Earlier today members were informed that Amy Leversidge has left BALPA. We thank Amy for her contribution to the association and wish her well for the future.

Today’s announcement marks a change in leadership, but it does not change the direction of travel for BALPA. Over the past two years the NEC and Executive Leadership Team have worked closely together through BALPA Together, the Culture Commission and the delivery of our strategic framework to build a stronger, more collaborative association with a clear vision for the future. That work has been about strengthening BALPA itself, ensuring it is better equipped to meet the needs of members today while continuing to evolve for the future. It has created real momentum, and that momentum continues.

The Executive Leadership Team and the NEC remain closely aligned as interim leadership arrangements are put in place and the process of appointing a new General Secretary begins. Interim arrangements will see BALPA’s Director for Legal and Governance, Zohra Francis, take on the role of Acting General Secretary, supported by BALPA’s Director of Finance, HR and Corporate Services, Katie Harris, as Chief Operating Officer. They will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team and NEC to ensure continuity, maintain momentum on key priorities, and support staff and members during this period of transition.

These arrangements have one clear purpose: to ensure members continue to receive the high standards of representation, advice and support they rightly expect from BALPA, while continuing to improve the way the association serves professional pilots. For most members, that is what matters. Every day BALPA negotiates on your behalf, protects your pay and conditions, provides advice and representation when you need it, and speaks for UK professional pilots nationally and internationally. None of that changes today. The association continues its work with the same determination, the same purpose and the same ambition to keep improving.

BALPA has always been at its best when members, staff and elected colleagues work together towards a common goal. Over the past two years we’ve had the privilege of working closely with colleagues across the association as that spirit has continued to grow, and we believe it leaves BALPA in a strong position for the future. The relationships built through BALPA Together and the Culture Commission, and the shared commitment we’ve seen across the association, give us confidence that BALPA is well placed for the future.

The appointment of a new General Secretary will be an important step for BALPA, and members will be kept informed as that process progresses. In the meantime, our focus remains exactly where it should be: delivering for members, continuing to improve the association, and building on the work that so many people across BALPA have contributed to over recent years.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.