Author: Gareth Thomas, SCoR President 2017/18
I'm honoured and delighted to write my first blog as the Society’s 80th President.
As I said in my inaugural address, my pledge to every member of our organisation is simple; I will be President for all members of the Society.
Anyone who follows me on Twitter (@gazzamagic78) or any other social media, will no doubt know my political thoughts and beliefs.
But regardless of your politics or your point of view, my job is to serve you and I promise to do so to the very best of my ability.
It is a special time for me. I was brought up in the south Wales valleys and I was the first member of my family to not only earn a place at university, but also now to head up a professional organisation and trade union.
I have been a member of the Society for 17 years and a member of UK council for six. In this time I’ve had the opportunity at close quarters to watch and learn from predecessors, but also to interact with our stakeholders face-to-face to understand the many challenges we face as a profession. But now it is what I do as President which will matter more...much more.
I want to lead by example, respecting our members with fairness and equality and, in turn, tackling the things which matter to you, such as public sector pay restraint. This will require a galvanised membership and working with our fellow trade unions to defend our rights.
Our research strategy may not be have been received well by some, but I must forewarn our members that research is critical for the survival of radiography as a profession.
I want to lead an organisation which uses evidence based practice to demonstrate that radiographers can meet the necessary demands, delivering the best possible care for patients. It is, after all, our patients who are integral in keeping the Society and College of Radiographers at the heart of imaging and radiotherapy.
These are the obligations that I now carry. I will be taking on my role at an exciting time. A new strategy for the organisation is looming on the horizon, and your input into this is pivotal. This month’s membership survey is the opportunity to shape the Society YOU want to see.
With your help and support, the support of UK Council and the SoR staff, I intend to help build a professional body and trade union our members can be proud of.
No doubt I will face challenges but I will strive to meet them with positivity and with fortitude.
It’s now time to do...