Elections to Association of Anaesthetists Board and Council
There are three vacancies for election to the Association’s Board and we would like to
encourage all members to consider standing for election this year. The only requirements are
to be a Full Member of the Association in good standing, and to be legally eligible to serve as a
company director and a charity trustee. Nomination is required by two existing Full Members.
Should you put yourself forward?
The uniting characteristic of Board members is having the drive
to ‘do stuff’ that develops our specialty for the benefit of our
patients and members. You do not have to be an ‘expert’ on
anything – there is equal room for those who thrive in committees
and are vocal, and for those who reflect quietly before speaking.
Everyone’s opinion is valued and heard. We are a diverse
specialty, and it is vital that our elected representatives continue
to reflect that. The Association Board has a diverse representation
of age, gender, ethnicity, experience, specialty and geography;
however there are undoubtedly still groups who are not
represented on our Board, and you could change that.
What do elected members do?
Elected members serve for a 4-year term and govern the present
operation and future strategy of the Association’s business and
charitable activities. Elected members are encouraged to attend
all-day business meetings at the Association’s headquarters in
London once a month (usually the first Friday). These decision making
meetings rotate between business and charitable
activities according to need; on four Fridays a year there is a
meeting of Council, which has external members and is advisory
rather than decision-making. These meetings can be attended
virtually when necessary. In these two difficult years of the
coronavirus pandemic, the Association has played a major role
in education, disseminating information and advocating for our
members, and continues to do so while we work under these
extraordinary conditions. Board members have all been key in
defining the unique response of anaesthesia to this challenge.
The Association has a number of sub-committees, and elected
members sit on them alongside external representatives. Elected
members will generally be allocated to three or four committees
in their first year, wherever possible in line with their interests; in
second and subsequent years, they will usually chair committees
as well. Current sub-committees include:
Anaesthesia and
Anaesthesia News; anaesthesia equipment standards; education;
environment and sustainability; policy and advocacy; heritage;
independent practice; international relations; membership
services; research and grants; safety; SAS doctors and trainee.
These sub-committees also meet on Fridays. Increasingly, we
are making use of videoconferencing to reduce the time and
environmental impact of travelling.
Other career development opportunities?
There are also opportunities to join working parties developing
guidelines, opportunities to meet and work with colleagues from
other stakeholder organisations including RCoA, HM Armed
Forces, NHS, BMA, GMC, MHRA and charitable partners, and
we are constantly asked to contribute to national consultations
and other projects. Elected members are strongly encouraged
to attend our three main annual educational events, the Winter
Scientific Meeting, Annual Congress and Trainee Conference as
well as local Core Topics meetings. There are occasional training
and development sessions in relevant areas such as charity
legislation, financial regulation and public affairs. Other events
include opportunities to meet and interact with elected colleagues
and Association staff less formally.
Is there a catch?
No. We will keep you busy, but you will have a huge opportunity
to guide and shape the direction of our unique membership
organisation. You will be supported by your elected colleagues
and by the dedicated team of more than 35 staff at 21 Portland
Place. Newly elected members get an established ‘buddy’ to
guide them in their first year. You could expect to be in London
typically two Fridays per month, though with virtual working
this is not a fixed commitment and Board members can choose
how to attend to support your work/life balance. You will need a
compatible job plan, and discussion with your Clinical Director is
strongly advised before applying.
I would strongly recommend standing for election whatever
your anaesthetic subspecialty; the role is fun but also has a direct
positive impact on education for anaesthetists and patient safety,
locally and internationally. I would be happy to chat to anyone
who wants to have further details.
The closing date for nominations is 17:00 on Tuesday 5 April
2022
; the successful candidates will take up their positions from
the Annual Members Meeting at Annual Congress in Belfast in
September 2022.
Matthew Davies
Honorary Secretary and President Elect, Association of
Anaesthetists