Meet your new Council Members 2021
Corporate Members recently voted in our Council elections and the results were announced at our Annual General Meeting last month. Dr Sarah Pitt and Tahmina Hussain were elected as national council members, while members chose Angela-Jean Francois as a London council member and Jennifer Collins for the North-East.
To find out more about our new council members, we got in touch with our new Council members to ask them a few questions about what they hope to bring to their role.
IBMS President Allan Wilson commented:
“I would like to congratulate our newly elected Council Members. They will each bring a unique blend of expertise and experience which will prove invaluable at this pivotal moment for our profession.
Serving on the IBMS’s governing body is a fantastic opportunity to drive change in IBMS policy, interact and engage with colleagues across the country and gain new knowledge and skills. I look forward to working with you all as we look to serve the needs of our members and provide a voice for the profession.”
Four New Council Members
Dr Sarah Pitt – National
1: What does being an IBMS Council Member mean to you?
It is a privilege to have been elected to the Council and to contribute to the work the IBMS.
2: If you could only address one issue on behalf of the profession what would it be?
To encourage members to be thoughtful and confident as professionals and for greater recognition of the contribution that our members make to healthcare and medical science.
3: Why do you think it is important to engage with the IBMS?
The IBMS is run by and for its members. Everyone has ideas and skills and talents to share. If you engage with the IBMS, you can help to influence its work.
Tahmina Hussain – National
1: What does being an IBMS Council Member mean to you?
Being an IBMS Council Member is the greatest achievement in my career journey so far. I’d like to express my gratitude to all the members who voted for me.
Being a council member is a valuable opportunity to contribute towards the representation of all communities and ensure diversity within our profession. Breaking down barriers will create opportunities, new approaches and ideas that are more inclusive of all backgrounds and bring new perspectives and experiences to the IBMS, which ultimately contribute towards successful recognition of the diversity within the profession and benefit our members.
2: If you could only address one issue on behalf of the profession, what would it be?
Helping graduates secure placements or trainee positions in order to gain work experience and achieve the Certificate of Competence to become HCPC registered
I want to help the IBMS liaise more closely with universities to strengthen the current relationship with laboratories; helping to incorporate practical learning into the syllabus and ensuring students put laboratory techniques into context with the theoretical knowledge. Ultimately, this will improve opportunities and facilitate employability.
3: Why do you think it is important to engage with the IBMS?
The IBMS provides the opportunity to develop a relationship and network with members in the wider community. Being on IBMS Council is not only a fantastic opportunity to influence science policy, but also support the professional development of IBMS members and raise the profile of professionalism in science.
Angela Jean-Francois – London
1: What does being an IBMS Council Member mean to you?
I have been involved in the IBMS since 2009 as a member of the Immunology Specialist Advisory panel serving in different roles over the years. As I have progressed in my career, it has been a natural progression to apply for IBMS Council; representing the London region. I will bring over 22 years of experience as a practicing Biomedical Scientist in an NHS Clinical Pathology service, and I want to provide as much support as possible to the IBMS and our members.
2: If you could only address one issue on behalf of the profession, what would it be?
Ensuring equality and diversity is at the forefront of the profession and to promote and develop our members to the best of their abilities, building upon the awareness developed through the pandemic to promote the fantastic work that we do.
3: Why do you think it is important to engage with the IBMS?
As the professional body for biomedical science, it is really important that the IBMS hears the voice of its members. Engagement with the IBMS ensures that the voices and views of those within the profession are heard; keeping us in tune with current events and guaranteeing we can act in the best interest of our members.
Jennifer Collins – North-East
1: What does being an IBMS Council Member mean to you?
The IBMS has been by my side throughout my 35-year career; from ‘Junior B MLSO’ to Laboratory Manager. Being co-opted to IBMS Council is an honour and represents the pinnacle of my professional journey, I am excited for my new role and looking forward to being the voice for the members in the North East. .
2: If you could only address one issue on behalf of the profession, what would it be?
The IBMS Annual Report 2020 showcased the fantastic achievements of the IBMS and its members during our most challenging year yet. I would like to engage with local biomedical scientists and healthcare science support staff to expand the North East membership, align with other regions and re-launch our regional meetings virtually.
3: Why do you think it is important to engage with IBMS?
The IBMS is managed by a network of scientists; for the scientists of today and tomorrow.
They provide support and guidance as well as a professional development framework for all members, irrespective of individual career position.
IBMS Council is the governing body of the IBMS. Council is made up of national and regional representatives elected by IBMS members and makes key decisions and develops policy on behalf of the biomedical science profession.