THE Rugby Football Union Council today resolved to consult the whole game about becoming a world leader in sporting governance.
After hearing and discussing a presentation on the Review of Governance for the RFU (click here to view) by Slaughter and May corporate partner Nigel Boardman, the Council fully endorsed Independent Non-Executive Director Miles Templeman to lead a steering group for that process.
Templeman will report to the RFU Board of Directors at their December 14 meeting when the composition of the steering group, made up of members of Council and Board, will be decided. That will be followed by wide-ranging, detailed consultation of all stakeholders in the game, from the elite level to the grassroots, and then take action on those Slaughter and May recommendations.
RFU President Willie Wildash said: “We have a great opportunity to define how we run the game we all love and feel so passionate about. We feel a huge responsibility to players, coaches, referees, supporters, sponsors – everybody involved in rugby union at all levels – not only to reflect humbly on how we run our game but to take real progressive action.
“We should thank Nigel Boardman and his colleagues for such a detailed report and 150 recommendations, many of which, if adopted, would fundamentally improve how we operate.
“Every one of those recommendations will be closely studied and discussed. Some of this will take time and it is vitally important that it is done thoroughly and correctly to benefit the whole game. The principles of good governance must be re-inforced but we are committed to the ultimate objective of ensuring that we have the right governance structures in place to support those principles.
“Miles Templeman is highly respected and experienced in governance and the Council unanimously decided that he should lead a group that will be representative of all areas of the game.”
Wildash added: “The Slaughter and May review was essential and precipitated by a number of factors, especially the Blackett Report, which was a most thorough review into the circumstances surrounding the sudden departure of John Steele in June.
“The report identified failures within the RFU and that has been a catalyst for change, not least leading to the Slaughter and May review. It was undertaken diligently and expeditiously by an experienced and capable team. Thanks to their efforts and those of many others who have contributed to the Slaughter and May review we are very optimistic that we have turned a corner and are now heading in the right direction.”
The Professional Game Board report into England’s Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign was delivered by PGB Chairman Ian Metcalfe and Rob Andrew and the recommendations were unanimously endorsed.
Council also heard from RFU Director of Rugby Development Steve Grainger about the vision for actively supporting England’s member clubs to deliver opportunities up to, during and after Rugby World Cup 2015, reviewing competition structures, and progress in developing a clear strategy for touch rugby.
Note to desks:
Slaughter and May undertook a review commissioned by a resolution of Council and made recommendations on the governance of the Rugby Football Union. The review covered the current corporate governance structures of the RFU as set out in the RFU rules and regulations and in particular:
• the relationship of the Board and Council;
• whether current practice complies with the rules and regulations;
• whether the rules and regulations and current practice comply with relevant legislation and guidance;
• the correct balance of powers of the relevant stakeholders, particularly of the board and council; and
• whether the rules and regulations and current practice are effective in delivering the necessary direction to the executive staff.
The review was informed by interviews and written submissions from a wide range of stakeholders and drew on best practice guidelines for UK-listed companies, recent codes of practice developed for the non-profit and sport and recreation sectors and a comparison with the governance arrangements at other national governing bodies in England and elsewhere.
On 21 November 2011 Slaughter and May delivered a report on the above, and its recommendations as to amendments to the RFU rules and regulations and current practice.
The Slaughter and May team was led by corporate partners Nigel Boardman and Elizabeth Holden.
