Let ’s build a better workplace

The British Parking Association is championing equality, diversity and inclusivity in the workforce

The British Parking Association (BPA) has commissioned research and published a report to better understand and address issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in the parking workforce.

The research, which was conducted by Blue Squirrel Research, used a mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative research tools in order to fully understand the issues faced around EDI and provide an accurate profile of the UK parking sector.

The BPA Equalities, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Research Project 2023 reveals that a large proportion of respondents see the benefits of EDI as being both internal to the sector, through fair and balanced progression, as well as delivering benefits to customer experience, through the more diverse skills and experiences that EDI brings.

Respondents made a range of suggestions made for improvements in the parking sector on a number of different themes including knowledge and training; perceptions of the sector; good practice – what exists and what can be improved; diversity; data; and the impact of training in the sector.

Andrew Pester, BPA chief executive, said: “The report’s recommendations will be invaluable in helping to inform future BPA policy in relation to EDI and ensure that activities are undertaken that support and promote diversity and inclusivity within our governance and the wider parking community. We will harness the findings of this research to inspire and enable a culture of inclusion and diversity, promote and provide career opportunities and encourage continuing professional development (CPD).”

BPA members can download the full report at: www.britishparking.co.uk/EDI-Research

10%

8%

Key findings

Out of 331 respondents to the online British Parking Association EDI survey:

• 51% male

• 47% female

• 16% non-heterosexual

• 10% neurodivergent

• 8% were disabled.

Respondents were asked what they thought about a career in the parking sector, what more the sector could do to increase equality, diversity and inclusion, and the benefits of increased equality, diversity and inclusion.

• 32% said it was an interesting, varied job, but people have a negative image of parking

• 19% said a parking career offered a wide range of opportunities, but these need to be better communicated

• 36% thought there should be better communication of EDI in the sector

• 40% thought increased EDI would bring a balanced approach to job progression, where everyone is treated on merit.

Encouraging career advancement

The British Parking Association has launched a new benefit for its members. BPA Advance offers both corporate and individual members access to a suite of more than 700 online training and CPD modules via the BPA Advance Skills Hub.

The hub offers training in bitesize format on a wide range of subjects relevant to the parking sector. It also covers Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) mandatory training.

BPA Advance also encompasses the association’s mentoring scheme, advice on career progression, webinars and e-zines, access to a Wellbeing Hub, and access to networking events.

16%

47%

51%

64% of authorities have a parking strategy

21% of authorities are planning to develop a parking strategy

15% of authorities have no parking strategy and no intention of creating one