Comment by BVAA CEO Rob Bartlett

Exceptional Service

Like many, I experienced the most profound sense of loss when the news came through about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

My reaction, and that of millions of others is - when you think about it - a most baffling notion. Afterall, most of us had never met The Queen. And yet there was that incredible bond, as strong as family. It was, I later discovered, not exclusive to just us Brits – or even her wider subjects - it spanned the globe. Her Majesty was not just our Queen, she was The Queen. If you said ‘The Queen’, there was no confusing her with other queens around the world, as everyone would know who you meant. 

Her Majesty was the epitome of exceptional service to the country, and wider world. She famously never put a foot wrong in her 70 year reign, and was the pinnacle of diplomacy. Even when faced with the most impossible situations, Her Majesty could be counted on to do the right thing, say the right words, and carry out her duty impeccably.  

Here in the Home Nations, where we have our own schisms and divisions, as a collective we demonstrated our unity. I was reminded that a body is a unit, although it is composed of many parts. Crucially they are not all the same parts, which is what makes them a body.  

It was with these thoughts on service that I reflected on the importance of it in my own space. Industry bodies are composed of many parts too, and are not without their own divisions. As an Association, we have to walk a complicated and sometimes impossible path of diplomacy and tact, while maintaining order and ensuring impartiality and fairness to all. It is a form of policing by consent, as essentially there’s little or no real power to wield. It is just a case of encouraging others to do the right thing. Using the right words. A form of duty in itself. 

It’s a tough role to pull off, particularly without the benefit of the Royal prerogative of ‘never complain, never explain’. You need to have a thousand years of tradition to earn that, or at least 70 years of faultless, exceptional service. Thank You ma’am.

Published: 30th September 2022