Call for Candidates: SCTS Presidential Election
02 November 2026
(Last updated: 2 Nov 2026 15:57)
Candidates are invited to stand for election to become the next President of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland. The successful candidate will become Senior President Elect in March 2027 at the annual meeting in Birmingham. They will join the presidential team as Senior President-Elect in March 2027. It is anticipated that they will serve for 1-2 years as president-elect before their term as President. Following the recent AGM, the presidential term has changed to one year.
We have strengthened the transition between these roles so that each President has time to learn, contribute and carry important work forward. Therefore, the successful candidate will be engaged in the activities of the senior leadership team and will progressively take on presidential duties.
The presidency is a substantial commitment, including daytime, evening, and weekend commitments. The President will usually be supported by two presidents-elect, the wider senior leadership team, the Trustees, the Executive, and the Secretariat. We have also recently appointed a voluntary Chief Operating Officer to provide further continuity and management of the charity. The demands on the President elect can also be considerable at times.
The President sets the Society’s policy and strategy, with oversight from the Trustees.
It matters that SCTS has representation and a voice wherever decisions affect our four sub-specialties. The role brings the opportunity to meet and collaborate with members, trainees, patients, partners, and colleagues across the profession and beyond.
This is a chance to make a significant contribution to the future of cardiothoracic surgery.
We encourage members who have the energy, judgement, and commitment to serve the Society to consider standing for election. Candidates must be full consultant members of the Society, in good standing with the Society, their Medical Council and their employing Trust. They must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee under UK Charities’ law.
The President is elected by a secret ballot of all voting full members (consultant and NTN trainee members).
The application needs the written support of the candidate’s medical director and may need job plan adjustment.
Applications must be received by 5pm London time on Friday 13th November at 17:00.
Informal inquiries can be made to Aman Coonar (President), Enoch Akowuah (President-Elect), or Doug West (Honorary Secretary).
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