In early September, CSPA members will have the opportunity to take part in something new – our first all-member ballot to elect key members of the Executive Council.
Ballot papers will be included with the Autumn edition of The Pensioner, while members whose email addresses we hold will also receive a secure link to vote online. Whether you choose to vote by post or online, we encourage every eligible member to take part and have their say.
This ballot is the first stage of a two-year trial approved by members at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. But why are we making this change?
Responding to change
The CSPA has always been a democratic organisation, with members playing an important role in shaping its future. Traditionally, national Executive Council elections have taken place through our network of local groups, branches and regions.
However, over time the organisation has changed. While we continue to have active branches in Scotland and Northern Ireland and many committed local groups across England and Wales, the number of active groups has declined. This means that not every member is able to participate in the election of the national Executive Council through the existing arrangements.
The Executive Council recognised that this has created what is often described as a democratic deficit, where some members have fewer opportunities than others to influence who leads the organisation nationally.
Giving every member an equal voice
The all-member ballot has one simple aim: to give every member an equal opportunity to help elect the CSPA’s national leadership.
During the trial, all members will be able to vote directly to elect the Chair, Vice Chair and five nationally elected members of the Executive Council, regardless of whether they belong to an active local group or branch.
To make voting as accessible as possible, members can cast their vote online using the secure link sent by email, or by completing and returning the ballot paper included in The Pensioner. The process is being managed with the support of an independent electoral services provider to ensure the ballot is secure, transparent and fair.
What isn't changing
This trial only affects how certain national Executive Council positions are elected.
It does not change the important role played by our local groups, branches and regional representatives, nor does it alter the way they are nominated or elected. The valuable work carried out across the organisation remains at the heart of the CSPA, and other Annual General Meeting business will continue as before.
A decision made by members
Before introducing the trial, members were invited to share their views through a consultation. The feedback demonstrated support for exploring a more inclusive way of electing the national Executive Council.
Following that consultation, members voted at the 2025 Annual General Meeting to approve the constitutional changes needed for a two-year trial of all-member ballots.
Now it’s time to put that decision into practice.
Don't miss your chance to vote
When your Autumn edition of The Pensioner arrives, look out for your ballot paper. If we hold your email address, you’ll also receive details of how to vote online.
Whichever method you choose, your vote will help shape the future leadership of the CSPA.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll also be introducing the current members of the Executive Council and the candidates standing in this year’s ballot, helping you get to know the people seeking your support before voting opens in early September.
