In a move to help golf clubs across the UK better comply with all their legal obligations, the National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association (NGCAA) has launched a new Legal Health Check service.
Designed to protect golf clubs against a growing number of claims and litigation culture, the new service will assist club secretaries in the review of complex laws to reduce the risk and costs of non-compliance. Jacqueline Howe at the NGCAA is overseeing the development and implementation of the new service and comments, “Golf club management and operation encompasses a multitude of different tasks and functions, and affects a vast number of people. Inevitably, this presents a number of challenges and risks, particularly within a growing number of seemingly grey areas.
“It is essential that golf clubs operate within the legal framework and that club secretaries, managers, officials and committee members are fully aware of all the relevant legal and administrative requirements that they must meet. This will enable clubs to minimise the potential for adverse litigation and effectively respond to claimants.”
Comprising a legal and administrative audit, the NGCAA’s new Legal Health Check covers accounts, licensing, disability, discrimination and equality, child protection and club rules and constitutional powers. Once the audit has been conducted, the NGCAA will produce a report identifying any legal shortfalls and advice on how these can be effectively addressed. Furthermore, the report will clarify individual staff roles and responsibilities in implementing the relevant procedures to meet legal requirements.
Jacqueline Howe concludes, “Legislation is continually changing and more and more rules and regulations are being introduced. The Legal Health Check will help clubs maximise legal compliance, safeguarding them against costly penalties and worst case scenarios such as tribunals and compensation claims. Ultimately, this will help to protect club integrity and the future of the game.”
NGCAA experts will visit clubs to conduct the Legal Health Check. The service is available to existing members priced at £250 per day. Non-members can take advantage of the service at a cost of £400 per day. Each club will also undertake payment of travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses for NGCAA consultants. For further information on the Legal Health Check or on how to join the NGCAA, contact Jacqueline Howe on: 01684 311353 or email ngcaa@idealnet.co.uk
Established in 1922, the NGCAA, which is supported by the Home Golfing Unions, is an independent, non-profit making association of golf clubs providing legal and administrative advice for its members throughout the UK. NGCAA annual membership costs £150 including VAT per annum.
NGCAA www.ngcaa.org.uk
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