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If all goes according to plan, by 2014 the BPA will have a new model of governance. Jane Hack outlines the proposals
In September 2012, the BPA Council approved the introduction of a new model of governance, which would include electoral colleges to support regional/country, sectoral and individual representation in the governance of the BPA.
The model of governance chosen is centred on a clear separation of tasks and roles between the staff, the chief executive officer (CEO), a board, which consists of the directors of the association, and a council of representatives. If approved, it will come into being in July 2014.
Long-term direction
Chaired by a president, the council of representatives (CofR) will influence the long-term direction of the association. It will be constituted from the membership and will represent the major areas of membership activity and influence in the association. Some places will be set aside for directly elected members from organisations which may not be associated with an electoral college. The initial CofR will have about 40 representatives. The role of the CofR will be to:
■ Act as the guardian of the constitution and mission
■ Be a conduit for members’ views and ideas and identify opportunities for the profession
■ Input ideas into the strategy and policy- making process
■ Monitor the decisions of the board and hold it to account
The CofR will normally meet twice a year, but would be kept in touch with board activity through normal communications channels. The board will be the prime governing body of the association and its main responsibility will be to ensure that agreed policies and strategies are being implemented. The board has financial and legal responsibility and directorship. Day-to-day running of the BPA will remain with the executive under the direction of the CEO.
The responsibilities of the board include:
■ Identifying key elements of success in sustaining the mission and establishing a strategic planning process to achieve it
14 JUNE 2013
■ Adopting risk assessment and management processes
■ Setting measurable goals to monitor the achievement of the mission
■ Setting budgets and overseeing the business of the association
The board will meet five or six times a
year, including a strategy review to encourage greater debate at the CofR.
Amicable separation The BPA Council has debated many times about separating the ambassadorial and governing roles of the president. Different talents are specific to each role and may suit some members better than others. Council has proposed creating a president and a chair of the board. The presidential role will be an outward facing and ceremonial role, which will maintain close contact with the CofR and, therefore, membership. The president will chair meetings of the CofR and serve a one-year term of office. Provision has been made for the president to be elected from the membership or to be externally appointed to give the opportunity to bring new skills or profile to the BPA.
The role of chair of the board will be to lead and manage the governing body and give consistency and continuity to the management of the association’s business and strategy. The chair will be elected from the membership
How the Council of Representatives could look
Region/country = 11 Local authority = 4 Approved operator =4 Equipment manufacture =2 Structures/asset management = 2 Bailiff = 2
Higher education =1 Healthcare = 1 Retail/leisure = 1 National operators = 2 Consultants = 2 Individuals = 2 Directly elected = 5
Council elections 2013 Each year, a number of BPA Council members come to the end of their term of office and, while they are eligible to stand again, it gives all members the opportunity to put themselves forward for election. This year is no different despite the governance review, although the role of newly elected members may change with the new structure. A call for nominations is now live. So, if you would like to be part of this exciting time in the development of your association – get in touch.
by the CofR and serve a three-year term. In order to make changes to the governance of the association, new Articles of Association will be drawn up and approved by the membership at an extraordinary general meeting in autumn 2013. If approved, a period of transition will take place until the AGM in 2014, when the new structure will take effect. We are interested in your thoughts on these proposals and would encourage all members to complete the consultation survey on our website,
www.britishparking.co.uk/ Governance-consultation
If you have any questions, or would
like further information, email
jane.h@britishparking.co.uk
ABOUT the AUTHOR: Jane Hack is the BPA chief operating officer and company secretary
www.britishparking.co.uk
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