The Central Council Executive is looking to recruit a new leader for its Stewardship and Management Workgroup. The Workgroup, which is often referred to by its abbreviation ‘SMWG’ gives advice and support on a wide range of topics related to towers, ringing infrastructure and operations. In recent years, in addition to providing ad-hoc advice as required, the Workgroup has been developing the new online publication ‘Belfry Upkeep’, closely followed by ‘Running a Tower’. An update of the guide to undertaking bell restoration or augmentation projects is in progress.

It’s exact terms of reference (from the CCCBR Standing Orders) are

“To support ringers, the owners of bells, and other interested parties in all matters relating to the care of bells, ringers and those who visit bell towers in the areas of:

1. statutory compliance, safety and governance in relation to ringing
2. funding, products, expertise and facilities to support ringing and the availability of bell installations
3. best practice relating to maintenance, and improvement of bell installations and training facilities
4. research and innovation in the advancement of bell ringing, its methodologies, tools and technologies

The leader of the Workgroup is not expected to be expert on all the topics covered by the terms of reference! The Workgroup has a number of members and looks to have contacts throughout the ringing exercise who have specialist knowledge. The leader pulls it all together and may initiate new projects such as the publications referred to above.

The role of Workgroup Leader therefore is to:

• Be a key member of the Management team of the CCCBR (via Quarterly Work Group/Executive meetings, usually on Zoom/Teams)
• Develop the strategy of the Workgroup to meet the Council’s objectives
• Organise, recruit, and manage the resources of the Workgroup
• Plan, lead and coordinate the activities of the Workgroup with members of the Workgroup and others where appropriate
• Maintain and update advice available for bell ringers, churches and other interested parties on matters relating to bells and bell installations, their maintenance and operation, and bell related projects
• Respond to enquiries from ringers and elsewhere on related topics
• Liaise regularly with relevant external bodies (for example, insurance companies, statutory bodies, etc) on behalf of the Council
• Maintain and extend the network of people with specialist knowledge who assist with specific activities of the Workgroup

Anyone can volunteer to be the new leader of SMWG. You don’t need to have held a similar position elsewhere – just be interested in this area, willing to help and contribute to ringing on a wider scale. Leading a Workgroup is managing a team, as well as being part of a larger team with the other Workgroup Leader and Executive. We recognise that we are all volunteers and can only do as much as we can do.

So the skills that are needed to be the SMWG Workgroup leader are:

• Able to manage small teams of people, working on diverse tasks.
• Well organised, with broad experience of ringing related activities
• Able to communicate at all levels with ringers, external individuals and organisations.
• Flexible, displaying high levels of enthusiasm and self-motivation.
• Someone who inspires, motivates and empowers others.

If you are interested in this position, or would like further information, please contact:

Ernie de Legh-Runciman
Secretary
Central Council of Church Bell Ringers