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Director Griffiths reflects on time in post as he completes maximum term

As Chair of Tamworth Spartans Volleyball Club, and having worked as a consultant for Volleyball England, he was well aware that the governing body was encountering difficult times.
Encouraged to stand as an Elected Board Director by then-Chief Executive Janet Inman, he has since played an important role in helping the organisation get back on a sound financial and structural footing.
Only then, in later years of his eight-year tenure, has he been able to help drive and develop the game in England, as Chair of the An Ace Service Sub-group.
“Going back nine years I was doing (communications) consultancy work for Volleyball England, having gone self-employed in 2016, when Janet asked me to work in the office two days a week,” said Simon.
“Eventually the communications went back to an in-staff role, but Janet asked me if I would consider applying to be on the Board.
“I'd been Chair of my club for five years, so I thought it was something I could use my experience to get involved with.”
Since then, it's been a tenure of “two halves” for Simon, who has helped Volleyball England through the Covid-19 Pandemic and overseen much positive change.
First, though, came some challenging times when keeping the organisation functioning remained the number one priority.
He said: “Volleyball England was in trouble in 2017, and, in the first two years, it was all about trying to safeguard the organisation.
“At that time, Volleyball England was essentially on Sport England's naughty step, and it was a hand-to-mouth existence just to make sure we continued.
“It was not always a fun time as Janet and the Board tried to get the sport back on an even keel. We spent a lot of time plowing through financial updates and Sport England submissions. We had to make some hard choices.
“But all that effort paved the way for the second half, which was to be more interesting and proactive.
“One of the best things was creating The Game Plan, which was launched in 2020. In the second half of 2019, I spent a lot of time with Adam (Walker), Seyram (Atubra), Sue (Storey) and Clare (Francis) working on the plan.
“I am very proud of the contribution I have made and the progress we have made as an organisation, which is unrecognisable now from when I first became involved.”

Among the highlights of Simon’s stint on the Board has been the staging of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
As a proud West Midlander, he was delighted to see its impact on the city, with the Bello brothers, Javier and Joaquin, winning a bronze medal for England in the beach volleyball.
“To be involved in an organisation that is helping something like the Commonwealth Games in your home city was amazing,” said Simon.
“Another thing from which I take great pride is starting the process of reviewing the refereeing structure, and also looking at some of the challenges facing the NVL.
“Some of the things that have been implemented might not be everyone's cup of tea, but we have been doing what we think is right to try to raise standards in the sport.”
While thoroughly enjoying his time in post, Simon believes now is the right time for other people to step up, having served a maximum of eight years on the Board.
His replacement in the role will be decided by a vote of member clubs at this weekend’s AGM, where they will choose between Anton Kornilov and Jeanne Riot.
“Eight years is a long time,” said Simon. “This will give other people the chance to come in with fresh enthusiasm... I think eight years is about the maximum.
“I've said to Adam (Walker) and the other directors that if they need help or advice, then they can always come to me, just as remains the case with Clare (Francis, former Deputy Chair).
“Like her, I will continue to play a big part in volleyball, both on the club scene and helping with the West Midlands Volleyball Association (for whom wife Kara is Chair).
“In my professional life I've been setting up a new board game café close to where I live in Moseley.
“That's happening alongside me continuing my other work, so it's going to be a very busy time for me, even after coming to the end of this role.
“I'd like to thank Adam, as Chair. I've learned a lot from him and being in contact with him. I really like the working environment he has established for the Board and he's been able to make sure that everyone’s voice has been heard.”