4 months on

I'm sitting at my desk having the made last minute rush of sorting stuff out before heading off on a two week break.  When I come back I would have been at the helm for four months and I'm reflecting on what has been a positive, but hectic period.  There have been a lot of of getting to know people and seeing how our organisations can better work together.  We've seen the launch of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) and continued development of business education. 

Building on strong foundations we are looking to get closer to both our members and services and I've attended a number of regional head of service meetings, as well as meeting with the regional coordinators.

I've spent a lot of time at Parliament, advocating and lobbying for things that really matter to our profession.  Whilst under great financial pressure our profession is still in good health and the work of the National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) and services up and down the country is a living testament to this.

Looking at the coming four months:

·         we will have moved the national trading standards conversation forward,

·          really shaped the future consumer landscape further through the Consumer Rights Bill,

·         put in place the changes required to move our application for chartered status to the next stage (something that we were asked to do at last year's AGM),

·          developed a new three year strategic and business plan, underpinned by a three year budget,

·         reviewed some of our products, in partnership with the regional groups, to make sure that they are fit for purpose and priced correctly,

·         finalise our proposals for delivering business education

This is all in addition to business as usual.  So looks like the next four months is going to be just as hectic!  The one thing, above all else, that has really pleased me over the first four months is the support that I've had.  It is not just the staff and board, but the army of volunteers that we rely upon – lead officers, stewards at conference etc, politicians (including our wonderful president Baroness Crawley), partners and last, but not least,  our members.  With all those people behind me it feels like we can't fail. 

National Trading Standards Board (NTSB)

I also attended my first NTSB meeting.  Under Lord Harris's chairmanship I was greatly heartened to hear the great work being undertaken by colleagues up and down the country.    Projects as diverse as the illegal money lending team, safety at ports, e-crime and scambusters are having real impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our society.  The way the board have come together over the last year is a real testament to both the leadership of Lord Harris (and David Collinson before him) and the contribution of all who attend.  As the accountable officer to government for the NTSB spend I was also reassured by the level of scrutiny and oversight the board provide

New Chairman

Last week saw me meet with John Peerless, who takes over as Chairman of the Institute from Christine Heemskerk at the AGM in September.  John is a strong character and has always challenged the status quo.  It was a good chance for him to share his thoughts and aspirations for his year in the hot seat.  Clearly he wants to place members at the heart of the Institute, as do I, and the National Trading Standards Conversation provides a real opportunity for us to do this.  The AGM is not too far away now and it will provide a good opportunity to reflect on what has changed and been achieved over the last year, as well as thank Christine for her contribution.