LIAM MEANWELL

For the past four years, I have served on the Ice Dance TAC as a committed and constructive voice for change. Significant organisational change at British Ice Skating has created sustained pressure and limited what the TAC could achieve. Despite those challenges, I am proud of our progress and my contribution to that work.

My contributions include playing a key role in rolling out the new test structure, focusing on making it work for skaters at every level and keeping people engaged in the sport. I have also worked on judge progression, helping to develop and deliver seminars and supporting judges towards promotion.

I want to build on this work by supporting officials’ development more broadly, ensuring they have the support, opportunities to stay active and investment of time needed to develop their skills. Every official should know where they are on their developmental journey and understand their next steps. Clearer, more consistent communication between the TAC, the BIS office, officials and the wider membership would support this, improve understanding of how and why decisions are made, and build trust in decision- making.

I bring wide-ranging technical and practical experience as an ISU International Ice Dance Judge, a National Championship Referee and a Technical Controller. These roles have given me an in-depth understanding of ice dance and the different perspectives of athletes, officials, coaches and members. I hope members will also have seen the positive attitude I bring and the respectful, supportive way I engage with our members, whether that be at a competition or a test session.

There is still much to do to help ice dance grow across the UK, especially given the pressures our sport faces. My focus remains on the people who make our sport what it is. If re-elected, I want to build on our progress towards a pathway that reflects members’ needs: strengthening grassroots skating, supporting skaters at every stage and making it easier for members to take part and enjoy ice dance.

I want to increase meaningful dialogue with members so that the future of ice dance in the UK reflects what you want and need. I also want to encourage stronger collaboration between disciplines, making it easier for skaters to move from one to another. Finally, I want us to explore different approaches to events and formats that reduce barriers, increase participation and create more opportunities for skaters throughout the UK.
I welcome the fresh perspectives, new ideas and energy that new members will bring to the TAC. As the only current member eligible for re-election, I can support a smooth handover by sharing knowledge and experience gained over the past four years. I want us to build on work already under way while remaining open to different approaches and giving new ideas room to develop.

I therefore ask for your support to continue bringing experience, continuity and a strong member-focused voice to the Ice Dance TAC.