CAROLINE SHEARER

Membership Engagement:

I am applying for a position on the Membership Engagement TAC in my capacity as a parent of a young skater and also as the Vice Chair of a BIS affiliated figure skating club. I bring a parent's perspective, club governance experience, and a professional background in education, with years of experience working supportively with children and families in both mainstream and SEN settings. I have a strong interest in inclusion, widening access and overcoming barriers to participation. I believe that high standards, an encouraging environment and rigorous processes provide the best route to successful outcomes.

Skills and experience:

My previous roles in employment and when volunteering have provided me with a range of skills, experiences and abilities which I believe would prove relevant in this role.

Data and insight:

● Gathering and analysing surveys, questionnaires, feedback forms and assessment data to improve provision. I have significant experience in this area. As an example, I previously designed and ran a pupil voice questionnaire on playground provision, which shaped how we spent our lottery funding for playground equipment.
● Presenting findings clearly to colleagues, children, governors, parents and other stakeholders. I have held meetings and training sessions to share ideas and present findings in a way that works for different audiences.
● Using feedback to drive change and improvements, and checking afterwards whether it worked. For instance, parent feedback showed many families found our homework communication confusing. We simplified the weekly update, and a follow-up questionnaire a term later showed far fewer queries and higher satisfaction.
● Spotting trends: I analysed exam results by question type, spotted a consistent weakness in one area and adjusted teaching plans, ensuring improvement in future data sets.

Inclusion, safeguarding and safety:

I am passionate about equal opportunities and ensuring an equitable experience for everyone,
● I have had extensive training in safeguarding, additional support needs and inclusion, including specifically on ADHD, autism and Down's syndrome.
● Adapting activities, communication or environments so every child can take part, including recent training on adaptive teaching and trauma-informed practices.
● Working in partnership with parents/carers and other professionals to agree support and action plans. I am currently involved in a review of skater safety at our rink; we are working to identify issues, trends and solutions.
● Handling sensitive concerns confidentially and professionally, including training on responsibilities around GDPR.
● Supporting children who face barriers such as cost, confidence or additional needs, including identifying, selecting and targeting specific children/families for enhanced support in a sensitive and supportive manner.

Communication and teamwork:

I have had experience of,
● Working by consensus, challenging ideas respectfully and constructively, and getting behind the ideas of others to ensure progress.
● Communicating with a wide range of audiences, including children, parents, volunteers and other professionals, in small and large groups.
● Writing clear newsletters, emails, reports, policies or social media content.
● Chairing or leading meetings, assemblies and training sessions.
● Mentoring student teachers and work experience students, and organising volunteers.

Organisation:

I have also been involved in
● Planning events, coordinating volunteers and working within budgets. Including summer fairs, Thinking day celebrations, residential trips.
● Managing timelines, risk assessments and logistics for trips and residential stays, including having previously fundraised for and organised a three-week trip to Canada for 10–14-year-olds.
● Keeping accurate records, minutes and action plans.
● Balancing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
● Delegating tasks and following up reliably.

Policy:

My recent experience in this area that may be relevant to the work of the TAC includes,
● Researching, drafting and reviewing policies, most recently our figure skating club social media policy.
● Explaining policy changes so people understand and follow them.
● Reviewing policies regularly to keep them current.
● Ensuring every policy considers and links to safeguarding.

Knowledge and interest in skating:

I follow figure skating closely at national and international level, watching televised junior and senior events and attending major competitions, including the recent European Championships and the 2022 Grand Prix in Sheffield. I have accompanied my child to numerous competitions, skills tests and training camps. I have a good understanding of the UK grassroots figure skating community.

Adult skaters make up around 25% of our club's membership, so I understand the differing needs of young skaters, parents, adults and alumni. I value community engagement, and our club frequently works with neighbouring clubs, sharing ideas, expertise and resources.

Aims and objectives:

As a new member, my aim would be to be a supportive, reliable and constructive team player, preparing well, contributing thoughtfully and following through on actions. I would like to bring the voices of parents, young skaters, volunteers and adult skaters to the Committee, and to champion inclusion and retention so that members of every age, discipline and background feel valued and want to stay involved in skating. I would seek to learn from the experience of fellow members and staff, working together to provide advice the Board can act on, and I would be a positive ambassador for BIS among members and clubs.