Author: Steve Herring, SCoR President
Three years ago there was an election to find council members for the UK Council. I had the privilege of being elected by members of the South East Region.
My passion for the organisation and my commitment towards its members hasn’t diminished in the past three years – it has grown exponentially.
Although now president, I still work in a busy department within a district general hospital in Kent. My clinical time is split between working as a clinical radiographer and plain film reporting.
I hope that my experience both as a radiographer and a member of council have been of help in dealing with some of the difficult circumstances we’ve faced over the last three years.
There has been a strike over pay, incremental freeze and attacks on our pensions. I have seen how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together and how, as council members, we care so much about doing everything we can to protect and advance the profession.
In 2014, it was suggested by a council colleague that I should consider putting myself forward to the presidential team.
With the support of my colleagues and managers I did this, and I became vice president. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to a motion at the TUC and gave an interview to BBC Radio 5 live programme. I also helped in the launch of the SCoR manifesto in Parliament – a definite highlight.
I also had the privilege of chairing our Annual Delegates Conference in Brighton, which was amazing.
In July 2015, my role changed to president elect. It was a real eye-opener. I’ve worked closely alongside immediate past president Sheila Hassan which has helped prepare me for the year ahead.
I’ve also had the opportunity to sit on a number of national groups working alongside other AHPs and in March went to the European Congress in Radiology in Vienna to support those members speaking and meet colleagues from across the globe. It was a great chance to share what we do in the UK, as many look to us as pioneers, especially in advanced practice.
Last month, I became president of the organisation.
This is an amazing privilege which has only been possible because of the faith and the support of other members, together with my managers and the teams within my workplace.
Everything I do is about you as members of the organisation, and for the wider membership of our profession. My aim has always been to help and support you to do what you do best, for the patients we serve across all of our regions.
We are facing unknown challenges in the years ahead. The changes we face are unprecedented, and I believe that it is essential to pull together as a profession.
By using my experiences on the presidential team, I will be able to bring the knowledge and insights that I have gained to the difficult processes ahead.
I know I can’t do it on my own, but together we can do amazing things. I am looking forward to what lies ahead.
As always, if you want to talk about issues important to you, please drop me a line or pick up the phone. I will always be happy to take your call or answer your email.