This year’s ARM (annual representative meeting) is fast approaching and there are now just four weeks until the deadline for motions to be submitted.
The pandemic and the need to ensure members’ safety means it’s not yet confirmed whether this year’s meeting will be held virtually or in person. However, what is guaranteed is the vital role that members’ voices continue to play in shaping the BMA’s policy and resolving what we want from our profession – and what the BMA should be campaigning and fighting for, on our members’ behalf.
Which is why it’s important that we receive as many proposed motions from across the membership as possible, to ensure we are debating the issues that mean the most to you. Despite having to reduce the ARM to two days, which means a reduced number of motions debated, we don’t wish to limit motion submissions.
After a year like no other, it is likely COVID and the NHS post-pandemic will feature prominently, but there will undoubtedly be other burning issues – including new topics such as medical apprenticeships in England. We ask that you concentrate on your top priorities and ensure submitted motions do not duplicate existing policy.
To further assist, the BMA has a range of briefings, guidance and content, including:
- Widening participation and Medical apprenticeships
- Physician-assisted dying
- Climate change and sustainability
- The Health and Care White Paper
All motions that are submitted must be agreed at either a general division meeting of five or more division members, or electronically – by email for example – by five or more people (the same applies to any motion submissions from regional/national councils). If, when deciding on motions to submit, they generate interesting debate, consider whether the consensus you reach would make a good stem. Or, if it is controversial, whether it would make a better part of a motion with nuances. Please contact your branch of practice secretariat for details on how to submit motions via your branch of practice conference.
All motions should be submitted by 9am on 25 June 2021.
We recommend reading the advice for writing a good motion, and asking a friend to proofread your submission. You can also contact the motion advisory service, which assists with motion drafting: [email protected]. Please include your name, membership number, branch of practice and nation.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: [email protected]