The British Canoe Union (BCU) today announces a partnership with Rolls-Royce Group Plc.
The partnership is part of the FTSE - British Olympic Association (BOA) initiative which is working with thirty three FTSE 100 companies and thirty three National Governing Bodies of Olympic Sports in order to transfer skills and knowledge. The aim is to accelerate and help improve the effectiveness of National Governing Body business delivery and performance.
Rolls-Royce has been working with the BCU on specific projects, offering ‘support in kind’ and focusing on transferring skills and knowledge.
Examples of projects already identified include Rolls-Royce engineers working to develop an adaptive seat to fit on an indoor kayak machine (for disabled paddlers) and providing expertise and ongoing consultancy advice on a range of projects, including recruitment and systems development.
Paul Owen Chief Executive of the British Canoe Union comments,
“We are delighted that the BOA Business Partnership Scheme enables us to work with such an experienced and world class partner as Rolls-Royce. The expertise received from Rolls-Royce so far has been invaluable. The support of their talented engineers has really helped us to improve the design of our indoor kayak machines, allowing more people to use them and benefit from canoe and kayaking.
“We are continuing to work on the HR and Communications projects and are looking forward to developing a strong relationship and working towards continued future success together.”
Helen Bishop, Rolls-Royce, Head of Community Relations, said:
“We are pleased to support BOA's partnership scheme and happy to be working with the BCU, as a near neighbour in the East Midlands. This partnership gives our employees the opportunity to stretch their skills and expertise in a different environment, which benefits both organisations. We're particularly pleased to be supporting BCUs participation agenda and helping people from all walks of life and communities to take part in canoeing.”
Background to the FTSE – BOA programme
Initiated by Lord Moynihan, Chairman of the BOA, and working with FTSE Group, the global index provider, the FTSE–BOA Initiative is designed to support the BOA’s inspirational goal of fourth place for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympics medal table. The initiative will help the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to develop into world class, autonomous organisations in the run-up to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The scope and focus of the individual relationships will vary from sport to sport in order to address their differing needs and the expertise available. The agreements will be between the NGBs and the individual businesses, although the overall programme is facilitated by a Project Director, Bev Salt who is on secondment to the BOA from AstraZeneca.