Communicating with members – what you told us

We had a strong response to our members’ survey, inviting you to let us know which communications channels you find most valuable and where you see room for improvement. All told we received more than 650 responses to the survey.

We learned that, overall, email was rated the most popular form of communication – but interestingly “To the Point”, our email newsletter, was not seen as particularly valuable in its current form. When members were invited to nominate communication channels for various types of content (such as upcoming events, competition results or training tips), the British Fencing website and The Sword were seen as the most useful channels (see table attached).

What was perhaps most striking about the feedback was the very large number of comments made in response to two questions: “What other areas could British Fencing communicate on that are of interest to you?”  And: “Please add any other comments on British Fencing’s communications?”

It was clear from these comments that many members are frustrated by what is communicated (and specifically what is perceived as a paucity of communication from the centre), as well as how it is communicated. This is something the management and Board of British Fencing will seek to address.

Many constructive suggestions were also made to enhance the style and content of the Sword, as well as the content and ease of navigation of the British Fencing website. We will therefore look further at both of these key communication channels.  A complete review of the website content is already under way.

Going forward, we will report to members shortly on the plans to strengthen member communications within British Fencing. We are very grateful for the feedback received, which will help shape what we do.  We hope that that will, in itself, be some reward for the time members dedicated to completing the survey, but just in case it is insufficient we also promised prizes. We are delighted to announce that following a random draw Alexander Gillespy, Paul Halliday and Sara Hallhave won the prizes available and will each receive vouchers for£100 worth of Leon Paul fencing equipment.   

David Teasdale

Chair British Fencing