Strategy in action
This time of year is always particularly busy for us at the RSGB with some great opportunities to meet radio amateurs across the country and, indeed, from around the world. That was enhanced this year with YOTA 2017 in August when some of us had the privilege of spending a week with 80 enthusiastic, fun and knowledgeable youngsters from 26 countries.
In September our President, Nick Henwood, G3RWF, attended the IARU Region 1 Conference with a number of other expert RSGB volunteers. On behalf of the UK, the Society contributed a record 26 papers out of a total of over 140 on the agenda – more than any other country. The RSGB team represented the needs of all radio amateurs in areas such as HF, VHF-Microwave, EMC and Youth & Growth. Our video The future of amateur radio sparked discussions by sharing the visions of young radio amateurs for developing amateur radio, not only as a hobby but with links to the professional worlds of electronics and wireless communications.
Closer to home, our Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee (EMCC) has been gathering data from radio amateurs about VDSL interference to present to Ofcom and the results have been significant. You can read more about the results in this RadCom issue and the January edition.
The National Hamfest and the RSGB Convention are two annual events where radio amateurs can meet and chat to RSGB staff and volunteers about a variety of topics. The breadth of expert lectures at each Convention is notable and inspires radio amateurs not only to try something new or develop their current interests but also to hear of cutting-edge changes in the technologies that are used. This year there were three presentations that linked with the RSGB’s strategy for 2022:
- Board Director Steve Hartley, G0FUW explained more about the Strategy itself
- President Nick Henwood, G3RWF gave a progress report on the Breaking the mould – clubs and groups for the 21st Century project
- Youth Committee Deputy Chair Milo Noblet, M0ILO provided a summary of the successful YOTA 2017 event and a brief look at how we will be building on it
“We take every opportunity to engage with members, representing them nationally and internationally”
Communicating what we do is always a challenge but the success of YOTA 2017 was also mirrored in the extensive reach of our communications. Across social media, videos and video blogs (vlogs), print and online news in both amateur radio and mainstream outlets our potential reach was 4.6 million people. We also created a new web page bringing together live news and social media updates to make it easier for people to see everything in one place.
All of these things are linked closely with our eight strategic priorities and our overarching goal “To have an active and thriving radio amateur community supported by a strong, representative and influential RSGB”.
The film also explains in more detail how we are working hard to improve our communication with Members and to explain amateur radio more effectively to the wider public.
As a Society we take every opportunity to engage with Members, represent them nationally and internationally, as well as communicate with them in more effective ways. You can find out more about the Strategy on our website.
Steve Thomas, M1ACB, General Manager and
Heather Parsons, Communications Manager
Category: Front Page News, RSGB Notices, RSGB Strategy 2022
