The July 2022 edition of the SOLAS Newsletter (Issue 72) marks a period of significant transition for the Society. Lynne Alexander confirms this will be her final report as President, with Natalie Cooke due to take over at the Edinburgh AGM in November. After two difficult pandemic years, Lynne reflects positively on strong examination results and the wider geographical reach achieved through remote teaching. The newsletter also marks the end of Dorothy Nicholson’s more than 12 years as SOLAS Administrator, with David Alexander taking over the role at the end of July.
Education and events remained central to SOLAS activity. The 2022/23 Evening Course would continue to be delivered by webinar, while examinations would return to classroom conditions where possible. Plans were also well underway for the return of major face-to-face events, including the September Private Client National Seminar in Perth and the Annual Dinner and AGM in Edinburgh on 4–5 November. At branch level, online CPD continued to prove popular, and General Council agreed that future branch CPD would be opened across the Society rather than restricted by geographical branch, with Microsoft Teams planned to support this wider participation.
Branch reports reveal a mixed picture for member engagement. Aberdeen and Dundee reported disappointing AGM attendance and appealed for new committee members, while Edinburgh’s online seminars remained well attended and Glasgow attracted 57 members to its AGM and more than 80 to CPD sessions. Edinburgh also welcomed new committee members and prepared to host the National AGM later in the year. The newsletter concludes with a reminder that members were required to complete 10 hours of annual CPD, five structured and five unstructured, and submit their CPD record and subscriptions by 30 November 2022.
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