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FoMSF Handover Guide ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This guide is intended to help handover from one committee or committee-member to the next

generation. It is based the FoMSF National Committee handover procedure and experiences drawn

from FoMSF group handover.

In passing on a role from one generation to the next several issues are worth considering,

- Striking a balance between ensuring continuity and encouraging fresh initiative.

This means trying to ensure that ongoing processes and projects maintain their momentum, but

also that space and support exists for new energies and enthusiasms to be expressed, rather

than stifled by too many responsibilities

- Finding the right pitch between “clinging-on” to the position and “abandoning” the next

generation.

The following checklist is intended to provide recommendations for all parties to the handover and

can be adapted to suit particular roles. All feedback on how useful the list is will be very gratefully

received and used in future versions.

Sections - (preferably to be discussed face-to-face + a written copy) Done?

To be handed-over by Old Generation (OG)

The story of past year

Activities since election

Main responsibilities

Any problems that have occurred

Current and ongoing processes, contacts, issues or events to be aware of.

An organised CD/ file with all materials including if possible a copy of relevant

documents, images, forms, emails from personal accounts etc

The next chapter

Thoughts on the how the particular role might develop

Considerations for the coming year (for example new funding opportunities,

scheduled one-off events, new relationships formed etc)

To talk through together

FoMSF – The Local Group and Your role in this

Your FoMSF Group - e.g. how long the local group has been running, its size,

previous events, priorities and plans

Recommendations from the OG for the group as a whole (e.g. on regular

meetings, emailing, communication, tips for working together etc)

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The plans, priorities and anything mentioned in applications/ election campaign

of the new generation (NG).

How and when to transfer active responsibilities – it may ensure some

continuity if the NG works with their predecessor for a short period, before

taking over when reasonably possible.

It may also be helpful if their OG remains accessible for advice and support.

Do some very rough planning, and sketch an loose action plan for the year ahead

FoMSF – The National Movement - www.msf.org.uk/nationalcommittee.friend

The FoMSF aims, ‘entity rules’, ‘general rules’ etc (see constitution in FoMSF

Handbook)

Work that needs to be done in advance of an Annual General Meeting (Group

slide presentation, workshop preparation etc)

Where near neighbour groups are active.

Joint events and initiatives (e.g. Fun Runs, the Essay Competition, FoMSF-MSF

Contact Group)

Resources available to groups (e.g. logo, Handbook, Memorandum of

Understanding, e-Newsletter, Annual and AGM reports, webpages, General

Medical Press Review)

Support available from the National Committee (e.g. general support and advice,

alternative speaker database, event templates, new group assistance)

MSF - www.msf.org.uk/about.aspx

Its work, principles and opportunities for working with them

The Personal Angle

What impact the role has had personally, including the biggest struggle and the

greatest reward

Anything you would change in hindsight

Any remaining questions, concerns and loose ends.

To Do – The New Generation

For individuals - Make sure that you have a good idea of…

What responsibilities you have

How your role fits with those of your colleagues

What support and resources are available (both locally from your FoMSF

committee and student union, and also from the National Committee)

FoMSF nationally (see ‘FoMSF – The National Movement’ section)

For whole committee

Set broad or specific targets for the coming year (for example to improve

publicity in general or to hold a particular event).

Plan a rough calendar for the period of office (normally a year) - with loose

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dates for events/ deadlines etc

Know the FoMSF aims, ‘entity rules’, ‘general rules’ and other provisions

outlined in the constitution (see FoMSF Handbook)

Know support and resources available nationally

Know how to use and update your email account, mailing list and website