The Council of the College is seeking nominations for four vacancies which will arise on Council at the AGM in November 2024. Professor Robin Paton,ÌýConsultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and ºìÐÓÊÓƵÌýHonorary Secretary, outlines his experience on Council and how he got involved to begin with.
I first became involved with the CollegeÌýover 20 years agoÌýas an examinerÌýand question writerÌýin the JCIE Intercollegiate ExaminationsÌýin Trauma and Orthopaedics. Later I becameÌýanÌýexaminer/assessor for the International JSF Examinations in Hong Kong and Singapore.ÌýWhilst examining I met various Members of Council, and noted that they were friendly, approachable, down to earth, and motivated to give something back.ÌýInitially, I did not think it was likely that I would have a chance to beÌýelected,Ìýbut I was encouraged to apply.Ìý
I was very surprised and flattered to be elected to Council.ÌýI was firstÌýelected in 2016, and was then re-elected in 2021.ÌýIn 2022,ÌýI was appointed to the Office Bearer’s post of Honorary Secretary, my current role within the College.ÌýThe Honorary SecretaryÌýof the CollegeÌýis responsible forÌýoverseeingÌýthe governanceÌýand compliance of the College Laws and Regulations.
Currently, the College is modernising its structures and reviewing/modernising the governance of the organisation, in addition to developing a new Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Code.ÌýThrough this process,Ìýthe CollegeÌýshould becomeÌýmore transparent and inclusive. More roles should open to application rather than nomination, and this will increase the opportunities for more members to be involved withÌýCollegeÌýwork.ÌýThis change, though challenging, is alsoÌývery exciting, and the HonoraryÌýSecretaryÌýhasÌýan important roleÌýin this modernisation process.Ìý
The prime roleÌýof the College isÌýto deliver the highest standard of education and examinations in the UK and internationally, and the core values of the College are of inclusivity, integrity, innovation, professionalism, and respect. These standards are important to uphold.ÌýI have been very heartened by the wide range of backgrounds and of the different personalities of the Members of Council. They all have the common aim to maintain standards, they work well together, and though volunteering for the College can be hard work and require a high degree of professionalism, there are other aspects of College life that can be fun.Ìý
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ is 518 years old,Ìýwith a great history,Ìýand I feel that itÌýhas beenÌýa huge honour to serve on Council.ÌýIt is important that the CollegeÌýcontinues toÌýengage withÌýandÌýbe relevant to its membershipÌýfor the organisationÌýtoÌýthriveÌýin the future. TheÌýmembership is at the heart of the College,ÌýandÌýit is important to listen and supportÌýthem.
Learn more about the nominations process .