Elections Poll position Dave Smith shares an update on the latest round of BPA Council elections ts been another busy period for BPA elections, with a number of seats and vacancies across our governance being concluded or currently contested. We were delighted to announce Richard Walker as incoming Vice President from July 2023. Richard is a well-known figure in the parking community and a popular choice among colleagues to succeed Stuart Harrison, who steps up as President in just a few short months. That means, of course, that Jade Nevilles time as President is reaching the final stages. With everything she has achieved already, however, we are certain that there is much more to come from Jade in the future. Richard, I Stuart and Jade are all excellent ambassadors for their Association and we thank them for their continued service. Looking ahead to our future Council, a call went out for nominations for the last third of Council vacancies last month, as part of our elections in thirds, whereby the final third of 13 seats reaches their end of term in June 2023. Next summer, we will start the process again, with the 13 seats that first came up for election in 2019 reaching their end of term. The normal length of service is three years; however, because of the Covid pandemic, everyones term was extended by one year. Elections are currently running for contested Council seats, and we will announce the results next month. The successful candidates will take Service Board elections 2023 Calls for nominations for vacancies in the next round of Service Board Elections will start next month and any elections for contested seats will be run shortly afterwards. If you have any questions on BPA governance or want further information, email elections@britishparking.co.uk up their posts on 1 July. The new Council will meet in person on 6 July, ahead of a reception at the House of Lords to welcome the new President for 2023-24. In recent years, the President has become the de facto leader of the Council, chairing virtual and in-person meetings, and using their position to encourage, cajole, and inspire colleagues, as representatives of the BPA, to consider its present and future. The Council sits at the heart of the Associations work and influences its long-term strategic direction by advising the BPA Board. Council members have a key role to play in progressing the BPAs new three-year Strategic Plan, with an opportunity to shape the direction of the BPA and the wider parking sector. You can view the Council for 2022/23, as well as a breakdown of current governance positions, at britishparking.co.uk/Council Dave Smith BPA head of communications and marketing dave.s@britishparking.co.uk 37 PN May 2023 pp36-37 Elections.indd 37 25/04/2023 11:29