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The BPA constitution dates back to 1991. It's time for a new constitution for the 21st century and members are invited to discuss the proposed changes. 

The BPA Council is undertaking  a strategic review for the next decade following on from member meetings held last year. A key component is the updating of our constitution. A new draft constitution has been drafted and we are now holding a series of member meetings to discuss some of the key changes ahead of an approval process in which every member will be entitled to vote.

Friday 14th January 17.00  -  BPA Members Meeting 14/1/22

Sunday 16th January 11.00 - BPA Members Meeting 16/1/22

Tuesday 18th January 13.30 - BPA Members Meeting 18/1/22

These Zoom meetings are open to all members. To assist with management of the meetings please let us know in advance if you would like to attend by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. When joining the meeting please rename yourself to include your Herd Designation Letters or Membership Number. 

The current Constitution  of the BPA dates back to 1991.

There have been many changes in the way Companies, Charities and other organisations operate within a changed, legislative, regulatory, economic, technological and environmental world.

The way in which the BPA executes its objectives must also change to ensure that it is able to embrace and respond to these changes as well as the cultural, attitude and values of people today.

The core objects of the BPA are not changing but the way in which we will deliver these and our strategy are to change in these proposals.

The strategic outlook for the BPA over the next 10 years will focus on two key pathways; Conservation and Sustainable Pork Production.

Many of the current Members may not realise that the BPA is both a Conservation Charity for British Pedigree Pigs and the representative of all smaller pig keepers and producers, regardless of pedigree. The focus on Conservation has increased greatly since the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001 and this needs to be clearly defined in our objectives.

The tireless work, which the BPA undertakes with various Government departments and Agencies and other organisations has helped shape current policy and give a voice to the smaller pig breeder and keeper. However, this critical work is not well understood or publicised.

Post Brexit, the role the BPA has in shaping the ongoing policies has never been more critical but in order to do this, the Association has to have people with the necessary skills and expertise at its core  to ensure it has the flexibility and agility to respond to the rapidly changing conditions, meet its objectives and maintain its independence.

The proposed changes to the constitution are designed to give it that flexibility and to set the framework, which ensures that it is recognised by the public as a well-managed Conservation Charity.

Key Changes

Consistent with the above objectives, the main constitution changes are as follows:

A Board of Trustees (previously the Council) that reflects the interests of breeders, keepers and pork producers in line with the BPA’s strategic objectives of Conservation and Sustainable Pork Production, which in turn are consistent with Animal Breeding Regulation and all other Health and Welfare legislation and also enables the BPA to attract Trustees and Non-Executive Directors with a skill base that can bring Corporate, Technological, Conservation and Sustainable Pork production experience to the running of the BPA;

Term of Office for all Board Trustees to be 3 years with re-election for a second term after which Trustees must step down for a period of 3 years;

There will be an initial phasing in of this after adoption of the new Articles to ensure continuity of management with one third of the current Council being eligible for re-election once in each of the three years following adoption.

There shall be no fewer than ten and no more than twelve Board  Members of which no less than six and no more than eight will be elected from active pig breeders and keepers and no less than four and no more than six will be elected as non executive directors who have the skills and competence to contribute and participate in the activities of the Association such to assist the Association meet its objectives and assist the future development and strategic aims of the Association. Non Executive Directors may not be active Pig breeders or keeper.  All Board members will be Trustees of the Association. These roles will be Voluntary with reasonable expenses only paid.

Nominations

The Board shall establish an Independent Nominations and Selection Committee whose purpose shall be to consider and advise the Board Members on the skills required  in the make-up of the Board from time to time; and provide assistance to the Board Members in relation to the appointment of Board Members.

Board Powers:

The new Articles provide the ability for the Board of Trustees to delegate authority. This will enable the Board to establish whatever committees, sub committees and working groups may be required to deal with relevant issues within a Board Approved Mandate. Such committees/working groups will have delegated authority set out by the Board Mandate and will make decisions in line with that delegated authority, including within any budget that has been established. Reporting structures to the Board will also be established to ensure compliance with the terms of delegation and objectives of the Committee.

There will be a Board Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer, all of which will be elected by the Board.

The Board will establish membership categories. Membership categories may be classified as full members, which carry voting rights or Associate Members, which do not carry voting rights.

Breed Representatives

Breed Reps will continue to have a key role  but this role will be defined by a revised Breed Rep job specification. Breed reps must have  the necessary experience and breeding record to be eligible for the role and this will include a continuation of birth notification requirements and length of time breeding to qualify as an Active Pedigree Breeder. Breed reps may put themselves forward for nomination for a Board vacancy for consideration by the Selection Committee but will have no preferential consideration.

Summary

The BPA needs to:

• modernise
• be flexible, agile and responsive
• able to meet changing regulatory standards
• be recognised as a competent corporate entity
• have the skills to do the job
• be attractive to a younger generation

The Board needs to have the skills to do this and reflect the requirements of today’s Charitable status.

It needs to be inclusive and not viewed as a closed club for the few and the work it does with Government and Regulators needs to be understood.

The changes proposed seek to achieve these objectives and provide the framework for the BPA to have an independent future.