NOMCOMS

Our Club has a range of committees, the purpose of which is to help shape the Club’s future and provide support and experience to the Hurlingham’s Senior Leadership Team. But what exactly are these committees and how and why could you get involved?

What committees are there?
There are six Principal Sub-Committees (PSCs): Estates, Finance, Food and Beverage (F&B), Membership, Member Experience & Events (ME&E) and Sports. Each PSC has various sub-committees which report to it. Chairs from each PSC serve on the Main Committee, either as elected or ex-officio members, along with elected professionals to ensure comprehensive representation across all areas.

What do the committees do?
They play a pivotal role in gathering feedback from members and collaborating with the Club’s Senior Leadership Team to propose enhancements. At the moment the Estates and Food & Beverage Committees are collaborating on the upcoming development project in the East Wing.

Committee members typically bring substantial first-hand experience of their use of Club facilities or have the relevant professional backgrounds related to the committee’s remit. The Finance Committee benefits from individuals with senior finance roles, while the Estates and Food & Beverage Committees thrive on expertise in interior design and hospitality.

If I join, what’s in it for me?
Joining a committee offers members an opportunity to contribute to the Club’s ongoing improvement with like-minded individuals. It fosters networking among members from diverse professional backgrounds, as highlighted by Julia Toller and Andrea Wareham (members of the Nominations Committee) below:

‘Committee volunteering brought me unexpected benefits. For example, contact and collaboration with other members from diverse professional backgrounds, and the Executive, was an opportunity to refresh my knowledge on best practices and reset perspective in my own work environment.’
^{JULIA TOLLER}

‘As someone who is interested in a portfolio career of non-executive roles, being part of a committee is an excellent way of gaining committee/non-executive experience.’
^{ANDREA WAREHAM}

What’s the time commitment?
This varies from committee to committee. It can be as little as one meeting a year to 11 if you serve on Main Committee, but on average there are around four or five meetings. The majority of meetings are held in early evening and typically last two hours, with the option to attend remotely. Some members may engage in specific projects or reviews as needed.

Being part of a committee is NOT…
… about pushing personal agendas, but collectively advancing the Club’s interests. It does not entail assuming executive responsibilities, as Club operations are managed by the dedicated and professional Club staff.

How can I get involved?
There are vacancies coming up on some of the committees and we welcome new members. To express an interest in joining a committee, either now or in the future, or to simply find out more please:

Email julia.ironside@hurlinghamclub.org.uk, giving your name, contact details and area(s) of interest. Please add a short bio or a CV.

Click here to update your personal information, especially your Job Title and LinkedIn page (if you have one), so the Club can keep up to date on the experience of our members, and also tick the ‘Interested in joining a committee’ box.

Expressions of interest will be shared with the Nominations Committee which works with all our committees to find new members. Look out for updates on each of the committees in the next few issues of Hurlingham.

SIMON MANSFIELD, CHAIR, NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Youthful involvement

We ask Eliza Mould to share her perspective on being involved in Hurlingham Committees

Twenty-eight-year-old Eliza is an Account Director in branding. When she is not busy with her work, she plays squash, enjoys padel and an occasional swim. She relaxes with a quick drink and nibble in the Polo Bar, where she is often catching up with her parents.

What encouraged you to take such a proactive part in the Club?
In 2018, the then Chair of Membership invited me to join that committee and represent the interests of younger members. Having been an active user of the Club for some time, I was eager to contribute and offer my perspective and understand the decision-making process.

Which Committees have you served on?
Several, including Membership, Heathcote, Communications, Conduct, and I briefly represented Heathcote on the Member Experience and Events Committee.

How has this experience shaped your understanding of our Club’s community and its needs?
Being involved in various committees has been invaluable to my understanding what lies behind decisions, especially the challenging ones. It has provided me with a comprehensive view of the Club’s goals and the complexities of managing diverse member interests.

Balancing the contributions of committee members with the expertise of Executives and staff is crucial

What insights have you gained about the needs and interests of our membership?
I have found balancing the goal of being a ‘family club’ particularly intriguing and challenging. The Club’s appeal across all age groups is commendable yet demanding to manage effectively. I believe the Club does an excellent job of respecting all demographics, striving to ensure lasting appeal for every stage of life.

What is your approach to working with fellow members and stakeholders?
Working with fellow members has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to engage with thoughtful and respectful individuals who value diverse perspectives. Each committee I’ve served on has embraced equality and mutual respect.

How are the relationships between committee members, their Executive and their team of staff?
Balancing the contributions of committee members with the expertise of Executives and staff is crucial. Committee members offer guidance and represent member opinions, while Executives lead implementation. This relationship, built on mutual respect and understanding, is vital for effective governance.

Has your involvement impacted your personal and professional growth?
Absolutely! Joining committees at a young age significantly boosted my confidence and professional approach. Engaging with successful professionals within the Club has been invaluable for personal and career development.

Joining a committee at a young age definitely boosted my confidence and professional approach

What changes would you like to see in how our Club engages with members?
I think the way the Club communicates has come on in leaps and bounds over the past five years. Going back to what I was saying before about the wide age range in the Membership, Communications has taken a very modern and streamlined approach to ensure the marketing and information each member receives is targeted and relevant. This is only going to improve with the introduction of the ‘My Hurlingham’ app. I’ll also add that there has been a lot of sensitivity towards those who don’t favour digital forms of communications, which once again, I’m very impressed by.

What advice would you give to other younger members?
If you’re passionate about improving aspects of the Club, I encourage active participation. Be mindful of the time commitment and ensure you’re prepared to dedicate the necessary hours and effort.