Killie Trust

May 2020

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Dear Killie Trust member,


As we have now experienced several weeks of lockdown, the difficult times caused by Covid-19 continue.

Sadly, we have lost a number of our Killie family to the virus, and many more have been impacted, either by having contracted the virus or by self-isolating due to other health conditions.

To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my condolences. To the many Killie fans who are frontline staff in NHS, care staff and other keyworkers, I send my thanks and gratitude.

 

Update on Covid-19 and the impact on Kilmarnock FC

Trust members may already be aware that the impact on the Club has been significant. With no football on the immediate horizon and the lockdown affecting commercial activities, Club Directors took the decision to use the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention scheme to furlough staff.

This scheme allows the Club to reclaim 80% of each furloughed staff member’s salary, up to a maximum of £2500 per month.  This was not an easy decision to make, as it means those furloughed staff are not available to work for the club and therefore we had to decide on having some staff retained to work, at full cost to the club.  To date we have topped up the wages so that staff received 100% of their salaries. For the playing side, this was done in consultation with PFA Scotland.

The Club can only furlough our contracted players – loan players require to be furloughed by their parent Clubs.

We have furloughed full-time staff till the end of May and are now in the process of working through arrangements for matchday staff to be furloughed.

Staff continuing to work are the Manager, Head of Football, Club Secretary, Head of Marketing and Commercial Operations, Head of Media, Head of Medical and Club Doctors, Head of Youth Academy and essential stadium and finance staff. Only the stadium staff are attending Rugby Park, with all others working from home. Salary costs for these staff are borne in full by the Club.

The UK Government has announced that the furlough scheme will be extended until the end of June, and Club Directors will need to review our position during May, taking account of any further announcements from Government on lockdown, and from football authorities on developments in relation to football resuming.

We are using online communications to the full, with weekly Board and Heads of Department calls taking place.
 
 
SPFL / SFA developments

Trust members will be aware from the media of ongoing debates at SPFL Board level.  KFC Directors considered carefully the resolution which gave the power to SPFL to immediately end the lower league season and potentially to call time on SPFL Premiership. As well as participating in an online call with other clubs to hear about the proposal, we invited the SPFL CEO to participate in a call with KFC Directors, so that we could put questions to him, ahead of making our decision.

We ultimately decided to support the resolution, on the basis that this allowed funds to be released to clubs and created the ability to start discussions on league reconstruction. While in an ideal world we would want to play out the current season, we have taken the view that is highly unlikely to happen and that our focus should be on the season ahead, whenever that commences.
 
At this time, we have not taken a final view on league reconstruction, as we have not yet been presented with options from the SPFL Working Group, but we have informally fed in views on an expanded league, and preference for it not to be a “one season only” fix.

Members will also be aware of the further resolution submitted by Rangers FC, with support from Hearts and Stranraer.  At the time of writing, we have not seen any of the evidence which Rangers FC has indicated will be submitted to all clubs to support their position.
 
Finance and Commercial

The priority for Club Directors continues to be focused on ensuring that we have a sustainable future and we are looking ahead to what financial implications there would be of, for example, a delayed start to new season, closed door matches and longer-term social distancing, should that be required.

The Club is once again very grateful to the Killie Trust for ‘Trust in Killie’ funding, and Billy and Phyllis have asked me to pass on their thanks to Trust members.

I appreciate that some fans have offered to buy season tickets now, with intention of helping Club receive funds. However, we have not yet changed our position on release of season tickets, as it still unclear when the current season will be brought to a close. As I reported last month, the media and commercial teams were already working on plans for this, and we are ready to go when required. We also hope to have some good news for season ticket holders who missed out on the latter matches of this season, due to coronavirus, should the season be ended without these being played.

We have had a good level of interest following the communication to current season ticket holders regarding share purchase. Around 70% of season ticket holders have read the offer email, with around 250 fans following up so far.  It will take some time to work through share applications, so please bear with us while they are processed! There are specific regulations around share purchase so if anyone has any queries on this, please get in touch with me and I will ensure that answers are provided. I will provide a further update on this next month.

We are continuing to work on the transfer of the shop from Just Sport back to the Club, and with our new kit partner Hummel. Delivery of the full range of stock is posing challenges due to Covid-19, but we are still anticipating having a range of items in June. Meanwhile online orders are being taken for current stock at reduced prices. More information on this and delivery information is available on the Club website.

We are pleased that our Head of Marketing and Commercial Operations Gregg McEwan has been included as a member of the SPFL working group which is looking at Broadcasting as this will be crucial if closed door matches do become a reality.

 
Football Department

The Manager and Head of Football are continuing to work on recruitment and renewing contracts for players they wish to keep for the season ahead. With players now furloughed, there are limitations on what they can do over and above their training regimes.  The Football Department is also looking at what will be necessary for players returning, both in terms of training and any potential Covid-19 testing which may be put in place.

I appreciate that it is frustrating for fans when there has been no news on the recruitment side but any information will be shared as soon as we possibly can.

 
Media and Communications

The decision was taken to make Killie TV free for Season Ticket holders during the lockdown period, which has been well received. Two further “We Are Killie” podcasts have been recorded with Chris Burke and James Fowler.
James Fowler, Billy Bowie and I have also given interviews to media.

Social media activity has continued with our Killie Kit competition running throughout the month of April. This saw over 30,000 votes cast across the Twitter competition resulting in a close run play off for the all-time favourite strip!
 

To help celebrate the 55th anniversary of our League Championship win, the social media ‘Killie Kit Day’ organised by the Trust was hugely popular and saw #killiekit trending on Twitter! It was a fantastic response from Killie fans across the globe, and great to see the passion for our team from fans of all ages. A special highlight was the involvement of former players including Davie Sneddon and Bobby Ferguson from the league-winning side, as well as Mrs McIlroy with her late husband Brian’s strip.

This was a good example of the Trust and Club working together to maximize fan engagement. Special thanks go to Trust member Graham Orr, who first suggested the idea, and to Trust social media gurus Gordon Gillen and Claire Morrison and Club Head of Media Scott McClymont for their hard work. 

As part of our passion to educate and entertain Killie fans of all generations, the Club is publishing John Livingston’s “Kilmarnock in History” series, which has been running in the official matchday programme since summer 2018, on the club website to add to our Club History section.
 

 
Future ‘On Board In Person’ and monthly updates

This month’s report is shorter than usual given the unique circumstances we are in.  We are now actively  looking at how we do our next ‘On Board in Person’ via an online Q and A, at end of May, when hopefully we will have a clearer idea of when we might see football returning.  

Meantime, however frustrating the lockdown is, please stick with it to ensure that we all stay safe and get together as the Killie family once again!

As always, please get in touch if you have any queries and I will do my best to answer.

I can be contacted in the usual ways:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Cathy Jamieson
Twitter: @cathyjamieson
Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie

 
Best wishes

Cathy

 

Killie Trust

Website Privacy Statement

Our policy relating to data collection and privacy has fairness at its heart and is never intended to cause objection or complaint and to that end if there is any dubiety we will not store your information. As a business we wish to stay in communication with your and keep you up to date with news, offers and updates on our product which you may find of interest, but we will only do this with your clear and specific consent.

Standard Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how KILLIE TRUST uses and protects any information that you give KILLIE TRUST when you use this website.

KILLIE TRUST is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

KILLIE TRUST may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 13th Jun 2018 

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. To prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online and offline.

Where we collect this information

As a business we collect data for a number of sources, but our data policy applies to all of the following including personal data collected at reception, check in, exhibitions, on and off-line competitions, guest questionnaires, online bookings, online communications, digital newsletter sign ups from websites and social media, shared promotions with partners and others not listed.

We confirm that unless specific consent is given by the user the information shared will not be stored beyond the purpose intended. If specific consent is given to use the information collected it will be stored securely and digitally encrypted and password protected. 

How we use cookies

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We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data, using Google Analytics normally but on occasion other aggregation tools that advise us about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.

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Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
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We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting only if you specifically consent to us that you wish this to happen.
We undertake that third parties will only include businesses that support our business and your stay such as travel providers, visitor attractions, event providers and others directly related to our business offering.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us [email protected] as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

Our Website and In House Data Collection Policy

Our email collection policy is fully consent based and in entering your details clear consent is given by the user to receive future marketing materials from ourselves. The following information makes clear our policy on use of consent based email marketing and communications.

What we collect

We may collect the following information on a consent only basis:
●    name and job title
●    contact information including email address
●    demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
●    other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

What we do with the information we gather

The majority of the information we gather is required for contractual and legal purposes and to allow us to offer products and services as purchased. 
When consent is given to use the information for marketing and communication purposes it is used for the following reasons:
●    We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
●    From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you using your provided email address for market research purposes. 

Your information will never be shared with any third parties and at all times you have the right to unsubscribe permanently from our database with a simple click of the unsubscribe information at which time your details will be deleted from the mailing lists and removed from the database permanently with no archived records retained.
 

Killie Trust

Website Terms and Conditions

Your use of the Killie Trust Web Site is subject to these terms and by using the Site you show your agreement to such terms. If you do not accept our terms, please do not use the Web Site.

Ownership of Web Site

This Web Site belongs to Killie Trust.

Headings

Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

Trademarks

The images, logos and names on this Web Site which identify Killie Trust or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of Killie Trust and/or the relevant third parties. Nothing contained in this Web Site shall be deemed to confer on any person any license or right on the part of Killie Trust or any third party with respect to any such image, logo or name.

Alterations

Killie Trust reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to remove or cease to supply any product or service contained on this Web Site. In the event that such removal takes place we shall not be liable to you in any way whatsoever for such removal.

Phone Calls and Emails

Telephone calls using the telephone numbers provided on this Web Site and email correspondence with Killie Trust at the email addresses accessible through, or discernible from, this Web Site may be recorded or monitored. By using such communication methods you are consenting to the recording or monitoring of the same.

Telephone charges

The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.

WEBSITE POLICIES

Commercial use

This Web Site is for non-commercial, personal use only. The services contained on this Web Site may be supplied on a commercial basis on payment to Killie Trust or its service or product suppliers of its charges from time to time.

In the event that you use any of the services contained on this Web Site for commercial use, Killie Trust shall be entitled to charge you at its applicable rates in respect of such commercial use.

Copyright

The copyright in the material contained in this Web Site belongs to Killie Trust or its licensed source. Any person may copy any part of this material, subject to the following conditions:

the material may not be used for commercial purposes;

the copies must retain any copyrights or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material;

the products and technology or processes described in this Web Site may be subject to other intellectual property rights reserved by Killie Trust or by other third parties with no license granted in respect of those intellectual property rights); images on this Web Site are protected by copyright as its text by IPR and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without the written permission of their respective owner(s).

Changes to Terms and Records of Agreements

We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time by posting changes on the Web Site. It is your responsibility to review the Web Site terms and conditions to ensure you are aware of the latest terms and conditions. Your use of this Web Site after a change has been posted will be deemed to signify your acceptance of the modified terms and conditions. We recommend that you print off and retain for your records a copy of these terms and conditions from time to time and a copy of any terms and conditions relating to any product or service which you apply for online, together with any related application form completed and submitted.

Any amendment to terms and conditions must be agreed in writing by us, or, if appropriate, by the relevant company or individual supplier with whom you contract.

Disclaimers

Whilst Killie Trust has taken due care and attention in the preparation of the contents of this Web Site, this Web Site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos, icons regarding or relating to Killie Trust or our products and services marketed on the site (or to third party products and services), are provided on an 'as is' basis without any representation or endorsement being made and without any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.

To the extent permitted by law, all such terms and warranties are hereby excluded. In no event will Killie Trust be liable, whether in contract or tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any losses sustained and arising out of or in connection with use of this Web Site including, without limitation, loss of profits, loss of data or loss of goodwill (in all these cases whether direct or indirect) nor any indirect, economic, consequential or special loss.

Killie Trust does not represent that the information contained in this Web Site is accurate, comprehensive, verified or complete, and shall accept no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Web Site or for any reliance placed by any person on the information.

Killie Trust does not warrant that the functions or materials accessible from or contained in this Web Site will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that this Web Site or the server that makes it available are virus or bug free or represent the full functionality, accuracy, reliability of the materials.

If any of these Terms and Conditions (or any terms and conditions relating to a product or service referred to in this Web Site) should be determined to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by reason of the laws of any state or country in which such terms and conditions are intended to be effective, then to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, and in relation to such state or country only, such terms or condition shall be deleted and severed from the rest of the relevant terms and conditions and the remaining terms and conditions shall survive, remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude Killie Trust's liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence of Killie Trust.

Intellectual Property Rights

All Intellectual Property Rights (including, without limitation, all database rights, rights in designs, rights in know-how, patents and rights in inventions (in all cases whether registered or unregistered and including all rights to apply for registration) and all other intellectual or industrial property rights in any jurisdiction) in any information, content, materials, data or processes contained in or to this Web Site belong to Killie Trust or its licensed source. All rights of Killie Trust in such Intellectual Property Rights are hereby reserved.

Jurisdiction and Law

Killie Trust makes no representation that any product or service referred to on or through the Web Site is appropriate for use, or available in other locations. The information and other materials contained in this Web Site may not satisfy the laws of any other country and those who choose to access this Site from other locations are responsible for compliance with local laws if and to the extent local laws are applicable.

These Terms and Conditions and any terms and conditions relating to products or services described in this Web Site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland. Disputes arising in relation to the same shall, unless otherwise expressly agreed, be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland.

Links to other Web Sites

Certain (hypertext) links, advertisements or suppliers promotion will lead you to Web Sites that are not under the control of Killie Trust. When you activate any of these links, you will leave Killie Trust Web Site by opening a new window and we have no control over and will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of the material on any such other Web Site. By allowing links with third party Web Sites Killie Trust does not intend to solicit business or offer any security to any person in any country, directly or indirectly.

Force Majeure

Every effort will be made to carry out the contract but its due performance is subject to cancellation by Killie Trust or to such variation as we may find necessary as a result of inability to secure labour, materials or supplies or as a result of any act of God, War, Strike, Lockout or other labour dispute, Fire, Flood, Drought, Legislation, or other cause (whether of the foregoing class or not) beyond the sellers control.

Killie Trust

Website Accessibility

We have tried to make this website as accessible as possible and easy to use for everyone, regardless of circumstance or ability.

All our page templates comply with the WCAG Priority 2 checkpoints as a minimum requirement. And we make every effort to ensure that all the content on our site meets this standard too. We are making every effort to ensure that we don't exclude any users. For example:

  • We try to use clear and simple language.
  • We use alternative text for all our images 
  • Were possible the HTML we produce conforms to the standard: XHTML 1.0 Strict
  • We have tested the colours we use in the design for contrast.

We try to publish all our text content as accessible HTML rather than in other formats such as PDF. Where we do publish PDFs or other formats our policy is to make them as accessible as we can.