PPA SEEKS NEW CHAIRPERSON

The Point-to-Point Authority is seeking nominations for an independent Chair to head the Board as of 1st January 2024.

Andrew Merriam has spent six years as Chair, during which time he has successfully navigated the sport through a tempestuous period – most obviously Equine Influenza and Covid, but in reality the greater and remaining challenge has been combating the continued change in rural demographics and society, and the knock-on effects on the sport. He is now stepping down, having served a full term according to the PPA’s Articles.

The Board is non-executive and part-time, traditionally attending four formal board meetings a year in London, Shrivenham and Market Harborough, although Zoom is also increasingly used. However, Board Members are all expected to engage with the major issues facing the sport and assist in the provision of policy direction to the PPA office. Furthermore, the Chair’s role is hands-on in providing advice and support for the CEO of the PPA on a regular basis. The individual will also be expected to attend point-to-point meetings and other functions, in order to engage with the racing public and other key groups, and so understand and represent their views.

The successful candidate is likely to have a good understanding of point-to-pointing, enjoying the ethos of the sport whilst being able to look forward – especially with regard to the relationship between point-to-pointing and racing under rules.

Applicants should send their CV by email to the PPA Chief Executive Peter Wright at peter@p2pa.co.uk accompanied by:

• a short explanation of what experience they have, and what they would bring in terms of both leadership of the PPA Board and support forthe PPA Office.

• full contact details (name, phone number, email and postal addresses) of two referees, together with details of their referees’ involvement in the sport of point-to-pointing.

Applications must be submitted by 1st October, following which a short list will be drawn-up. Candidates will be interviewed by a sub-committee of the Board by the end of October with the aim being that the successful candidate attends the PPA Board Meeting in November.

The normal term of office for an Independent member of the Board is three years. Each independent member may serve for up to two terms consecutively, subject to being re-selected for a second term. After a minimum of a year off the Board, former Independent members may seek re-selection.

The Point-to-Point Authority Board includes a nominated representative from all the main “stakeholders” in point-to-pointing as well as three Independents:

Andrew Merriam:     Chair – Independent Nominee (vacating)

Ilona Barnett:     Vice Chair PPA and Chair PPSA

Philip Hall:     Jockey Club Nominee

Mark Buchan:     Chair PPORA

Alan Hill:     BHSA Nominee

Fiona Needham:     Independent Nominee

Darren Edwards:     Independent Nominee

For further information, please contact Peter Wright at peter@p2pa.co.uk or on 07501 452817. Please do share this with anyone to whom you think it may be of interest.