Since Monday 23rd March 2020 our Community Scheme has been in hibernation due to the government lockdown restrictions. All delivery was suspended and a number of staff placed on furlough.
The restrictions had meant that any kind of delivery, except that which could be done digitally, was suspended.
Although a number of lockdowns restrictions have been lifted the leisure and sports industry still has restrictions imposed.
Community Director, Adam Davy, explains: “The last 3 and a half months have been a testing time for the whole country. I am so pleased to see that the government feel it is safe to lift certain restrictions and some sort of normality is gradually returning. For us, personally, it has been difficult to plan much delivery at all and the Job Retention Scheme has given us a lifeline that we certainly needed.”
“As the restrictions begin to ease further it has meant that I can start to look at a return to delivery plan. Whilst the easing of government restrictions allowed sport delivery for 1:5 people, at a safe distance, we have had to consider that the stadium site remained closed and the financial implications of working in such small numbers.”
“I have kept in touch with all of our 26 full, and part time, staff over the last few months. We have used the time constructively to raise funds, deliver PPE equipment, volunteer to support other local charities and complete valuable CPD with our staff. I know that we are all itching to be able to return to work when it is safe and financially viable to do so.”
“The return to delivery plan is an on-going document that changes each time a restriction is lifted. I have been in contact with my Board of Trustees on a weekly basis and their support has been great, particularly Dan Mole as our Chair of Trustees. Fingers crossed, we can announce dates for a return in the very near future. We can’t wait to get going again.”
All announcements will be made with new Health and Safety measures in place and will go live on our social media platforms and website.
There will be a staged return to work and the Community Scheme hopes to secure as many jobs as possible for the staff.
Our incredible team of management staff and coaches are the reason we have such success for the club and the local area. The overall aim of the scheme is to “Build Back Better” and ensure that Walsall FC continues to serve the local community with the same impact we had in 2019, as seen in the Annual Report for the year: