How The UPA Works
The UPA is an international not-for-profit trade association. The business of the Association is conducted for the mutual benefit of the Members, but not for the financial profit of its members. The Articles of Association set out the purpose and rules of the Association. The UPA’s general meeting sets the general direction of the Association. The UPA Board of Directors is the general management organ of the Association. The Board of Directors are elected from the membership. There is an annual general meeting of all members and typically the Board meets on a quarterly basis (or as necessary) to conduct the business of the Association. The Association relies on the efforts of its members to achieve its stated aims. The UPA is very much a democratic organisation. Working towards these is mostly done in working groups, with deliverables and policies submitted to the Board where appropriate for approval. Any member can raise a subject for a working group to work on. The frequency and nature of working group meetings depends on the remit and aims of the particular working group. At present there are 5 working groups within the Association, these will be added to as and when other groups are deemed necessary:
- Standardization & Certification
- Smart Grid
- Command & Control
- Digital Home
- Marketing and public relations
The Association employs a permanent secretary that handles matters of membership, administration and finance, and provides support in marketing.
