Framing a group that is fit for purpose for all members is no mean feat, but CPT continues to progress
Just before giving my Presidential speech at the CPT Annual Dinner in February a couple of past Presidents advised me that once I’d got the speech out of the way, I could really enjoy myself in my Presidential year.
Since the ‘Big Five’ have made the wider membership aware of their proposals for CPT reform, the role has become less ceremonial and more managerial. The Presidential speech seems a walk in the park compared with the challenge of framing the organisation in a way that fits in with the objectives of all CPT members.
As somebody employed by the ‘Big Five’ and as CPT President I am acutely aware of wearing two hats but it’s a good position to be in to understand all points of view.
Under pressure
In last week’s Westminster Watch [routeone/ Westminster Watch/17 October], the view seemed to be that the ‘Big 5’ proposal was all a bit unnecessary because the wider stakeholder environment is pretty benign at the moment and if we just do a reasonable job running our buses on time everything would take care of itself.
I feel this is too naive and simplistic. The coach and bus industry already does a good job in difficult circumstances. We don’t get it right all the time but generally speaking there’s a lot of really committed people out there that are prepared to work all hours to deliver vital services. And in financial terms we are largely self-sufficient allowing us to renew our asset base usually with little or no redress on the public purse.
But, despite this, we are still under pressure. It would be wrong for us to keep our heads down and just keep our fingers crossed that these headwinds will dissipate.
Fit for purpose
The ‘Big 5’ position is that we need to be more proactive and have greater focus on helping to develop rather than react to policy making. That’s not a criticism of the way things have been done in the past, but there’s little in life that stays the same and it’s important that CPT is fit for purpose.
It’s not just about the money either. There is an element of value for money and ensuring members pay for the services they use but effective outcomes are more important.
Stronger and united
It’s pleasing that there does seem to be consensus that the wider membership shares the need for our trade body to be more proactive, but I do recognise there is still discussion to be had over the timing, the detail and the impact a greater focus on public affairs will have on the other services that CPT provides its members.
But we are working through these and hope to give our proposals a wider airing among all members very soon.
We will make progress and come out of this period of uncertainty with a stronger, more effective and, most importantly, united trade body.
