As part of our work to make it easier to provide a varied walks programme and to attract more members, a new model of Ramblers group called a flexigroup has been developed and piloted across Great Britain.
Flexigroups are specialist groups which mean they are an ideal for setting up a family group, short walks group, dog walking group or any other type of walk that there is a need for locally. They can also be used to run groups with a different focus to walking such as a practical path work or a route development group.
Flexigroups are sponsored by the Area who holds the flexigroups budget. They do not have a constitution, bank account or committee and do not hold an AGM, and the reduced amount of group administration allows flexigroups to focus on delivering and enjoying their activity programme.
The flexigroup pilot has been live for three months and has been widely well received, with lots of interest in setting up different kinds of flexigroups. Three flexigroups have been set up, and there are a number of Areas considering their options locally.
Practically working to set up flexigroups through a pilot phase is the most effective way of establishing whether the processes and procedures we have set out will work in all circumstances, and we are committed to ensuring these processes are as robust as possible before they are officially launched.
As a result of the pilot we have decided that this phase should be extended until we have at least ten flexigroups established, and of varying types of group. This will help to ensure that when flexigroups are officially launched as part of the Ramblers structure that we are able to issue guidance that covers as many different scenarios as possible.
Any Area that is interested in taking part in the flexigroup pilot, or anyone who would like to know more, should contact the Group Walks Development Officer, Gemma Petty, gemma.petty@ramblers.org.uk
NOTE: We are also holding a flexigroup briefing session in the form of a telephone conference, which will be combined with an online presentation for those who also have internet access. The initial session will be held on October 11 2011 at 7.15pm although more dates will be available if there is demand. For more information go to the flexigroup briefing session story
