It is a period of change at HCSA. As well as elections for the new Council and our next General Secretary, whose results will be announced shortly, we have moved to a new era in our strategic operations following the retirement of acting chief executive Joe Chattin after 18 years at HCSA.
Many HCSA members will know Joe, who served as our northern lead before heading our national officer team and stepping up to act as chief executive.
He has also brought his significant industrial experience to bear supporting me and the previous president in negotiations with NHS Employers, and in the various trade union arenas in which HCSA operates.
Joe has worked incredibly hard for many years on behalf of HCSA and our members, and we thank him for all his assistance.
Taking up the reins following a restructure of our senior leadership is Director of Operations Stuart Lythgoe, who began in this newly created post last month.
So we wish you a happy retirement, Joe, and give a warm welcome to Stuart.