Meeting Council Meeting Date 5th June 2013 Time 10:30am – 3.00

Transcription

Meeting
Date
Time
Location
Venue location map
Chair/Facilitator:
Minute Taker/Timekeeper:
Apologies:
Council Meeting
5th June 2013
10:30am – 3.00pm
CIHT, 119 Britannia Walk, London N1 7JE
http://www.ciht.org.uk/en/about-us/find-us.cfm
nearest Tube station is Old Street
Anjna Patel
Vicky Harris
Peter Lowe, Alan Wood, Jug Johal, Rod Williamson, Gavin Brown
AGENDA
10:30
Welcome & Apologies & Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
1.
10.35
Address by Jessica Richards, Director of Industry and
Member Affairs, Payments Council
2.
11.15
Minutes of the Previous Meeting & Matters Arising
3.
11.30
Items for Discussion
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
13.00
VP Elections – Candidates Presentations and Ballot
Candidates election statements will be circulated shortly. If you
are unable to attend the meeting and would like to register your
vote, please email Jane before close of business on Tuesday 4th
June. (NB Full council members only)
LUNCH
13.30
Verbal Updates from :
4
5
Audited Accounts 2012/13
A Masterplan for Parking for 2013/14
The Independent Appeals Service Board
CMAP Terms of Reference
Communications Strategy
PDS Board – Nigel Williams
Region/Country Group Update – tbc
6
14.40
Status Report (for information)
7
14.45
Any Other Business (NB: Items for discussion must be
submitted no less than two days prior to the meeting)
 Members Interests
15.00
AP
AP
J McA/LB
KR
KB
KR
KR
JH
NW
tbc
NW
Close
Next Meeting : 18th September 2013 (10:30 start)
Venue : IHT, 119 Britannia Walk, London N1 7JE
Council Agenda
Page 1 of 9
Meeting
Council Meeting
Date
Wednesday, 13th March 2013
Location
Institution of Highways & Transportation, 119 Britannia Walk, London N1 7JE
Chair
Anjna Patel
Minute
Taker:
Present:
Vicky Harris
Apologies
received:
Absent:
Alan Wood, Alastair Cooper, Anjna Patel, Helen Crozier, Jane Hack, John McArdle,
Lesley Bradford, Karen Naylor, Keith Banbury, Kelvin Reynolds, Lynn Witham, Manny
Rasores de Toro, Nick Lester, Patrick Troy, Paul Kyte, Paul Necus, Peter Lowe, Philip
Hammer, Richard Hein, Steve Brown, Vicky Harris, Yvette Widdowfield
Ashley Bijster, Austen Hunter, David Peach, Graham Brown, Graham Morphew, Ian
Taylor, Michael Brady, Nigel Williams, Rod Williamson, Roy Tunstall, Russell Simmons,
Andrew Dawson, Bob Spicer, Cheryl Vickers, Craig Mordue, Gavin Brown, Ian Goodwin,
Les Knight, Mandie Stevens, Paul Sharpe, Steve Hurley, Zulfiqar Ali
MINUTES
Action
Welcome & Apologies & Declarations of Conflicts of Interest
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and the apologies received were announced.
The Council was asked whether anybody had any conflicts of interests to declare. Nick
Lester declared an interest in both POPLA and the EPA Presidency item. This was noted,
although it was felt there was no prejudicial conflict in relation to either item..
The Chair and Council also welcomed the Guest Speaker.
1.
Address by Dr Cathryn Scott, Deputy General Counsel at DfT
.1 Dr Cathryn Scott (CS) gave a presentation explaining the role and structure of the General
Counsel’s office.
.2 CS also outlined the role of the various Committees (such as the Transport Select
Committee) in relation to their scrutiny and influencing of Government departments.
.3 CS explained that the current Local Authority Parking Enforcement inquiry by the Transport
Select Committee will result in a report to government.. There has been a very large
response to the consultation to date. There were some queries from Council members as to
how the questions were compiled. CS explained that civil servants write the questions for
MPs based on the suggestions/comments received during the consultation process, and it is
then determined whether or not oral hearings should take place.
.4 There was then some general discussion regarding the public’s perception of the parking
sector, and the potential benefits from the BPA giving evidence to a Select Committee if
asked to do so.
AP thanked CS for a very informative presentation. CS then left the meeting.
2.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
3.a.2 – JH stated that it is not quite year end, but in any event this figure should balance off.
Council Agenda
Page 2 of 9
3.c.2 & 3f – these items are on today’s Agenda for discussion.
3g – JH confirmed that we are currently awaiting suggested dates from the DVLA, but are
probably looking at some time in May for the visit.
6.2 – KR confirmed that he has asked for the Blue Badge Policy Guide but has not yet
received a response and will chase up.
KR
3.1 Finance Report
JMcA introduced the report and addressed the various issues which have affected the
variances as follows:
Parking News – This issue has been highlighted previously. Due to Ten Alps’ poor
performance, a short-term arrangement has been entered into with the editors of Parking
News in relation to advertising revenue. The problem has resulted in a £35k adverse
variance, although there is now a sustainable position going forward.
Regional Groups – Problems have been experienced in relation to obtaining sponsorship.
Staff Costs – The restructure, along with recent vacancies, has resulted in a favourable
variance but additional pressure on the remaining staff, therefore steps are being taken to
recruit for vacant positions.
Management Fees – These have been affected by various members of staff being
temporarily diverted into other departments.
Membership Fees: The new individual memberships will bring this back on track.
AOS – The Code of Practice is costing money to develop, but is worth spending money on in
the long term (and the same goes for PR costs).
IAS – It is felt that POPLA costs will balance out over the coming year. JMcA also pointed out
that a sum had been committed in relation to set-up costs but was unlikely to be called down,
therefore a slight surplus will be seen for the year.
SPS – This is a success story and is generally balancing out well.
KB noted that the AOS audit fee income has altered due to moving away from NSI, and
asked whether this would involve a higher level of risk for the BPA in terms of liability
insurance. PT explained that the Executive Board had already considered this and approved
the move, however the risk would always remain whether using in-house or external auditing.
PT clarified that the AOS Board supported moving towards in-house auditing, but that there
will still be an external audit function in place in terms of verification of the work that the AMs
will do. JH stated that the new process/structure will enable a more thorough audit of AOS
members and provide an opportunity for ‘mystery shopping’ to be carried out. JH also
confirmed that insurance costs are reviewed annually.
PL asked whether, in terms of the Regional Groups, the issue of failing to attract sufficient
sponsorship was being experienced across the board. JH stated that it is a problem overall,
not just in terms of regionally, and that the BPA is in discussion with the Parking News editors
in relation to sourcing sponsorship.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Executive Board recommends that:
1. Council note the financial situation and variations and the
Council Agenda
NOTED
Page 3 of 9
2.
3.
4.
5.
3.2
year-end forecast
Agree to increase BPA/SPS membership fees by 2.5%
Approve the budget for 2013/14
Note the reserves schedule as shown in Appendix 3
Note the Capital reconciliation schedule as shown in
Appendix 4
AGREED
AGREED
NOTED
NOTED
Local Authorities, Lawful Authority and Membership of the AOS
KR ran through the paper, but first stressed that there is NO proposal to create associate
memberships within the AOS. BPA membership is the sole membership with the AOS a
scheme open to a discreet group of the membership .
KR explained that the report has already been presented to the AOS Board, and focuses on
local authorityt membership of the AOS. The Protection of Freedoms Act introduced the
concept of ‘relevant land’, the basic premise of which is that if a LA has no lawful authority on
private land then it (or its contractor) must become an AOS member. The report attempts to
explain the concept of relevant land and parking, against relevant land and trespass.
NL stated that he understood that in relation to a piece of land where an LA has no effective
control (e.g. such as under a long headlease), this would be classed as relevant land. KR
stated that the phrase “provided and controlled by” had not been defined, but that if a LA was
the ultimate landowner then the land cannot be classed as ‘relevant land’. However, this is
something of a grey area.
PL requested clarification on a matter of issuing PCNs under CPE on private land.
NL also pointed out that if a car park is regulated under RTRA then there are restrictions on
immobilisation and removal of vehicles, and as such the paragraph “All private land is
included regardless of who owns it” should have the wording “unless it is regulated” added.
SB stated that he felt the report was excellent and had the potential to pull in many other
organisations/ticket issuers to the AOS.
In relation to the second part of the paper, KR explained that widening the appeal and
membership of the AOS will ultimately result in reduction of costs for members. PL asked
how the message could be put across to non-member local authorities. JH explained that
once Council endorses the recommendations, the BPA will write to and engage with such
authorities to make them aware of the situation. KR noted that this will be a massive
education exercise for all concerned and will also involve the DVLA.
JH/KR
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Board is recommended to
a) Note the complex environment surrounding the
management of parking on private land.
b) Support the principle that, like any other BPA member,
local authority members of the BPA who are managing
parking on private land without recourse to their road
traffic regulation powers should be subject to the AOS
Code of Practice and that they be informed of this.
c) Note the AOS Board’s comments on organisations not
directly associated with AOS management.
AGREED
SUPPORTED
NOTED
3.3 Interpretation of Protection of Freedoms Act s54 – Clamping Without Lawful Authority
KR introduced and ran through the paper. KR explained that there is concern at what this
means for a number of BPA/AOS members, and essentially that anything done to obstruct a
vehicle on private land is classed as an offence under s54. However, there are various
Council Agenda
Page 4 of 9
issues in relation to barriers, gates etc. and therefore 4 subsections have been introduced in
order to address these issues (as detailed in the paper).
KR stated that the BPA will advise all its members in relation to the subsections of s54, and
explain that such advice reflects Government intention.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Council is recommended to:
a) Accept and support the view that unless specific statutory
powers or other lawful authority exists which enables anyone
to remove, immobilise or otherwise prevent a vehicle from
being moved, anyone would be acting unlawfully unless they
had express consent from the owner.
b) Agree for all members to be informed of this policy with
regards the interpretation of s54 of PoFA 2012.
AGREED
AGREED
3.4 POPLA Update
PT introduced the report, intended to be a ‘half yearly’ update for information only. PT went
on to say that it is still early days for POPLA and there have been some administrative
problems, although things are moving forward. However, it is important to ensure that costs
do not exceed income.
NL stated that the agreement was entered into on the lowest possible capital cost, in view of
the fact that operators did not have the money to invest heavily and therefore POPLA is
working on a largely manual system. NL went on to acknowledge the administrative issues
experienced in December/January, and that there had been a number of complaints raised as
a consequence, but that new methods of working had been introduced and work is now up to
date. The Lead Adjudicator has committed to producing a further report at the end of March,
which should hopefully be released for review sometime in April/May. There are currently
approx.. 250 – 300 appeals being sent to POPLA each week. Operators who already operate
‘on-street’ ticketing are familiar with the workings of PATAS, meaning there is a slight
increase in the number of such operators winning the appeal. NL acknowledged that POPLA
is still in a learning curve and that there have been some serious issues raised by operators.
One of the results of POPLA is that some operators will have to make significant changes to
the way they work, however this is all part of raising standards across the board.
RECOMMENDATION
That the BPA Council note the contents of this report.
NOTED
3.5 EPA Secretariat and Presidency
JH introduced the paper.
NL stated that the general feeling is that the current EPA leadership is doing a good job and
there seems little point in making any changes.
NB: NL left the meeting whilst a vote was taken on Recommendation 2.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The EPA Working Group recommends
1. That the BPA do not bid for the Secretariat of the EPA in
2014.
Council Agenda
AGREED
Page 5 of 9
KR
2. That Council support Nick Lester in his nomination for a third
term as EPA President
AGREED
Following the vote and NL’s return to the meeting, PL raised the point of NL’s retirement. NL
stated that he expected to retire from his current position in April 2015, but to carry on within
his EPA role until September 2015.
3.6 BPA Response to Transport Select Committee’s Parking Enquiry
KR introduced the paper and explained that the BPA has written to the Transport Select
Committee expressing an interest in the enquiry, the closing date for which is 25th March. KR
confirmed that the BPA intends to provide answers to the questions asked, as shown in the
Appendix to the report, and to volunteer to provide oral evidence if required.
KR
KB asked whether there were any other questions which the BPA would like to have been
asked. KR replied that in any event some additional comments have been included in the
preamble, and also some additional information within the answers (such as reference to the
Master Plan, for example), and that if anyone could think of any other information to let KR
know.
PK asked whether the TSC would understand the distinction between on and off-street
revenue as there seems to have been a focus on PCNs. PT stated that a possible outcome
would be off street income being ringfenced. NL stated that the difference is in fact between
on-street and enforcement, and that the public would wrongly believe that local authorities are
making money out of issuing PCNs. In addition, NL felt that the comments on page 6 in
relation to TPT/PATAS showed an imbalance in the membership.
PL felt that it was important to include a comment in relation to the last time charge levels
were changed, as on that occasion it resulted in reduced income.
RECOMMENDATION
Council is recommended to agree the response as the BPA
submission to the Transport Select Committee
AGREED
3.7 PCC Disciplinary Process
JH introduced the paper and explained that there is an ongoing need to ensure adequate and
consistent processes in relation to the BPA’s disciplinary procedure as there has been a
growing number of sanctions awarded and subsequent appeals. JH went on to explain that
the PCC has recently met to discuss procedures , hence the production of this paper. A chart
has been annexed to the paper. The chart itself is simplistic, however there is a more
complicated ‘flowchart’ behind the process shown for use by staff. JH stated that of the
process shown is applied for separate incidences of sanctions applied, but where there was
an ‘aggregate’ of points that could lead to a possible termination of membership, is the PCC
felt that it was important for a review of any previously awarded sanction points to ensure that
due process and fairness had been applied throughout.
JH also stated that there is currently a vacancy on the PCC and, as a growing part of Council
work, asked if Council members would consider joining (KN pointed out that most of the PCCrelated work is carried out by email and it is therefore not an onerous task). Any interested
Council members should contact Jane.
ALL
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the revised process for handling appeals
against sanction points and their referral to PCC.
AGREED
4. VP Parking Solution – Resolution to Terminate Membership
Council Agenda
Page 6 of 9
Following introduction of the paper, NL stated that it was felt the initial issues with VP were
insufficient to warrant recommendation for expulsion from the BPA, and that the BPA had
been encouraged to work with VP in order to try to resolve the situation. In particular,
SRC/JH had worked hard to try to engage in constructive discussion, however Mr Athwal had
been unwilling on his part.
It was felt that Mr Athwal had misunderstood the role of the auditors. The purpose of the
audit procedure was to merely satisfy the BPA that the activities of an operator meet with the
terms of the Code of Practice but that the responsibility for the compliance rests with the
operator. In this case, Mr Athwal blames the BPA and is unwilling to move from that position.
He has in fact lobbied against the BPA, copying correspondence to Watchdog and the DVLA
without notice, and it was felt that he is highly likely to attempt to sue the BPA for loss of
income in relation to his company’s DVLA suspension.
As a result of all the above, the PCC is anxious to ensure that any action taken is
proportionate, constructive, and laid down in accordance with the correct processes. Any
punitive action should always be the last resort, however as it seems that Mr Athwal wishes to
continue his refusal to comply with BPA requirements, or engage in constructive discussion,
VP Parking can no longer be considered a suitable member. As such, the special resolution
in relation to termination of VP Parking’s membership is based on overall conduct.
KN stated that whilst the audit issue was unfortunate, Mr Athwal had consistently denied
receiving emails in relation to signage despite ‘read receipts’ being automatically sent. His
behavior had been rude, aggressive, and had only served to escalate the situation as the
original sanction points awarded would not have resulted in expulsion.
AC asked if VP had now changed all their signage and were therefore now compliant. JH
stated that it was unknown whether the signage has now been changed as it had not been
possible to ascertain that information from VP direct. DVLA reported that Mr Athwal was still
being obstructive and there were ongoing concerns, however DVLA has now granted manual
access to VP. SB asked how DVLA became aware of the signage problem. JH explained
that the DVLA made the BPA aware of the problem although did not reveal their source. NL
reiterated that the case being discussed today was on the professional conduct of the
member and that the issue of compliant signage was no longer an issue for discussion.
JH explained that the application of 5 sanction points for signage breaches had never been
achieved because it had been impossible to hold adequate dialogue with VP and the
relationship has simply broken down. Legal advice has been sought all the way through the
process in view of the fact that this is a complex case, and the BPA’s Solicitors have drafted a
letter in readiness to send to VP if Council agrees to terminate membership. JH stressed that
the BPA has developed a professional code of conduct, and that this becomes meaningless if
an operator’s failings are ignored and action not taken.
NL stated that the PCC had suggested giving Mr Athwal a final chance and to make it clear
what the result of his further action would be, however JH stated that Mr Athwal was already
fully aware of this and had also had an opportunity to attend the Council meeting to make
representations on behalf of VP Parking, but had chosen not to attend.
There was some discussion in relation to Mr Athwal’s suggestion that he would be setting up
a ‘rival’ ATA and encourage current AOS operators to transfer. JH pointed out that this
should not worry the BPA unduly as there are certain standards that any ATA has to achieve
in order to be accredited and the BPA was the only ATA for the parking sector by default and
should not be overly concerned at the potential entry of another ATA which would be healthy
for the sector.
AP summarized that the two reasons for proposing VP Parking’s expulsion were refusal to
comply with the BPA’s Code of Practice, and non-professional behaviour. PT stressed the
need for consistency and that if Council agreed that VP could re-apply for membership, as
Council Agenda
Page 7 of 9
had happened in previous cases, they would need to reassure the BPA of their compliance
with the Code of Professional Conduct and the AOS Code of Practice before any reacceptance could be considered. Council agreed that this should be the case.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the BPA Council consider the following Special Resolution under Article 15 of the
Articles of Association to terminate the BPA membership of VP Parking Solutions:
“Having considered a report from the PCC regarding the conduct of VP Parking Solutions (in
particular, in respect of the BPA and its staff) and having heard VP Parking Solutions
response to the allegations made against him, the Council considers VP Parking Solutions to
be in breach of paragraphs 4.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 of the Code of
Professional Conduct and has resolved in accordance with Article 15 of the Memorandum &
Articles of Association of the BPA to remove VP Parking Solutions from the Association with
immediate effect.”
16 For, 0 Abstention, 1 Against – AGREED (Minute of Special Resolution attached as
separate document)
5. Governance Review
JH explained that the paper reflected the current position following the initial
questions/comments received from Council, and that the feedback had been discussed at the
last Executive Board meeting.
NL stated that there are essentially two points/proposals in the paper:
1. Specifying which region and/or SIG a member is allied to for voting purposes.
2. Balance the numbers outlined in Appendix B, as the current overall figure leaves an
imbalance.
JH stated that Council should agree quotas for electoral colleges, but that these will not be et
in stone in any event as they will be included within the Byelaws rather than the Articles.
Discussion took place concerning candidature and voting for regional and electoral college
representation and these will be worked up in accordance with the council discussion and
discussed at the meeting in May.
The proposal for the revised Presidential Team was discussed and agreed. It was also
agreed that the Honorary Treasurer would be appointed by the Board of Directors.
There had been a proposal for a full day Special Council Meeting in May, at the ICES offices
in Northampton, and JH asked Council members to keep the month free as far as possible
whilst dates were awaited. Post meeting note: Date agreed as 23rd May, details to follow.
ALL
JH stated that individual Council members should map themselves into the new structure,
and that she would be sending out a separate document in this regard. In addition, a further
member consultation would take place sometime between now and June 2013.
ALL
It was agreed that Recommendation 5 would be looked at by Council members offline in
readiness for the Special Council Meeting.
JH confirmed that the AGM will run as normal in 2013. The Junior Vice President elected this
year will be in the ‘new’ structure and will need to be aware that the role is going to be
different from the present role. It is anticipated that the new Articles will be adopted at the
EGM in the autumn and a transitional Board will run alongside Council until spring 2014.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Council Agenda
Page 8 of 9
That Council:
1. Agree changes to the Objects and Powers at Appendix A
2. Agree to

elections of Chairs of Regional/ Country Groups to be undertaken at a local
level with each member assigning themselves to a single region

elect Chairs of SIGs in the same way as above

a revised Presidential team as set out in the report

the Board appointing an Honorary Treasurer

note the concerns over individual members and naming of SIGs.

a revised electoral college structure at Appendix B

include 5 directly elected members

include 1 for the HESIG, 1for the HCSIG and 1 for the RLSIG (rather than 6
for all 3)

reduce the number for Individual Members from 4 to 2

each member having three votes, one for their region or country, 1 for
directly elected seats and I for their relevant electoral college.
3. Agree the proposal for a full day Special Council meeting to agree Articles of
Association / Byelaws and Transition Council of Representatives/Board
4. Agree to circulation of a document for Council members to map themselves to
the new structure Appendix C
5. Agree the outline election, voting and eligibility criteria in Appendix D
6. Agree the timescale for implementation of new governance
7. Note the proposal for an enlarged Council during the period of transition
ALL AGREED
6. Status Report
There were no questions or comments in relation to the Status Report.
7. Any Other Business
No items had been raised prior to the meeting.
Date of next meeting :
Venue :
Start time :
Council Agenda
5th June 2013
CIHT, 119 Britannia Walk, London N1 7JE
10:30
Page 9 of 9
This draft produced on 29/5/2013 10:06
The British Parking Association
Registered number: 00979689
Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2013
THE BRITISH PARKING ASSOCIATION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
COMPANY INFORMATION
Members of Council
M Ainsworth (resigned 5 July 2012)
K Banbury
A Bijster
M Brady (appointed 5 July 2012)
G Brown
S Brown
A Clark (resigned 5 July 2012)
A Cooper
H Crozier
P Hammer
R Hein
A Hunter
P Kyte
A Lees (appointed 5 July 2012)
N Lester
J McArdle (Hon Treasurer ex-officio)
G Morphew (appointed 5 July 2012)
P Lowe (appointed 5 July 2012)
K Naylor
P Necus
A Patel
D Peach
M Rasores De Toro
I Taylor
Y Widdowfield
N WIlliams
L Witham
A Wood (appointed 5 July 2012)
Company secretary
Mrs J Hack
Registered number
00979689
Registered office
41/43 Perrymount Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 3BN
Independent auditors
Mazars LLP
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
Times House
Throwley Way
Sutton
Surrey
SM1 4JQ
Bankers
HSBC Bank PLC
117 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 6QJ
CONTENTS
Page
Member of Councils' Report
1-3
Independent Auditors' Report
4-5
Income and Expenditure Account
6
Balance Sheet
7
Notes to the Financial Statements
8 - 14
MEMBER OF COUNCILS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2013
The Members of Council present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2013.
Statement of Members of Councils' responsibilities
The Members of Council are responsible for preparing the Member of Councils' Report and the financial
statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Members of Council to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under
that law the Members of Council have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).
Under company law the Members of Council must not approve the financial statements unless they are
satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of
the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Members of Council are required to:
•
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that
the company will continue in business.
The Members of Council are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show
and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies
Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the Association is the advancement of, knowledge of and standards in management,
planning, design, construction, improvement, regulation and maintenance of all types of parking facility. The
Association also has responsibility for the administration of the Safer Parking Scheme on behalf of the
Association of Chief Police Officers and administers the Approved Operators Scheme
-1-
Members of Council
The Members of Council who served during the year were:
M Ainsworth (resigned 5 July 2012)
K Banbury
A Bijster
M Brady (appointed 5 July 2012)
G Brown
S Brown
A Clark (resigned 5 July 2012)
A Cooper
H Crozier
P Hammer
R Hein
A Hunter
P Kyte
J McArdle (Hon Treasurer ex-officio)
P Lowe (appointed 5 July 2012)
K Naylor
P Necus
A Patel
M Rasores De Toro
I Taylor
Y Widdowfield
L Witham
A Wood (appointed 5 July 2012)
Honorary Treasurer's Report
As Honorary Treasurer of the British Parking Association I would like to make a few comments on the finances
of the Association for 2012/13 and the outlook for 2013/14.
This “age of austerity” continues to present challenges for both the Association and its members as we all face
the contradictions of ever increasing input costs yet an inability to pass those cost on to customers. Belts are
being tightened across the country and the climate for advertising and sponsorship, key elements of our
income, is as hostile as the British weather. In such a climate we remain grateful to those who have been able
to provide continued assistance in the form of not only direct contributions in these areas but also by the
release of valuable staff in support of our activities.
It was in this context that the Association set a cautious budged for 2012/13, aiming to break even on
operations whilst drawing some money from reserves to initiate the Independent Appeals Service and to
undertake work to our infrastructure. Throughout the year activity, income, and expenditure were closely
monitored and managed with the result that each turned out broadly in line with projections and the calls on
reserves were contained.
The Safer Parking Scheme continues to perform well, both operationally and financially, and serves as a fine
example of what can be achieved in terms of improving services to motorists when the industry works together.
With no need for government support or other external funding, and wide public recognition, it remains a major
success story. The economic climate is putting membership under pressure, as car park owners seek to
reduce costs, but the Association promotes the scheme and publicises the benefits to both operators and the
public so as to maintain its profile and viability.
-2-
The Approved Operator Scheme is also performing well, with membership fees meeting the costs of activity
and members of the scheme taking a greater part in the running of the Association. This is a time of great
change for those involved in the provision or management of private car parks and members of the AOS have
risen to that challenge. There will always be those who oppose parking controls for their own reasons but both
motoring and consumer organisations are pleased with the progress being made as are government.
In my notes last year I identified the Independent Appeals Service as the greatest challenge to be faced, both
operationally and financially, and this proved to be the case. Costs are in line with projections but activity levels
are lower than expected which is likely to have a knock on effect on income. Adjustments have been made to
the detailed operations to reflect these activity levels, and the service will continue to be closely scrutinised
through 2013/14. It remains, however, a significant step in improving the standing of both car park operators
and the Association.
The 2013/14 budget is again built from a zero base and I am confident that the proposals in it are both
appropriate and sustainable. The appeals service remains a challenge but is proving to be worthwhile in
building credibility with the public and with government.
Finally, I would like to give thanks to our auditors, Mazars LLP, who has provided advice and guidance in
addition to fulfilling their statutory duties. Thanks are also due to the Head of Finance, Lesley Bradford, for the
efficient way in which she keeps the accounts and administers the financial affairs of the Association and to her
team at Haywards Heath.
Provision of information to auditors
Each of the persons who are Members of Council at the time when this Member of Councils' Report is
approved has confirmed that:
•
so far as that Member of Council is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's
auditors are unaware, and
•
that Member of Council has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Member of Council in
order to be aware of any information needed by the company's auditors in connection with preparing
their report and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
The auditors, Mazars LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the
Companies Act 2006.
In preparing this report, the Members of Council have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions
provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board on
and signed on its behalf.
Mrs J Hack
Secretary
-3-
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH PARKING
ASSOCIATION
We have audited the financial statements of The British Parking Association for the year ended 31 March 2013
which comprise the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. The financial
reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and the Financial Reporting
Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008) (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
applicable to Smaller Entities).
Respective responsibilities of Members of Council and auditors
As explained more fully in the Members of Councils' Responsibilities Statement set out on page 1, the Member
of Council are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a
true and fair view.
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the
Auditing Practices Board's (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors. This report is made solely to the company's
members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has
been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to
them in an Auditors' Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body for our
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council's
website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.
Opinion on the financial statements
In our opinion the financial statements:
•
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 March 2013 and of its surplus for
the year then ended;
•
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice applicable to Smaller Entities; and
•
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Opinion on the other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Member of Councils' Report for the financial year for which the
financial statements are prepared is consistent with thefinancial statements.
-4-
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH PARKING
ASSOCIATION
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to
report to you if, in our opinion:
•
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been
received from branches not visited by us; or
•
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
•
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
•
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
•
the Members of Council were not entitled to prepare the financial statements and the Member of
Councils' Report in accordance with the small companies' regime.
Nicola Wakefield (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Mazars LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Times House
Throwley Way
Sutton
Surrey
SM1 4JQ
-5-
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Note
Income
1
Direct costs of activities
Gross surplus
Administrative expenses
Other operating income
2013
£
2,694,372
1,830,206
(1,851,505)
(1,225,538)
842,867
604,668
(806,450)
(779,779)
2,000
Operating surplus/(deficit)
2
Interest receivable and similar income
38,417
8,835
Surplus/(deficit) on ordinary activities before taxation
2012
£
47,252
Tax on surplus/(deficit) on ordinary activities
4
(1,332)
Surplus/(deficit) for the financial year
14
45,920
4,801
(170,310)
8,259
(162,051)
1,614
(160,437)
The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements. All amounts relate to continuing activities.
-6-
Registered number: 00979689
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2013
Note
£
2013
£
£
2012
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
5
72,796
75,679
Current assets
Debtors
6
824,809
Member bond deposits
80,131
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
687,708
7
-
1,035,675
704,356
1,940,615
1,392,064
(1,133,865)
(714,117)
Net current assets
806,750
677,947
Total assets less current liabilities
879,546
753,626
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
8
(80,000)
Net assets
-
799,546
753,626
Capital and reserves
AOS / SPS reserves
14
184,777
137,673
General reserves
14
614,769
615,953
799,546
753,626
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies
subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on
K Naylor
Member of Council
N Lester
Member of Council (Hon. Treasurer)
The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
-7-
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance
with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
1.2 Cash flow
The company has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No.1 from the
requirement to produce a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is a small company.
1.3 Income
Turnover comprises revenue recognised by the company in respect of goods and services supplied
during the year, exclusive of Value Added Tax and trade discounts.
1.4 Expenditure
Expenditure relating to seminars and workshops is charged to the Income and Expenditure Account
in the accounting period in which the corresponding income arises.
The cost of newsletters shown in the Income and Expenditure Account represents expenditure
incurred on each issue circulated in the accounting period.
Other expenditure is charged to the Income and Expenditure Account by reference to the date on
which it was incurred.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates
calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their
expected useful lives on the following bases:
Research project
Database
Fixtures & fittings
Office equipment (including SPS)
Computer networking
Website
-
33% pa straight line
1.6 Operating leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Income and Expenditure Account on a straight
line basis over the lease term.
-8-
1.
Accounting policies (continued)
1.7 Pensions
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents
the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year.
1.8 Reserves
Seperate reserves are held for the Approved Operator Scheme, the Independent Appeals Service
and the Safer Parking Scheme. These are intended to match the income from these activities with
the associated expenditure.
2.
Operating surplus/(deficit)
The operating surplus/(deficit) is stated after charging:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets:
- owned by the company
Auditors' remuneration
Pension costs
3.
2012
£
23,135
5,400
33,678
30,684
5,400
33,273
2013
£
2012
£
8,172
7,980
2013
£
2012
£
5,619
(4,287)
(1,614)
-
1,332
(1,614)
Members of Councils' remuneration
Aggregate remuneration
4.
2013
£
Taxation
Analysis of tax (credit)/charge in the year
UK corporation tax charge/(credit) on surplus/deficit for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Tax on surplus/deficit on ordinary activities
-9-
5.
Tangible fixed assets
Research
project
£
Database
£
Fixtures &
fittings
£
Office
equipment
£
At 1 April 2012
Additions
Disposals
15,550
-
42,695
20,735
-
28,295
-
54,862
3,753
(15,425)
At 31 March 2013
15,550
63,430
28,295
43,190
At 1 April 2012
Charge for the year
On disposals
1,728
-
5,167
18,366
-
28,295
-
47,108
6,044
(15,425)
At 31 March 2013
1,728
23,533
28,295
37,727
13,822
39,897
-
5,463
37,528
-
7,754
Cost
Depreciation
Net book value
At 31 March 2013
At 31 March 2012
Office
equipment
(SPS)
£
Computer
networking
£
Website
£
Total
£
At 1 April 2012
Additions
Disposals
29,373
(1,957)
79,780
(3,807)
25,656
350
-
260,661
40,388
(21,189)
At 31 March 2013
27,416
75,973
26,006
279,860
At 1 April 2012
Charge for the year
On disposals
28,078
208
(1,957)
64,389
8,440
(3,807)
11,945
8,485
-
184,982
43,271
(21,189)
At 31 March 2013
26,329
69,022
20,430
207,064
At 31 March 2013
1,087
6,951
5,576
72,796
At 31 March 2012
1,295
15,391
13,711
75,679
Cost
Depreciation
Net book value
- 10 -
6.
Debtors
Trade debtors
Accrued income
Prepayments
Other debtors
7.
2013
£
2012
£
429,704
35,150
357,355
2,600
393,879
287,829
6,000
824,809
687,708
2013
£
2012
£
231,968
5,647
68,757
693,537
133,624
332
69,622
75,432
477,507
86,554
5,002
1,133,865
714,117
2013
£
2012
£
25,694
43,063
28,922
46,510
68,757
75,432
2013
£
2012
£
Creditors:
Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Corporation tax
Social security and other taxes (see below)
Payments in advance
Accruals
Other creditors
Social security and other taxes
PAYE/NI control
VAT control
8.
Creditors:
Amounts falling due after more than one year
Member bonds issued
9.
80,000
-
Government grants
Included in the income of the company are government grants or grants where the funding originates
from the government totalling £NIL (2011: £24,750). Of this £NIL (2012: £24,750) was provided as core
funding for the operation of the Safer Parking Scheme.
- 11 -
10.
Pension commitments
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held
separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge
represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £33,678 (2012 - £33,273).
11.
Operating lease commitments
At 31 March 2013 the company had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as
follows:
2013
£
2012
£
1,612
38,366
46,500
41,591
46,500
Expiry date:
Within 1 year
Between 2 and 5 years
After more than 5 years
12.
Related party transactions
Remuneration of £8,172 (2012: £7,980) was paid to the Hon. Treasurer during the year. No other
member of Council received remuneration. Expenses of £10,529 (2012: £6,799) were reimbursed to
members of Council during the year.
Keith Banbury disclosed an interest in work undertaken by the BPA in relation to some consultancy work
undertaken by Alpha Parking on the development of the Independent Appeals Service; also Nick Lester
disclosed an interest in work undertaken by the BPA in relation to his employer’s winning the contract for
the delivery of the IAS.
13.
Company status
The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital.
In the event of the Association being wound up every member, including those who were members in the
twelve months preceding winding up, agrees to contribute a sum, as required, not exceeding £10
towards the assets of the Association in the event of liquidation.
- 12 -
14.
Reserves
AOS, IAS &
SPS
reserves
£
At 1 April 2012
Surplus for the year before office refurbishment costs
Office refurbishment costs
Surplus for the year
Transfer to AOS, IAS & SPS reserves (see note 15)
Transfer from general reserves (see note 15)
137,673
- 13 -
615,953
72,252
(25,000)
45,920
(47,104)
47,104
184,777
At 31 March 2013
General
reserves
£
614,769
15.
AOS, IAS and SPS reserves
Approved Operator Scheme
2013
£
2012
£
Balance brought forward
Transfer (to) the income and expenditure account
24,235
18,884
58,136
(33,901)
Total
43,119
24,235
2013
£
2012
£
Transfer from / (to) the income and expenditure account
(41,844)
12,438
(41,844)
Total
(29,406)
(41,844)
2013
£
2012
£
Transfer from/(to) the income and expenditure account
155,282
15,782
214,552
(59,270)
Total
171,064
155,282
IAS reserve
Safer Parking Scheme
- 14 -
Strictly private & confidential
British Parking
Association
Audit Completion Report
Year ended 31 March 2013
29 May 2013
British Parking Association
Audit Completion Report – Year ended 31 March 2013
Contents
1.
Purpose of this document ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.
Independence ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
3.
Limitations ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
4.
Our audit approach ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
5.
Overview of the audit and current audit status .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
6.
Overall conclusion and opinion ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
7.
Significant risks and key judgement areas identified ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
8.
Audit findings ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
9.
Audit differences .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
This document is to be regarded as confidential to British Parking Association. It has been prepared for sole use of the Members of Council. No responsibility is
accepted to any person in respect of the whole or part of its contents. Before this document, or any part of it, is disclosed to a third party, our written consent must
first be obtained.
1
1.
Purpose of this document
This document has been prepared to feed back the findings of our audit for
the year ended 31 March 2013 to the Council Members of British Parking
Association.
Our communication with the Council Members is important to:
Share information to assist both the auditor and those charged with
governance of British Parking Association to fulfil their respective
responsibilities;
Provide constructive observations arising from the audit process to
those charged with governance of British Parking Association;
Ensure as part of the two-way communication process we, as external
auditors, gain an understanding of the attitude and views of those
charged with governance of British Parking Association to the internal
and external operational, financial, compliance and other risks facing
British Parking Association which might affect the financial statements,
including the likelihood of those risks materialising and how they are
managed; and
2.
Receive feedback from those charged with governance as to the
performance of the engagement team.
Independence
As part of our ongoing risk assessment we monitor our relationships with
you to identify any new actual or perceived threats to our independence
within the regulatory or professional requirements governing us as your
auditors.
3.
Limitations
Our audit procedures, which have been designed to enable us to express an
opinion on the financial statements, have included the examination of the
transactions and the controls thereon of British Parking Association. The
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) do not require us to
design audit procedures for the purpose of identifying supplementary
matters to communicate with those charged with governance.
Our audit included consideration of internal controls relevant to the
preparation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of internal control or to identify any significant
deficiencies in their design or operation.
We have included in this report only those matters that have come to our
attention as a result of our normal audit procedures and, consequently, our
comments should not be regarded as a comprehensive record of all
deficiencies that may exist or improvements that could be made.
4.
Our audit approach
Our audit has been conducted in accordance with International Standards of
Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board.
There have been no changes to our audit approach as communicated to you
in the Audit Strategy Memorandum dated 26 April 2013.
No further threats to our independence have been identified since our
communication at planning.
2
5.
Overview of the audit and current
audit status
The audit fieldwork was conducted on site in the week commencing 29 April
2013.
6.
Overall conclusion and opinion
At the time of issuing this report, we anticipate issuing an unqualified
opinion, without modification.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lesley Bradford, Aimee Bates
and Jane Hack for all their support and assistance during the audit.
ISA 260 requires us to communicate with those charged with governance
significant difficulties encountered during the audit. These include such
matters as:
- Significant delays in management providing required information.
- An unnecessarily brief time within which to complete the audit.
- Extensive unexpected effort required to obtain sufficient appropriate audit
evidence.
- The unavailability of expected information.
- Restrictions imposed on the auditor by management.
- Management’s unwillingness to make or extend its assessment of the
entity’s ability to continue as a going concern when requested.
No such matters arose during our audit of the British Parking Association
and we have substantially completed our audit in respect of the financial
statements for the year ended 31 March 2013.
As at the time of preparing this report, there are no significant matters
outstanding.
3
7.
Significant risks and key judgement areas identified
Set out below are the significant risks and key areas of management judgement to which we paid particular attention in order to reduce the risk of material
misstatement in the financial statements. We have detailed below the work performed to address each risk and judgement and our conclusions.
Significant audit risks
How we addressed this risk
Audit conclusion
We have agreed a sample of income items to
supporting documentation in order to ensure that the
income is recognised in the correct accounting period
and is accounted for in the appropriate reserve.
We did not identify any instances where the
income recognition had not been recognised in
accordance with UK GAAP.
We have reviewed cash received after the year end
and the bad debt provision in order to determine
whether the bad debt provision is adequate and has
been prepared on a reasonable basis.
There were no issues identified with debtor
recoverability; however the approach to invoicing
and recognition of membership subscriptions has
been discussed in section 8 below.
Income recognition
We reviewed the processes for income recognition in
order to ensure that income has been recognised in
accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice.
Bad debt provision
Debtors was a significant balance at the year end and the
majority of this relates to outstanding membership fees.
Fraud
Auditing standards require us to consider fraud risk
throughout the audit, both in terms of financial statement
risk and misappropriation of assets. For example, there is a
risk of suppliers over-billing for goods and services, in
adequate record keeping of assets leading to
misappropriation of assets and cheque frauds.
During our audit work we remained alert for the Following journal testing and work carried out on
possibility of fraud. A sample of journal entries were other sections there were no instances of fraud
tested and the controls discussed in order to ensure found from our audit work.
that the controls in place are reasonable.
4
Material audit areas
How we tested this area
Bank balances
All bank balances have been agreed to third party confirmation.
Creditors and accruals
The breakdown of creditors and accruals has been reviewed and significant
balances agreed to supporting documentation to ensure they are valid liabilities.
No issues were identified.
Reserves
We have reviewed the reserves set aside for specific projects and considered
whether the allocation of income and expenditure is appropriate. No issues were
identified.
Areas of management judgement
How we addressed this judgement
Depreciation of fixed assets – the depreciation policy has been determined by A review of the depreciation policy and a depreciation proof in total was carried
management and is based on the useful economic life of the asset.
out. Depreciation rates are considered to be appropriate, in line with rates used
in the sector and correctly applied.
Bad debt provision – provisions have been made for specific debts that are The reasonableness of the bad debt provision has been reviewed and the debtor
not deemed to be recoverable by management.
listing reviewed for any omissions. The bad debt provision is considered
appropriate given the level of cash received after the year end.
Accruals – the accruals calculation is based on outstanding purchase orders
at the year end.
We have reviewed the calculation of accruals and agreed a sample of items to
supporting documentation. We also reviewed post year end invoices in order to
confirm that all appropriate costs have been accrued; no issues were identified.
5
8.
8.1.
Audit findings
Significant qualitative aspects of the Association’s accounting practices
ISA 260 requires us to communicate with those charged with governance our views about significant qualitative aspects of the entity’s accounting practices,
including accounting policies, accounting estimates and financial statement disclosures.
This communication may include:
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- The appropriateness of the accounting policies to the particular circumstances of the entity. Where acceptable alternative accounting policies exist, this
communication may include identification of the financial statement items that are affected by the choice of significant accounting policies.
- Any changes in significant accounting policies, including the application of new accounting pronouncements.
ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
- For items which estimates are significant, issues communicated could include: management’s identification of accounting estimates, management’s process for
making accounting estimates, risks of material misstatement, indicators of possible management bias and disclosure of estimation uncertainty in the financial
statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT DISCLOSURES
- The issues involved, and related judgements made, in formulating particularly sensitive financial statement disclosures (for example, disclosures related to
revenue recognition, remuneration, going concern, subsequent events, and contingency issues).
- The overall neutrality, consistency and clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements.
If we consider a significant accounting practice that is acceptable under the applicable financial reporting framework not to be the most appropriate to the
particular circumstances of the entity then this would be explained here.
6
8.2.
Other matters significant to the oversight of the financial reporting process
ISA 260 requires us to communicate other significant matters arising from the audit that are directly relevant to those charged with governance in overseeing the
financial reporting process. These may include such matters as material misstatements of fact or material inconsistencies in information accompanying the
audited financial statements that have been corrected.
Elimination of internal recharges
In our 2011 audit work, we agreed that it would be appropriate for the management and administration fees recharged to the Approved Operator Scheme and the
Safer Parking Scheme to be eliminated from income within BPA and expenditure within the AOS and SPS schemes. This was adjusted in 2011 (with a
restatement of the 2010 accounts). This treatment was also followed in 2012 and 2013 in order to ensure that only external income and expenditure is included in
the financial statements. In 2013 this adjustment totalled £288,903 (2012: £273,470).
We appreciate that internally, it is appropriate to show the recharges between the funds in the management accounts and so we concur that the most appropriate
way to treat this is by means of a year end journal in the financial statements without affecting the current management reporting structure.
Membership income – income recognition
During our audit we reviewed the process for accounting for membership income. With the exception of the Independent Appeals Service (IAS), this income is
recognised in full on receipt as membership renewals are distributed evenly throughout the year rather than deferring the income and releasing it monthly over the
year. However, the IAS membership income has been allocated evenly across the year, and as all memberships commenced in September 2012, 6 months of
this income (approx. £137,000) has been deferred to 2013/14.
From our discussions we understand that if a member cancels their membership part way through the year they are not given a refund (except in the rare case
when a member of the Approved Operator Scheme is expelled from the AOS scheme when they are given a pro-rata refund of their BPA membership). In
addition, for all categories of membership except the IAS there are no additional services to be provided or costs of membership throughout the year, so the
BPA’s responsibility to the members have been discharged at the point when the income is received. On this basis we agree that it is not unreasonable to
recognise the membership income in full on receipt. In addition, as the membership renewals are distributed throughout the year, changing the accounting
treatment would lead to increased administration and there would be no material impact on the income year on year.
For the IAS, the situation is slightly different. The payments from the members are made up of two elements; an annual membership fee and a payment for each
case which is appealed. The membership fee is intended to cover the running costs of the scheme (which are underwritten by the BPA), and so it is considered
that these payments relate to a service provided throughout the year. On this basis, deferral of the balances relating to the period from April 2013 to August 2013
7
is appropriate. In addition, as this is a new service, the vast majority of the members enrolled at the same time in September 2012; so it is likely that, for some
years, the majority of the renewal dates will be in September each year. This simplifies the administration in deferring income.
These approaches to income recognition have been discussed with the senior management team and the Honorary Treasurer; we concur that it is appropriate to
recognise the IAS income on a different basis from the other membership categories. This treatment has valid underlying reasons and we agree that it is
appropriate and consistent with UK accounting standards.
Membership income – recovery of debtor balances
During our review of recovery of debtor balances we noted that there are a number of membership debtors which remain outstanding. These have been
discussed with the finance team and the majority are considered recoverable. However from an operational point of view, if a member does not pay their renewal
fees, they effectively have a period of “free” membership before their membership is cancelled. This is especially important for the Independent Appeals Scheme
where membership of the scheme gives access to the DVLA database of vehicles’ registered keepers, thus allowing the operators to send tickets to the owners of
vehicles directly. We understand that some operators are delaying payment of these invoices and that this is under review by the management team and
consideration is being given to a process for suspending a member’s access to the database until overdue fees are paid. The senior management team are
confident that all balances are recoverable, but monitoring the overdue balances represents an administrative burden. We recommend that, if it is decided to
institute a suspension process, this should be communicated to all members, clearly setting out the details and when this process will be applied.
In addition, during our review of membership income, we noted that the membership fees for the Approved Operator and Safer Parking Schemes are based on
the turnover of the companies concerned. During 2012/13 all members were surveyed to ensure that the Association had up to date turnover information and this
process will continue in the future. The Association are planning to put a system in place which will require members to confirm their turnover annually. BPA may
also wish to consider whether an independent check of this information should be undertaken, particularly where a member has recently moved down a band, or
for new members.
Fixed asset register
During the audit fieldwork, we reviewed the fixed asset register in conjunction with the finance team. This review highlighted a number of items which had been
disposed of during the year. The cost (and accumulated depreciation) of these was £21,189. Some items were disposed of in exchange for small donations which
have been recognised as income in the Presidents’ fund; there was therefore no profit or loss on disposal of any items. It has been agreed that these items will be
removed from the fixed asset register and accounted for as disposals in the financial statements in 2012/13.
8
We recommend that, in the future, the fixed asset register should remain under review and any assets which have been scrapped or otherwise disposed of should
be removed from both the cost and accumulated depreciation balances and treated as disposals in the financial statements. This will not affect the overall net
book value of fixed assets as the items are fully depreciated. This will mean that the fixed asset register will correspond to the assets actually used by the
Association.
We also recommend that if assets are typically in use for periods longer than that over which they are depreciated, that a review of the depreciation policy is
considered. If the British Parking Association do move offices at the end of the lease in 2014/15, this might be a good time for a detailed review of the fixed asset
register including a re-assessment of the useful economic lives of the assets.
Lease dilapidation provision
During our audit work we noted that consideration had been given to moving premises in the year although this has been deferred until the next break clause in
the lease in 2015. We understand that the plans for the block are uncertain as it is possible that there will be significant redevelopment of the local area, so it is
considered probable that the BPA will need to find new offices in 2014/15. In this event it is possible that a dilapidation charge may be incurred at this time for the
costs of redecoration of the offices and removal of any partitions. During our audit work we considered whether a provision should be made in the 2012/13
financial statements, however following discussion with the senior management team, it was agreed that this is not appropriate at the present time as the
landlord’s plans for the block are uncertain and it is difficult to make an estimate of the amount which would be required.
We recommend that this should remain under review and be considered in 2013/14 when the position should be a lot clearer and a reliable estimate of any
liability should be made. This would allow the cost of the dilapidations to be spread between 2013/14 and 2014/15.
We would be happy to discuss this in more detail if this would be useful.
Directors’ expenses
During our audit work we noted that there had been delays in receipt of a number of directors’ expense claims which meant that an adjustment needed to be
made in the draft financial statements in order to reflect these.
We recommend that a policy should be put in place where all directors expenses need to be submitted within an agreed period, perhaps within 4 weeks of the
expense being incurred.
9
9.
Audit differences
9.1.
Adjusted audit differences
We are required to bring to your attention the adjusted audit differences found during the course of the audit. These are listed below:Income & Expenditure
Account
Dr (£)
1
2
3
4
5
Dr Income
Cr Expenditure
Being the netting off of internal recharges artificially inflating income and
expenditure
Dr Council Members’ expenses
Cr Other creditors
Being adjustment to reflect expenses received after the draft accounts had
been prepared
Dr Trade creditors
Cr IAS Operational fees
Being credit note agreed with POPLA in respect of 2012/13 IAS fees
Dr 2012/13 Taxation charge
Cr 2011/12 Taxation charge
Cr Taxation creditor
Being adjustment to reflect corporation tax charge for the year
Dr Accumulated depreciation
Cr Cost of fixed assets
Being adjustment to reflect disposals of fixed assets in the year
Balance Sheet
Cr (£)
Dr (£)
Cr (£)
288,903
-
288,903
-
-
913
-
-
-
913
-
20,000
20,000
-
-
5,619
-
4,287
-
-
1,332
-
-
21,189
-
21,189
We are also required to bring to your attention the unadjusted audit differences found during the course of the audit. No such matters have been identified.
10
11
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
A Master Plan for Parking 2013-14
Report to:
Council
Title
Author
Kelvin Reynolds
Director
Kelvin Reynolds, Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Date of Meeting
5th June 2013
SUMMARY
Master Plans have become an established part of BPA work to inform and influence Government.
They set our objectives improving the way parking is perceived and managed across the UK. Master
Plans are produced for the UK as a whole and separate Plans are produced for the devolved nations
of Wales and Scotland and for the first time this year, the island of Ireland. This year Master Plans
have been restructured and revised to reflect the new BPA Business Plan with a view to launching
this new version at this year’s Presidents Reception.
Appendix A sets out the key issues on which I believe we should lobby.
RECOMMENDATION
Council is asked to :
1. Agree the strategy in broad terms as set out in Appendix A.
2. Provide additional thoughts for areas of lobbying, as appropriate.
3. Agree to the launch of the fourth version of the Master Plan for Parking at the Presidents
Reception in July.
BACKGROUND
The latest BPA’s Master Plans for Parking were launched at the Presidents Reception last year. It
set out the Association’s view on how governments can assist in improving parking related legislation
for the benefit of members and motorists. The successful launch of the Irish Group in partnership
with the Irish Parking Association gives an opportunity to develop something similar for Ireland and
we intend to do this during 2013/14 with a working title of a ‘Shared Parking Plan for the Island of
Ireland’.
ISSUES
The Master Plan has been extremely useful in setting out for governments in the United Kingdom
what the BPA stands for and how it can improve its relationship with government in delivering
legislative change for the benefit of members and motorists.
From last year’s Master Plan we have seen the successful establishement of an Independent
Appeals Service (POPLA) for the private parking sector.
However, there are still some issues which need to be pursued, together with some new issues and
a comprehensive list is set out in Appendix A. This has been developed in consultation with Country
Influencing Government
Page 1 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
Group Chairs, Chairs of SIGs and Council Members through a variety of Groups and Boards.
We have always said that the Master Plan for Parking is not exhaustive as there are a whole range of
issues on which the BPA could be lobbying but the document seeks to set out those principal issues
on which we should focus our energies in the months ahead. Where appropriate we can seek to
lobby with other organisations where this delivers benefits.
The Master Plans for Wales and Scotland follow similar lines and will be produced alongside the UK
Master Plan. The Policy and Public Affairs Team are currently working on these plans based on
feedback provided by members of both Country groups.
Since the re-establishing of the Northern Ireland group in 2012, the ‘Shared Parking Plan for the
Island of Ireland’ will be developed as part of that work.
Drafts for each of the 3 Country Group plans will be presented to Council at the meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
NONE (or other appropriate text)
RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS
EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS
BUSINESS PLAN IMPLICATIONS
This proposal aligns directly with both the 5 Year Business Plan and 5 Year Strategy. The overall
message of including and appealing to everyone carries though the theme of putting the consumer at
the heart of BPA thinking.
It provides support for the Policy and Public Affairs team and provides a focus for determining
priorities in lobbying, stakeholder engagement and campaign development as well as future
communications activity.
Kelvin Reynolds
June 2013
Page 2 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
APPENDIX A
DRAFT FOR MASTER PLAN 2013-14
(FRONT COVER)
Achieving Excellence in Parking
Raising Standards for everyone

Delivering better services for everyone

Everyone should know the rules and how to park compliantly

Everyone who undertakes parking enforcement should be properly regulated.
Supporting growth for everyone

Proper and effective parking and traffic management is essential to support growth in our high
streets.

Every car park should be a safer car park

Every car park should be properly serviced and maintained

Every parking and traffic order should be easy to understand and simple to implement
Fairer for everyone

Everyone should respect parking concessions for people with disabilities which should be more
effectively managed.

Everyone is affected by parking on footways: it causes obstruction and damage and should be
properly managed.

Everyone should have the right of appeal against parking enforcement

No one should be able to avoid legitimate enforcement action by driving unregistered or untraceable
vehicles.

Everyone should use CCTV and ANPR cameras fairly and responsibly.

Penalty charges should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are effective and fit for purpose.

Every Penalty Charge Notice should look the same
Foreword
We are pleased to present our annual Master Plan for Parking 2013-14, which sets out what we believe we
must do together to raise standards in the parking profession. If we achieve this, we feel our members will
be able to provide better services for the motorist, as we ultimately want to ensure that the customer is
always at the heart of our thinking.
Page 3 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
Everyone is a customer in our profession, and by putting the customer at the heart of our thinking we will
strive to deliver better value to our members and work closely with stakeholders, members and government
to achieve our vision of excellence in parking for all. Promoting innovation, technology and sustainability
will develop and move our sector forward and continue to make parking a recognised profession.
These aims are by no means exhaustive, and the changes in our Master Plan each year will continue to
reflect our profession as it develops and matures. By continuing to work in a consultative and constructive
manner, we aim to achieve the best outcome for the motorist and the wider parking profession.
Helen Crozier
President
Patrick Troy
Chief Executive
Raising standards for everyone
Everyone should know the rules and how to park compliantly
We believe that everyone who drives should know and understand why parking is managed and what the rules are.
We will work through the Parking Forum and with the Driving Standards Agency, those who teach people to drive and
other motoring and consumer organisations, informing motorists of parking law and best practice through effective
communication of a public information campaign as this will help improve parking behaviour and compliance.
Delivering better services for everyone
We want to ensure that those delivering parking services to customers do so professionally and to a high standard to
achieve this we will work with consumer groups and motoring organisations So that our members can enhance their
understanding of competing customers’ needs.
Our Charters for Healthcare and Higher and Further Education provide behaviours that are expected when our
providing parking services in those places. We are now developing a range of sector specific standards and a
Framework of Excellence that will enable those who provide parking services to achieve a high standard of
professionalism that is recognised by the customer.
Everyone who undertakes parking enforcement should be properly regulated.
We believe that everyone, including parking operators and debt recovery agents, who undertake parking enforcement
on private land should be required to be a member of an Accredited Trade Association and subscribe to POPLA.
We want to see bailiffs, who undertake an important role in ensuring that local authority penalty charges incurred by
motorists who fail to comply with traffic and parking rules are properly enforced and collected are properly regulated
too.
We want to make certain that parking enforcement is undertaken fairly, reasonably and responsibly; The practice of
rogue ticketing on private land together with excessive charging and unreasonable behaviour by bailiffs causes
distress to motorists and small businesses alike and should be properly regulated .
Page 4 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
Supporting growth for everyone
Proper and effective parking and traffic management is essential to support growth in our
high streets.
We want to ensure that local traffic authorities across the UK have the power and the tools to effectively manage
traffic and parking. We will continue our work with the Association of Town & City Management to Re-Think: Parking
on the High Street and support the work being done to revitalise the UK’s town and city centres. We will promote the
importance of the contribution of effective parking and traffic management which needs to be properly embraced,
including the need to allow local authorities to enforce moving traffic contraventions to reduce congestion, improve
accessibility and reduce accidents.
All those involved with regeneration should work in partnership with parking and transport professionals to improve
accessibility for everyone. Evidence shows that accessibility underpins economic regeneration. Proper and effective
traffic management is therefore absolutely essential and without it the UK’s high streets will become more congested
and costs to local authorities will increase without significant economic benefits.
Every car park should be a safer car park
We want to see more Park Mark® Awards and a wider public awareness of Park Mark® - police approved Safer
Parking. We want government, police organisations and other agencies with a remit for ‘regeneration’ or ‘safer
communities’ to become more proactive in promoting the benefits of the Safer Parking Scheme and through the
planning processes for all new car parks, to be required to achieve a Park Mark® award.
The Safer Parking Scheme, is not only proven to reduce crime in car parks, but also reduces the fear of crime. It can
be a major contributor to town centre regeneration and safer neighbourhoods, and better promotion and public
awareness will increase its popularity. The BPA is committed to raising public awareness of Park Mark® and we would
welcome the support of local and national government, police organisations who own the Scheme and other agencies
to help promote the benefits of the safer parking for everyone.
Every car park should be properly serviced and maintained
We want to see more emphasis on life care planning for all of Britain’s car parks and appropriate funds should be set
aside to ensure that they can be properly serviced and maintained. Premature or unplanned closure of multi-storey car
parks has a detrimental effect on the communities the car parks serve and works against the regeneration of town
centres.
Owners and operators should prepare and implement a Life-Care Plan and undertake regular structural safety
inspections which will identify defects and prompt repairs to minimise the risk of structural failure. The BPA is
concerned that many ageing car parks are not properly serviced and maintained. Too many are prematurely reaching
the end of their useful life and being closed for safety reasons.
Every parking and traffic Order should be easy to understand and simple to implement
We want to see a simplification of the Order making process to allow local councils to be more responsive to local
needs. Local councils are required by law to undertake extensive consultation before making even simple changes to
Page 5 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
local traffic management and parking rules; similarly they may need to do this when simply varying their parking
charges, even if they want to reduce them.
We live in a multichannel communication world and the future of Order advertising must reflect this. The present
arrangements are costly, duplicative, and sometimes ineffective. The important point is that consultation is undertaken
to ensure that the democratic process prevails; how this is achieved is not something which government should be
dictating.
Fairer for everyone
Everyone should respect parking concessions for people with disabilities which should be
more effectively managed.
We want to see a better management and administration in the issue and distribution of Blue Badge; we also want to
see better enforcement of parking spaces set aside for people with disabilities and badge holders.
We welcome the introduction of new powers for local authorities to deal with abuse, misuse and fraudulent use of Blue
Badges and we will work to encourage a greater use of these new powers. By working with BPA members and
Approved Operators we will also encourage private landowners to deal more effectively with abuse of disabled
persons bays.
The BPA continues to work with government and Local Authorities in the delivery of the Blue Badge Improvement
Service (BBIS) for fairer and more efficient administration of the Blue Badge Scheme. Improvements to the
assessment of eligibility will ensure only those who have genuine need for a Blue Badge have access to designated
spaces and facilities.
Everyone is affected by parking on footways: it causes obstruction and damage and should
be properly managed.
We will support the call for uniformity and for local authorities everywhere to be able to manage footway parking more
cost-effectively. People with disabilities and those with baby buggies or similar mobility challenges sometimes
experience real difficulty in negotiating safe routes due to inappropriate and selfish obstruction of footways.
Additionally, the costs for maintaining damaged footways are significant in some cases and may not be sustainable.
In London, parking on the footway is prohibited except where the highway authority deems that it is safe to do so and
traffic signs indicate this. The reverse is true in the remainder of the UK causing confusion amongst motorists and
inconsistency in enforcement.
Everyone should have the right of appeal against parking enforcement
We will transform POPLA governance making it truly independent. We will lobby for its adoption across the UK making
POPLA available to all motorists, including those who park at railway stations, airports and other places where POPLA
may not currently be offered or available.
The BPA established the Parking on Private Land Appeals service (POPLA) in October 2012. For the first time, the
motoring public in England and Wales now has access to an alternative dispute resolution service. Operated by
London Councils - a public body - POPLA is judicially independent when it comes to deciding the outcome of an
Page 6 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
appeal if motorists wish to contest enforcement action undertaken on private land and it should be available to
everyone.
No one should be able to avoid legitimate enforcement action by driving unregistered or
untraceable vehicles.
We want to see better enforcement of the Vehicle Registration Acts because we believe that every vehicle which is
driven in the UK should be properly registered and. If a vehicle is properly registered outside the United Kingdom but
elsewhere in the EU it should still be traceable from the UK. It is unfair that some people can avoid enforcement action
by not complying with traffic and parking laws by failure to register themselves and/or their vehicles properly in
accordance with the law.
We will support the DVLA in their enforcement activities where this helps to improve the proper registration of vehicles
and we will work closely with the Information Commissioner to ensure that motorists’ data is properly safeguarded and
where data is released for parking enforcement purposes that it is used appropriately and in accordance with the law.
Everyone should use CCTV and ANPR cameras fairly and responsibly.
We want to see fair and transparent camera and ANPR enforcement for everyone. Automatic enforcement can be
very precise and this very precision brings with it a responsibility to use it carefully. Many parking acts are not as
black-and-white, clear-cut as the camera might suggest and it's very important that we have in place protocols to
identify enforcement activity which might be considered unfair or inappropriate. We will work with the Information
Commissioner, the Trading Standards Institute and others to build the public trust in the use of CCTV, ANPR and
other camera enforcement so that it can be used to provide and manage good parking facilities which enable Britain's
towns and cities to function properly.
Penalty charges should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are effective and fit for
purpose.
We believe that penalty charges should be reviewed, at least every four years; otherwise they fail to act as a deterrent
and sometimes encourage non-compliance with traffic management and parking rules. Penalty charges in England,
outside London, have not been reviewed since 2001. Failure to regularly review these charges is costly and unfair on
local council tax payers who will be subsidising parking enforcement and it undermines effectiveness of local transport
policies.
Penalty charges in London are set locally by the Mayor and London Councils; elsewhere in England they are set by
national government. We believe that all penalty charges should be set by locally accountable bodies as these can be
more responsive to local circumstances.
Every Penalty Charge Notice should look the same
We want to see the introduction of a standardised document for Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and other statutory
notices used in Civil Parking Enforcement. A standardised PCN will simplify the administration and delivery of civil
parking enforcement and adjudication thus promoting fairness and transparency for everyone. The principle of
standardised documents may also be extended to other parking and traffic enforcement notices.
Page 7 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.2
Page 8 of 8
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.3
Independent Appeals Service Board
Report to:
Council
Title
Author
Keith Banbury
Date of Meeting
5th June 2013
SUMMARY
This paper updates Council on arrangements to establish a Board to oversee the IAS, following a
consultation process with stakeholders and seeks Council’s formal support to set up the IAS Board in
accordance with Option 3.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Council is asked to note the points raised in the report and approve the recommendations to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Agree the structure of the Board
Appoint a chair of the Board
Move towards constituting the Board as outlined in the report
Set the date for the first Board meeting
STRUCTURE
Council will recall that it already agreed to adopt Option 3 – to retain the current structure and
establish a new independent IAS Board at its last meeting. This was generally accepted by the
Stakeholder Group with some reservations. Since then the suggestion has been put that the Board
could be formed as a Trust with a Board of Trustees. This proposal is being considered but in order
not to delay the setting up of the Board beyond the target date of October, it has been generally
agreed that the Board should initially be established in accordance with Option 3, leaving the new
Board free to consider its longer term formation as one of its first tasks.
CONSTITUTION
The following is an updated list of items/issues, as a result of previous consultation, that will need to
be included in the Constitution/Terms of Reference for the new Board:
1. Name – The IAS Board
2. Host Organisation– The BPA (to provide a legal framework for the Board until and unless it
decides to become a legal entity in its own right).
3. Objective – To oversee the governance, performance and effectiveness of the Independent
Appeal Service in respect of parking on private land, so as to provide public reassurance as
to the independence of PoPLA and the fairness of its decisions.
IAS Board
Page 1 of 5
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.3
4. Role, Duties and Responsibilities – to

Ensure that the Service meets the requirements of an independent appeals process
and commands the confidence of Ministers and Parliament

Contribute to the scrutiny and effectiveness of PoPLA and the service generally in
both a reactive and proactive way

Agree budgets of the IAS Board with the BPA

Approve any future procurement processes

Approve the appointment of future Service Providers

Approve the appointment of the lead adjudicator

Publish reports as appropriate and in particular an Annual Report (including the Chief
Adjudicators Report), with the Chair certifying that the Service and Board were
provided with adequate resources

Approve the rules and procedures for the operation of the Service and set the
performance framework of the Service

Have regard to the Better Regulation Principles, the Principles of Good Governance
(British and Irish Ombudsman Association) and the Nolan Principles of Public Life

Develop a clear process to address concerns and complaints about the Service (but
not individual cases)

Work closely with a wide range of stakeholder groups to improve the Service and
ensure that the Service is independent and seen to be independent.
5. Chair of the Board
IAS Board

The first and future Chairs to be appointed, following open competition, by a selection
panel comprising representatives of Government, consumers, motorists and the BPA,
representing the parking Industry. (a copy of the advert for the post is attached for
information)

The first Chair to be independent and not have any direct links with any sector
involved in parking on private land

The first Chair to agree the process for the appointment of members of the Board and
to approve the actual appointments to ensure an appropriate mix of skills

The first post to be advertised externally including through the Governments ‘Public
Appointments’ website.

The term of office to be for 2 years with an additional term of 2 years by agreement of
Page 2 of 5
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.3
the Board

The Board to have the power to terminate the appointment of a Chair following a vote
of no confidence
6. The Board – composition. The Board to consist of representatives of all stakeholders
involved in private parking as follows:

Chair - independent individual with the gravitas to gain the support of the consumer,
media and Industry as defined above.

Representatives on behalf of:
Consumers
2 (individuals nominated by consumer representative bodies,
selected by a panel and approved by the Chair)
Motorists
2 (individuals nominated by motoring bodies selected by the panel
and approved by the Chair)
Landowners
1 (individual nominated by landowner representative bodies
selected by the panel and approved by the chair)
Operators
2 (individuals nominated by AOS operators selected by the panel
and approved by the Chair)
Parking sector
2 (appointed by BPA Council)
Total
9 (excluding Chair)
 Secretary/Director (Non Voting )
 Government to be invited to send an observer to meetings (Non- voting)
 BPA Chief Executive and Representatives from PoPLA/London Councils to
attend as required (Non- voting)
It is important that the membership of the Board provides a balance of skills
within it.
Notes
1. The term of office for members of the Board would normally be 3 years plus
one additional term. Staggering of representatives’ appointments would be
sensible to ensure continuity of operation as appropriate
2. A Vice Chairman to be elected from those appointed.
3. A quorum to be 5 members
3. The Administration of the Board to be undertaken by a part-time dedicated
IAS Board
Page 3 of 5
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.3
Secretary/Director who would ultimately be responsible to the Chair of the
Board who would appoint, appraise and if necessary terminate the appointment in
consultation with other members of the Board. The post to be ‘hosted’ by the BPA to ensure
employment rights are protected.
4. Apart from the Chair, members of the Board would be unpaid being supported by their
representative bodies.
7. Conduct
The Board will need to agree its own procedures and processes but it is envisaged that
meetings of the Board would be held on a quarterly basis and that any resolution would be
passed by a simple majority of those voting. In the case of an equality of votes, the chair to
have a second or casting vote. It would be good practice for the work of the Board to be
published on the internet.
8. Even though the Board will not be a public body it is important that it demonstrates high
standards of corporate and personal conduct and subscribes to the Code of Conduct for
Board members of Public Bodies or Nolan Principles.
9. Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding
It is important that the new Board and BPA enter into a Memorandum of Agreement or
Understanding to highlight the way in which the IAS will operate, to clarify the roles and
relationship between each party, to promote mutual understanding to ensure the
independence of the IAS and to ‘host’ the Board.
10. Relationships
It is also important that the Board establishes and maintains a good working relationship with
stakeholders and partners both within and outside the sector and with the media and bodies
representing the consumer in order to improve public trust in the Service.
11. Expenses
Where the expenses of a member of the Board are not paid by his or her representative
body/employer normal modest expenses can be claimed from the organization, subject to the
provision of receipts and to any limit agreed by the Board from time to time.
12. Insurances
No Director or Officer of the Body should act outside their authority, or commit the
organisation to any financial transaction outside their responsibility or place themselves in any
situation where their personal interests conflict with those of the body. Subject to these
caveats the Board will take out Directors and Officers Liability and Professional Indemnity
Insurance to protect Board members against possible claims against them.
13. Conflict of Interests
Members of the Board will need to declare any actual or perceived conflict of interest
IAS Board
Page 4 of 5
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.3
TIMINGS
The Key timings are:
o
o
o
o
5 June BPA Council – for formal sign off
End July – appoint Chair
Mid September – finalise membership of Board
Early October – first meeting of Board
Keith Banbury
29/05/2013
IAS Board
Page 5 of 5
Advert
Appointment of the Chair to the Independent Appeal
Service (IAS) Management Board
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Host Body: BPA
Department: Department for Transport
Location: London
Number of Vacancies: 1
Remuneration: £6,000 per annum
Time Requirements: Circa 20 days a year
Closing Date:???
Vacancy Description
The British Parking Association is looking to appoint a Chair to a new Independent Management
Board with the role to oversee the IAS in respect of parking on private land. The Board will
ensure that the IAS is independent, operates effectively and is fair to both the motorist and
parking operator. For more details about the IAS and role of the Board see the information pack
at XXX
Person Specification
The Chair will be a high profile appointment that requires an outstanding individual with board
level experience of a national public or private sector organisation, and who has an awareness
and understanding of the issues related to parking on private land but who is independent and
does not have any direct links with any sector involved in parking on private land.
How to Apply
Complete the Application form attached and return to xxx by yyy
Chair of the IAS Management Board
Application form
Thank you for your interest in this appointment. This form can be completed on your
own PC, and returned by email to the BPA at xxxx. If completing by hand, please use
black ink to assist with photocopying. This form should be returned, together with your
CV and any continuation sheets to xxx
The BPA values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity for
all.
Your personal details
Surname
First name
Title
Honours
Home address
County
Postcode
Contacts
E-mail address
Home Phone
Mobile
Details of current or most
recent post
Specific Expertise
The information pack provides details of the criteria sought for the Chair.
This section gives you the opportunity to provide evidence to support how you meet all of the
relevant criteria identified based on your professional/personal experience.
Experience:
 Please provide evidence of your experience of governance and leadership and the ability
to analyse, deliver and explain difficult judgements or decisions under considerable
scrutiny
 Please provide evidence of your board level experience of a national public or private
sector organisation and the ability to work with experts across a range of specialisms
 Please demonstrate your awareness of the parking sector
Skills:
 Please demonstrate your ability to provide strong leadership to a high profile board
 Please provide evidence of being an effective public communicator with the ability to
command the respect of all key stakeholders, including consumers, industry figures.
 demonstrate your understanding of the political environment within which policy is
developed and decisions are made
Personal Standards and Values:
 Please provide evidence of your ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and the
ability to act as an ambassador for the sector and consumer protection objectives
 Please provide evidence of being an open-mind and strategic thinker, combined with an
ability to rise above own immediate interests in delivering the Boards objectives
 Please demonstrate your commitment to the openness, transparency of process and
independence of the IAS
Desirable Criteria:

Please demonstrate your experience of working with the media

Please demonstrate your experience of working with Government

Please demonstrate a general understanding of parking on private land
Your CV
You may enclose a brief, up to date CV (no more than 2 sides of A4 please) outlining your
employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience, together
with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualification.
Declaration of interests and ensuring public confidence
Do you have any business or personal interests that might be relevant to the work of the body
for which you have applied and which could lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest were
you to be appointed? If yes, please provide details below.
No
Yes
Should you be successful in your application, is there anything about your professional history, if
brought into the public domain, may cause embarrassment or disrepute to the organisation?
No
Yes
If yes, please give details below (Failure to disclose such information could result in an
appointment being terminated – refer to “Disqualification for appointment” section in the
Information Pack):
Sectoral background
Do you consider your sectoral background to be?
Mostly
private
Mostly Civil
Service
Mostly wider
public service
Mostly third
sector
Mixed
Public appointments currently held
Candidates for appointment are required to provide full information about any public appointments
they hold.
Do you currently hold any public appointments?
No
Yes
If "yes" please give the following additional information.
Body & Role
Period of appointment
From
To
Payments
received
Government
Department or
public body
References
Please provide details of two referees who will support your application, at least one of whom
must be from a “line management capacity” related to your most recent professional and / or
voluntary activity. They will be expected to have authorative and personal knowledge of your
achievements/competencies. The referees will be approached only if you are invited for
interview.
Name
Name
Address
Address
Postcode
Postcode
Home Phone
Home Phone
Mobile
Mobile
E-mail
E-mail
Relationship
Relationship
Tick to indicate if
this is from a line
manager capacity
The Commissioner for Public Appointments
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates and monitors appointments to public bodies to
ensure procedures are fair. Information you provide in your application may be made available to the
Commissioner for Public Appointments and the Commissioner’s auditors on a confidential basis in order
to help fulfil the Commissioner’s formal complaints investigation role and for audit purposes. This is a
requirement of the Commissioner's Code of Practice.
Code of Conduct
While not a public appointment it is envisaged that the appointment will be seen in the same light and
similar requirements to abide by the Seven principles of public Life will apply. Please confirm that you
have read and understood the standards of probity required by public appointees as outlined in the
Cabinet Office Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies (June 2011).
No
Yes
Declaration
To the best of my knowledge and belief, the information given in this form is complete and correct. I have
considered and understood any criteria for disqualification from appointment and I am not disqualified. I
understand that if I am appointed and any of the information I have provided is subsequently found to be
untrue then my appointment may be terminated. I confirm and accept these conditions.
No
Signature
Yes
Date
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.4
CMAP Terms of Reference - A Refocus
Report to:
Council
Title
Author
Kelvin Reynolds
Director
Kelvin Reynolds - Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Date of Report
5th June 2013
SUMMARY
In May, CMAP considered a potential new refocus for CMAP and this report briefly discusses the
history and role of CMAP and puts forward a revised proposal to realign its terms of reference to
better support the delivery of the new five-year strategy and business plans.
In essence it suggests a change of emphasis to cover BPA Communications Policy, Public Affairs,
Lobbying and Research.
Financial matters of membership would continue to be the responsibility of the Executive Board
through budget management and professionalism standards and other member services which
require Council member input would be the focus of the Professional Development and Standards
Board.
RECOMMENDATION
Council is recommended to agree the revised Terms of Reference for CMAP set out in Appendix A.
Background
CMAP originated as the Editorial Board for Parking News; this was especially important when the
production of the magazine was in the hands of two consultant / subcontractors, one for editing and
one for advertising sales, with the design work being done in-house. In recent years design and
production has been outsourced to a mainstream publishing house and advertising transferred to a
specialist business. Editorial policy remains with CMAP but Editorial ‘independence’ rests with the
publisher thus ensuring a robust professional magazine.
Communication needs at the BPA have expanded considerably in recent times with the need to not
only communicate with members through Parking News but also with a wider range of stakeholders,
including consumers and the Government, but also with the development of social media and the
increasing influence we have on the media and vice versa. There is now an important role for a
communications to cover all stakeholders and channels of communication. In short an integrated
communications policy.
Page 1 of 6
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.4
CMAP also has oversight of the John Heasman Bursary and the Ernest Davies Award. It has an
interest in member events and especially Parkex and the BPA Annual Conference.
Parkex is now delivered by a conference and event specialist contractor and in 2013 the BPA
annual conference is being replaced by a number of super-regional events to avoid a clash with the
EPA Congress in Dublin in September 2013.
The main role for CMAP is to guide and inform the content of these publications and events which
should form part of the overall BPA 5 Year Strategy, its associated Business Plans and
Communications policy.
Increasingly public affairs and research have become headline activities at BPA and likewise Master
Plans and lobbying is an important feature in the work of the BPA. It is appropriate to consider
proper and effective debate for these matters and for the staff executive to be supported in a more
tangible way by BPA Council members in this regard.
Special-Interest Groups too increasingly play a role in promoting ideas for research and the
development of matters of interest which become Master Plan elements and the focus of our
lobbying work. Increasingly research plays an important role in this too. The John Heasman Bursary
and The Ernest Davies Award can play an important role in stimulating research and knowledge
sharing and there is a separate Report to CMAP about making better use of these in future.
Proposal
Consider that the Advisory Panel has the following remit:

BPA Communications Policy Strategy and Plan, to include but not limited to:
o Promotion of all existing and future BPA ‘Brands’ e.g. BPA, Park Mark®, AOS,
Parking Forum, Charters, etc. to all stakeholders.
This is achieved as follows:







BPA Communications Policy Strategy and Plan, to include but not limited to:
o Promotion of all existing and future BPA ‘Brands’ e.g. BPA, Park Mark®, AOS,
Parking Forum, Charters, etc. to all stakeholders.
BPA Public Affairs and Lobbying Policy
o Public Relations, Public Affairs and Lobbying
o Master Plans
The Research Programme
The John Heasman Bursary
The Ernest Davies Award
Stakeholder Communications
o All Publications, including Parking News and Websites’ Content
o Social Media
o News and Printed Media
o Membership Communications
BPA Events, including but not limited to:
Page 2 of 6
BPA Council
5th June 2013
o
o
Agenda Item 3.4
Parkex, Annual Conferences, President’s Reception, etc.
Special Interest Groups and Regional Events
Terms of Reference
A draft ToR is provided at Appendix A to this Report. At its meeting on 28 May, CMAP agreed
these terms of reference and added the need to develop some performance indicators so that it
could monitor activity and report periodically to Council. It also recognised the need to adapt further
following the changes to BPA governance.
None
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
This proposal will focus the staffing needs of the Advisory Panel and thus improve the efficiency and
deployment of the staff executive.
None
This proposal more closely aligns the Advisory Panels to the 5 Year Strategy and Business Plan. It
provides support for the Policy and Public Affairs team and provides a focus for determining
priorities in lobbying and research portfolios at the BPA.
Kelvin Reynolds
Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Page 3 of 6
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.4
APPENDIX A
TERMS OF REFERENCE - Communications & Media Advisory Panel
Key Responsibilities
To oversee the design, development and delivery of the BPA Communications strategy and plan to
support the achievement of the BPA’s 5-year strategy and Business Plan
To oversee and steer the development of the following business activities of the BPA:
Communications strategy and plan to include:
 Promotion of all current and future BPA brands, quality marks and initiatives, including but
not limited to:
 BPA, Park Mark®, AOS, Parking Forum, sector Charters, Model Contract and the
emerging Framework of Excellence

Communication across a range of channels, not limited to:
 Digital, online, print, social networks, video, press releases, to the following
audiences:

o Members – Corporate and individual, AOS and SPS
o Stakeholders – e.g. government, public bodies, associations
o Public
o Media
o Internal stakeholders – employees, boards etc

Public Affairs and lobbying policy, to include:
 To oversee the design, development and delivery of the BPA’s public affairs and
lobbying policy
 To oversee the design, development and delivery of BPA Master Plans
 Influencing government and other key stakeholders

Research programme
 To oversee the design development and delivery of an annual research programme

John Heasman Bursary
 To oversee the creation and maintenance of criteria for the John Heasman Bursary
 To act as the judging panel for the bursary if and when appropriate
 To oversee the award of monies for individual research initiatives

Ernest Davies Award for the Advancement of Parking Knowledge
 To oversee the creation and maintenance of criteria for the Ernest Davies Award
 To act as judging panel for the Ernest Davies Award if and when appropriate.
Page 4 of 6
BPA Council
5th June 2013

Agenda Item 3.4
Events, meeting and activities:
 To monitor and provide guidance on the production of events such as Parkex, Annual
Conferences, President’s Reception, regional, country and special interest groups
 To advise on seminar themes, presentations, speakers and contributors to ensure
topical and relevant content for regional, country and special interest groups

Parking News:
 To oversee the creation and maintenance of an editorial policy for all
publications, including Parking News and company websites
 To oversee the development of an annual editorial and business plan for Parking
News and other revenue generating publications
 To review, monitor and assist with the development, circulation, advertising and
awareness of marketing trends, competition and commercial initiatives
associated with Parking News, websites, and other communications channels

Advertising sponsorship and fundraising:
 To monitor and provide guidance on the management of contractors responsible for
advertising, sponsorship and fundraising associated with communications, marketing,
publications and events
 To monitor and provide guidance regarding opportunities for advertising, sponsorship and
fundraising associated with communications, marketing, publications and events
 To assist with feasibility studies for additional revenue streams associated with advertising,
sponsorship and fundraising associated with communications, marketing, publications and
events
Reporting to: BPA Council through the Executive Board
Method of Operating: Quarterly or 4 meetings a year
Composition:




Chair (elected from within the members of CMAP and endorsed by BPA Council)
Vice Chair
6 Council members (maximum)
Honorary Treasurer (ex officio)
Staff members: Head of Public Affairs and Research/ Director of Policy and Public Affairs/
Membership & Events Manager
Additional staff members as required: CEO/Chief Operating Officer/ Head of Membership &
Professional Development.
Contractors to be invited as required: Editor of Parking News, Advertising Manager
Important Note
Page 5 of 6
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.4
All minutes, notes, documents and other papers supplied to you by the BPA are considered to be confidential,
together with any copies or extracts thereof, made or acquired by you in the course of your membership of the
Council, Board or Advisory Panel shall remain the property of the BPA and must not be shared with
colleagues, members or external stakeholders without the permission of the Chair of the Board, who shall
seek guidance from Council where appropriate.
The Freedom of Information Acts does not apply to the BPA. All minutes, notes, documents and other papers
supplied to you by the BPA are considered to be confidential and supplied to you as an individual and not in
your capacity of an employee of an organisation which is required to release information under the terms of
the Freedom of Information Acts.
Page 6 of 6
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Report to:
Council
Title
Author
Dave Smith
Director
Kelvin Reynolds, Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Date of Report
5th June 2013
SUMMARY
This report proposes a Strategy for all future BPA Communications having been developed in-line
with the BPA Business Plan and 5 Year Strategy. The document will be owned by the Policy and
Public Affairs Team and managed by the Head of Public Affairs and Research. An Action Plan
which will provide further detail on each individual activity and make each one SMART and these
will be developed once the Strategy is approved.
RECOMMENDATION
a) CMAP considered and agreed to the proposed Communications Strategy put forward at its
recent meeting and Council are therefore recommended to accept the proposals.
b) CMAP recommends Council to agree the communications strategy set out in Appendix A.
BACKGROUND
Communication is one of the biggest challenges the BPA currently faces. As the organisation strives
to drive up standards across the parking profession, it must engage effectively with stakeholders to
ensure that its key messages are communicated to the right audience, at the right time.
It is important that the BPA has a clearly defined Strategy in place which outlines how, when, to
whom and by what means each piece of communications is designed and delivered.
Communications objectives should be clearly defined and aligned with the BPA’s Business Plan.
The Communications Strategy aims to ensure that all BPA messages are delivered consistently
across all channels in support of its key objectives.
Once approved, all BPA communications will be delivered by the relevant team or person and in
general accordance with the Strategy: for example Membership Communications by Member
Services and Professional Development and Operational Services and Stakeholder
Communications by the Policy and Public Affairs Team.
Page 1 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
PROPOSAL
The Communications Strategy proposes a range of activity which clearly aligns with the BPA
Business Plan and 5 Year Strategy. It identifies the key audiences who the BPA should be
communicating to:





Media
Public
Stakeholders (External to the organisation)
Member
Internal stakeholders
All BPA communications will be delivered by the relevant team or person and in general accordance
with the Strategy: for example Membership Communications by Member Services and Professional
Development and Operational Services and Stakeholder Communications by the Policy and Public
Affairs Team. Channels and tools are then identified and the most appropriate is selected for each
audience and activity.
The proposed communications activity is specifically aimed to achieve the BPA’s objectives. Once
reviewed, its proposals will be carried forward into a Communications Plan which will provide more
detail on each proposal or activity, including when and how this will be carried out, by whom, over
what time period and by which team or member of staff, for example:








Activity
Ownership
SMART objectives
Channels and tools to be used
Resources required
Budgets
Timeframes
KPIs
The Communications Strategy should be fluid and flexible with regular evaluation to maintain the
focus of achieving objectives. Careful monitoring and evaluation of each activity of the plan is
important in helping to understand whether they have been successful in achieving objectives and if
not, to analyse why. Therefore each activity should carry with it a performance measure and
success indicator to assist with evaluation.
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
A draft of the Strategy is included in APPENDIX A
The majority of proposals are made with existing BPA budgets in mind. However, there may be a
number of proposals and suggestions that cannot be fulfilled in a short timeframe and therefore will
develop over a number of years.
Page 2 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS
The proposals and subsequent activities outlined in the plan will be carried out by members of both
the Public Affairs and Member Services team as required. Where activities involve a third party,
these will be managed by the Head of the appropriate Team.
The Communications Strategy aligns directly with the BPA’s 5 Year Business Plan and 5 Year
Strategy, proposing activities that are aimed at meeting thee key objectives which have been
agreed by Council in developing the Business Plan.
Dave Smith
Head of Public Affairs and Research
Page 3 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
APPENDIX A
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
Introduction
This document outlines a communications strategy for the British Parking Association (BPA). It includes an
overview of the organisation’s priorities for communicating to all of its key audiences and is linked to the
current 5 year strategy and business plan.
Communication is one of the biggest challenges the BPA currently faces. As the organisation strives to drive
up standards across the parking profession, it must engage effectively with stakeholders to ensure that its
key messages are communicated to the right audience, at the right time.
Communications objectives should be clearly defined and aligned with the business objectives of the
organisation. The Communications Strategy aims to ensure that all BPA messages are delivered consistently
across all channels in support of its key objectives.
Objectives
The BPA has clearly defined Vision and Mission statements.
The BPA Vision is to achieve excellence in parking for all. Its Mission is to actively represent and promote the
sector by advancing knowledge, raising standards and professionalism and using our influence to deliver
excellence for the benefit of all.
The BPA’s six core objectives as set out in the 5 year strategy are to: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Put the consumer at the heart of its thinking
Develop its membership and delivering better value
Inform and influence Government
Build a consensus with all stakeholders
Promote innovation, technology and sustainability
Make parking a recognised profession
The BPA’s business plan for the period 2012 – 2017 outlines objectives for communication and engagement
in line with the BPA’s 5 year strategy. Each objective is aligned to a specific strategic objective and assigned
to a Director or Head of Department within the organisation whose resources are best suited to delivering
each objective or set of objectives.
Page 4 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
A number of these objectives have specific communication requirements and resource implications. These
implications will be examined in greater detail later in this document. Each objective carries with it a related
deadline to complete by within the 5 year period.
Whilst some are perceived to be achievable in the short term, others are deemed on-going and therefore
long term objectives. All require appropriate, consistent and planned communication but some will be more
time sensitive and require a more focused plan. These will be examined in the Communications plan section
of this document.
Audiences
It is important to identify with whom the BPA wishes to communicate. By defining specific audiences and
determining their needs, appropriate communication channels and tools can then be chosen. The audiences
that are specific to the BPA are outlined below.
Media
The BPA’s relationship with the media has evolved over recent years and as the spotlight has shone more
brightly on the parking profession, so too has the BPA become more transparent and willing to communicate
via media channels.
There is no doubt though that there is more to do in engaging with media outlets and raising awareness of
the BPA, its work and the achievements of the profession.
The rise in social media, blogs, forums and online news channels has meant that the media and those
posting on websites and social networks are now intrinsically linked. The BPA must be aware of this and set
the agenda by proactively seeking to generate news and developing a closer relationship with the media.
Public
Putting the consumer at the heart of its thinking is a key objective and the BPA has a key role in educating
the motorist. This could include messaging that clearly communicates why parking management is needed;
what the rules and guidelines are; what to do when a ticket is issued; how to appeal an unfair ticket and how
to appeal.
Public perceptions of parking vary greatly and whilst the majority of motorists appear to park compliantly,
there are many that ignore or do not see parking signs or, do not understand the rules when parking.
The BPA has a clear objective in wishing to be recognised as the authority in parking. Consumers want
reliable and trustworthy information on what to do and how to park compliantly and the BPA has a role to
Page 5 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
play in helping members to raise standards in their operational and service delivery and ultimately becoming
more professional.
We have learnt that the public do not always have a negative view of parking and why it is needed as
perhaps the media would wish to portray.
Stakeholders (external to the organisation)
The BPA is already engaged with a number of external organisations (See Appendix) and groups on varying
levels and there are many other potential partnerships that could be made, or existing ones that could be
developed.
The BPA is keen to explore opportunities for engagement, knowledge sharing, intelligence and collaboration
and has a key objective to build a consensus with all stakeholders.
Relationships with government at both local and national level are vital and creating opportunities to discuss
issues with Ministers, MPs and other officials is an important objective that can help raise awareness of the
BPA and parking profession.
Members
The BPA currently has over 720 corporate members and 86 individual members. Of the corporate members:






288 are local authorities
374 are commercial companies
37 are international affiliates
9 are overseas
1 is private
14 are honorary
Whilst membership continues to grow at a regular pace, it is recognised that there are specific areas where
the potential is greater. What is also clear is that the type of member is changing and that the private sector
now makes up the majority, made of a variety of different sectors.
Communication therefore needs to be tailored in order to be relevant for each sector and this work is best
informed by feedback generated through special interest group meetings.
Further analysis of specific sectors needs to be undertaken to determine the proportion of members within
each sector.
AOS, SPS and other sector standards
Page 6 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
The BPA is currently developing sector specific standards that existing and some applying members will
attain as an entry level requirement to complete their application to the BPA. Included in these standards
are the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) and Safer Parking Scheme (SPS).
The AOS for companies operating parking on private land has 177 members, all of whom also have BPA
corporate membership.
Members of both schemes require tailored communication that is specific to their needs and work is in
progress to achieve this with the restyling of communication to AOS members and the re-communication of
member benefits.
A new website for the Safer Parking Scheme is also in development and will become a central part of all ongoing communication.
Individual members
The individual member category is relatively new and a specific and set of key messages to be
communicated has already been developed. This an important area of potential growth for the BPA and
there is a need to target those working at the front line of parking, delivering service such as civil
enforcement or notice processing.
It is important for the BPA to be seen as a professional organisation which is recognised by the parking
profession, and one that can offer guidance and support through an individual’s parking career by providing
a hub of knowledge opportunities through various BPA events.
Employees and internal stakeholders
It is important to recognise that the successful implementation of any communication strategy depends on
employee engagement and awareness of what is trying to be achieved.
Employees are an organisation’s most valuable asset and many will be involved in the design and
implementation of a number of the communication strategy proposals and plans.
Clear communication of objectives helps to ensure a consistent message is delivered throughout all levels of
the organisation. Internal stakeholders also include members of the following groups:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
BPA Council
Executive Board
Presidential Team
Approved Operator Scheme board
Professional Development and Standards board
Safer Parking Advisory Panel
Communications and Media Advisory Panel
Page 7 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Communication channels and tools
The BPA has a number of different channels available with which to communicate its messages, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Digital and e-media
Websites and online
Social media
Public relations
Public affairs
Printed collateral
Events and meetings
Codes and guidelines
Within each channel, there are a number of tools that are used to deliver the messages, including:
Digital and e-media
•
•

Email
E-newsletters
Video
Websites and online
•
•
•
•
BPA News
Park Mark Awards
Blogs
Forums
Social media
•
•
•
•
•
LinkedIn – groups and forums
Twitter – BPA and SPS pages
Facebook – BPA and SPS pages
Google+ - BPA and SPS pages
Yammer (for internal communications)
Public Relations
•
•
•
•
•
•
Press releases
Articles in printed and online media, publications, blogs
Press packs
Press briefings
New product and initiative launches
Interviews – TV and radio
Page 8 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Public affairs
• Stakeholder engagement
• Parking Forum
• Media relationships
• Government and ministerial engagement
Events and meetings
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Parkex
Annual Conference
Presidents Reception
Members Dinner
Regional meetings
SIGs
Boards
Advisory Panels
Printed collateral
•
•
•
Publications – Parking News, Park Mark Update
Newsletters – AOS, Park Mark update
Literature – information, leaflets, flyers, application forms
Codes and guidelines
•
•
•
•
•
BPA Code of Practice for the Approved Operators Scheme
Safer Parking Scheme Assessment Guidelines
Charter for Healthcare and Higher Education
Technical papers – Parking Practice Notes, Information Notes, Position Papers
BPA Model Contract
Whilst these channels are not exhaustive, they form the core of available methods of communication which
the BPA currently uses. Further channels may be added as and when they become relevant to the
organisation or the audience being communicated to.
Proposed activity
This section sets out the proposed communications activity which will aim to achieve the BPA’s objectives.
Once reviewed, any proposals which are agreed to be suitable and achievable will be carried forward into a
Communications Plan which will provide more detail on each proposal or activity including when and how
this will be carried out, by whom over what time period and by which team of member of staff.
Page 9 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
A number of activities may be delivered over a shorter or longer period of time. It is therefore important to
define the current objectives in order of priority. The key objectives based on the BPA’s business plan are as
follows: -
Short term
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ensure that a minimum of 90% of parking stories are referenced to the BPA and that at least 90%
of stories include that reference
Achieve joint press and media campaigns with stakeholders
Set the media agenda through proactive media campaigning
Manage an annual programme of research
Improve the profile and output of the Parking Forum
Explore the establishment of an all-party parliamentary committee on parking and traffic
management in all UK Parliaments and Assemblies
Maintain regular summits with Ministers from all UK Parliaments and Assemblies
Maintain publication and delivery of annual Master Plans for UK, England, Scotland, Wales and a
Shared Vision of Parking in the island of Ireland1
Proactively inform government and its agencies of trends in the sector
Pursue reputational excellence through competent responses to government consultations
Develop a public information campaign to inform motorists of parking law and best practice to
improve parking behaviour and compliance
Identify opportunities to work with government and like-minded stakeholders to deliver
sustainability in parking linked to social responsibility
Long term
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1
Enhance the parking profession’s understanding of competing customers’ needs to deliver
better services to motorists
Broaden BPA’s appeal to organisations and individuals where parking is more peripheral e.g.
shopping centres, airports
Enhance understanding and awareness of disability issues
Improve relations with key service providers e.g. Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC) , POPLA
Improve data accuracy at DVLA, Traffic Penalty Tribunal – TPT (for England and Wales and
Parking and Traffic Appeals Service – PATAS (for London)
Develop relations with European Associations through the EPA
Work with local authorities at all levels to inform and influence on parking policy
Establish routines for life-care protection of ageing structures
Encourage invention and public acceptance of innovation in parking technology
Develop a CPD culture across the sector
Improve employer engagement for measurable increase in qualification take up
Shared with Irish Parking Association and BPA in Northern Ireland.
Page 10 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
•
•
•
•
Agenda Item 3.5
Explore options for establishing the BPA as an accrediting organisation for frameworks of
excellence etc.
Enhance the profile of Parking News within the profession
Promote the BPA framework of excellence across the sector, to stakeholders and to government
Promoting innovation, technology and sustainability across the parking profession
Current activity
The following outlines current BPA activities either in progress or at the outset which are designed to meet
the above objectives:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Development of Master Plans for 2013-14 for England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
Development of new website for the Safer Parking Scheme
Enhancements to the BPA website
Delivery of regular e-zines and newsletters to members
Redesign of BPA membership packs and associated communication
Communication of benefits to individual members
Promotion and development of the Parking Forum
Development of ITT for the provision of PR and public affairs for the BPA and private parking sector
Creation of an annual programme of research
Promotion and communication of the John Heasman Bursary
Development of the BPA’s participation in the Transport Hub at the 2013 party conferences
Development of the BPA’s Framework of Excellence
Development of CPD Diploma and Awards
Proposed activity
Based on the objectives outlined and the BPA’s target audiences, the following communications activities are
proposed. The list is not exhaustive but forms the basis of proposed activity.
The Communications strategy and plan should be fluid and flexible with regular evaluation to maintain the
focus of achieving objectives.
Media




Expand the role of the BPA as the professional body representing the parking sector
Build contacts and relationships with key media contacts
Set the agenda with proactive campaigning
Collaborate with key stakeholders across projects
Objective - Make the BPA the first port of call for parking sector media enquiries; achieve joint press
and media campaigns with stakeholders; set the media agenda through proactive media
campaigning
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BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Channels – social, online, digital, print, broadcast
Expand the role of the BPA as the professional body representing the parking sector
A specific objective is to ensure that a minimum of 90% of parking stories are referenced to the BPA and that
at least 90% of stories include that reference.
Monitoring relevant parking stories in the media online is achievable using Google Alerts which searches on
specific key words. We currently have 200+ alerts set up and results delivered direct to the media inbox
when relevant results are found. These results are produced throughout the day and are monitored,
assessing an action for each story. This could be:
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Tweeted or posted to Facebook, LinkedIn or Yammer
Saved for reference using online bookmarking application bitly.com
Assessed for a possible response by letter, email, via online forum
Consumer forums are also monitored using Google Alerts set up using BPA member’s company names as the
keyword. When a company is mentioned, an alert is produced and the Forum thread can be directly
accessed. This provides useful intelligence, ensuring we keep up-to-date with current topics of discussion.
Monitoring printed media is perhaps more challenging and requires the BPA to achieve its aim of being
recognised as the authority on parking in the eyes of the media and journalists in particular.
We currently use a service called Journalisted which tracks and generates alerts for key journalists and
commentators who have produced written articles online with a transport theme, for example:
 Martin Delgado (Mail Online)
 Robert Fisk (The Independent)
 Fiona Harvey (The Guardian)
 Ray Massey (Mail Online)
 David Millward (The Daily Telegraph)
 Anna Tims (The Observer)
 Ben Webster (The Times)
 David Williams (The Observer, Mail Online)
 Christian Wolmar (The Times)
We also subscribe to a daily Transport and Infrastructure Daily Briefing supplied by Freshwater which
includes a round- up of relevant transport activity in the media and government.
Build contacts and relationships with key media contacts
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BPA Council
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Agenda Item 3.5
The BPA needs to have a more proactive approach to the media and this will be a key role of the Public
Affairs and Media Officer. Developing and building relationships with media contacts would seem to be
central to this and work to ensure that we are fully aware of and have up to date contact information with
Transport journalists from the main media outlets needs to be central to this objective.
Journalists need a certain amount of winning over and regular meetings to keep them up to speed with what
the hot topics are could help with building relationships and keeping the BPA at the foremost of their
thinking.
Inviting the media to events such as the annual Presidents’ reception or Annual Conference, offering
exclusives for new initiatives or launches and generally being proactive by speaking to the media first, rather
than have them come to us for a comment after a story has broken. This provides the journalist with
tangible areas to engage with us on.
The BPA has lots of useful content that it should look to ‘package’ appealingly and present to the media to
create some interest. A media pack, specifically tailored towards journalist could be produced annually or
periodically, setting out what the hot topics are for the next period – those that media should be covering as
they are in the public interest and likely to be debated further.
Set the agenda with proactive campaigning
Those producing content online, either as part of their own blog or by contributing to others as a ‘guest
blogger, have enormous influence in the online space. By identifying those who are writing about parking
and transport issues and then entering into a dialogue with them, the BPA can deliver its message through a
blogger, out into the online space and their audience.
Often blogs are shared across social networks for a wider audience still. The BPA also need to make much
better use of its own blog to build influence. Work is underway to enhance this channel as part of a wider
website refresh.
The Public Affairs Team has a role to play in getting published content wherever an opportunity presents
itself. Parking impacts on many different areas of the wider community and already we have published
articles for titles in the Healthcare, Airline, Railway and Technology sectors and there
Collaborate with key stakeholders across projects
It’s important that the BPA looks at opportunities to collaborate with its partners and other key stakeholders
where they may be able to work together.
A collective of organisations all with the same thinking can be powerful when campaigning and there are
instances when we should be seeking to put out joint press releases and liaising more with its colleagues at
other organisation.
Page 13 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
The Transport Hub and APPG already highlighted present opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders
with similar objectives.
Public
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Research to identify public perceptions on parking
Develop an awareness campaign highlighting parking rules and regulations
Create working relationship with the Driving Standards Agency with regard to driving higher
standards.
Promoting the Safer Parking Scheme
Objective - Develop a public information campaign to inform motorists of parking law and best practice to
improve parking behaviour and compliance; make parking a recognised profession, putting the consumer at
the heart of our thinking
Channels – online, social media, print, events
Research to identify public perceptions on parking
Parking rules and regulations can often be confusing and complex for the motorist. The BPA has a role to
play in helping to educate and inform members of the public for whom parking is a regular activity.
Asking the motorist for their views can highlight:
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What level of knowledge exists about parking laws and regulations?
What considerations do motorists make when choosing where to park?
Is the BPA recognised as the professional association for parking?
What level of awareness exists for the AOS, Park Mark?
Is parking considered as a profession and a career choice?
Results of an annual or periodical survey to identify public perceptions could go some way to dispelling some
of the myths held about parking. Understanding the range of choices which motorists make when choosing
to park can help members when designing and delivering services for them.
Publishing the results also provides an opportunity for the BPA to raise awareness of these issues. This
content could be used across a variety of channels and in many different ways, including: 
Social media
o
o
o
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Facebook pages
Twitter sound bites
Infographics
Video clips (if filmed)
Fact sheets and reports
Page 14 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013

Agenda Item 3.5
Press and media releases
This type of information would be of interest to other organisations where the motorist is a ‘customer’ such
as car insurance companies, retailers, shopping centres, not to mention our own members.
Media outlets are also likely to pick up on statistics and survey result that involve the ‘consumer’. Parking
and driving affects everyone, whether as a motorist, passenger or pedestrian and the human interest of
these insights could expect to receive widespread media coverage.
The type of survey used is dependent on the questions asked and what insights are being sought. For this
type of research, the following two methods would seem most appropriate:
- Online surveys
An online survey is a simple, inexpensive way to collect anecdotal evidence and gather customer opinions
and preferences. They usually generate unpredictable response rates and unreliable data, because of the
lack of control over the pool of respondents.
However, as already indicated, most consumers have an interest in motoring and therefore parking and the
pool is very high. Offering an incentive could also be an option, to encourage a higher response rate.
Surveys can be hosted on BPA websites, delivered via social media and sent to partner organisations and
stakeholders to distribute.
The BPA already uses online survey creator Survey Monkey to produce surveys and results which can be
accessed easily online and turned into reports.
- Interviews
In-person surveys or one-on-one interviews are typically conducted in high-footfall locations such as
shopping centres and town centres. They allow the gathering of immediate feedback and can generate high
response rates but are costly due to time and resources involved. Interviews could be used in conjunction
with promotion and public awareness of key BPA initiatives such as the AOS and Safer Parking Scheme.
It should also be noted that research is currently being undertaken by student Isobel Beetham, a PhD
student at Loughborough University which aims to examine public perceptions on parking behaviour. The
BPA are also exploring other opportunities where research already exists, or that the BPA can facilitate
through its Bursary.
It is also important to recognise that a representative sample of the population is needed to ensure that
views across all ages and demographics are included and that not just the extreme views at opposite ends of
the spectrum, as this could distort the results.
Awareness campaign highlighting parking rules and regulations
-
Which? Guide
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BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
The BPA has already produced a guide to parking in conjunction with consumer group Which? However, this
has not been promoted widely and there is scope to raise awareness. This could be achieved with

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A dedicated social media page
Online interactive quiz
Regular tweets with key facts
An app – know your parking signs
Video – short clips on YouTube
The benefits are that these types of communication can be shared easily between individuals.
Regular press releases highlighting key points can also generate interest. The guide answers many of the
questions members of the public frequently ask about parking.
The BPA should also explore opportunities to work with other organisations to promote and publicise the
guide. This helps with the BPA’s aim of being recognised as the authority on parking.
-
Workplace Law
Workplace Law specialises in employment law, health and safety, and environmental management. A
leading provider of information, training, consultancy and support services, it helps organisations go beyond
compliance in the workplace and build a better future.
The BPA have helped to provide information on parking and traffic management law for their handbook
section and will continue to ensure this is maintained and up-to-date
http://www.workplacelaw.net/health-and-safety/info-centre/guides/44995/parking
There are other opportunities that are being explored with Workplace Law including recording video clips
offering advice for their online channels
Create a working relationship with the Driving Standards Agency
The DSA provide National standards for driving and it could be worth exploring whether there is scope to
work with them and include parking rules and regulations in any of their publication and guidance
documents.
For example Know Your Traffic Signs includes a section on parking and The Highway Code also includes
various Annexes. The Road user and the law includes current legislation - Road Traffic Act, Traffic
Management Act etc
Page 16 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Making contacts and building relationships with these organisations could lead to discussions regarding
whether these are viable opportunities to pursue. Once established, then work can begin on how this is
achieved.
Promoting the Safer Parking Scheme and Park Mark®
A key communications objective for the Safer Parking Scheme is to raise awareness of the Scheme and the
Park Mark® Award drive visibility, educate the motoring public and increase use through partnership
marketing activation. Although there have been a number of small ‘wins’ in the form of listings on national
websites, there has not to date been real progress since contracting out to Pulse in 2011.
Pulse found that companies either could not see the direct monetary benefit of promoting the Scheme to
their customers beyond the added value it would give. Many companies would be willing to engage but felt
that the benefits to the Scheme were greater than those the Scheme could offer to the partner.
Marketing plans for many prospective partners had already been determined so whilst the idea of partnering
was liked, the direct benefits did not meet their marketing objectives.
Towards the end of the Pulse contract, further ideas and concepts were discussed in how best to promote
the Scheme. These are felt to more closely align with both the target audience and budget available to the
Scheme in 2013-14 and are included in the following proposals:
-
New website - www.parkmark.co.uk
A new website for the Scheme launches in the autumn with a unique selling point: it provides motorists with
the ability to search for car parks which have attained the only award a car park can achieve, are police
accredited and are the safest choice when looking for parking.
The site can be the focal point upon which all future marketing and pr0omotion is built and is an ideal
opportunity to re-launch the Scheme in the eyes of the public.
-
Search engine optimisation
Promotion of the website will help raise awareness and work on establishing the site as the top result in
search engines should be considered alongside the launch. There are a number of other car park search
websites and apps available to the consumer and are in effect in direct competition
-
Links and referrals
Page 17 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
There are other ‘quick wins’ which include asking award holders to feature information about the Scheme on
their websites with links back to the SPS site. Links help search rankings and there are many websites with
opportunities to place content about the Scheme. Some existing examples include:
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Police authorities http://www.herts.police.uk/advice/crime_prevention/vehicle_security/parkmark%C2%AE_safer_parkin
g_scheme.aspx
Local authorities - http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Transport%20and%20Streets/Parking/carparks/safeparking.aspx
Shopping centres - http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/getting-here/getting-there-car
Crime prevention - http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/
Motoring organisations - http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/security/secured_car_parks.html
Tourist information - http://www.bha.org.uk/2012/07/27/safer-parking-scheme-provides-peace-ofmind-for-tourists-this-summer/
Events
Events at shopping centres or at major destinations throughout the UK could be used to promote the
Scheme and gather insights into parking knowledge, habits and behaviour at the same time. High footfall
and motorists ‘at the parking place’ should mean greater recognition and recall.
-
Outdoor awareness, posters and QR codes
Anecdotal evidence suggests that once members of the public know about the Scheme, they are much more
likely to recognise it in the future. Although the website can help with online awareness, there are still
opportunities to promote the Scheme at the car parks themselves.
The next round of posters which are sent to award holders could include a QR code which when scanned,
directs through to a page on the website telling users about the Scheme. Generating the code is free with
minimal costs to include in the design and public recognition of QR codes is rising.
-
Social Media and apps
We are already sharing content via Facebook and Twitter – new awards and stories – but to increase
engagement with the online audience, there needs to be a level of interactivity. The public could be
encouraged to rate their experience at a Park Mark car park, comment on the service received and help to
authenticate the safer parking experience by sharing their insights on social networks with comments or
photos – perhaps sharing images when they’ve spotted a Park Mark car park - there are 5000 to collect!
Exploring the possibility for developing an app to facilitate this - and that includes the search facility - could
be a long term consideration once the website is established.
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10 years of safer parking
Page 18 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
In 2014, the Safer Parking Scheme celebrates 10 years since evolving from its previous incarnation as the
Secured Car Parks Scheme.
The story of the Scheme, its conception, and how over the last decade it has grown to a point where there
are now 5000 car parks that have attained the coveted Park Mark Award, is one the parking profession can
be proud of and one worth telling.
This is something that can be a theme for the year and must be maximised to its full potential and
throughout all available channels.
- Sharing car park data
There are a number of other websites and apps that allow users to search for car parks. By providing Park
Mark data and ensuring that it is featured as a Park Mark car park instantly provides opportunities for those
looking for parking to discover the Safer Parking Scheme when considering their options.
Stakeholders
•
•
•
Development of the Parking Forum and its output
Build partnerships with key stakeholders
Improve and build relationships with MPs and government
Objective - Identify opportunities to work with government and like-minded stakeholders to deliver
sustainability in parking linked to social responsibility; broaden BPA’s appeal to organisations and individuals
where parking is more peripheral e.g. shopping centres, airports; achieve joint press and media campaigns
with stakeholders
Channels - online, social media, events, digital, print
Parking Forum
The Parking Forum is the BPA’s multi-agency ‘think-tank’ which develops collaborative statements about
parking policy and provision in the UK and is a key influencer and voice concerning parking and transport
matters. Members represent central and local government, transport operators (rail, coach, bus & the
haulage sector), motoring organisations, planners, technical institutions and research organisations.
The Forum aims to raise awareness of current issues and actively seek to provide important information in
helping key decisions and policies made at both local and national level.
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Output
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BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Whilst meetings generate some useful discussion and debate, and new members have been encouraged to
attend and contribute, what needs to be more clearly defined is the output generated from the Forum. In
the past, this has been in the form of a Position Paper – the publication of a consensus view from across the
member organisations on a specific parking related topic. More recently, Forum members were the chief
protagonists in the development of the first BPA Master Plan.
The collective voice of the Forum should carry some weight and therefore, producing a regular statement on
a topical issue should be considered. It should also look to comment on the latest parking reports and
research, where appropriate, as well as assist the BPA in developing campaigns related to public awareness
of parking legislation and educating drivers.
Build partnerships with key stakeholders
Partnerships are a useful way for organisations to share resources, knowledge and best practice. The BPA
has many well established relationships with key organisations both within and outside of the parking
profession and these should be explored further to determine if any of the BPA’s objectives could be
achieved by working together.
Examples of existing partnerships
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Disabled Motoring UK
RAC Foundation for Motoring
Information Commissioners Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
Trading Standards Institute
Which?
Citizens Advice Bureau
Freight Transport Association
ARMA
BVRLA
Website content
Opportunities should be explored for placing content on stakeholder and partner websites detailing parking
rules and regulations, promoting BPA initiatives such as the Safer Parking Scheme and sharing information
and resources which can be if use to one another’s members.
-
Making contacts
Much progress is being made by the Public Affairs Team in fostering these relationships but it is clear that
contacts within these organisations need to be established at a lower level, for example, with
Page 20 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
communications and public affairs teams. Understanding what the business priorities and current
campaigning for these organisations can help identify areas for collaboration.
-
Campaigns and collaboration
There are also opportunities with our members who may be working on a specific campaign that the BPA
can offer support to.
A recent example was an infographic produced by Town Centre Car Parks as part of a road safety campaign
that carried the Park Mark logo.
Improve and build relationships with MPs and government
Work has begun to update the BPA’s CRM with up to date information on all MPs in England, Scotland
Ireland and Wales. In addition we are also researching and adding each Minster’s Parliamentary Party
Secretary as a further contact.
-
Correspondence and invitations
Keeping MPs abreast of the latest news on a particular issue is also worth doing and letters outlining the key
points of interest and perhaps offering the chance to meet are something the BPA does currently. An
invitation to speak at an event also encourages engagement. The BPA has not always been successful in
attracting MPs to its Presidential Reception at the House of Commons but should seek to send out invites to
all MP contacts at the earliest opportunity, as diaries are likely to be filled quickly.
-
Transport Hub
The Transport Hub provides a good opportunity to engage with MPs across all parties with invites to speak
and also engage at Conference itself with special Dinners and dedicated ‘Big Interview events’. The BPA
must establish an increased visit rate of MPs and others at these events with clear, upfront and regular
promotion and marketing.
-
Meetings and research
One of the best ways to get a message across to a politician is to meet them face-to-face. Every MP holds a
regular ‘surgery’ in their constituency, often on a weekly basis and that may be a way of initially raising
issues. Discovering what MPs are interested in may prove to be a successful tactic when lobbying or trying to
raise awareness of BPA issues. Going to the effort of researching their hobbies or interests may well be
looked upon favourably and with any number of requests being submitted for consideration by MPs, this
could make a particular campaign stand out from the crowd.
Page 21 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
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Agenda Item 3.5
All Party Parliamentary Group
The first step is to create a ‘map’ of who is who, where their interest lies and who could be allies in BPA
campaigning. The BPA is currently investigating the possibility of setting up an All Party Parliamentary Group
(APPG) whereby MPs would be invited to meet with other key stakeholders to discuss parking issues at a
high level.
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Master Plans
With the development of Master Plans each year, there is also scope to print and send copies direct to MPs
as part of a BPA pack, alerting them to current and on-going lobbying objectives.
Whilst the BPA has forged good relationships with a handful of MPs, it is clear that there are issues that can
be addressed allowing lobbying to be made easier should we have access to a wider pool.
Members
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Annual membership survey/regular online polls and publication of results
Periodical focus group
Development of online communities to harness and share knowledge
Proactive messaging promoting the value and benefits of membership
Communication to individual members
Development of a CPD Diploma and Awards
Development of a Framework of Excellence
Objective - Develop BPA membership and deliver better value, Develop Framework of Excellence
Channels - online, social media, events, digital, print
Annual membership survey/regular online polls and publication of results
Regular surveying of members is vital in order to understand why organisations and individuals join, how
they view their membership, and whether they feel they receive value from their membership.
In 2009, a survey of BPA members was conducted, the results of which were encouraging. Whilst the general
feeling was of satisfaction with the Association, a number of areas for improvement were identified.
The BPA website has a facility to create polls which can be placed on specific pages and targeted a directly at
members. LinkedIn also has this facility and both could be sued for a quick straw poll of current views on a
specific subject or topic.
Page 22 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Conveying the results of these polls would generate interest from members and encourage further debate.
For example:
‘In a recent poll, 60% of members said they want to receive more communication via social media….need
more information about ANPR enforcement….feel there are too many/not enough events. Do you agree?’
Proactively promoting the results of surveys via press releases and via social media would also show the BPA
is always striving to deliver the best for its members by listening, harnessing and providing content knowledge and information - and benefits that members tell us are of value to them. Completing the survey
could also be a condition of membership. This clearly needs to be explored further and written into the
application process.
Confidentiality should be ensured and this should be clearly communicated to those taking part. The aim
should be to paint an overall picture of the membership without singling any one organisation or individual
member out.
Periodical Focus groups
A periodical focus group made up from a representative selection of the membership could also be
considered allowing members to express views from across the parking profession. This could be featured in
Parking News or even filmed and used as online content as a type of ‘round table discussion’. However the
work currently being progressed to develop BPA governance and appoint representatives of electoral
colleges may meet this need.
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Area Support Teams
The Regional Dream Team workshop that took place in 2012 proved extremely successful at generating ideas
and stimulating discussion about how to develop and evolve regional meetings and a similar type of
workshop that is carried our country wide could help create a clearer picture of the key issues that members
wish to address. Further workshops are planned in the future.
Development of online communities to harness and share knowledge
The BPA needs to recognise what it receives in terms of knowledge and how is that harnessed, assessed and
utilised. Regional meetings and events represent an opportunity for members to come together and discuss
relevant and topical issues, captured in summary form via meeting notes.
An opportunity exists to create and develop an online community for one or several groups to facilitate real
time and on-going discussion and sharing of knowledge. There are a number of ways to achieve this such as:
•
•
Utilising the BPA website to set up discussion forums
Utilising an existing online social network solution such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook
Page 23 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
•
Agenda Item 3.5
Using an enterprise social network solution such as Yammer or Dbee
The benefits of using an online solution such as social network include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Accessible 24/7
Accessible from any location
Available on any device
Intuitive and responsive user interface
Content is stored for later reference
Ability to interface with other applications (CRM, email)
No costs to set up
Enterprise solution
An enterprise social network solution that extends beyond the internal organisation to include members and
stakeholders would require a significant financial investment. Although the capabilities and suitability for an
organisation such as the BPA appears to be an ideal fit, it would require the necessary buy in from users for
it to work successfully and justify the investment.
Therefore, creating communities using existing networks on LinkedIn where many members already
participate is a low risk option that managed and promoted effectively can achieve the objective of
harnessing information and facilitating discussion.
Whichever method is chosen, the BPA has the task of ‘selling’ the concept and setting the agenda, as well as
delivering effective communication to members to ensure the necessary take-up and usage.
Proactive messaging promoting the value and benefits of membership
The ability to clearly communicate what the key benefits of membership are to both existing members and
prospects is vital in ensuring that members perceive value in belonging to the organisation.
This includes communicating with members of the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) to ensure that they
understand that they are BPA members first and foremost, whilst also belonging to the AOS, in order to
provide the service that is specific to their line of business.
Often people join associations or institutes because they have to. For example, solicitors cannot practice
unless they are members of the Solicitors Registration Authority; medical practitioners have to be registered
with various bodies e.g. General Medical Council; accountants have to be members of the Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants.
For most individuals in the parking and traffic management sector, there was no such requirement until
Government announced a ban on clamping and towing on private land in 2010 and the need for anyone
involved in parking enforcement on private land that want to request keeper details from the DVLA to
become a member of an Accredited Trade Association (ATA).
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BPA website and key messages
Page 24 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
The BPA website is currently undergoing some changes to ensure that all BPA members are fully aware of
what they receive from the organisation but this must be regularly reinforced through consistent
communication via a variety of channels, including:
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e-newsletters
social media messaging
features in Parking News
communication at events
The process outlined above should be cyclical, with insights harnessed form regular surveying and collation
of feedback directly from members, to the generation of key messages and content specifically tailored
towards member’s needs.
Communication to individual members
The first phase of communicating the integration of individual members into the BPA membership structure
has been completed. The next phase is to effectively communicate a strong membership product or
collection of products that can be built upon and developed over the new few years. Throughout this
process, it must be noted that corporate membership to the BPA must not be undermined.
It must be clearly communicated to individual members what the benefits of change are and how these
benefits are communicated will illustrate the change which needs to be seen as an improvement. Ultimately,
as with members of any association, they need to understand ‘what is in in for me?’
Therefore a strong message should be developed that is continually reinforced when a need to grow the
membership arises.
-
Core messages include:
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Ensure the BPA is seen as the recognised association within parking profession
Individual membership recognises and demonstrates a commitment to professionalism in parking
BPA will guide and support you through your career
BPA will provide a hub of knowledge
BPA will provide networking opportunities
Development of a CPD Diploma and Awards
Preliminary work to develop a CPD Diploma and Awards is underway and will be launched at the 2013
President’s Reception. These will be promoted with communication across the BPA’s range of channels
including articles in Parking News, regular e-zines and a new section on the BPA website
Page 25 of 28
BPA Council
5th June 2013
Agenda Item 3.5
Framework of Excellence
The BPA is currently reviewing the core requirements of membership for all existing members as well as
those applying to join the BPA. For those who have attained the requisite core standards, the development
of a ‘Framework of Excellence’ will enable member organisations, to achieve and demonstrate even higher
standards and be recognised as excelling in the parking profession.
The Framework will provide an opportunity for any corporate member of the BPA to undertake an
assessment against twelve categories. The Framework of Excellence will enable BPA members to
demonstrate excellence in those twelve categories, and the adoption and development of systems and
principles that demonstrate the high standards that the business achieves.
The AOS and SPS will form part of a range of Sector Specific Standards, the criteria of which will continue to
raise the standards of the BPA membership as they are developed. Regular reviews will ensure that there is
continuous improvement and further Standards are expected to be developed over the coming months and
years.
A communications plan has been developed by Membership Services and communications will commence in
May 2013 with an introductory article in Parking News, on the website and in the BPA e-newsletter. Regular
updates vie e-zines and articles will follow in the build-up to the launch of the framework calling for
‘volunteers’ to go through the first assessments.
A ‘soft launch’ of the Framework will go ahead in February 2014, calling for ‘volunteers’ and gauging interest
for the first wave of assessments. The proposed launch is scheduled for April 2014 although this is subject to
change.
Employees and internal stakeholders
As previously identified, it is important to recognise that the successful implementation of any
communication strategy depends on employee engagement and awareness of what is trying to be achieved.
The Plan also needs to be communicated to Members, to give them a clear indication of where the BPA is
headed and how it aims to achieve the objectives as set out in the Business Plan.
Once approved by the Communications and Media Advisory Panel, it would be beneficial for the Plan to be
presented at a range of internal and external BPA meetings such as:
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Staff meetings
BPA Council
Approved Operator Scheme board
BPA Regional meetings
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Agenda Item 3.5
Updates can also be provided using internal communication tools such as email and Yammer. Yammer is a
useful way to involved employees in the creative process by sharing ideas and gathering feedback. We don’t
have all of the answers, but occasionally using Yammer to ask colleagues:
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What do you think?
How would you respond?
Where can I find out about this?
Who can help me with this?
All of these and more can draw people in and encourage responses. It’s more direct than email but also less
formal. It’s also more inclusive as those working outside of the office but inside the network can access
quickly.
Resources
Policy and Public Affairs Team
The PaPA Team and the Head of Public Affairs and Research specifically are responsible for overseeing the
design and development of the Communications Strategy and will ultimately own the document, ensuring
that it is kept up to date, relevant and is always aligned with the BPA’s business plan and key objectives.
This team will be responsible for delivering those objectives as set out in the document relating to
stakeholders, media and public communication and engagement
The team consists of:
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Kevin Reynolds – Director of Policy and Public Affairs
David Smith – Head of Public Affairs and Research
Joanne Audley-Charles – Public Affairs and Media Officer
Lydia Condon – Public Affairs and Research Coordinator
Nick Teasdale - Media and Research Assistant (Temporary)
Member Services and Professional Development
The MSaPD Team have an important contribution to make with regard to the Communications strategy and
subsequent action plan, as they will be responsible for delivering the bulk of communications to Members.
Regular meetings between the two teams are essential to ensure awareness and coordination of each
other’s activities. In addition, members of the MSaPD Tem will be expected to contribute to and develop the
Plan periodically.
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Agenda Item 3.5
Timescales and budgets
Whilst many activities are already underway, there are clearly areas that require further investigation and
research to ascertain feasibility in terms of budget and resource.
However much of the prosed activity is in line with already approved BPA budgets and takes into account
the resources already in place for each Team.
Action Plan
A Communications Plan will be developed to accompany the Strategy to include all proposed activity
scheduled over the course of the next 12 month period as well as a longer term 5 year plan to cover those
activities that require more planning and delivery over a longer period.
In addition each activity will have its own fully developed action plan outlining the key elements, as follows:
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Activity
Ownership
SMART objectives
Channels and tools to be used
Resources required
Budgets
Timeframes
KPIs
Evaluation and monitoring
The Communications Strategy should be fluid and flexible with regular evaluation to maintain the focus of
achieving objectives. Careful monitoring and evaluation of each activity of the plan is important in helping to
understand whether they have been successful in achieving objectives and if not, to analyse why. Therefore
each activity should carry with it a performance measure and success indicator to assist with evaluation.
Page 28 of 28
BPA Council
5 June 2013
Agenda Item 6
BPA Status Report
Title
BPA Status Report to Council
Authors
Chief Executive and Directors
Date
23 May 2013
This report provides an overview of the present activities of the Staff Executive and describes
the present status of current BPA Programmes and Initiatives. It is for Information Only.
Chief Executive’s Update
(Patrick Troy)
Much work is underway to establish a Framework of Excellence for the BPA. The
Professional Development & Standards Board is leading on this work and a project has been
established to drive this work forward.
The administration of POPLA is still a cause for concern and we continue to press the
service provider to improve their performance. Alongside this we are progressing the
establishment of the independent Board to give the service full independence. The influential
Motorists Forum established by the DfT gave full support to the establishment of POPLA at
their meeting in April.
We are focused on delivering the changes to governance of Council and the implications this
might have for the decision-making process within the Association. I have also met with
officials from the DfT to raise and resolve issues which affect the whole sector particularly in
respect of emerging technologies and the need for legislation to keep up to date. Good
progress is being made in Wales where changes in the law have recently been agreed.
Finally we are working closely with the MoJ on their emerging strategy for bailiff reform, with
the DCLG on High Street renewal and the DfT and Wales Government on the
implementation of Part 6 of the TMA.
ORGANISATION AND ESTABLISHMENT
Staff Changes
(Jane Hack, Chief Operating Officer)
In March Stuart Ashton joined the Association as the Operational Services Operations
Manager and Josh Bennett joined as the Compliance Investigation Coordinator;
unfortunately both received other job offers just after starting and then subsequently left
resulting in both positions having to be recruited for again.
The following staff joined the Association in April:
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Agenda Item 6
BPA Status Report
Alex Baugh, Compliance Investigation Coordinator
Antony Powell, Area Manager
Peter Gravells, Area Manager
The following staff will be joining the Association in May/June:
 Dave Metcalf, Operational Services Operations Manager
 Karen Pittingale, Finance Coordinator
Organisation – Nothing to report
BPA OPERATIONS Approved Operator Scheme Report
Chair: Lynn Witham (Steve Clark - Head of Operations)
Membership Numbers
At the time of writing this report there are 173 members of the Scheme whichis the most
that we have ever had. Thisis very encouraging and equates to a growth of 9% when
compared to the same period last year. There have been a significant number of new
member enquiries during the last quarter and we hope to convert a good proportion of them
to new members in due course. Interestingly there are now 90 members in Band 1 which is
some 52% of the membership this compares to 38% at the beginning of 2012 – this is both
an opportunity and a risk for the Scheme, and needs to be carefully monitored.
We are pleased to confirm that there have been no bad debts for the Scheme so far this
year.
Investigation Requests
Due to the arrival of POPLA, the number of requests received from motorists and other
parties to investigate potential noncompliance with the Code has started to fall with the total
for April standing at 166 which is 22% behind the equivalent period last year. While the total
number of requests has fallen there has been no let-up in the complexity of them.
Sanctions Scheme
In the last quarter 22 Sanction Points have been issued. Currently there are 33 Operators
with a total of 93 Sanction Points on their license and 5 operators with 22 suspended
Sanction Points. We have revised the Sanctions to reflect the new Code of Practice and this
has been approved by the AOS Board at their last meeting.
External Auditing
During the last quarter 20 audits were conducted by NSI. In 1 audit, issues were raised that
necessitated the issuing of Sanction Points. There were a number of improvement needs
raised with the majority of the remainder relating to minor items which were found to be
missing from signage and operator documentation. Most cases the necessary improvements
have been made and we are chasing up confirmation of rectification with the others.
There were no cancelled audits during this period.
Plans are well underway for the move from using NSI to conduct the external audits to an inPage 2 of 15
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house solution utilising the Area Managers. Classroom training is scheduled and each Area
Manager will accompany an NSI Auditor on an operator visit. We anticipate the first audit
involving the Area Managers to take place in August.
Legislation changes
We continue to lobby for legislation to introduce Keeper Liability and an Independent
Appeals Service in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
POPLA – The Independent Appeals Service
A more detailed report about the progress made with POPLA accompanies this report.
To date some 5976 appeals had been received by POPLA with 2736 adjudications having
been concluded and communicated to operators. Of these 51.2% have been found in favour
of the motorist and 48.8% have been found in favour of the operator. In the first 6 months of
the service 50% of the total appeals decided came from only 7 operators.
It is too early to say whether this is indicative of the long term proportionality of POPLA
decisions. Interestingly more decisions during the last 3 weeks have been found in favour of
the operator which may indicate an improvement in the preparation of their evidence packs.
Despite there being steady growth in the number of appeals being received, for a number of
reasons the overall take-up for POPLA has been slower than originally anticipated - we are
continuing to monitor this situation closely.
AOS Membership Communications
(Rocky Datoo – Head of Membership & Professional Development)
Work continues to support members following the recent changes in legislation which came
into force last October.. This includes updating the members as soon as new information or
guidance is produced, keeping stakeholders in the loop through information produced
specifically for them or their audience, and updating the FAQs on the website, with sections
for both the public and operators.
A notification was sent in November 2012 to all BPA - AOS members containing a new
declaration of commitment to the 2012 Code of Practice. The notification required that the
document should be signed and returned to BPA to confirm their commitment to abide by
the terms of the new Code, and also (new to this document) their commitment to abide by
the terms of the BPA’s Code of Professional Conduct. Operators had until 03 January 2013
to return signed documents or one sanction point would be issued to offending operators.
The exercise has now been completed with all operators returning the signed declaration.
However six operators failed to return their documents in time and have received one
sanction point each.
A notification has also been sent to operators informing them about the fees regime for their
2013/14 membership. The letter explains the new fee structure and how charges will be
calculated from April 2013, and also the amount that will be charged for BPA and AOS
membership as well as the external audit fee. The new fee structure requires more
information about financial activity in order for the calculations for membership bandings to
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BPA Status Report
be made, and so the letter also requires that BPA – AOS members send a financial
statement about parking related turnover as well as parking enforcement related turnover, by
15 February 2013. Returns have been slow, with 80 operators providing information for
analysis. Operators will continue to be contacted for outstanding financial information as
their BPA-AOS membership becomes due, and where the information is not provided an
assumption will be made about banding levels using existing financial information. For
membership year 2014/15 operators will be contacted six months in advance, and if financial
information is not provided in time, a sanction point will be issued for failing to provide the
BPA with required information within the specified timescale.
AOS Standards Advisory Panel – ASAP
(Chair Paul Necus- Lydia Condon (Public Affairs and Research Coordinator)
The AOS Standards Advisory Panel (ASAP) last met on Wednesday 20th March, and was
chaired by Paul Necus. ASAP Terms of References requires it to review and maintain the
AOS Code of Practice, considering feedback and operational experience and making
recommendations to the AOS Board for inclusion in an updated Code. It has a similar remit
for the AOS Operators Handbook and other related documents.
In the most recent meeting, the panel made recommendations to the AOS Board to:
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Accept a series of minor amendments to Code 2012
Accept the proposal to convert the Operator Handbook to a series of Parking
Practice Notes (PPNs)
All minor amendments and the proposal to convert the Operator Handbook to a series of
PPNs were accepted by the AOS Board. The Operator Handbook has been through
multiple stages of approval between the two groups to little success, so the PPNs reflecting
the information documented in the original Operator Handbook will be referred back to the
next ASAP meeting for approval, and then to the next AOS Board for sign-off.
The group discussed the frequency of meetings, for fear that there may not be need to hold
them on such a regular basis, and agreed to decide at the time of each individual upcoming
meeting as to the necessity of it. It was also confirmed that the BPA should not be issuing
changes to the Code of Practice outside of the two changes per year.
The next meeting of this group will take place on Tuesday 25th June.
Chair DCC David Zinzan (ACPO) – BPA Vice Chair: David Peach (Steve Clark – Head of
Operations)
Safer Parking
It has been determined that engaging with LABEL (an EU wide initiative to provide and
classify lorry parking across the EU primary road network) would not be beneficial at this
moment in time. The Safer Parking Scheme has its own Guidelines for Commercial Vehicle
parking and these will continue to be applied by the Safer Parking Scheme Assessors.
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Bookers, a nationwide food service wholesaler has asked for input from the Park Mark®
scheme because of multiple security issues across the UK. A meeting is due to take place
shortly. They have over 100 car parks.
The loss of 60 ASDA sites has seen a drop in our predicted target however we are on target
for the year as new commercial ventures are looking towards Park Mark® to enhance the
credibility of their operations. ASDA are still committed to the scheme and have 40 sites and
wish to add more new sites in the future.
A number of Local Authorities have dropped out of the Scheme for budgetary reasons and
we are monitoring this situation closely.
The next meeting of the Panel is set for 26th April 2013.
Promoting Park Mark®
(Dave Smith, Head of Public Affairs and Research)
The contract with Pulse has now come to an end. A review meeting took place on January
21st to discuss their KPI’s and they were given further actions to deliver on these before the
end of the contract. They have not been able to deliver on the agreed KPIs which were to
negotiate 2 nationally recognized commercial brands and 2 lesser known brands
Pulse’s overall objective was to raise awareness of the Safer Parking Scheme, drive
visibility, educate the motoring public and increase use through partnership marketing
activation. Although there have been a number of small ‘wins’ in the form of listings on
national websites, it was felt that these could easily have been achieved by the BPA’s in
house team.
Towards the end of the Pulse contract, further ideas and concepts were discussed in how
best to promote the Scheme. These are felt to more closely align with both the target
audience and budget available to the Scheme in 2013-14.
While it is disappointing that original expectations from PULSE have not materialised and we
have achieved only a limited increase in awareness for the Scheme, there are a number of
factors which have determined this outcome including changes in personnel at both Pulse
and the BPA and recognition that the initial brief was not having the desired effect. However
a number of ideas have been conceived and these ill be taken forward by the Policy and
Public Affairs team now.
We continue to work proactively with a number of websites and other media outlets to
provide information about the Scheme. Opportunities are identified by the Policy and Public
Affairs team and the Operational Services team of Area Managers, with a good amount of
coverage secured across a variety of channels. A mention on the BBC website saw a huge
increase in the visitors to the website, and we will look to pursue similar opportunities in the
future.
Work continues in-house with a regular Park Mark update sent electronically to Award
holders and Operators. Reports and photos of new awards are regularly posted on the BPA
website as well as Facebook and Twitter and a selection of the best are collected in a
monthly round up feature in Parking News.
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A new edition of the Park Mark Update was produced and available at Parkex in April. It is
also available on the website here.
The new Park Mark website will be launched in 2 phases. The first of these, at Parkex in
April, showed the creative design and framework of the site with some front end
functionality. The new site now appeals directly to the target audience with more information
and content available on the home page.
The second phase of development requires the integration of data from the old Safer
Parking database to the new BPA CRM. Due to the complexity and technical nature of this
process and the need for thorough testing before go live, this phase will take place over the
next 2 – 3 months and the expected launch date for the complete site is July/August. When
complete, this will include full search functionality as well as allowing Operators and
Assessors to access data stored on the CRM via the new website.
A mobile version of the site, optimised for accessing specifically on a smart phone will be
developed alongside the main website
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY PANEL (CMAP)
Chair: Keith Banbury (Dave Smith - Head of Public Affairs and Research and Rocky Datoo –
Head of Membership & Professional Development)
The most recent meeting took place on February 6th 2013. A paper was presented on the
future role and scope of CMAP. The Terms of Reference is currently being reviewed and will
be presented and discussed at the next meeting.
As agreed, the results of the research were published and presented at Parkex. The report
and facts from the research are also being communicated via social media, ezines and
websites.
A report on the Research programme will be presented at the next meeting outlining the
BPA’s priorities and plans for the coming year, including plans for the Ernest Davies Award
and John Heasman Bursary. The bursary is currently being promoted through BPA channels
in order to identify other areas for research. We are also engaging with Universities with
regard to seeking out candidates to that are interested in using parking as their research
topics.
As agreed, the results of the research were published and presented at Parkex. The report
and facts from the research are also being communicated via social media, ezines and
websites. In addition, a new Research section has been created for the BPA website
collecting together all relevant research and reports in one place.
The new Communications Strategy is currently being developed and will be presented at the
next meeting. Once completed, all BPA Communications will be delivered by the relevant
team or person and in general accordance with the Plan: for example Membership
Communications by Rocky’s team and Steve’s team, Stakeholder Communications by the
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PaPA team and so on.
In parallel to this piece of work, a ‘Corporate Identity’ for all BPA Communications is being
developed based around the BPA brand and its sub-brands, such as AOS, Regions, SIG,
and Charters etc. to cover stationery, email templates and the like.
The BPA participation in the 2013 Party Conference Fringe Events as part of the Transport
Hub is being progressed with Chairs having have been allocated for each event and panel
members currently in the process of being invited. Conference dates are as follows: 
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Lib Dem - w/c 15th September (Glasgow)
Labour – w/c 22nd September (Brighton)
Conservative – w/c 29th September (Manchester)
The next CMAP meeting will take place on May 28th 2013 at the CIHT.
Media Enquiries
All media enquiries for parking on private land continue to be handled by The PR Office.
They have been contracted until the end of June 2013 to deal with any enquiries for the
AOS. An IT for the provision of PR and public affairs services is currently being developed
and will be issued for prospective parties in May.
Recent media activity:
April 2013
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BPA issued a press release regarding reinforcing the view that primary role of
policing is to prevent crime
Kelvin Reynolds appeared on a live phone in regarding parking on Black Diamond
FM
BPA issued a press release regarding the launch of its Charter for Higher Education
Parking
BPA issued a press release regarding its recent research into the size and shape of
the UK's parking profession
BPA staff met with members of the NoToMob who were invited to participate at
Parkex 2013
The BPA contributed to a Blog on disabled parking on Confused.com
March 2013
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Kelvin Reynolds appeared on BBC Radio Coventry to discuss local authority parking
charges
Kelvin Reynolds appeared on BBC Radio Foyle to the AOS and parking on private
land
The BPA has recently responded to the Transport Select Committee’s Consultation
on Local authority parking enforcement.
Patrick Troy appeared on BBC Radio 4 consumer show You and Yours to discuss
POPLA, the Approved Operator Scheme and private parking in relation to the recent
expulsion of a member.
Following an interview with BPA Chief Executive Patrick Troy, The Economist
produced an article in defence of parking charges.
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Century Films, who are producing the next set of Parking Mad documentaries, will be
carrying our filing in July/August including an interview with Patrick towards the end of the
process. They are hoping to get as many relevant people and organisations as possible
involved – local councils, tribunals, parking management companies, local residents, and
private car park firms to name a few. It is hoped that this will be a balanced documentary
and the aim is to give people across the board an opportunity to provide their input and
challenge common misconceptions.
Consumer Forums and social media continue to be monitored and action/responses
submitted where appropriate.
Websites
BPA - A review of the website has been undertaken with plans to make the home page and
menu navigation more intuitive and attractive to the public as well as members.
Other changes to page layouts, structure and content will also be implemented to recognise
the new individual level of membership.
We are blogging on a more regular basis which has proved successful in generating page
views and links to the site 500 – 1000 views per post regularly.
Park Mark (see Promoting Park Mark section above)
Parking News
Following her journalistic success with her Olympic secondment, Sarah Juggins has been
offered a fantastic opportunity to progress journalism within the field of women’s football.
Mike Sewell remains the lead contact for the editing contract. He will continue to be
supported by Tracey Lattimore and additionally supported by their new recruit Chris Gilson
who met several members at Parkex.
The arrangement with CPL’s advertising media arm is yielding positive results. Jane and
Rocky are working with Richard Walters, who heads up this division, to develop tighter
contract terms that better protects the BPA if the advertising contract does not perform as
per jointly agreed forecasts and enhances their commission rates if they achieve sales
beyond those forecasts.
AGM & President’s Reception - No update since last report. Due to take place 3rd July
2013.
Members Dinner 2012
The date for the 2013 Dinner is Wednesday 27th November once again at Drapers’ Hall. If
anyone is interested in sponsoring this event or booking tables they should contact Tanya
Grover.
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Research project
Please see the report under CMAP heading.
Professional Development & Standards Board Report
Chair: Nigel Williams (Rocky Datoo – Head of Membership & Professional Development)
The programme of transferring IPP members to individual BPA members is now complete.
At the time of writing this report there are 88 individual BPA members which is 51 more than
when the status was launched in January. Communications have been sent regularly to
former IPP members during last year and the early part of this year regarding the transfer of
their membership, and an invitation was also extended to them to attend Parkex to reregister as an individual member. Those who have not transferred have now had their
access to benefits withdrawn.
Readership statistics for the individual members’ e-newsletter is one method we have of
monitoring the engagement of members. We are pleased to confirm that readership has
remained constant and at a very good level for a membership association.
An additional membership benefit was developed for members since the last update.
Membership lapel pin badges were produced and given to paid members at Parkex this
year. The badges reflect the grade of membership each person has, reflecting the letters
they are able to put after their name – ABPA for associates and MBPA for members. These
badges were well received. A close up of a member wearing their new badge made the front
cover of the May issue of Parking News.
The BPA CPD awards remain on schedule for a launch at the President’s Reception on 3rd
July. As the awards themselves draw near in July 2014, a more intensive communications
programme will be delivered via website, e-newsletter and Parking News, beginning on
February 2014.
A workshop to discuss “what do we mean by the BPA Framework of Excellence” was held in
London on Tuesday 27th November and was attended by members of the PD&S Board.
The meeting made great progress in determining what is meant by a Framework of
Excellence and what the component parts may be. This was discussed further at the PDS
Board in February and it has been agreed that a single FoE (with 12 categories) will be
developed that any corporate member of the BPA will be able to apply for, however
underneath that will set core BPA membership standards that will apply to all members and
over time additional membership standards will be developed that are specific to a
membership type (this approach can also be tied in with the current governance review).
Following City & Guilds’ announcement to withdraw from the parking qualifications market at
the end of 2013, we are exploring options for alternative awarding organisation partners with
a view to making a decision by the next PDS Board which meets in May by which time we
will have met with 4 potential partners.
BPA Regional/Country Groups, Special Interest Groups and Focus Groups Update
Regional Groups
The spring regional groups are now well under way and one combined event has taken
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place. The south west and southern group came together in Bath on 4th April with a strong
agenda. There were 10 small exhibition stands supporting this event. Despite the agenda
topics and good pre-registration numbers the turnout on the day from local authorities was
disappointing and we will be investigating the reasons for this. Those who did attend found
it to be a useful event, enabling them to compare notes with colleagues from a neighbouring
region. The chairs of the sw and southern agreed that both groups would be invited to the
next southern meeting in December to continue the joined up theme.
The next combined meeting will be between the two northern groups on 27th June at
Headingly Carnegie stadium in Leeds. A lot of interest has already been received about the
exhibiting opportunities and a very good agenda is now taking shape.
Break out group discussions continue to prove popular and useful at these meetings and
therefore will become a regular feature.
A meeting of all regional support team members is going to be organised during the morning
of the AGM and president’s reception.
Bailiffs and Enforcement SIG
Chair: Paul Sharpe (BPA staff – Vacancy PaPA Coordinator)
No update since previous report
BESIG in conjunction with LASIG took place on 14th February at the CIHT. A very powerful
agenda was compiled for this event with speakers from TPT, DfT, MoJ and the Information
Commissioners Office. The LASIG/BESIG event was very successful with some lively
discussions taking place and feedback from attendees has been good.
Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers SIG
Chair: Manny Rasores de Toro (Lydia Condon- Public Affairs and Research Coordinator)
A one-off meeting to establish the European standard for Chip and Pin v Mag Stripe and
Contactless Payment Cards took place, hosted by Visa Europe on 3rd April.
The next meeting of EMS SIG will take place on 19th June where the group will join with
SAMSIG for part of the day to hear presentations from DMUK on their guide to car park
design and OLEV who will be discussing electric vehicle charging.
Healthcare Parking SIG Report
Chair: Jug Johal, Northern Lincs and Goole Foundation NHS Trust (Alison Tooze Membership and Events Manager )
Jug Johal has taken over as Chair of the healthcare sig with effect from the last meeting
which took place at Jury’s Inn, Sheffield on 28th March.
At the previous meeting the main topics discussed were benchmarking as the group is
seeking to extend the current data sets gathered by the DoH to create some useful stats for
trusts. Also permit allocation and operation was covered and attendees had opportunity to
compare how they manage this often complicated task.
The group will be seeking approval to undertake some research, which will be done in
conjunction with the Healthcare Facilities Consortium. This piece of work will create
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research data of great use to the association and its members and the support of HFC will
significantly reduce the resource requirement.
Next meeting is taking place at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals on 11th July.
Higher Education SIG Report
Chair: vacant (Alison Tooze - Membership and Events Manager )
Calls for nominations are now out for Chair and Vice Chair of the group.
The research data has not yet been analysed but this is now being managed by the PAPA
team who are investigating most cost effective way of producing a report and updating the
data regularly.
The group has scoped out the main contents they would like in a good practice guide, much
of the information is already in existence across various BPA publications so needs linking in
to one place to help universities and colleges identify most relevant information for them.
The working group members have offered to write any higher education specific sections
The next meeting of the higher ed group will take place on 16th July at university of
Edinburgh.
Local Authority SIG Report
Chair: Rod Williamson (Alison Tooze - Membership and Events Manager )
The next LASIG meeting will be another joint event, this time with the new retail and leisure
SIG. The Bullring centre, Birmingham has agreed to host this meeting which will take place
on 13th June.
Agenda is in preparation
Structures and Assets Management SIG
Chair: Russell Simmons (Lydia Condon- Public Affairs and Research Coordinator)
The date of 19th June has been agreed for the next meeting of SAMSIG where Russell
Simmons will officially take over from Chris Whapples as chair. The meeting will be partly
joined with EMSSIG for presentations from DMUK and OLEV with a stand alone SAMSIG
meeting in the morning.
Retail and Leisure SIG
Interim Chair: Manny Rasores (Alison Tooze – Membership and Events Manager) and (BPA
staff – Vacancy PaPA Coordinator)
The next meeting of the retail and leisure sig will take place on 13th June in conjunction with
LASIG. Please see LASIG entry for further details.
Manny Rasores has very ably acted as interim chair for the inauguration and first official
meeting of the retail SIG. A permanent chair is now being sought and a call for nominations
is going out. It is likely that the elected chair will take up post in time for the autumn meeting
of the group.
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National Operators Group
Chair: Les Knight (Patrick Troy - Chief Executive)
The meeting on 26th February heard from POPLA on latest experiences and discussed
issues of mutual interest to national operators present.
Model Contract Advisory Panel Report
Chair: Lynn Witham ((BPA staff – Vacancy PaPA Coordinator)
Nothing to report.
BPA / DVLA Focus Group
Chair TBC–DVLA (BPA staff – Lydia Condon PaPA Coordinator)
A small working group has been established to develop protocols for pre-checking ANPR
readings before submission to DVLA requesting data from the vehicle and keeper registers.
This is a one-off task and once complete the protocols will be incorporated into the AOS
Operators Handbook and BPA Information Notes
The DVLA has now agreed to pass the administration of this Group to the BPA. The group is
now being re-established by Membership and Professional Development team to ensure a
good cross-section of LASIG, BESIG, EMSSIG and AOS members and it will meet four
times each year going forward. The meetings will be operated by Public Affairs and
Research team who have the appropriate remit with regards to stakeholder engagement and
technical knowledge.
BPA / TEC Focus Group
Chair - David Morris (BPA staff – Lydia Condon PaPA Coordinator)
The most recent meeting of the group was held on the 27th November at TEC offices in
Northampton. More in the next update. The Group is now being re-established by
Membership and Professional Development team to ensure a good cross-section of LA
members and it will meet twice each year going forward. The meetings will be operated by
Public Affairs and Research team who have the appropriate remit with regards to
stakeholder engagement and technical knowledge. Paul Kyte attended (as a BPA Council
member) and may be able to provide a verbal update of any significant matters
Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement
(Kelvin Reynolds Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Dave Smith - Head of Public
Affairs and Research)
Meetings
05/03 – Minster for the Environment (NI Assembly)- Parking on private land, PoPLA and
BPA AOS scheme in Northern Ireland
05/03 - Gary Attwood of Creative Parking Solutions & Minister to discuss the enforcement of
car parking - Kelvin
Page 12 of 15
BPA Council
5 June 2013
Agenda Item 6
BPA Status Report
06/03 - BRDO Business Reference Panel – Kelvin
06/03 - Malcolm Napier/Tony Wordsall of e-mpirical Ltd - Kelvin
13/03 - Belinda Webb, NSL - Kelvin
19/03 - English Heritage seminar/Payments Council meeting - Kelvin
21/03 - CCTV National Standards Forum - Kelvin
27/03 - Gary Wallace (Gatwick Airport), Peter Aston (Trading Standards), Julia Gregory
(Gatwick Airport) re AOS - Kelvin
03/04 - MoJ Working Group re Transforming Bailiff Action – Kelvin
10/04 - No To Mob – Kelvin and Dave
23/04 - Car Parking APPG- Kelvin
24/04 - Motorists Forum - Kelvin
26/04 - Jo Abbot of RAC Foundation – Kelvin and Dave
01/05 - MoJ re Bulk registration of debt – Kelvin and Patrick
02/05 - Hugh Evans & Lynette Rose (Head of Policy) of DVLA – Kelvin and Patrick
03/05 –Parking Forum – Kelvin and Dave
03/05 – Cheryl Morgan - Royal Mint – Kelvin and Dave
09/05 - David Biggs, Director of Property at Network Rail – Kelvin and Patrick
21/05 - Payments Council meeting - Kelvin
22/05 - ICO and TPT meetings in Wilmslow – Kelvin and Patrick
24/05 - Ken Hanslip of NSL - Patrick
30/05 - Helen Dolphin of DMUK - Kelvin
04/06 - Meeting with DfT (P Hayes, A Boucher, A Irving + Kevin Watts of DVLA)
Party Conferences
(See Report under CMAP)
Publications
The BPA published the findings of its research – The Size and Shape of the UK’s Parking
Profession and launched at Parkex. The report can be accessed on the BPA website
http://www.britishparking.co.uk/Parking-Reports
It also launched its Charter for Higher Education Parking and a toolkit for those signing up is
also being produced containing the booklet, a poster and vinyl stickers for signage. A PDF
version of the Charter is available on the BPA website at
http://www.britishparking.co.uk/Charter-for-Higher-Education-Parking
The Parking Forum
Chair: Helen Crozier (Dave Smith - Public Affairs and Media Officer)
The most recent took place on May 3rd 2013 looking at the topics of Parking Research and
the BPA’s proposed Framework of Excellence. The next meeting is on August 2nd – venue
tbc. The topic is Parking: A European perspective. Ashley Bijster will take over
responsibilities for chairing at this next meeting
An internal project group meeting now takes place at regular points between meetings to
review and plan all Parking Forum activities and output.
Page 13 of 15
BPA Council
5 June 2013
Agenda Item 6
BPA Status Report
Government & Regulatory Bodies Engagement
Meetings have been held with the following Government Departments and or
Agencies:
Local Government Ombudsman (England) – to discuss AOS and POPLA and their impact
on Local Government (Patrick and Kelvin)
Information Commissioner (ICO) – to discuss Data Protections Acts and Protocols for all
parking related data, in Local Government and AOS, CPE/DPE and Private Land. Kelvin and
Steve
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) – to discuss Town Centre
Regeneration and the Portas Review; the SAMSIG Report into the maintenance of parking
structures. Kelvin
The Welsh Language Commissioner has congratulated the BPA on its production of the
AOS Code in the Welsh language, and we are now developing a relationship with the Welsh
Language Commissioner. Written Communication.
Wales Government has introduced new Civil Enforcement Regulations in Wales recently
and these implement Part 6 of TMA in Wales and also improvements to parking enforcement
rules and requirements too. We are working with Wales Government to assist with sharing
knowledge and informing members about these changes and the opportunities they create.
This is a Master Plan commitment achieved in Wales!
Meetings are planned and diarised with the following Government Departments and
or Agencies
ICO regular bi-annual meetings now being organised
DCLG regular bi-annual meetings now being organised
National Trading Standards Board (NTSB): to develop protocols for consistency in Trading
Standards interaction with AOS. NTSB will supersede Office of Fair Trading.
UK Payments Council – follow up to Coin Forum but to cover wider Payments Industry
interest.
CAB and All-Party Parliamentary Group on Debt & Personal Finance:
BPA Office Services
(Richard Gravestock –Head of Office Services)
Premises – The additional desk space created in January will be used up when all the
vacancies have been filled meaning that the office will again have reached capacity.
IT – the IT service agreement expires this year. An invitation to tender will be issued shortly.
Health & Safety
There have been no incidents.
Page 14 of 15
BPA Council
5 June 2013
Agenda Item 6
BPA Status Report
Membership Numbers
at 1st March 2013
BPA (all categories)
This month
(May ‘13)
719
Last Month
(April ‘13)
718
Last Year
(April ‘12)
716
Individual Members
88
78
346 N/A
AOS
168
169
160
SPS Park Mark(R)
Awards
4981
5051
4850
Patrick Troy
Chief Executive
Page 15 of 15

Meeting Council Meeting Date 5th June 2013 Time 10:30am – 3.00

Transcription

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