The Summer 2020 edition of the SOLAS Newsletter (Issue 68) reflects the extraordinary disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. President Shirley Green acknowledges the challenges facing members and highlights the support available through LawCare. With social distancing continuing, SOLAS moved Council and committee meetings online, cancelled the September National Seminar and 2020 AGM Dinner, and began planning for a virtual AGM.
Branch reports from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness show how SOLAS continued operating despite restrictions, with virtual meetings and AGMs becoming part of the new normal. There were several committee changes, including Nikki Scott becoming Dundee Branch President and Gillian Gray becoming Glasgow Branch President, with David Hamilton as Vice President. Branches also encouraged more members to become involved in committees and looked towards online delivery of future CPD events.
A major focus of the newsletter is CPD and membership administration. The normal CPD requirement was suspended for the year ending 31 October 2020 because branch and national seminars had been cancelled, although members were still required to submit their CPD forms and subscriptions by 30 November. SOLAS also introduced revised deadlines for future administration, including a late-payment stage and eventual removal from membership where requirements remained outstanding. The newsletter concludes with CPD guidance, forms, payment information and details of SOLAS office bearers and branch contacts.
