04 January 2023
As we enter the new year, I feel it's important to outline what we will be achieving as a society over the course of the year.
I am proud to highlight several innovations and future opportunities that span across the BSR community including the launch of a new five-year strategy.
Our five-year plan to deliver impact
I am delighted to be launching a new five-year strategy for BSR 2023 – 2027 in time for the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Society.
We consulted with members, held workshops with staff and trustees, and most importantly reflected on the impact of what we have achieved as a Society over the last three years.
We’ve renewed our commitment to excellence and learning for rheumatology and gone even further by:
- Defining our primary role/mission as ‘championing the specialty’ (broadening beyond just members)
- Placing greater emphasis on using our position to influence change
- Building our commitment to leadership, collaboration and inclusivity.
New funding, activities and projects
In the first year of our new strategy, we have committed to investing in new initiatives and projects that will benefit rheumatology services.
These new activities include:
- More investment in our clinical guideline development so they are produced faster and include more resources to help with implementation
- Improving the NIEAA platform to make it easier to use
- A huge £150,000 of new funding for advanced research, that’s on top of the existing £60,000 annual commitment to early career research funding
- This is in addition to £25,000 in dedicated bursaries for trainees and health professional, as well as for places on our popular Ultrasound course
- A campaign around the impact and value of rheumatology services to the NHS and the wider economy, supporting our national lobbying on workforce and your local drive to ensure safe levels of staffing team.
Education and learning opportunities
We are also committed to making our education and conference activities accessible and sustainable. We continue to invest in making them available hybrid and online where possible.
This is a friendly reminder that early bird bookings for the Annual Conference will be open from January 18. Make sure you book your place I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Manchester this April.
Throughout my Presidency, I’ve been so impressed by all the members who have contributed their time and energy to BSR committees and working groups – they enable us to be the vibrant and productive Society that we are.
We are ever grateful.
I wish you all a very happy new year and thank you for your continued support.