On the request of the FEI President an independent audit report was prepared to evaluate the progress of the targets set in her pre-election Manifesto. The audit panel, consisting of Michael Bates (GBR), Jane Forbes Clark (USA), and Russell Withers (AUS) was appointed by the FEI Bureau in November 2006.

The Manifesto of the FEI President contains six Key Pillars with Main Pledges associated with each of the Pillars. The Audit Panel reported on the progress against the Main Pledges and other key undertakings contained in the Manifesto.

FEI GOVERNANCE

Manifesto
Throughout this Manifesto I have included some bold statements and targets. To lead this organisation effectively, I have to be measured against these statements and also to demonstrate my leadership. I am prepared to submit myself to an independent external audit every year.

Audit Panel Report
An Audit Panel, consisting of the three members named above, has been appointed by the FEI Bureau in order to conduct an independent review.

The Manifesto also outlined a proposal to have the roles and responsibilities of volunteers in senior positions clearly defined. This is now the case through the FIE Internal Regulations to be approved by the 2007 General Assembly. Detailed Job Specifications will be presented to the FEI Bureau later in the year.

The Manifesto outlined a proposal to ‘enhance accountability, transparency and credibility of the organisation’. In the framework of its Integrity in Sport Strategy, the former Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, Lord Condon and Mr. Jeff Rees have been hired to conduct an ethics audit of the FEI commencing July 2007.

NATIONAL FEDERATIONS

Manifesto
a) To grow the number of NFs, with differing degrees of professional help into properly constituted, well integrated and active members of the FEI.

b) To introduce a Global Network for all NFs provided by sponsorship in kind.

Audit Panel Report
a) In March 2007, the FEI established an NF Liaison Office, the purpose of which is to assist all members, but particularly smaller NFs, to use more easily the services of the FEI and become more active and integrated. The FEI also conducted a survey and audit of all NF resources to be expanded in the framework of the evelopment strategy.

b) A new FEI website with improved functionality has been implemented. Moreover, a comprehensive IT strategy has been produced and the first results should be released by the end of 2007.

DEVELOPMENT

Manifesto
To raise CHF 2 Million (20% of a total CHF 10 million to be raised) to be earmarked for Development.

Audit Panel Report
CHF 2 million of the funds raised through the President’s auspices will be spent on development. A Development Strategy is being prepared by the FEI Headquarters.

COMMERCIALISATION

Manifesto
To raise a total of CHF 10 million for FEI Projects and Horsesports in the first year of Presidency.

Audit Panel Report
At the time of compiling the Panel’s report, less than one year had passed since the President has assumed office. Presently, CHF 6.150 million has been received by the FEI through the President’s fund raising initiatives. This amount is recorded under Extraordinary Income in the 2006 Annual Accounts of the FEI. There are pledges for the balance of CHF 3.850 million.

On matters of commercialisation, Commercial Director Christophe Troendle has made significant progress in establishing FEI properties with accompanying sponsorship. The weekly ‘FEI Equestrian World’ is shown on television throughout the world and revenues from television rights have increased substantially.

WELFARE

Manifesto
To increase the efficiency of anti-doping and judicial decisions. Within two years reduce average time taken from testing to judgment from 2.5 months to 1.5 months.

Audit Panel Report
At the end of 2006, there were 13 open cases versus 30 at the end of 2005 and 58 at the end of 2004.

Adequate resources for the Legal Department have been achieved with the establishment of a strong team. Administrative process (Fast Track) is working well; the time taken to reach a decision for Standard Track cases continues to decrease.

The development of the Medication Control Program and Medicine Box has been published on the FEI website.

The Manifesto called for the establishment of an Athletes Commission. This has now been drafted in to the Statutes and Internal Regulations for approval at the 2007 General Assembly.

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Manifesto
To set the conditions to take equestrian from a Category C to a Category B discipline by 2012.

Audit Panel Report
This is a long term goal. The FEI President meets regularly with the IOC in Lausanne. The IOC President and the Olympic Games Executive Director attended the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.

FEI has worked to achieve reduction of the quarantine period for the 2008 Olympic Games.

SUMMARY:

It was the Audit Panel’s view that significant progress had been made against all of the FEI President’s pre-election Pledges. The Panel was satisfied that the Pledges and associated undertakings had either been achieved or were ‘work in progress’.

The Panel expressed its thanks to the FEI Headquarters for their prompt and efficient response.

The full text of the Manifesto is available on the FEI website > FEI President > References
(direct link: http://www.horsesport.org/president/references/references.htm?sub=presid...)