AOS Conference appeals, as well as improvements to processes they are putting in place following member feedback. We are also working collaboratively with the DLUHC to help it understand different elements of delivering an appeals service, Gallagher said. Work on the single independent appeals service required by the Code has been started by DLUHC. It has completed its discovery phase, in which it spoke to stakeholders, including the BPA and POPLA, and is now into the alpha phase of testing ideas and prototypes, and looking at how proposed solutions would be resourced. Roberts added: I recognise there is not a lot of news to report, but as soon as we are able to provide information on a revised timeline, we will do so. Work is going on behind the scenes to ensure guidance for members is in place to help you be compliant with new Code requirements some of which can be started now. We will be pushing to ensure any implementation window allows an appropriate amount of time for members to make the changes needed for compliance. DLUHC has told us that the consultation will be launched before the summer recess in July Getting ahead of the game The afternoon session considered implementation of the new Code and what operators can do to prepare. Gemma Dorans, senior Conformity Assessment manager, looked at new processes that operators will need to put in place to ensure compliance, including how they handle complaints. At the moment, the BPA is often the first point of call if a motorist has a complaint about an BPA Approved Operator, but, under the new Code, motorists will have to exhaust an operators complaints process before a complaint can be made to an accredited parking association. Most operators have sent their complaints policies to the BPA and Dorans urged those who have not yet done so to get in touch with her [gemma.d@britishparking.co.uk] if they want assistance. She also explained how operators who wish to pursue a motorist for full payment of the tariff (applicable at sites such as airports, where the parking tariff exceeds the amount of a PCN) have to send a request to the BPA for each site at which they wish this to apply. Anne Bevis, technical compliance manager, then talked through site reviews: The Code has a lot to say on on what sites need to look like, so we have created a site-review checklist that will be added to the AOS Hub in the coming weeks. Dorans added : We add new resources to the Hub continually, and have created a new email address for AOS members to allow us to respond to your enquiries more quickly. Roberts concluded by urging members to get in touch if they have any suggestions for what needs to be included on the Hub. If there is guidance you would like, let us know. The AOS Hub is at britishparking.co.uk/ BPA-Approved-Operator-Hub The new email for BPA Approved Operators is aos-member-enquiries@ britishparking.co.uk 32 PN May 2023 pp30-33 AOS conference_V2.indd 32 25/04/2023 11:27