Going forward

We live in an age of movement and change, both evolutionary and revolutionary, both good and evil--and in such an age [FMLM] has a special obligation to hold fast to the best of the past and move fast to the best of the future.

 - (With apologies to JFK)

FMLM is now 7 years-old and as many of you now know, we will become an independent registered charity on 1 January 2019 which has been the intention since 2011. Now, thanks to the support of so many of you – our members and fellows, a dedicated (and very small) FMLM team, a very experienced and supportive Board and Council – we will attain our new status as we step forward to our eighth year.

Many of our founding fellows will remember the first, 2012 conference, held in Manchester, as we are about to hold FMLM’s sixth national conference and the third Leaders in Healthcare with our partners, BMJ. Thinking back to 2012, we would have been very reassured to know that as we filled Manchester Central then with 700 delegates we would still be attracting very large numbers six years on and filling the ICC in Birmingham next week.

I believe we are offering the best programme yet and we are very grateful for the active engagement of so many senior leaders across all four nations. And, of course, this is an auspicious ‘first’ for us, as we welcome England’s health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock on Day 2, Thursday 15 November. We look forward to hearing what he has to say on clinical leadership.

We also look forward to the many fruitful conversations and networking that will take place at conference next week, and the FMLM stand is geared to also hearing any feedback you would care to share with us on how you think we are doing and what else you think we should be doing.

As we begin to map the Faculty’s future in our new independent status, an early programme of work, currently in the planning stage, is to develop the most comprehensive resource to support medical leaders to advance their leadership skills and progress their leadership careers, from medical students through to the most senior positions in UK healthcare. Please visit our stand next week and share with us your priorities to guide this exciting project.

Finally, and with sadness, this will, of course, be Dame Clare Marx’ last conference as FMLM chair – what an amazing job she has done in such a short time. The GMC is very fortunate to have such an outstanding leader at such a crucial time. In thanking Clare and wishing her all the very best, we also welcome Iain Wallace who has kindly stepped in as interim chair, having been a very active board member and hugely successful FMLM lead for Scotland for a number of years.

I look forward to seeing you in Birmingham.