Thread by @chrisol1

A compelling message from @DrAdrianJames on how #SAS doctors have been excluded from full participation in @rcpsych, and how this can be corrected by extension of voting rights rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-featu…. Definitely worth reading, and (thread) some thoughts...

The #AGM to discuss this is now available online which is a great move in response to considerable criticism that an 8.30am in-person meeting in Edinburgh was not a good way to discuss a key change in @rcpsych policy, particularly disadvantaging specific groups

There is a strong defence of extending voting rights to #SAS Drs who have felt excluded for many years (highlighted in a recent College survey). I think there is wide support for this; there is no specific comment on why also to international doctors overseas without membership

There is no explanation of the expansion of post-nominals, which has been the main area of concern seen over the last 2 days, or addressing the criticism that this could look like "money for initials", or could be misused in arenas beyond the @rcpsych control

There is a repeated doubling-down on process, highlighting the democratic nature of the Council (whose minutes are private) and the Board of Trustees (consisting of elected officers already on the Council and a minority of voted and lay representatives rcpsych.ac.uk/about-us/our-p…)

There is (ouch!) a comment on the risk of "policy by social media". Clearly a danger, though equally many people had only heard about the proposed changes on twitter over the last 48hrs, so arguably a better response would have been to consider transparency and communication

There is also no explanation of why voting is extended beyond Members to Affiliates, International Associates and Specialist Associates but not to Pre-Membership UK Trainees - a key group who also pay the College (perhaps not a "significant subscription")

But (end of thread) it is important that now people can engage with the proposals (at late notice & not a great time) at an on-line #AGM, helping to decide the direction of the @rcpsych & consider whether the current proposals for postnominals and voting is the best way forward.

@DrKateLovett @wendyburn @skalidindi1 @helencrimlisk @DD_Psych @raj_psyc @DrLadeSmith @Kallur_Suresh @ProfRobHoward @drsharonholland @DrChloeBeale @nuwandiss @talexe