Who is on Council?
David Cox OBE (West Midlands) - Chair of Council
David Cox OBE (West Midlands) - Chair of Council
Today we have a great opportunity to capitalise on the cycling boom to re- establish cycling as a major and permanent feature of British life. Environmental, health, transport and social inclusion imperatives bring cycling centre stage. I have been a Regional Councillor for 4 years and became Chair this January. If re-elected, I would like to continue to use my skills, experience and enthusiasm to support the CTC’s key role in this transformation.
Relevant experience
For over 9 years I have been Chair of South Birmingham PCT, leading a very successful organisation responsible for a budget of over £600 million and the health and health care of 383,000 people. This has given me skills in strategy, governance, public engagement, policy and partnership working. I have been privileged to have recognised with an OBE and an honorary degree for services to health care.
I am involved with Birmingham’s amazing Be-Active programme with over 300,000 citizens enjoying exercise for free in the City’s leisure centres and parks. I am passionate about encouraging the physical and mental health benefits of cycling and these must be available to far more people of all ages and from all parts of our diverse society.
Previously, I worked as a professor and associate dean at a university. I taught about organisations and served on or led many groups concerned with education, professions, health, equalities and employment.
Cycling
A full member of the CTC for 35 years, my club cycling has been with the affiliated Beacon club in South Birmingham. I ride 6,000 miles a year including commuting, club runs, audaxes, and holidays. I joined the CTC originally for the very reason the Club was formed in 1878, to protect and enhance our right to cycle safely on the roads. I have since discovered the wonderful range of the CTC’s activities with its local groups and some great events and projects.
CTC Council
The Council can best represent members’ interests by being at the forefront of the transformation of cycling in this country. The Club’s cultural heritage is precious and we need to be open to attract new members with a range of cycling interests and backgrounds. The Council has a fundamental duty of ensuring good management of the CTC’s funds, staff and reputation. I was delighted that so many members voted overwhelmingly to support Council’s proposals on becoming a unified membership charity. Council has listened to a range of sometimes critical member feedback. As Chair I have sought to improve Council’s ways of working, establish better reporting of financial and performance information and to promote continuous improvement in service standards and responsiveness to members.
We will continue to campaign for a better legal environment and physical infrastructure for cyclists. Despite the economic instability cycling continues to be more popular and more relevant than ever. Good membership services, clever committed advocacy and successful management of cycling development programmes will ensure that the CTC continues as the nation’s largest and most successful cyclists’ organisation.
Co-Optees to Council
There are currently no members co-opted to Council.
