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BGS Presidential Election Procedure

Called upon to serve - Electing the President Elect

In 2002, the BGS changed its constitution to allow for the President Elect to be nominated and elected by individual ballot.

At the Society’s AGM in October, our President will be handing the reins of office over to our President Elect, Dr Jerry Playfer. In accordance with Article 29 of the Society’s Articles of Association therefore, nominations are now invited for the post of President Elect of the Society, effective from the 2004 Annual General Meeting.

Job Description
The job description of the President Elect takes account of the job description of the President as the President Elect will serve for two years followed, subject to endorsement by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, by another two years as President.

Duties

  • Vice-Chairman United Kingdom Management Committee (UKMC) Meetings
  • Ex-Officio member of all standing committees
  • Represent the Society at meetings of other professional organisations and government bodies as necessary
  • Deputise for the President at Regional BGS meetings as necessary
  • Attend and possibly chair any special working parties that may be set up
  • Provide guidance to the BGS Office when the President is not available
 BGS President Elect : Procedure for nominating candidates

Prospective candidates need not apply to their respective regions or Councils to be nominated. Members are also free to self-nominate. The only requirement is that a nomination must be supported, in writing, by 5 other members who are eligible to vote at an AGM of the Society.

Along with the written statements of support, the candidate must submit a statement of consent, in writing, to the effect that: “I, .................................. do hereby consent that my name be put forward for nomination to the post of President Elect of the Society for the period 2004-2006”.

The statement of consent and supporting signatures must be received by the Company Secretary, at the registered office of the Society, no later than Friday 30 April 2004. Late or incomplete nominations will not be accepted and email submissions are acceptable.

Should there be more than one nomination, a ballot will be held. All successful nominees will be encouraged to submit a statement supporting their nomination, together with a photograph, which will appear with the ballot paper.

Full details concerning a ballot will appear in a future issue of the Newsletter.

Time commitment

  • UKMC; 6 meetings a year, each usually lasting about 3 hours
  • National Council meetings; TBD and 1 full Study Day each year

Strategic Projects
Dependant on matters arising, the President Elect may, in agreement with the President, wish to use the two years leading up to his/her presidency to plan future projects

Workload of the President
The President Elect should be aware of the subsequent workload associated with the position of President. This includes:

  • Raising the profile of the Society and working to enhance its image
  • Chairing UKMC meetings 6 times a year
  • Helping to formulate BGS policy on a wide range of issues
  • Chairing sessions at BGS Scientific Meetings, chairing the BGS AGM and presiding at BGS Meeting dinners and at other events
  • Providing urgent responses to national political issues related to health and welfare of older people and acting as spokesman for the BGS in media interviews and articles

The following may arise from time to time:

  • Giving lectures on geriatric medicine and the care of older people in response to invitations from other professional organisations, and representing the Society at their meetings or receptions
  • Liaising with government departments, senior civil servants and Ministers on age care issues
  • Liaising with other geriatrics societies abroad, especially Australasia, Europe, North and South America
  • Encouraging support for age care in the developing countries
  • Liaising with the Royal Colleges in the UK
  • Liaising with other professional organisations such as the BMA
  • Liaising with voluntary sector organisations, particularly Age Concern and Help the Aged
  • Maintaining regular contact with regional BGS groups wherever possible
  • Signing cards, certificates, etc
  • Contributing a column to the BGS Newsletter 6 times a year
  • Spending time with other officers and with the BGS Chief Executive
  • Giving support to the BGS Office

President’s Time Commitment
The commitment of the President to the Society’s work takes, on average, one day a week, including responding to correspondence, e-mails etc., but with occasional visits all round the UK and the odd one abroad. It is necessary to keep in close touch with the BGS office even during the holiday periods.

The post provides substantial scope to influence the development of the BGS, the specialty and age care.
The post does require a heavy commitment to the Society and will involve late arrivals home, absences from home and a considerable burden on top of clinical commitments. It is necessary to be a good forward planner, to be well organised, able to delegate effectively, a good communicator and a good team leader.

Any queries should be directed to the Chief Executive (alexander-mair@bgs.org.uk).

Alex Mair