It's your vote, use it or lose it.

So what's this election all about ? I think its about democracy and accountability; let's take accountability first. In June 2022 the College imposed a revised 'How we work' statement, effectively preventing Council members from publicly expressing opinions contrary to RCVS policy (Ball gag and no balls). Since then the ability of the membership (that's you and me) to find out what is being said, planned, or agreed in our name has been relentlessly choked off. Nothing escapes the information black hole that is the RCVS. Occasionally a nicely polished PR piece might find its way into your inbox, but that's it. 

In 2020, before the information blackout, 26% of the registered electorate voted in Council elections. In 2023 that number had fallen to 16%. As the membership is slowly pushed out of the information loop it feels alienated, loses interest and eventually stops voting.  

And the RCVS response ? Acknowledge their failure to engage the profession in the democratic process ? Work harder to foster a (genuinely) inclusive approach to information sharing ? Nah, let's just abolish elections altogether. Simply appoint the 'right' people while removing the last vestiges of democratic accountability. What could possibly go wrong ? 

Well as we've seen recently quite a lot, and it's going to get worse. As the College loosens its terrestrial bonds and floats ever upwards into HR heaven (never mind patient care, have you appointed your sustainability champion yet?)  only the collective voice of the practising majority can bring it back to earth. If we lose the vote we lose our voice - forever, 

The College, in their somewhat panicky response (here) assure us there will be 'consultations and surveys' - and like the most recent consultation and survey on prescribing, studiously ignored (how to consult without consulting) (Ditto).

Whoever you vote for, choose someone committed to preserving the electoral process. It's your vote, use it or lose it. 

Gerard (Gerry) Henry 



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