23rd February 2022

 

Dear Member

UPDATE

 

Following the announcement of the removal of covid-related restrictions in England, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon took a similar but slightly different approach in announcing a further easing in Scotland. From 28th February Covid passports will become voluntary (currently mandatory for certain indoor and large venues). From 21st March all legal requirements will transition to guidance. This is still an indicative date and subject to review. In the Spring the SG will also revisit the questions of testing and the rules around self-isolaton. The best summary of the rules in Scotland is contained in the update Strategic Framework here:

 

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-scotlands-strategic-framework-update-february-2022/pages/2/

 

In other news, a special meeting of bacta’s National Council yesterday set in motion a governance and strategy review of the Association to be led by John Bollom. President, Greg Wood, praised John’s qualifications: ‘having taken the decision to conduct a strategy and governance review, I am delighted that John has agreed to lead the process. I can think of no-one better to do so given John’s experience across the Divisions of bacta and the fact he has occupied the post of Treasurer, President and Trustee in his near 50 year association with bacta.’

 

For his part John was eager to get cracking. ‘A lot of preparatory work has gone into the Review already and I am keen to now take that forward by engaging widely with key stakeholders and the membership. It is my intention to give everyone the opportunity to have their say and I would be delighted to hear from any member with thoughts on their association using a dedicated email address j.bollom@bacta.org.uk.’

 

John has been given a tough timescale with a Report to National Council requested within no more than six months. ‘It is my intention that the Review happens as quickly as possible. Bacta is the voice of the amusement machine industry, with a talented team of officers and officials who punch well above their weight in delivering change for our industry whether in AGCs, FECs, single-site operations or in manufacturing/distribution. It deserves a modern governance structure to help it get even better at delivering for the whole industry its 450 members represent.’

 

As always do please feel free to get in touch on any of the above or indeed any other matter you would like to raise.

 

Kind regards

John