From the Way Forward Group.
Following feedback from members regarding the proposed Rule changes regarding the teaching of learners we are proposing the following amendment to proposed Rule 17 which is to be voted on at the AGM:
17. The SDGR will support the recruiting, teaching and training of New Recruits within Branches by Members competent in the relevant skills in accordance with SDGR Policies.
(Replaces 17. Teaching of New Recruits shall be the responsibility of competent ringers.)
The Executive Committee supports this amendment and members of the Way Forward Group hope that this further revised Rule 17 makes it very clear the SDGR supports recruitment and teaching wherever it takes place across the Guild.
A brief note of explanation may help to illuminate our thinking.
During the long process of considering updates to the Guild Rules, our research highlighted that the recruiting and teaching of learners was all being done either at the local tower where the learner was recruited, by organised Branch bell handling sessions or at Teaching Hubs where foundation skills are taught. With this in mind we felt the rules should be written around what actually happens and should give guidance and support to those teaching as well as stating the SDGR would support these initiatives.
Elsewhere in the proposed Rules, the Aims have already been revised to include the SDGR promoting, advancing and facilitating ringing as well as recruitment (2 to 2.4) and we would also highlight that the Rules for Branches start with a statement of purpose which emphasises each Branch will support Towers, Members and learners in the development of their ringing. The Rules then go on to explain how training should be conducted depending on whether it is being done by an individual or at an organised group session and that SDGR policies and procedure should be followed. Finally, we do not believe it is in the best interest of new recruits who are not yet able to safely handle a bell to register on the Guild Database and receive communications, especially regarding practices, when they are in these very early stages of learning. It is our opinion the new recruits should be encouraged by all members to become engaged with the Branch and SDGR at appropriate events and it is for their teachers to share with them details for these events.
David Hacker
