Yes it’s election time again forthe Royal Pharmaceutical Society and this year there is an expanded field of “runners”. We have the usual entrants in the form of existing board members, but refreshingly this time around, a significant number of new candidates (in terms of board membership) have taken up the challenge.
You can view the candidates on the RPS website here
Every election is determined by the people who show up.
Larry J. Sabato
Now, as happens at most elections the “Twittersphere” goes in to meltdown. Suddenly candidates can start appearing to emerge from “dormant stages” to interact with potential voters on the platform.
Secretly I think we Twitter users forget that this isn’t “the world”, and at times it can be a very beguiling echo chamber. But that’s another rant discussion.
What I am hoping for this year, is polite but robust discussion between the candidates and the vote holding professionals.
It is right that candidates are challenged on their candidacy statements, and for some individuals, their achievements in long standing positions on the board.
The Pharmaceutical Journal has published their statements and also some of the candidates have issued letters. They make quite interesting reading and I now know I’m classed as a “legacy workforce”.
Legacy Workforce?
I’ve not directly interacted with candidates, but I have endorsed some I feel alignment with what I want from the society. Also, I’m being sparing with my votes, to try and ensure only the crème de la crème of my picks get a place.
So I thought I’d go away and revisit the guidance for professionals around SoMe to ensure I don’t fall in to the ego trap that it sometimes can be.
I share the links below in good faith in case a refresher course might be useful.
GPhC Demonstrating Professionalism Online
RPS Guidance for Candidates on use of social media
But I hope this year, more of the RPS members use their voice and vote in this year’s elections. Because if we don’t vote then we can’t complain about the outcomes. We need board members who will take the RPS forward, engage with current members and create new ones.
