A chairman responds

I am very grateful to David Carvel1 for writing to the Journal. While not agreeing with Carvel's conclusions, I think he has done us a valuable service by highlighting some key issues. As Chairman I am determined that we increase opportunities for members to get involved in the work of the College and make it even more inclusive.

Council2 comprises 33 elected faculty representatives; up to 18 members elected by a UK postal ballot of all fellows and members; and observers, who cannot vote. In any 1 year there are up to 18 elected members of Council. Council is empowered to appoint additional members who are often members of the College with a particular expertise, for example in research. It is also customary for a number of individuals to be selected as observers to Council — these include the lay Chairman of the College's Patients' Liaison Group and two elected GP Registrar representatives.

Readers will see from this that the …