The proposals for BGS devolution, which should be ready for approval at an extraordinary general meeting in April 2003, will create a new council for England.

The English members of the existing UK Council are studying a draft constitution for the England Council, which should be approved in January 2003. This constitution envisages a council comprising 14 regional members plus a chair and a deputy chair, both of whom will represent England on the UK Management Committee of the Society. The purpose of this notice is to invite expressions of interest in the two positions of chair and deputy chair. Although the proposals regarding devolution and the English constitution have not yet been approved, we are acting now in order to ensure that the new English Council is in a position to take up its programme of work as soon as possible after the EGM.

Chair
It is envisaged that the work of the new Council will focus on policy matters appertaining to the provision of medical care for older people in England. The chair will need to be a high profile, experienced person with a comprehensive grasp of the entire spectrum of care for older people in England. The chair will be responsible for liasing with government representatives and will sit on the BGS Department of Health Liaison Group, as well as the BGS UK Management Committee and the BGS & RCP Joint Geriatrics Committee.

Deputy Chair
Given the potential workload foreseen in the paragraph above, it is thought that the work will need to be divided between the chair and deputy chair.

Both appointments are for a two-year period. There is no provision for the deputy chair to automatically succeed the chair. Where a regional representative is elected chair or deputy chair the region he/she represents shall appoint a new representative to act for the region.

Eligibility and how to apply
Every BGS member residing or working in England may nominate a colleague, who is also a BGS member residing or working in England to serve as chair or deputy chair. Nominations should consist of a CV from the candidate and a brief citation signed by the nominator and a seconder, subject to the agreement of the nominee, and sent to the BGS office by post or email. At their first meeting the regional members of the England Council will elect the two officers from the names submitted.

Nominations should reach the BGS Office by Friday 7 March 2003.

Regional Representation
The 14 regional representatives on the England Council will be appointed from each of the 14 English regional branches as UK Council members are at the present time.

Louise Wykes
Committee Secretary : BGS Office
Email: Louise-Wykes@bgs.org.uk