Park life BPA governance changes n In 2016, we completed a five-year transition from an arrangement where the BPA Council was elected, by the whole membership, annually at the AGM. n Originally, a Council of 25 members was elected nationally, with one member one vote. We now have a Council of Representatives comprising 40 members, elected through geographical constituencies and functional special interest groups. n Each geographical group (of which we have 12) elects a chair, who becomes their representative on the Council, too. n Each special interest group (of which we have 10) also elects a cohort of representatives; the number of representatives is based upon the size of the membership in that group. n We also have a BPA Board comprising 10 members elected from and by the Council of Representatives. n Finally, and currently, there are also four Service Boards that assist the BPA Board in decision-making. These comprise members elected from and by the Council of Representatives, as well as a cohort directly elected from and by the entire membership. To find out more about the recent changes to BPA governance or how to make your voice heard on Council, see pages 40-41, as well as britishparking.co.uk/BPA-Elections-Hub Keeping pace with change One advantage of this proportional representation by membership group and geographical representation is that every sector in the parking community is guaranteed to be represented at Council. Previously, this was rarely the case. Another important factor is membership engagement. Its much more local now; people are choosing candidates to represent them locally and according to their sector. In recent years, we have seen extraordinary change: the introduction of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act; the extension of powers to local authorities in Wales and England to enforce moving traffic contraventions; autonomous and connected vehicles; more and more electric vehicles and their associated charging infrastructure requirements; and a major shift in payment technologies and mobility aspirations and opportunities. There has also been a significant shift towards hybrid and home working, with less commuting, not to mention active travel These developments have given rise to an even greater diversity in BPA membership and increasing interest in participation in our democracy and the pending introduction of pavement parking bans across the UK. These developments have given rise to an even greater diversity in BPA membership and increasing interest in participation in our democracy. This is a good thing. Our head of marketing and communications, Dave Smith, has been speaking to Parking News editor Louise Parfitt about the changes and this years elections read more on pages 40-41. New opportunities Its true to say that the current Council of Representatives, elected in 2019, has steered the Association magnificently through some of the most challenging times in our history which even delayed our 50th anniversary festivities (we held a belated celebration recently; see pages 34-36). However, 2022 provides the perfect opportunity for new people to play an active part in our democracy and governance, with the reintroduction of our elections following a two-year adjournment caused by the pandemic. Finally, in homage to Her Majestys achievement, and to paraphrase another great leader, President John F Kennedy: Ask not what your Association can do for you ask what you can do for your Association. Have you got what it takes to serve? Kelvin Reynolds Director of corporate and public affairs kelvin.r@britishparking.co.uk 48 britishparking.co.uk PN May 2022 pp46-48 Parklife.indd 48 10/05/2022 16:13