The first challenge that I would like to draw your attention to is the proposed change to the way that Air Traffic Services are supplied to our customers outside controlled airspace - the ATSOCAS Review. Over the last couple of years we have worked together with other professional bodies to influence the way that the proposals developed.
The result is the draft Civil Aviation Publication  (CAP 774) that is available for download on this site's forum that the Civil Aviation Authority intend to be effective from 11 April 2008.
The document proposes radical changes to the way in which both procedural and surveillance  services  are provided. The replacement of the word "radar" with " surveillance" is recognition of the increasing provision of alternative surveillance methods that do not rely on the use of conventional radar.
I would encourage you all to take the time to consider the proposals and feedback to us so that our input into the consultation process is as comprehensive as possible.

Future changes to the way that we carry out our task include more reliance on modern technology such as GPS, with P-RNAV approaches being trialled at major UK airports and more basic RNAV approaches already having been proven effective at less busy locations.
Procedures based on non-radar technologies will continue to impact on the day to day work of ATC and are being monitored by the Guild's Policy Division.

Internally we intend to carry out a review into the organisation of the Guild to identify "pockets of interest" around the country.
This is not seen as a return to the regional structure that the Guild maintained previously, but more as an opportunity to encourage activity where a need is identified. If you are aware of an issue that you consider to be important to you and your colleagues please don't hesitate to flag it up to us via your Unit Representative or direct to the Guild's Vice President Policy.