Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Members Representative Body
We want to let members know about a change to the Members Representative Body (Rep Body).
As many of you know, Marianne Selby Boothroyd has stepped down from the Rep Body because she has joined the Learning Disability England staff team.
We are very happy for Marianne and pleased that we will continue working with her in her new role.
We would also like to thank her for everything she gave to the Rep Body in her time as a member rep.
At our last meeting, we talked about how to fill the empty place on the Rep Body.
The next Rep Body elections will take place in 2027. We felt it would not be a good use of members’ time to run another election now and then another one next year.
We also know that it takes time for new Rep Body members to learn about the role and build relationships with other members.
After talking about the options, we asked Scott Watkin if he would want to return to the Rep Body to represent paid support members until the next elections in 2027.
We are very pleased that Scott agreed.
Many members will know Scott from his time on the Rep Body before.
He was a representative until 2025 and brings lots of experience, strong connections with members, and believes in the values of Learning Disability England.
We know there is a lot of change happening at the moment in health, social care and government.
Members often tell us they worry that people with a learning disability are left out when important decisions are being made.
The Rep Body wants to stay focused on what matters most to members:
- speaking up for good lives
- making sure people are included in decisions
- supporting the work members do every day
We are grateful that Scott is willing to use his time and experience to support this work until members elect a new representative in 2027.
We also hope members will think about standing for election when nominations open in 2027.