In light of concerns raised by some members this week, regarding recent comments made by the College President, and to reinforce members’ confidence in a fair and inclusive election process, I immediately launched an investigation.
As a result, I required the President to undertake a series of actions, including acknowledging the importance of distinguishing between his personal views and the official College position, apologising to members, and removing the relevant social media posts made by him. After further discussions with the President, he has voluntarily agreed to make no further comments regarding the election or the candidates.
The official video of the conference presentation, where the President made those remarks, will also not be circulated by the organisers. I encourage members not to copy/share any posts related to that presentation. As far as I can tell, none of the candidates anticipated the President’s intervention, and the candidate mention by him had not requested it.
It is important to note that the College has not, and will not, endorse or express support for any individual candidate in the President Election. The College is neutral in this matter, as the choice of the next President is for members alone to decide.
I have also reminded all of the candidates to ensure they adhere to the College’s Canvassing Code of Practice, which may include actions by their supporters on their behalf.
I am confident that the speed in which actions were taken ensures that the election will remain fair and give equal standing to each of the candidates.
The President’s apology is published below.
Voting opens on Monday 20 October.
Stephen Jones
An apology from the College President
Dear College Members,
The Responsible Officer has drawn my attention to recent comments made by me, in meetings and on social media, where I failed to distinguish that my remarks were personal and not the College’s position regarding the election. I apologise for this and I have taken action to withdraw those remarks.
For the avoidance of doubt, the College is committed to neutrality in the election process and neither I nor the other Officers or Trustees should create uncertainty between our personal views and our roles within the College.
Professor Ben Burton
President, Royal College of Ophthalmologists