LOCSU’s Inaugural Chair Conference is a Great Success
21 June 2024
This month, over 50 attendees joined LOCSU’s inaugural chairs conference in London.
LOC chairs and vice-chairs of all levels and experience were invited to attend the event, led by Dr Joy Tweed, an academic and trainer in corporate governance, former course leader of an MSc in governance and leadership in healthcare, and current chair of LOCSU, alongside Fionnuala Kidd, LOCSU Advancement Lead.
The conference covered committee engagement, how to run effective LOC meetings, external influencing and how LOC chairs can have influence in their local network. Chairs and vice-chairs from across England also had the opportunity to network and hear about the successes and challenges faced by other LOCs.
The first of its kind, the chair conference was developed following feedback from LOCs that they would like more role-specific training and development. Following this, LOCSU is now looking at other appropriate training for different LOC roles.
Speaking at the event, Steve Roberts, Vice-Chair of Hertfordshire LOC, said: “It’s gone really well. It’s been really enlightening and interesting, I’ve learnt so much. It’s been a great opportunity to develop my skill set.”
Hassnain Safdar, Vice-Chair of Leicestershire and Rutland LOC, said: “I came along to the conference as I wanted to find out more about how I could play more of an effective role as Vice-Chair, and stepping into a future role as Chair.
“I think the conference has been really useful and insightful in finding out ways in which we can make more of an effective LOC, and the ways in which we can utilise our team and committee members to identify some of their strengths and weaknesses and honing in on skills as chair or vice-chair.”
Speaking on the day, Dr Joy Tweed said: “We’ve had really great feedback. I’d just like to thank everyone who has come along and contributed, and for all the good sharing that has gone on. It’s been great, thank you.”
Fionnuala Kidd, LOCSU Advancement Lead, said: “It’s been a fantastic day with loads of discussion, very enthusiastic LOCs, lots of questions, learning and peer-to-peer support. I can’t wait until the next one.”
Janice Foster, LOCSU CEO, said: “This was the first time that LOCSU has hosted the chairs conference and I think we can safely say that it was a success. The feedback from delegates has been fantastic and I’m already looking forward to the next conference as this was the first of many.
“In addition to the chairs conference, we’ll also be looking at other roles and how we can bring people together from across the country for the benefit of practices, LOCs and primary eyecare.”