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Closing address from Tim O'Connor
Tim O'Connor, BAPCO's 2006/07 president reflects back over the last 12 months in his closing address...
My year as President of BAPCO came to an end at the 2007 BAPCO Exhibition and Conference. BAPCO in representing all three Emergency Services is strongly placed to advise and recommend in the Public Safety Arena. It is totally independent with the agenda to deliver the best possible service to the public through Communications and information management systems.
The current Trials and Investigations reported in the Media, remind us that complacency is not an option and our Emergency Services need to be properly prepared for any Public Safety Disaster, whether Man Made or Natural.
Our Strategic Mission Statement is 'To be the centre of excellence in the British Isles for the provision of information, advice and support relating to public safety/civil contingency communications and information management systems for the benefit of the public and the safety of users'
This needs to be driven and understood by all members of BAPCO as we move forward into a dynamic and challenging time ahead. The Government are demanding more value for money with an ever increasing agenda of Change, which demands of our Professional Emergency Service Providers a flexible and far reaching approach to achieve desired aims. BAPCO can assist in the processes, especially with our USER led forums and expertise.
The Civil Contingencies Act continues to be a vital piece of legislation within the Public Safety Community, responsible for managing change and enabling proper provision of Emergency Services through all the relevant Agencies. BAPCO continues to look at ways of reaching those Organisations listed as Category One and Two responders as it continues to be the case that these Organisations will always be the backbone of developing and managing the Public Safety response.
Our Road Shows continued this year covering subjects as lessons learnt from the 7/7 bombings and the critical response, which would have to made to a Pandemic Outbreak. They also provide opportunities to see and discuss with Suppliers developments in Technology and how these advances can be used effectively in Operational Situations. Users have the opportunity to discuss and express their views which are invaluable in enabling BAPCO to represent at all levels key issues in the Public safety Arena.
Throughout 2006 BAPCO continued to provide a key role in the work of International Standards with Interoperability at the heart of efforts.
In conclusion BAPCO remains a strong influence and I am certain will go from Strength to Strength in the coming years of Challenge
Tim O'Connor
Past President - BAPCO
