EBCS is building a completely new website and member system, and we can now show you what it looks like. The target launch date is 1 October 2026.
For some time the Pro Tem Executive Committee has been clear that the current website and membership records are no longer fit for purpose. Rather than patch the old system, we have started again — building one platform that handles membership, qualifications, DBS and safeguarding records, coaching resources and renewals in a single place.
Below you can watch a full walkthrough of what has been built so far, and read through the members’ update presentation given on 27 July 2026.
Watch the walkthrough
This nine-minute video follows a member, “Margaret”, from first visiting the public site through to joining, paying, and using the members’ area — then shows the administration side used by the EBCS team.
The New EBCS Coaching Platform — a walkthrough of what we have built so far (9 minutes).
MP4, approximately 40 MB. If you are on mobile data you may prefer to watch on Wi‑Fi.
Please note: the visual design of the new site is still a work in progress. Our focus so far has been on getting the membership system right — the look and feel will continue to develop before launch.
What the new platform will do
A clearer public website
The public side explains who EBCS is, how coaching qualifications work, and how to become a coach — with membership priced clearly at £10 per year, running from 1 January to 31 December.
The new public homepage, with membership and joining routes shown up front.
Find a Coach
A live, searchable directory of EBCS-qualified coaches across England, filterable by postcode, county and qualification level. Every coach listed holds a current DBS check and a valid safeguarding qualification.
Find a Coach — instant results by postcode, county and level.
A members’ area for every coach
Members will be able to sign in and manage their own details, see their qualification and CPD status, and check their membership, DBS and safeguarding expiry dates at a glance. Renewals and reminders are handled automatically.
The member dashboard — membership, expiry dates and compliance checks in one place.
Certificates and photo ID on demand
Annual membership certificates and printable lanyard ID cards are generated for each member and can be downloaded at any time, without having to request them from the committee.
Official certificate and photo ID card, downloadable in one click.
The members’ update presentation
The full presentation given to members on 27 July 2026 is below. Use the arrows to move through the slides, or swipe on a touchscreen.
English Bowls Coaching Scheme
EBCS Members’ Update
27 July 2026
Governance
The Pro Tem Executive Committee
Acting ChairmanTrevor Plank
SecretaryCarol Watt Sullivan
TreasurerLynn Tyler
Membership DirectorAlan Cheeseman
Coaching DirectorTrevor Plank
Coaching DevelopmentPhil Hensher
Communications DirectorCarole Ash
Overview
What’s changing
Seven key areas of progress from the Executive Board.
Website modernisation
Membership records
New manuals and qualifications
Training pathway & CPD
Coaching & membership policy
Stock & uniform
Finance & administration
1. Website modernisation
A new website and member system
Target launch1 October 2026
Members will be able to update their own details online
Trainers and assessors will have tailored access levels
Designed to significantly reduce the admin burden
2. Membership records
Rebuilding our contact list
Current situation
The current email database is no longer reliable. A new email-based contact list will be created when the website goes live. Until then, information will be posted on the current website.
Action needed
If you know a member who hasn’t received recent emails, please ask them to check their membership is current. If in doubt, contact Carol Watt Sullivan.
3. New coaching manuals
Levels 1, 2 and 3
All will be completed for the October launch.
Level 1
Delivery, line & length, safeguarding, and core coaching skills.
Level 2
Delivery analysis with and without video, reading the head, and team play.
Level 3
Advanced delivery analysis and advanced reading the head for elite bowlers. Mentoring, assessing and representing EBCS.
3. New coaching manuals
Additional manuals
All will be completed for the October launch.
Club Coaches
Designed to introduce the new delivery, line and length method to qualified coaches.
New Bowler
A general introduction to the world of bowling for the absolute beginner.
CPD Manuals
Level 1 and Level 2 CPD manuals, designed to allow coaches early progression to the next coaching level.
3. New coaching manuals
Additional manuals and guides
All will be completed for the October launch.
Coaching U18 and Disabled Bowlers
Designed to assist all coaches with working with U18 and disabled bowlers.
Risks and Safeguarding
A useful guide to handling risks and safeguarding issues when coaching.
Coaching a Successful Team
A handy guide to help coaches develop and coach a successful team.
3. New coaching manuals
Guides and upgrade documents
All will be completed for the October launch.
A Guide for New Bowlers
Introduces new club members to bowling and the world of being coached.
Guide to Freezing the Head
For current Level 2 coaches updating to the new coaching levels.
A Guide to Using Video Analysis
The second of two Level 2 upgrade documents.
4. Training pathway & CPD
Three routes to the next level
A clearer national policy has been agreed for coaches to progress.
Experience route
A minimum of two years’ active coaching at your current level.
Fast track
Recommended by an assessor and authorised by the Coaching Directors.
CPD programme
Completion of a structured CPD programme.
5. Communication
Online meetings for members
The committee is aware of the difficulties in getting members together in sufficient numbers to discuss the way forward, and so we will be arranging a series of online meetings.
The aim is to give members the opportunity to understand the changes being made and to share their feedback directly with the committee.
Full details to follow.
6. Stock & uniform
A fresh, modern look for EBCS
New uniform
A more modern uniform is being developed to renew the image of EBCS.
Subsidised price
The first 500 members registering from October 2026 will be able to buy one top at below cost price, plus postage. One top per person.
Old stock
Current badges and remaining stock have been written off.
7. Finance & administration
Treasurer’s review
Financial improvements
A clearer breakdown of course income and expenses, improved banking processes, an updated expenses policy, and a review of financial income.
Investing in development
The Board has approved the purchase of a one-year professional Copilot licence to support the ongoing development and modernisation work across the scheme.
Important notice
Constitution review
The EBCS Constitution is currently being reviewed to ensure it remains fit for purpose and reflects the evolving needs of the scheme.
Status — under review
The Board is actively working through the constitution review process.
Next steps — member update
A full update will be shared with all members once the review is complete. The new constitution will be presented at an AGM for approval.
Timeline
Key dates at a glance
CompletedAll new coach training temporarily paused
CompletedOutdated manuals withdrawn
CompletedDeadline for completing training already in progress
1 October 2026Target launch of the new website and member system
1 October 2026New manuals released and qualifications resume
Get involved
Become a Trainer or Assessor
Would you like to play a bigger part in developing coaching across EBCS? It’s a great way to share your experience and help shape the future of the scheme.
Eligibility
All Level 2 and Level 3 coaches are welcome to apply.
How to apply
Email [email protected] — we’d love to welcome new Trainers and Assessors to the team.
Get involved
Become an Area Coach
We’re looking for Area Coaches to work with the Board in growing EBCS and helping ensure our policies are in place on the ground. A rewarding role for anyone who wants to strengthen coaching locally.
Eligibility
Level 3 coaches and experienced Level 2 coaches, with a passion for your local area and a desire to make a difference.
Work continues on the member system, the new coaching manuals and the constitution review. We will keep posting updates here on the current website until the new site goes live, and we are arranging a series of online meetings and regional visits so members can ask questions and give feedback directly to the committee.
Can you help? We still urgently need Trainers, Assessors and Area Coaches. If you are a Level 2 or Level 3 coach and would like to get involved, please email [email protected]. You can also read more about registering as a Trainer or Assessor.
The Pro Tem Executive Committee English Bowls Coaches Society
