Police Authority meeting to be held in Scotland

The BTPA will meet in Edinburgh on Tuesday 11 December to discuss the progress of its strategy and the 2019 budget, among other emerging issues.

The British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), which oversees the performance, strategy and finances of the British Transport Police, holds quarterly meetings that are partially open to members of the public – only sensitive discussions are restricted.

Chair of the BTPA, Ron Barclay-Smith, said: “The quarterly Authority meetings are a great opportunity to hear about upcoming projects, challenges and improvements planned by the British Transport Police.

“Not many people realise that the public can attend these meetings, and as passengers and station users they may be interested to hear about how the BTP works to reduce disruption and protect the public using the railway.”

Spaces are limited so if you are interested in attending the meeting, please contact [email protected] for more details.

Authority meetings for 2019 are being scheduled across England and Wales, and details of these will be advertised on btpa.police.uk.

BTPA announces new Interim Chief Executive

The BTPA has appointed Ian Pigden-Bennett as its new Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Ian, who started his role today (29 October), will be responsible for supporting the Authority to oversee the finances, strategy and performance of the British Transport Police. The Chief Executive role will work closely with the Chief Constable, and support the 12 members of the Authority.

Ron Barclay-Smith, Chair of the BTPA, said: “The Authority is delighted that Ian is joining the BTPA Executive Team, and we look forward to working with him. Ian brings with him a wealth of experience, which will significantly contribute to providing value for money for railway service providers and passengers.”

Ian has previously worked in a number of Chief Executive roles, as well as in the construction sector, children’s services and more recently, for a coach operator. Ian also spent time working for Serco on rail and policing projects.

Ian said: “I am looking forward to joining the BTPA, and working with the Force to provide specialist policing across the rail network. The rail industry is continually growing and changing to meet the demands of passengers, and in response the BTP must adapt to this growth to protect and serve everybody using the network.”

The BTPA is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Transport (DfT) which oversees the work of the British Transport Police. More information can be found on the BTPA website: btpa.police.uk/

The Secretary of State for Transport is looking for new BTPA Members

The Secretary of State for Transport wishes to appoint up to four new Members of the BTPA. Applicants should have knowledge and experience in one or more of the areas listed below:

  • The interests of persons providing railway services or the interests of railway passengers; and
  • Experience in operating at a senior level in complex organisations; and/or
  • Organisational performance management.

We would also encourage applications from candidates who can offer broader experience with suitable skills including legal, policing governance, business planning, or commercial contracting.

For more information, please see the full job advertisement and supporting documents below:

To apply, please send a copy of your CV, a letter of interest (no more than two A4 sides), a completed Category/Criteria form and a completed Supporting Information form electronically or in hard copy for the attention of:

Raquel Cortes
Members’ Engagement Manager

British Transport Police Authority
The Forum
5th Floor North
74-80 Camden Street
London
NW1 0EG

The closing date for applications is Monday 12 November 2018.

Charlotte Vitty resigns as Chief Executive

The Chief Executive of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), Charlotte Vitty, has decided to leave the BTPA with immediate effect to take advantage of other opportunities.

BTPA Chair, Ron Barclay-Smith, said: “Charlotte has been with the BTPA for almost four years and has been a significant part of the change and progress that has been delivered by the Authority across this time. My colleagues and I thank her for her hard work and commitment and wish her all the best for the future.

“The Authority will now seek to appoint an interim CEO with the intention of securing a permanent replacement early in the New Year.”

New Strategic Plan 2018-21 launched

The BTPA and BTP have launched their new strategy for 2018-21 at an event at BTP Force Headquarters in London.

The new strategy, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, sets out the Force’s objectives for the next four years, focusing on:

  • Protecting and safeguarding people
  • Reducing delays and disruption
  • Providing value for money
  • Building a skilled, specialist workforce

The launch event was attended by representatives from Train Operating Companies (TOCs), passenger groups, Network Rail and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Gary Cooper from the RDG and David Beer from Transport Focus spoke at the event, welcoming the strategy and working together going forward.

BTPA Chair Ron Barclay-Smith said: “In anticipation of the new strategy, we have spent the last year developing areas of core focus in order to lay the groundwork for successful delivery of the new strategy.

“We have been able to keep crime levels at just 19 crimes per million passenger journeys, improved passenger satisfaction scores at a targeted stations, as well we maintaining the unit cost of providing BTP’s services at 35p per passenger kilometre.

“Our strategy is underpinned by the work we do with industry and partners to deliver services that address customer and staff priorities.”

To read the full Strategic Plan, please visit our Publications area.