National Board changes
As you will have read in Landscape News Summer, Nigel Bowcock has completed his tenure as the National Chair of the Association.
Wayne Grills, Chief Executive:
"Nigel, Managing Director of Acre Landscapes, joined the National Board in 2014, became Vice-Chair in 2020, and National Chair in 2022. He was instrumental in the development and launch of the GoLandscape careers initiative, which continues to thrive in promoting landscaping as a career choice for students and career changers. I would like to thank Nigel for his commitment and support to the Association - we have been proud to have him as our National Chair and wish him well."
The Association is pleased to announce that Tessa Johnstone, who was voted in as Vice-Chair in 2022, is now the National Chair, supported by new Vice-Chair Adrian Wickham.
Tessa, Director of Accredited Contractor Johnstone Landscapes, has been the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Director on the Association Board since 2019. Vice-Chair Adrian Wickham, Director - Corporate Development at Glendale Countryside, joined the Board in 2020, and joined Tessa as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director.
On becoming National Chair, Tessa said:
"I am excited to be voted on as the National Chair of the Association. I would like to recognise Nigel's leadership over the last year, especially his commitment to driving our plans forward to deliver the new strategy, and further developing the BALI Academy with Jake Catling. I am determined to continue to ensure the relevance of the Association and the benefits it affords to its members."
Tessa and Adrian have been instrumental in raising the profile of ED&I throughout the industry, most notably delivering the 'Landscaping - Access All Areas', an event focussed on driving positive change and actively facilitating open discussion exploring the barriers people within the industry and those looking to enter it face. This event has directly led to the implementation of the ED&I Charter for the industry, which continues to grow its signatories and commitment throughout the industry.
The Association is thrilled to have Tessa and Adrian as Chair and Vice-Chair. Both will continue their focus on equality, diversity and inclusion on behalf of the Association, as well as working with all the Board Directors and the team at Landscape House to ensure all members feel involved and supported by their membership.
Wayne Grills:
"On behalf of the Board I would like to extend our congratulations to Tessa Johnstone and Adrian Wickham for their new appointments. It is important for the Association to have a level of consistency, as well as new ideas to ensure we remain current within the ever-changing environment. With the appointment of Tessa as Chair and Adrian as Vice-Chair, I am confident the Association will continue to thrive."