The December 2022 edition of the SOLAS Newsletter (Issue 73) marks the beginning of Natalie Cooke’s term as National President, succeeding Lynne Alexander at the AGM on 5 November. Natalie encourages members to become more involved at branch and General Council level and to support SOLAS CPD. A new approach brought the branches together to deliver eight shared online seminars, while members were required, on a trial basis, to complete at least two hours of their structured CPD through a SOLAS-organised event.
There were also significant administrative and social developments. Lorraine MacLeod became SOLAS Administrator on 1 November, bringing 40 years of experience as a cashier and office manager, while Dorothy Nicholson provided support during the handover. The Annual Dinner and AGM returned to Edinburgh on 4–5 November, with photographs throughout the newsletter capturing members reconnecting socially. Looking ahead, the March 2023 National Seminar was planned online, while September’s seminar would return to a face-to-face format.
Branch reports show SOLAS increasingly embracing a national rather than purely regional approach to professional development. Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow continued using Microsoft Teams, allowing members to attend seminars organised by any branch. Graduation and student events celebrated successful candidates across the country, and 23 new Associate Members were admitted at the November General Council meeting. At the same time, branches continued appealing for greater member and committee involvement, reflecting an ongoing concern about maintaining active participation alongside the success of online CPD.
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