Ian Beattie to stay as our Chair for another year

Thursday 2nd July 2020

scottishathletics Chair (volunteer role) advert

Ian Beattie is staying on in his voluntary role as Chairman of scottishathletics for an additional year.

The marathon and ultra runner, who is Chief Operating Officer with legal firm Lindsays, will now remain in the post through to the autumn of next year and the 2021 AGM.

But the search for an enthusiastic and driven individual to fill the role as Chair starts now, with Ian staying on with ‘succession-planning’ and a handover period very much in mind.

It is a significant position with a big commitment required both in terms of focus and time from the successful candidate (with 15 hours per month being asked).

Our Board agreed at their January meeting to invoke article 3.2.5 which allows for certain office-bearers to remain for one extra year beyond the maximum of two four-year terms.

Ian took on the role after his predecessor Frank Dick left the post early in 2012.

Thus Ian’s tenure has coincided with a period of significant rejuvenation and has featured a string of highlights both in terms of performance and participation.

Photo by Bobby Gavin

‘It has been a huge honour and a privilege for me to chair scottishathletics on a voluntary basis since 2012, and I have really enjoyed seeing the excellent progress that has been made in that time,’ he said.

‘Among the many highlights I have been particularly delighted in the way that everyone within the sport has come together and worked so hard, all with a common goal of improving athletics in Scotland.

‘We are fortunate to have so many wonderful role models across the whole sport; not only our athletes, many of whom are now operating at a world class level, but also our coaches, officials, professional staff, people within our clubs, and the many others who volunteer in different ways.

‘I was very pleased to accept the Board’s offer to stay on for another year and look forward to helping my successor prepare to take on the role in September 2021.’

The Chair of scottishathletics is required to work closely with our CEO, who looks after the day-to-day running of the business and thus, effectively, the sport.

For more details on the Chair vacancy please follow the link to our Jobs in Athletics section. Applications are open to Wednesday 22 July.

‘Government support for exercise feels so important’ – Ian Beattie

scottishathletics folk celebrate with the Governing Body of the Year trophy in Edinburgh in October 2019 (photo via Team Scotland)

scottishathletics were named ‘Governing Body of the Year’ at the Scottish Sports Awards in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

scottishathletics are Governing Body of the Year for third time

And, earlier this year, auditors KPMG gave scottishathletics a ‘Satisfactory’ ranking – the highest available rating – in their latest four-year audit conducted in February/March just prior to lockdown.

Audit rating is ‘satisfactory’ – the highest available