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Member Survey 2023
You may remember that earlier this year we asked club members to complete a survey, giving their views on the club. I apologise for the delayed sharing of this summary, which was kindly compiled by Stewart Spink.
As a committee, we discussed the anonymous results of the survey in order to better inform our decision making and focus for the current season, and we hope that some concerns raised have been addressed.
As we move forwards, we would encourage members to speak to the committee to share the views, either personally or via email, in order to keep regular feedback and allow us to better me the needs of our membership.
Striders' Survey 2023: Results Summary
Where you have not taken part in one/some of the above [events], could you give any feedback about the reasons why?
Members of the club provided feedback on the reasons why they haven't participated in certain aspects of club life. Common barriers included lack of knowledge about specific activities, feeling that some committee members or serious runners were not approachable, time constraints and scheduling conflicts, lack of interest or preference for certain events, feeling overwhelmed or lacking confidence, geographic limitations, personal preferences or restrictions, injuries or physical limitations, and being new to the club. Some members suggested that more assistance and information could be provided to those who are new or unfamiliar with certain activities. They also expressed a desire for a more approachable and inclusive atmosphere within the club. Time constraints due to work, family commitments, or other engagements were mentioned as a major barrier. Some individuals had specific preferences or restrictions that prevented their participation, while others cited injuries or physical health issues. Being new to the club and not knowing many members yet was another reason given. Overall, the feedback highlighted a range of factors influencing participation, and addressing these concerns could help enhance member engagement and inclusivity within the club.
What are you looking to get out of being a member of the club?
The members of the club expressed various motivations for being a part of the club. Many sought companionship and the opportunity to run with others, learn from more experienced runners, and receive motivation to keep running. Some members highlighted the importance of recognising and appreciating older runners who continue to strive and improve. The desire for consistency in running, becoming a better runner, and engaging in social interactions were commonly mentioned. Members also expressed interest in receiving training, coaching, and participating in a wider variety of races and events. Social interaction, encouragement, and the sense of community were emphasised as valuable aspects of the club. Many individuals mentioned the goal of improving their fitness, running performance, and running technique. The social aspect, making friends, and meeting like-minded individuals were also significant reasons for joining the club. Additionally, some members mentioned the desire for support, guidance, and involvement in team events. Overall, the responses reflected a combination of personal goals, social connections, and the desire to improve as runners within a supportive and inclusive club environment.
What would encourage you to become even more involved in the club?
The responses regarding what would encourage members to become more involved in the club highlighted several areas of improvement. Some members expressed a desire for a greater emphasis on fun rather than solely focusing on speed and achieving fast times. Others mentioned the need for better communication to foster inclusivity and encouragement. Time constraints were a common obstacle for increased involvement, with various members citing childcare responsibilities and work commitments. Some members suggested improvements such as better coordination of Thursday runs, more social events, earlier training times, and increased support for injured members. The desire for a welcoming environment that caters to runners of all abilities, as well as more focus on women's needs and interests in training, was also mentioned. Providing more information about upcoming events and activities, as well as clearer guidelines for races and performance expectations, were suggested as ways to enhance involvement. Time availability, family commitments, and personal limitations were identified as factors preventing increased engagement for some members. Overall, the responses emphasized the importance of addressing communication, inclusivity, varied training opportunities, social events, and individual needs to encourage greater participation within the club.
Do you have any comments on training?
The comments on training express a range of opinions and experiences within the running club. Some members enjoy specific runs led by certain individuals, while others find certain group runs off-putting. There are suggestions for improvement, such as providing more information about the terrain in advance and offering more variety in run options. Some members feel that there is too much personal opinion in the offerings and that there should be a focus on the majority's satisfaction rather than catering to individual preferences.
There are mentions of difficulty in transitioning between groups and a desire for more support and encouragement for progression. Some members appreciate the track sessions and find them inclusive and well-structured. Training plans are also praised for helping individuals achieve their goals. Some members express satisfaction with the training provided, while others mention the need for more run leaders and catering to the needs of slower runners.
Overall, there is a mix of positive feedback, suggestions for improvement, and individual preferences regarding training within the running club. The importance of inclusivity, support, and varied options emerges as key themes.
How well do you feel the club is run?
The general consensus regarding how well the running club is run is mostly positive. Many members feel that the club is run well or very well. Some members have an average perception, while a few indicate that they don't know or feel that it is run poorly. Overall, there is a positive sentiment with a few neutral or uncertain responses.
What influenced your previous answer?
The previous answer is influenced by a range of factors expressed by different individuals. Some members believe that the club is administratively well-run, but they express a concern regarding the need for greater inclusion rather than solely focusing on speed and achievements. They suggest that certain committee members have not acknowledged their presence during training runs, which may indicate a lack of inclusivity.
On the other hand, some members have a positive view of the club's organization and communication, stating that everything runs smoothly and they appreciate the effort and enthusiasm of the committee and run leaders. However, there are also indications of a bias toward competitiveness and a lack of inclusivity in certain events and races, where not everyone feels adequately informed or involved.
In terms of communication, there is a general consensus that it is good, with members being kept informed of club decisions and events through various channels such as email updates and the Facebook page. However, there are suggestions that the club could benefit from improving the promotion of its functions during run meetings and exploring additional communication channels beyond Facebook.
Overall, the influence of the previous answers suggests a mix of positive sentiments regarding the club's administration, communication, and commitment of its leaders, along with some concerns about inclusivity, biased competitiveness, and certain aspects of organization and communication that could be improved.
As a club member, do you feel like you are listened to?
The responses indicate mixed opinions regarding whether club members feel listened to. Some members feel that they are always listened to, while others feel that they are sometimes heard. There are also a few members who state that they are never listened to. Additionally, some respondents marked "N/A" or "not applicable" which suggests that they may not have a clear perspective on whether they feel listened to or not.
Overall, the sentiment is divided, with a range of experiences among club members. It is important for the club to assess and address any concerns or areas where members feel unheard in order to improve communication and ensure that all members' voices are valued and considered.
What influenced your previous answer?
The responses indicate various factors that influenced the members' perception of whether they feel listened to. Some members mentioned positive experiences, such as receiving detailed responses to their concerns, having their suggestions listened to and acted upon, and feeling that their views are valued and considered. Others mentioned that they haven't had the need to provide input or haven't raised any specific issues but believe they would be listened to if they did.
On the other hand, some members expressed concerns or frustrations, stating that their previous communications or suggestions have not resulted in any changes or that they feel less connected to the club than before. Some members also mentioned a perceived focus on faster runners or a sense of politics and popularity contest within the club.
Overall, the responses highlight the importance of open communication channels, addressing concerns effectively, and creating an inclusive environment where all members feel heard and valued. It may be beneficial for the club to review its feedback mechanisms and ensure that there are opportunities for all members to provide input and have their voices acknowledged.
Do you have any further comments for the committee to discuss or raise regarding any aspect of the club?
The comments provided cover a range of topics and suggestions for the committee to discuss or address regarding different aspects of the club. Some members expressed their appreciation for the positive and welcoming atmosphere of the club, thanking the committee for their hard work and support. Others suggested improvements such as organising more trips to races, increasing coordination and inclusivity, revisiting the club's awards criteria to recognise effort and improvement, and updating the club's website and media presence.
There were also suggestions for encouraging younger people to join, expanding training programs beyond the introductory level, improving communication within the club, and enhancing the club's visibility through updated kit and branding. Some members highlighted the need for balancing the focus on competitive racing with catering to the needs of all members, including those who prefer a more relaxed running approach.
Overall, the comments reflect a positive sentiment toward the club while offering valuable insights and suggestions for further enhancing the club's activities, communication, inclusivity, and overall member experience.
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