Last updated: 25th March 2025

To help create and share the best practice, British Fencing has created a series of online community discussion events, inviting members to raise issues, discuss topics and share ideas.

Please note that all sessions will be held through the online platform Zoom. Once you have registered for an event you will be sent the relevant login details and instructions on the day of the session. You do not need to have a Zoom account in order to access these sessions and there is no cost to take part.

Club and Welfare Officer sign up information is sent via email to all registered officers on the club’s profile.

Club Admins – please ensure your club is always kept in the loop by checking that all your club information and contact details are up to date on the Sport:80 platform. Follow this two-minute step by step guide: Update Your Club’s Membership Information

UPCOMING SESSIONS

Tuesday 25th February 2025 1-2pm – Community Discussion Event – Para Fencing & Seated Fencing (more info here)

Wednesday 2nd April 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Club Admins – Managing your Club (Club Documents and Policies)

Thursday 3rd April 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Welfare Officers & Event Welfare Officers

Tuesday 22nd April 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Preparing your fencer for the BYCs (Families and Coaches). Sign Up Here.

Tuesday 27th May 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Event Organisers – Recreational Events and Summer Camps 

Friday  18th July 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Welfare Officers & Event Welfare Officers

Tuesday 22nd July 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Club Admins

Wednesday 3rd September 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Event Organisers – Licensing and Setting up your Event 

Tuesday 14th October 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Welfare Officers & Event Welfare Officers

Thursday 30th October 2025 – Community Discussion Event – Club Admins

Thursday 20th November 2025 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Event Organisers – Licensing and Setting up your Event 

Wednesday 7th January 2026 12pm & 6pm – Community Discussion Event – Welfare Officers & Event Welfare Officers

Sign-up will be sent out to all registered Club Welfare Officers on Sport:80.

Want to join our Welfare and Event Welfare Officer WhatsApp Group for registered or in Training Welfare Officers and Event Welfare Officers? Contact Lorraine Rose to be sent the link.

EVENTS COMING SOON

Community Discussion Event for Event Organisers – Running Inclusive Events and Making Reasonable Adjustments

PREVIOUS SESSIONS THIS YEAR

For a list of events before 2025, click here: Previous Community Discussion Events

FAQs

How do the discussion groups work?

We run the groups on Zoom, by invite. We will sometimes limit the number of participants (approx 25-30) to ensure that all questions are considered and there is time for discussion. You can put questions to the panel by asking beforehand when responding to your invitation, or during the session using the chat function.

How long does a discussion last?

The discussions will differ depending on the topic and are usually set for around 1-2 hours.

What topics are discussed?

These discussion groups will all cover a range of topics around supporting BF clubs and workforce, e.g. health and safety, events, coaching, welfare, marketing and more. There will be plenty of opportunities to contribute ideas and ask questions.

Will the sessions be recorded?

Some will be recorded. However, to facilitate an open discussion and allow people to share their honest opinions, we will only use the recordings internally to inform next steps and help us produce the return to fencing plans and guidance. We have found this approach puts people at ease and allows for a more honest discussion.

I have a question that isn’t answered here:

If you have any suggested topics to discuss or want to know more about the series, please email: events@britishfencing.com