The Results Are In!

2023 Member Engagement Survey Results

After the presentation of the initial survey concept at the Special General Meeting in April this year, The Member Engagement Survey was rolled out on schedule with the results being presented at the recent Annual General Meeting. The Survey had a total of 263 respondents, almost 25% of the membership, and a sound representation of the 1200 strong membership base.

The Survey was mainly about Member Engagement with the results showing a Member Engagement Score of 74%. 75% is generally considered a good score, that an organisation should be pleased with meaning RGYC’s result of 74% should be commended, whilst still leaving room for improvement.

By way of assessing the engagement score respondents were asked 10 questions relating to 6 key factors of engagement, being Commitment, Pride, Enjoyment, Advocacy, Purpose, and Discretionary Effort. These make up the “outputs” that contribute to our overall member engagement score.

Each of these factors received an individual score seen below.

While these elements make up what we do around the club, we also need to investigate the inputs or organisational enablers that allow us to improve our club engagement score.

The survey examined these 9 enablers across 40 questions, looking into all possible elements and areas we should be aiming to improve. These results have provided the Club with a benchmark to work from, and a reference point to track progress into the future. The Enabler results showed RGYC sitting within the 50– 60 percentile range equating to a pass or satisfactory grade, meaning we operate as an effective club and have many satisfied members; however, these results also inform us that we still have some work to do regarding member connection to the club.

When the Member Engagement Score and Enabler scores are combined it provides RGYC with some direction on where to go from here. So what do we do with this information? There are some key main messages about our areas of strength as well as potential areas of improvement.

Areas to Celebrate.

• The loyalty that our members have for the Club, along with the pride and enjoyment they feel in being a member here at RGYC.
• RGYC provides many club activities that members enjoy participating in.
• Members were pleased with the positive Club environment.
• RGYC’s community contribution was recognised and appreciated by members.
• The success of our club racing programs is a major positive factor to the membership.

Areas of Improvement.  

• Strengthening club connections in all areas such as member to member connections and leadership or Club to member connections
• Discretionary Effort: facilitating and enabling members to contribute to the club and interact with the club to be the best member they can be.
• Communications: Communication is key! There are some areas of communication that could benefit from stronger and clearer messaging.
• Facilities: While recent challenges have contributed to this score there are many things that can support this being a more positive contributor into the future.
• Club Organisation: The “How” – how does RGYC operate and is there room for improvement?
• Recreational Boating: while we celebrate our club racing there is still room for improvement in relation to celebrating our cruising and recreational boating activities.

While these key messages show both support and required improvement, the Clubs overall net supporter score of 88% shows there were more respondents who provided either a positive or neutral response. This is an important factor because the aim is not only to have more members in support of the Club, but more members to advocate for the Club and encourage others to get involved.

To structure the efforts of improvement, there has been two focus groups established.

• Member Interactions: Connections between the Club and its members, and ways to strengthen organisational activities.
• Member Opportunities: What we as a Club offer our members and how we can encourage them to be an active member.

One of the most important aspects of these focus groups is undoubtedly the Members! Within these focus groups members will delve deeper into the results with the aim of improving member connections, understanding and involvement in the club to improve interactions and opportunities for ALL members.

If you have ever found yourself thinking, “the club should do this”, or “why don’t we look at doing this” or even, “I wish the club could do this” then this is your opportunity to play and active part in shaping the future direction of the interactions that happen within the club and opportunities available to Members, by joining a focus group!

Please contact the RGYC office at [email protected] if you would like to sign up for a focus group or speak directly to us next time you are in the Club!