Read the latest blog from Tina Chambers, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Tissue Viability, on the importance of the 2023 SoTV Trustee Elections

“The Society is in the fortunate position to need to hold an election to elect 3 new trustees, the last election was back in 2020. An election is on the cards every year, but often, those who have applied have been elected unopposed as the number of applicants has equalled the number of vacancies. Having 10 candidates for 3 vacancies is a very positive thing for our Society as it demonstrates that there are members who wish to serve and guide the future of their Society. The Society of Tissue Viability is owned and run by members.

I have been a member since 1989 and honoured to serve as Trustee, Chair and Vice Chair for a number of years. The role of a charity Trustee is one of responsibility, to serve the public and to ensure the Society works towards it mission and in so doing, ensures that it meets Charity Commissions standards. There are benefits to being a Trustee but there is also a lot of work. Choosing the next generation of Trustees is important and a responsibility for all members. The new constitution of the Society ensures that every year, one third of the Trustees will either stand for re-election or stand down. We have always had a maximum term of office for the Trustees to ensure that there are always new ideas and energy to move the Society forward.

An election is not a popularity contest and, when deciding who I should vote for, there are a lot of considerations to be taken into account, here are just some of them:

• Is there a balance of clinical, academic and business skills?
• Industry trustees have valuable business and management skills (no vacancies for the category this year)
• Academics and researchers think differently from those in a pure clinical role
• Nurses, while the biggest workforce, are not the only healthcare professionals we represent
• We are a multidisciplinary organisation
• What is the knowledge and experience of those who wish to serve
• Whilst it is tempting to select those I know best rather than those I have never met I must ensure that I read the information provided for me and see who best fits the needs of the Society.

As part of the election process, each candidate provides a personal statement so if you do not know the individual, you can check them out here. With almost 900 members I hope that a large number will vote :-). I would like to see those seeking election asking other members to support them and join in the voting.

I wish every success to those who are elected this year. For those who are unsuccessful this year do not be put off, you have options:

• Offer to undertake a voluntary role, you can become an Associate or a Coopted Trustee
• Seek to join one of the working groups and then hope to be elected next year.

In seeking election you are the future of the Society of Tissue Viability, the oldest Wound Care charity in the UK. If you are a member and wish to help guide your Society’s future then please vote. I have now placed my vote (via this link) but there is still time left to place yours, the election closes on the 14^th August”.