Changes to the Structure of the Committee
Throughout 2023, the LMC alongside attendees at the AGM meeting have considered changes to the committee. Some of these changes have been driven by a need to review the LMC finances in the context of a static voluntary levy since 2019. Further information about the levy may follow in due course.
The committee has also obtained information from other Scottish LMCs to inform discussions about committee size (in relation to Health Board population size) and the allocation of representative seats.
As a result of the discussions, a decision has been made to reduce the size of the committee to the following members :
| Elected Member (GP partner or salaried GP) | 6 Seats |
| Exec team (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and last past Chair) | 4 Seats |
| GPST | 1 Seat |
| Sessional GP | 1 Seat |
In addition to the above changes to the size of the committee, the system of members representing a geographical, cluster area has been removed. As a result, the 10 seats for GP partners / salaried GPs will now be available to any GP from any practice (usually no more than 2 GPs from one practice) in the Borders. It is expected that members sit on the committee to represent the best interests of general practice in the region and not just their own practice or locality. In the event that a specific issue arises that only affects an individual practice or a group of practices then the committee can invite colleagues to an LMC meeting or co-opt colleagues on to the committee.
GPST and sessional GP seats will continue to be ring-fenced on the committee to ensure broad representation of general practice. No changes to these seats have been proposed.
GP partners and sessional GPs should consider the above when participating in LMC elections or when self-nominating for vacancies.
In the event of queries, please contact the LMC Secretary (Kirsty Robinson), the Chair (Rachel Mollart) or any other member of the committee as we would be happy to assist.
