and encouraging eco-friendly travel.
Representation at Major Events: Attend and speak at conferences, cycling expos, or charity-sponsored summits to enhance the organization’s visibility and mission.
2. Fundraising Leadership
Exclusive Fundraising Dinners: Host high-profile dinners or receptions with potential donors or sponsors. This creates a personal connection with key stakeholders.
Sponsorship Engagement: Actively engage with potential corporate sponsors, leveraging their status to secure long-term partnerships or funding commitments.
Inspiring Events Participation: Take a hands-on role in organizing or participating in signature charity events, such as leading charity rides or endurance challenges. This personal involvement can significantly boost donor interest.
3. Strategic Leadership and Governance
Strategic Advisor: Provide valuable advice and guidance to the board and executive leadership team, drawing on their unique expertise and connections.
Visionary Collaborator: Contribute to shaping the long-term vision of the charity, identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, or partnerships.
Initiating Programs: Use their platform to propose or endorse new initiatives, such as youth cycling programs, cycling accessibility for underserved communities, or sustainable transport schemes.
4. Community Engagement and Inclusivity
Grassroots Support: Visit local community projects or charity-funded initiatives, such as bike repair workshops or cycling education programs, to inspire volunteers and participants.
Ambassador for Inclusivity: Champion initiatives that make cycling accessible to marginalized groups, such as adaptive cycling for people with disabilities or cycling programs for low-income families.
Youth Leadership Programs: Mentor young cycling advocates or volunteers, encouraging the next generation to take an active role in the charity’s mission.
5. Policy and Advocacy Work
Cycling Safety and Policy: Collaborate with policymakers to advocate for changes such as:
Building more cycling lanes.
Reducing car speeds in urban areas to make cycling safer.
Establishing government-funded cycling programs.
Representing at National or Global Levels: Act as a representative of the charity in larger global forums addressing climate change, health, or urban planning, where cycling can be highlighted as a critical solution.
6. Digital Presence and Influence
Social Media Campaigns: Leverage their personal or professional social media channels to amplify the charity’s message, sharing updates, events, and success stories regularly.
Online Content Creation: Create or participate in videos, podcasts, or blogs that discuss topics like cycling benefits, safety tips, or charity impact stories.
Host Virtual Events: Organize webinars, online Q&A sessions, or livestreamed cycling events to engage a global audience and keep the community connected.
7. Event Leadership and Participation
Annual Event Patronage: Be the centerpiece of the charity’s flagship annual cycling event, which could involve leading the ride or hosting a celebratory closing ceremony.
Global Tours: Participate in international charity rides or events to expand the organization’s reach and engage with global supporters.
Recognition and Rewards: Present awards or acknowledgments to outstanding volunteers, donors, or community partners to foster a culture of appreciation and commitment.
8. Capacity Building and Partnerships
Building Alliances: Foster relationships with other cycling organizations, environmental groups, and health-focused charities to amplify collective impact.
Educational Partnerships: Partner with schools, colleges, or universities to introduce cycling clubs or programs that promote sustainable transportation.
Corporate Outreach: Develop relationships with businesses that align with the charity’s goals, encouraging them to adopt pro-cycling policies or sponsor charity events.
9. Monitoring and Feedback
Impact Measurement: Work with the board to assess the charity's impact and offer suggestions for improvement based on public and donor feedback.
Feedback Loop: Act as a conduit for stakeholders’ voices, ensuring that the charity remains relevant to its community’s needs.
10. Symbolic and Inspirational Leadership
Public Figure Role: Serve as a symbol of the charity’s values, embodying passion for cycling, environmental sustainability, and community welfare.
Personal Stories: Share their personal connection to cycling (if applicable) to inspire others and create a relatable narrative for supporters.
Inspiration Through Action: Lead by example by cycling to charity events, adopting sustainable travel habits, or demonstrating a commitment to the cause in daily life.
By expanding the role in these directions, the Honorary President can move from a primarily ceremonial figure to an active, transformative leader who drives the charity’s mission forward, builds connections, and ensures long-term impact.

[AndyK]

Again, Philip, not the kind of thing an Honorary President does. Have you done that research yet?

[Philip Benstead]

Again, Philip, not the kind of thing an Honorary President does. Have you done that research yet?

Well, you tell all of us what you think an Honorary President does?

If you had been around long enough you would have known the role with the CTC as changed.

[AndyK]

Again, Philip, not the kind of thing an Honorary President does. Have you done that research yet?

Well, you tell all of us what you think an Honorary President does?

If you had been around long enough you would have known the role with the CTC as changed.

I already did. And you didn't answer the question.