This is my first report as Honorary Secretary after taking on the role from Dr Jenny Hislop. I would first like to thank Jenny for all her excellent work as Secretary and wish her every success in her future career and life back in Oxford. Jenny will be sadly missed by the Executive Committee of BSG but will continue to be an active member of BSG on return from her travels. We all look forward to seeing you then.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to take forward the excellent work of BSG, especially at such an exciting and dynamic time for the Society. In recent years there have been key changes and developments that I hope to build on and extend in order to ensure that the work of BSG; the perspectives and concerns of older people; and the work of ageing researchers, policymakers and practitioners are given the highest priority. In particular, in liaison with the President and President-Elect, and all members and officers of the Executive Committee, I hope to contribute to the following areas:

• to build on and extend the work being undertaken to expand membership, that integrates the perspectives of older people, academics, researchers, policymakers and practitioners;
• to promote and develop the excellent work of Emerging Researchers in Ageing (ERA), emergent researchers and practitioners in ageing are our future of BSG;
• to work with Rachel Pitman, our website manager, to ensure that the BSG website is a key port of call for anyone interested in ageing matters;
• to work with the new BSG Administrative Support Officer to ensure that communication with and between BSG members is enhanced and the process of joining and renewing membership is efficient;
• to promote the new online newsletter Generations Review and BSG JiscMail as key means of communication within the BSG;
• to support and promote the Annual Conferences and other activities of BSG.

I aim to give continuing commitment to promote the Society, its members and activities, and the study of ageing. In particular, I hope I can make some contribution to our overall aim to enhance the quality of life for older people, their families and carers; and people who work in ageing studies and with older people. I am currently settling into my new role and I very much look forward to working with the whole BSG team and getting to know all BSG members over the next 3 years.

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