Working for our membership – Reaping the benefits of our Freight Councils

By Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director of Policy at Logistics UK

I’m often asked about our councils, who should be part of them, what the benefits are of joining and how to get involved.  

We actively encourage members to join the relevant councils to share views and help shape our policy positions.  

A CHANCE TO INFLUENCE CHANGE 

Our regional freight councils feed into our member councils and overall governance is managed through our annual general meeting.  

Freight councils particularly focus on regulatory and topical issues that are relevant to road members – the ones that they really care about and that impact them.  

These councils are an opportunity to learn about national and local policy proposals, provide feedback on how these will impact your business and what your asks of decision makers are. Often this helps shape Logistics UK’s policy positions.  

The meetings are invaluable and enable direct contact with key organisations.  

We invite guest speakers, such as the CEO of National Highways and representatives of the DVLA review team at DfT, who will attend the next Road Council, and the Traffic Commissioner for the West of England who attended our South West Freight Council.  

Members can not only put questions directly to them, but it is also a chance for leaders and policy makers to understand the challenges faced on the ground by logistics businesses – it’s a chance to influence change.  

With face-to-face meetings, there is the added benefit of networking with peers, making connections and discussing key challenges. 

As well as industry guest speakers, we bring key policy information to the councils. During our May round of meetings, Member Advice Centre (MAC) colleagues met members, gave updates on topical issues and answered a whole range of questions. There was excellent feedback and we will be looking to bring the MAC to a future round of meetings. 

We hold regional councils in 13 locations across the UK. You can view our full range of councils on the Logistics UK website: Logistics UK Policy Councils | Logistics UK and choose the most suitable region for you. Members can login for contact information or email policy@logistics.org.uk to join.  

HELPING TO SHAPE THE NARRATIVE 

I really can’t stress enough the vital role our councils play in feeding into our policy proposals and, as we head towards a General Election, our manifesto asks.  

This all ties in with our public affairs and wider policy work and forms the basis for our engagement across government. And Logistics UK has had some positive wins for members through this engagement.  

For example, at one round of freight councils, members discussed the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and Logistics UK pursued changes with DVSA and the Traffic Commissioners on behalf of members. Recently, this has resulted in the updated guide being more workable in practice for members. 

Right now, we’re discussing topics such as the role of fleet engineers in businesses and the challenge of more stringent parking restrictions on members. Feedback will be taken to Road Council to shape our final positions. 

PLEASE, GET INVOLVED 

My ask of members is if you or a colleague would benefit from hearing from industry speakers, hearing about and providing input on issues, and networking, then please do sign up to one of the regional set of councils.  

There is also a set of working groups which discuss specific topics, such environmental issues or employment and skills.  

I encourage members with specific relevant expertise to join one of these and help influence change and shape our detailed thinking and positions.  

Members may also like to consider being actively involved in the running of the councils.  

As part of our democratic process, elections take place for chairs and vice chairs for regional councils who represent the group at Road Council to present views.  

If you are interested in becoming more actively involved, contact me for more information.  

Published On: 19/10/2023 14:30:00

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