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Since the Society began, it has been run by its members for its members. This means that a number of ordinary members have been elected to take responsibility for the overall running of the Society. This group is called the Committee of Management (CoM) and they are elected every two years at the Society’s Conference, along with a Society Secretary who supports the CoM and is responsible for communicating with members. Because we have so many members it isn’t possible for everyone to attend Conference, so instead our membership is divided into branches (according to where members live or work), and these branches represent the views of members at Conference.

 

Our Committee of Management needs to hear members' views and opinions so they can fully understand the issues that affect our members and the running of the Society. Our Member Relations Strategy sets out in detail how members can express their views and take a more active interest in the governance of the Society. Our member magazine, Together, also contains useful information on Society services and activities.

 

When you become a member you are automatically allocated to a branch (see Society Branches for a full list). Each year, branches hold two meetings before the Society’s Annual Conference. This is where you can make a difference as you can discuss what benefits you would like to see and what changes you think should be made to Society rules of membership. You will also be able to elect your branch officers, the members you want to represent you at Conference, and decide whether to nominate a member of the branch for the Committee of Management or Society Secretary. It’s up to you how much you want to get involved, from just attending a meeting to vote, to standing for election.

 

Each year your branch secretary will write to let you know when and where the meetings will be held (See also Branch Meeting Dates). Every year we also arrange a number of roadshows at various locations across the UK, to which all members living in that area will be invited. This gives the opportunity to talk to members about any new developments and answer any queries about what the Society can offer.

 

If you need any further information you can:

 

E-mail us: thesecretary@benenden.org.uk

 

Call us: 0845 052 5755* and leave a message

 

Write to: The Secretary, The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited, Holgate Park Drive, York YO26 4GG