Wendy Martin
University of Reading
Hello everyone,
Many thanks for such an excellent response to our
calls for members to contribute actively in the work of BSG in the
following roles: being nominated as Executive Committee Members or
Secretary-Elect, as future editors of Generations Review
online, and to host future BSG annual conferences. We were delighted
that so many members want to join us in our mission to improve the lives
of older people and promote ageing research, teaching, policy and
practice and we thank you all for your expressions of interest.
As part of our new strategy there are some new key
developments that we are planning to take forward in the academic year
2009 / 2010. It is essential that the BSG not only communicates its
purpose effectively but ensures that we reflect the multiplicity of
views of our members. As our profile on the inter/national arena
increases, we also hope to attract new members, ensure we retain our
members and bring lapsed members back into our Society. Whilst I believe
our current dynamism and strategy will enable us to achieve this, we do
really also need your help and feedback and I would like to make you
aware of some key initiatives that we will be taking forward in the
autumn:
- Members’ Survey
Our new strategy will involve us developing and
promoting our identity to ensure that we communicate our goals and
objectives clearly. To ensure that our message and identity reflects our
membership we need to know about who you are, your interests, your
background, your links with BSG and to understand more about how the BSG
can work with and for you. In the autumn we are planning an online
survey of all our members, lead by Professor Sheila Peace, so that we
have a current profile of our membership. We would be very grateful if
you will take a short space of time to complete this short survey, and
also ensure your voice and interests are part of our new strategy and
identity.
- Development of the BSG website
The BSG website is central to how we communicate our
mission and identity with and between our members, to potential members
and the outside world. It is often the first port of call for anyone
interested in BSG. It is therefore essential that the content and format
of the website is up-to-date, reflects our aims and goals, and links to
the key activities of our members (e.g. research, teaching, policy and
practice). I am delighted to announce that the BSG has agreed to fund a
small project lead by Sue Venn (team members are: Rachel Hazelwood,
Rachel Pitman, Wendy Martin and Veronika Williams) to update and renew
the content of the website. This will include sections on gerontology
courses, ageing research, ERA, up-to-date BSG news, and policy and
practice. We will be in contact with members as we develop this website
and collect and collate new information.
- Updating Membership databases
Now that Rachel Hazelwood has had a chance to
settle into and develop her new post, we are planning to ensure that we
update all our membership databases. This will include ensuring members’
details are current and up-to-date and to contact recently lapsed
members. I know that in recent years we have had significant
difficulties ensuring that renewals and becoming a member is an easy and
streamlined process, but we hope that now all communications go via
Rachel Hazelwood that any of these problems will be solved. I hope you
will be happy for Rachel to contact you and help you to update and / or
hopefully renew your membership. Please do contact Rachel Hazelwood with
any issues about membership on the contact details below. We very much
welcome your contributions and comments.
- BSG Exhibition Stands
The BSG is having a stand at
our annual conference at Bristol this year – where you can meet our new
administrator, Rachel Hazelwood, learn more about BSG, and take the
chance to update your BSG records. Please drop by and say hello – we
will have a warm welcome waiting for you!
The BSG was also very well represented at
the IAGG conference in Paris this July. Not only were many members
present but we had a highly successful exhibition stand that promoted
the profile of BSG in an international arena and became a focal point
for friends and colleagues alike. Our President, Professor Judith
Phillips, also represented our interests at committee meetings
throughout the conference.
I am very much looking forward to our annual conference in Bristol
this year, the Bristol team have again provided us with an excellent
academic and social programme. This is of course a great opportunity to
meet new and known colleagues, members and friends. I look forward to
seeing you there!
Our contact details are:
Email:
britishgerontology@yahoo.co.uk
Phone:
Please leave a message with your name and number on the BSG answering service on 07532 248 835. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Post:
British Society of Gerontology
PO Box 607
York
YO26 0EQ