A government review into the BTPA has concluded that it is an organisation that listens, has demonstrated a willingness to work collaboratively with the rail industry and has good leadership.

In the second, and final part of a review into the Authority’s work, the Minister of State for Transport Baroness Kramer has released a report which follows up on findings announced in the summer.

In a statement issued this morning the minister said:

“I am pleased to announce the conclusion of the second part of the review and the publication of the Part 2 report.

“The Part 2 report explores concerns on the part of the industry in relating the costs incurred to the services delivered by the BTP; and what can be done to reduce costs and to create a more harmonious and productive relationship between the Force, the Authority and its stakeholders.

“The report reflects the generally positive view of the BTPA’s current leadership and an improving trend in its willingness to act collaboratively and to consult. It also makes a number of recommendations for a sensible way forward for the future, a number of which build on the good progress that the BTPA has already made.”

In response to Baroness Kramer’s announcement Chair of the BTPA Millie Banerjee said:

“We welcome part two of this government review and the conclusion of what has been a thought provoking and well considered look into our work.

“Part two of the report has identified a number of areas of work which we believe are already being addressed by our strategy to enable the rail industry to see a much closer link between financial input and policing outcome.

“We see the rail industry as a vital link in the delivery of the best possible policing of Britain’s railways and we have made a number of commitments recently that will see us continue shaping progress together.”

The Triennial Review has been carried out in two parts. Part 1 of the review, which was published on 14 July, considered the continuing need for the BTPA’s functions and the case for it to remain a Non Departmental Public Body, and that it is complying with recognised principles of good corporate governance.

Part 2 of the review has considered a wider range of issues raised by the industry about the effectiveness of the BTPA in the discharge of its functions and the industry’s ability to influence outcomes.

The Chief Executive of the body that oversees the work of the transport police met the new Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) for the Force this afternoon to welcome him to the team following his appointment earlier in the year.

BTP’s new DCC Adrian Hanstock started work for the Force this week having been sworn in on Tuesday at Highbury Magistrates Court.

Adrian Hanstock was appointed by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) back in August and met with Chief Executive Andrew Figgures this afternoon to discuss the ambitions of the Authority and how it would support the Force in achieving its goals.

On introducing Adrian to staff at the Authority Andrew said:

“It’s a real pleasure to welcome Adrian to the team he brings a wealth of experience and wisdom.”

Until recently Adrian was a Commander with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) serving as Head of Crime and Criminal Justice.

BTPA is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to cover its Business Manager post whilst the post holder is on a period of maternity leave.

This post forms an integral part of the BTPA’s senior management team, with responsibility for ensuring the Authority has appropriate processes in place to meet its statutory duties, overseeing the implementation and compliance of these and leading on human resources and professional standards matters for the Authority.  To find out more read the attached job description and person specification

The post is subject to vetting checks which include proof of right to work, proof of residence, checks of criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, associations and reprimands.  These will only be progressed at the conditional offer stage.

Application is by way of CV and supporting statement to Lucy Yasin, Business Manager, at [email protected].

Documents to download

Applications for this position close at 5pm on Wednesday 22 October

BTPA Authority Business Manager Job Description

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

Contact information

For an informal discussion with the Business Manager regarding the post please contact Business Manager Lucy Yasin on 020 7383 3844 on 8,9,10,20 or 21 October. We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of community.

About the BTPA

British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) is an independent body that oversees the British Transport Police (BTP).  The Authority maintains the Force’s budget, allocates resources, monitors performance and makes senior appointments to the Force.  It is composed of 15 Members who have knowledge of the interests of rail operators, passengers and rail staff.  Members are supported by a small Executive Team who provide professional advice to assist them in fulfilling their role effectively.

BTP is the specialist, national police service for Britain’s railways. It deals with major and minor crime, disorder and incidents, and covers the rail system in England, Wales and Scotland. Its police officers, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and support staff are recruited and trained like those of local forces and have the same powers.

 

BTPA held its annual workshop last Thursday which was attended by senior representatives from across the rail industry.

The theme for this years event was ‘shaping progress together’ to highlight the successful work that has been delivered over the last ten years and the Authority’s continued commitment to working closely with its stakeholders.

The event was an opportunity for guests to hear how better policing of the railways can be achieved through much closer working.

Guests heard from a number of speakers including Millie Banerjee Chair of the BTPA, Andy Odell from the Rail Delivery Group and the Chief Constable of the BTP Paul Crowther.

The  speakers discussed work that was already underway this year as well as a number of opportunities for the rail industry and passenger representatives to work more closely to deliver a safer, more efficient railway for Great Britain.

The Chair of the BTPA, Millie Banerjee also made several commitments including one in particular around improved engagement with stakeholders and greater transparency around the work of the Authority.

Addressing the group Millie said:

“I am committed to developing a process for the right dialogue to take place – with the right people at the right time so that we can ensure much greater transparency than we have today. As a start we would propose to engage with the RDG at which most of you have representation.

“In so doing, we need to share with you the complexities and tensions that exist between meeting local demands while ensuring that we do not erode the integrity or capability of our specialised, national force. I want to develop a mechanism to ensure that we can have adult conversations where we can share with you how the budgeting decisions are made, how we spend the money and gather your feedback. But also to work with you to address issues that are not within the gift of any of us individually.

“And at the same time, we will be asking you for your commitments too. In order for us to really change the game and change the conversations we have together, we’re going to need you to be involved in this too.”

The Authority will now write to all of its stakeholders as to how- together – improvements to policing Great Britain’s railways can be made by taking a collective proactive approach.

Click on the links below to view slides from the event:

Millie Banerjee, Chairman BTPA: Shaping progress together and BTPA commitments

Chief Constable BTP, Paul Crowther: Helping the nation’s travelling public get home every day safe, secure and on time’

Anthony Fairbanks-Weston, BTPA consultant:Review of stakeholder feedback: Senior industry stakeholder views

Andy Odell RDG: Progress Report and Focus for Control Period 5

Your copy of the RDG Terms of Reference

Mark Phillips, BTPA – Chair Policing Plan Group:  Delivering the Strategic Objectives: Policing Plan 2015-16 proposals

If you have any questions about the event email communication manager [email protected]

The Chair of the BTPA Millie Banerjee addressed an audience from the rail community today making a number of steadfast commitments to deliver the best possible policing on Great Britain’s railways by closer, more collaborative working.

At an annual conference attended by senior representatives from passenger interest groups as well as train and freight operating companies Millie made a series of pledges that were welcomed by the attendees.

Speaking to the group Millie said:

“Today the Authority is making a number of commitments. We want to achieve greater transparency around the budgeting and planning process – ensuring we’ve heard your views. We want to ensure that we’re taking account of local priorities and requirements as well as providing feedback about how we have used your input. And we will formalise, in writing, how we can best ensure that we have productive meetings with you to plan the periods ahead.

“This is all in a bid to continue on the successful path of ‘shaping progress together’, but that means we need you to work proactively with us.”

Guests also heard from the Chief Constable of the BTP Paul Crowther and the Rail Delivery Group, the body that represents the interests of the rail industry.

The Authority will now write to all of its stakeholders as to how- together – improvements to policing Great Britain’s railways can be made by taking a collective proactive approach.

More information from the event will be available soon.