Look at me getting all in with the corporate mumbo-jumbo!! Obviously, not everyone can attend their regional meeting (the latest round of which are just over), so I thought we could use this blog for those who did attend to put their comments and opinions of the meeting, and for those who didn’t to contribute as they see fit. The more input we get, the better the Society will be (well assuming they listen).

I’ll get the ball rolling by talking about my take on the Ireland Regional Meeting (the report of which is not yet online):

1. As promised, I must say the meeting ran smoothly and was well organised. More importantly it was nice and lively, although there was no fear of that in a room full of Irish!!
2. Robert Parker has been appointed as interim CEO of the Society (has that been mentioned anywhere else?), although the RSC are actively seeking a long-term replacement for Richard Pike. Needless to say, the longer the search goes on, the longer one arm of the RSC is effectively in limbo.
3. The President’s personal view is that over the past few years the RSC has “taken their eye off the ball” as regard the members, their activities and contributions. I think the Younger Members will heartily agree with that particular sentiment. Our President has promised to make rectify this issue a personal mission, and I for one will hold him to that promise. Of course, should he want a crash course in what’s going wrong with “member relations” may I direct him to our report on the YMS. And of course, Prof. Phillips is welcome to engage with me and any of the YMF for more input on this issue.

Much more was discussed during the 1-hour Q&A session than I’m going to put up here (just keeping it to the most relevant to YM’s). However, as per usual with these sorts of meetings, it’s what’s said over the post-meeting drinks that can often be the most interesting:

1. Confusion still abounds over the appointment and remit of the new regional coordinators. As far as I know, this is an exciting new experiment by the RSC that is only just getting up and running across the UK. It will have implications for the future directions of the Society as a whole, however, and as such I feel increased communication about their activities is a must. Whilst I’m loathe to put these people under the microscope (hell, I’ve known two of them for years and they’re fantastic people), there are wider things afoot regarding regionalisation and for better or worse Education is acting as the pilot programme in this regard.
2. Once again I heard anecdotes as to the current pressures facing staff at the RSC and the subsequent effect on morale. The YMF have detected this as a gradual deterioration in the working relationship between us and the members of RSC staff (see here, here, here and here for examples). It is fair to say that the workload for RSC staff has increased, and consequently they are much busier now than say five years ago. This staffing issue is thus one for the membership to consider with care: Are we happy with things as they are (dare I say on behalf of the younger members “no”) and, if not, are we prepared to pay more for additional staff to improve the situation (again, I’d like to say “yes” to this one, given our current financial situation)?

Would love to hear your opinions on these and other issues raised at your regional meeting. Please also check out the report from your regional meeting, and comment/question here as you wish.

23-April-2011: The meeting that the Presdient promised has been arranged for the 31st of May. Any comments posted here will be highlighted at this meeting, so this is your chance!