Council Vacancies: Whatever happened to elections?
 There are currently four casual vacancies on the UK council of the SCoR. In the ‘old days’ of nationally elected members, it was common to take part in elections to select the council. Since moving to regional nomination, each vacancy has resulted in only one nomination (if at all), leading to unopposed elections and no requirement to ask members to vote.
It is vital for the organisation and for the profession that members are engaged with the process of representation. As well as electing their member of council, Society members should consider standing themselves, or nominate a candidate. The profession needs strong leadership with support from the wider membership.
Richard Evans, the Society CEO, is writing jointly with the respective regional chairs to all members in the South Eastern and Northern regions, and to members in Scotland and Northern Ireland, asking them to make nominations. Hopefully, sufficient nominees will be put forward to trigger elections.
Richard comments: "On the basis that ‘when you want something done, ask a busy person’, we hope that leaders and managers in the profession will be prepared to be nominated for council. Your experience and knowledge is essential.
“A common myth is that nominations must come via a regional committee/national council. Whilst we are delighted to receive them by this route, nominations can come direct from the membership.”
Richard is delighted to talk about what is involved in being a member of council and he can be contacted at richarde@sor.org. Nomination packs are available from Gill Smith at gills@sor.org
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