You are in:
- Back Issues » 2005 » September
So where next?
Traditionally September is the month when the BAPCO Executive Committee are joined by the Regional Chairs and Secretaries to discuss where the Association is moving and how it plans to conduct business and what, if any, changes are required to the rolling five year strategy. This year the meeting will take place on the 14th and 15th of September.
If you have an opinion on what has worked or indeed what hasn’t, or if you believe that we are not considering an issue of importance then please let us know either via your regional contact or myself.
During the two days of intensive workshops regional representatives have a direct route into the Associations policy making process, make use of it!
One of the central BAPCO ideals is to participate and contribute fully to the development of the international public safety family. I believe that through such relationships we can learn and improve our service to the public and indeed ensure that the problems and issues we and our counterparts across the world face are raised and our collective voice heard.
As part of this international development I was privileged during August to attend the inaugural APCO Asia Conference and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. As with most countries the taxi drivers knew everything, including how best to provide public services but it was the local public safety representatives who stole the show with their open and honest approach to the operational, technical and political pressures and constraints that they are working within.
In terms of content and quality the conference was an outstanding success although the major accomplishment was in bringing together over 150 users who, with the help and guidance of the APCO International Development Committee, will look to form their own regional chapter and in time affiliate. There is much we can share with colleagues in Asia, I look forward to building a strong relationship with them.
Finally, I’m delighted to report that Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate has agreed to take on the role of Patron to the Association. If you were able to attend this year’s conference and exhibition you will recall that Lord Mackenzie gave the key note address on Wednesday morning.
As patron Lord Mackenzie will sponsor, represent and support BAPCO initiatives across the entire political landscape. I believe that Lord Mackenzie will ‘open the door’ to a whole range of opportunities which the Association must seize.
Andrew Norton
President
