In our most significant elections in recent years, we had several roles to fill including a National Chair, National Vice Chair, Trustees, and Membership Council Representatives. These roles are vital in helping to shape the RBL’s leadership. Following a comprehensive and robust process, I’m delighted to announce the following successful candidates:

Lynda Atkins – National Chair

Paul Harris – National Vice Chair   

John Thornhill – Trustee  

James (Jim) Sibbald – Trustee  

Tom Harrison – Trustee  

Jane Cosgrove – Membership Council Representative, National Branches  

Steve Lewis – Membership Council Representative, Cornwall and Devon  

Robert (Dusty) Millar – Membership Council Representative, Overseas  

John Moran – Membership Council Representative, Yorkshire  

Patrick Norrington-Davies – Membership Council Representative, Wales

I’m particularly thankful to everyone who was prepared to be nominated for one of these roles, and to the successful ten people who will be volunteering their time to further the work of our fantastic charity. It requires a lot of passion and dedication, so I’d like to congratulate each of them and wish them the very best as they take up their positions at the close of Annual Conference on Sunday 18th May.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the process, whether that was through the nominations and assessment panels, or by voting. I’m pleased to say that 555 votes were cast.

Following the National Elections we have seven vacant Membership Council positions, for the following areas: East Midlands, Greater London, Northern, South-East, Wiltshire & Somerset, East Anglia & Essex, and Dorset, Hampshire & Isle of Wight. The Board of Trustees has recognised the significant gap this creates and will identify a plan to address the future composition of the Membership Council to ensure appropriate representation for all members in these areas.