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.

Another leaving do for Ron

I can’t wait until I retire if Ron’s retirement is anything to go by.  Not only does he look really healthy but he had yet another leaving do last week.  I was in Cardiff for the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers (ACTSO) AGM last week.  On the Tuesday they had invited Ron out for dinner as a rightful way of saying thank you for his contribution to our profession.  Guy Pratt chose the venue, which unsurprisingly was a curry house and not a posh one!!!  It was good to share a couple of beers with Ron and catch up with him.  It was also nice for so many colleagues to be there.  I know Ron had a good evening and the food was really good.

Regional co-ordinators

Last week I meet with the trading standards regional coordinators in Cardiff.  As an Institute we recognise that we haven’t had enough engagement with front line services and we need to find a better way of understanding their needs.  The regional networks are assuming greater significance in these austere times and the coordinators group provides an excellent route for us get closer to services.  We had and open and refreshing discussion that included several moans (on both sides!) but a real sense on wanting to work together going forward.  As for next steps the coordinators have agreed to help us get TS Interlink right, both in terms of deliverables and price, and work closely with us on the national trading standards conversation.  A really good meeting in a very warm Cardiff

Post conference and the national conversation

I always seem to be apologising for not keeping my blog more up to date, but our members will be pleased as it is a sign that I’m busy and they are getting their money’s worth out of me.  Obviously post conference there was a fair bit of catching up to do, but not as much as there once was.  Modern technology has made it much easier to keep on top of e-mails – although it is also easier for e-mails to control your life!

Post conference has seen a great focus on the National Trading Standards Conversation and working with the team at Head Office to get that right.  The first independent challenge panel meeting, chaired by Lord Heseltine, went well.  It has certainly set us off in the right direction and you can read the press release at the following link: http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/extra/news-item.cfm/newsid/1211

The hard work has really now kicked in and we are designing the enquiry stages of the conversation as we talk.  Watch this space for further details.

Friday, media, home and rest

On Friday I attended a media briefing with members of the motoring press and the Motor Codes offices.  It was a good chance to explore the issues facing consumers in the motoring sector and the role that our approved codes can play.  Once that was done and dusted it was finally time to go home.  Having been away all week it was good to get back home to Eileen (my other half) and Sam and Grace (my two kids) and a bit of peace and quiet.  Although being my birthday weekend there wasn't a huge amount of that!