Dear Members,
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of our team!
There are two vacancies arising on the National CEN Committee. The CEN currently has over 250 members from the UK and overseas, our highest membership for a long time. Increased membership means that the CEN is in a strong financial position, and over the coming year we are going to be finding exciting ways of using this money for the benefit of our members.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a supportive, like-minded group of people, who are keen to support speech and language therapists across the country to increase their knowledge and skills. Being part of the CEN committee allows you to learn, to network, and to prioritise some valuable CPD time. All of us, without exception, would say that the experience is hugely valuable.
Which roles are available?
There are two roles available from September 2021:
Study Day Coordinator: There are three Study Day Coordinators on the committee, each of whom takes the lead in organising one Study Day per calendar year with support from the other two. Our current Study Day Coordinators, Ali Berquez and Steph Burgess, will work alongside you to help you settle into the role.
Responsibilities: Planning and organising study days following input from members and the committee; Organising venues/online platforms; Organising speakers including travel and accommodation (where applicable); Negotiating payment for speakers (with support from the Committee); Advertising study days (flyer); Welcoming speakers and introducing them on the day; Ensuring events run to time; Collating and evaluating feedback; Organising ‘thank you’ tokens (where applicable).
Treasurer: While some previous experience is helpful, it is not a requirement. Our current Treasurer, Rachel Everard, will provide a handover of the documents and processes to the successful applicant.
Responsibilities: Monitoring membership/study day fees; Paying expenses and speakers’ fees; Keeping accurate and up-to-date accounts; Providing receipts as required; Sharing financial information as required.
What is the commitment?
Committee membership is a 3 year role, which will add to your professional profile, CV, and CPD. There are 2 half-day Committee meetings per year and in addition each Committee member is requested to submit an end of year report summarising activity within their area. Recently, as you may be aware, the CEN has moved Committee meetings and Study Days to an online platform, which has allowed us to cut costs and which has resulted in a significant increase in members. Previously, financial support was available for travel to attend at Committee meetings.
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply, please submit a brief statement to our Chair, Kevin Fower, via email at info@stammerspecialist.com before 1st November 2021, summarising in no more than 500 words your professional background, the role you are applying for, and why you are interested in the role. Submissions will then be reviewed by the committee, with a final decision expected before the end of November 2021. If there is more than one applicant for each post, the Committee will be asked to cast a vote on the applications received.
Please feel free to distribute this email around your local SIGs, CENs, and colleagues. I look forward to hearing from you.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please call Kevin on 07966 599984 or email at info@stammerspecialist.com
If you have questions specifically about the role of Treasurer, please feel free to contact Rachel Everard directly on 07930 325533 or at raeverard@gmail.com
If you have questions specifically about the role of Study Day Coordinator, please feel free to contact Alison Berquez directly at ali.berquez@nhs.net
Many thanks, Kevin.
Kevin Fower
Chair
National Dysfluency Clinical Excellence Network