Could you be the next TPS Chair?

As some of you may have heard, Ben Plowden, current Chair of TPS, has recently been appointed as CEO of the Campaign for Better Transport (CfBT). This is a very exciting opportunity for him to take forward the sustainable transport agenda that so many of us share.  At the same time, he is very keen to continue serving TPS in any way that he can.  Having discussed the issue, the Board reached the view that this new role could create a conflict of interest for the Society, for example in terms of public comment on transport policy.  It has therefore been agreed that while his name will go forward to continue as Chair to the AGM in March, he should resign as Chair within 6 months of the AGM, subject to finding a successor.  

Nominations for TPS Chair will be sought from the membership, with a view to appointing a new Chair in time for him to hand over the role by September 2025.

Message from Kieran Seale, TPS Company Secretary

I want to give an update on the process for choosing the next Chair of TPS.  The Board has given some consideration to what process we should follow.  We want to be as open as possible about the process, while understanding that the commitment involved will be something that a relatively small number of people will be in a position to take on.  We also want to allow for a good transition, particularly if the new Chair comes from outside the current Board membership.

Our proposed process is as follows (although we may seek to speed it up a little, depending on interest):

1)   Late January –give TPS members formal notice that there will be a vacancy for Chair and invite people to express interest.  A job description will be made available.

2)   March – the Board is proposing to the AGM that Ben Plowden's term as Chair is extended for a third year, with the intention of him serving up to September 2025.

3)  March/April – an opportunity for potential Chair candidates to discuss the role .

4)  May - nominations submitted for Chair-elect.

5)  June - election held for Chair-elect.

6)  June - the Chair-elect is co-opted to the Board and attends the July Board meeting.

7)  September - the new Chair takes over at the end of the September Board meeting.

If you have any questions about this process, or are interested in standing, do let me know at mail@kieranseale.co.uk.