Linda Erickson

• Society Administrator

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BSSPD

I first became associated with BSSPD in November 2006 when I agreed to work one day per week assisting the Treasurer (little did I know the challenge ahead!). I spent several months organising the membership database including membership payments and direct debits, and updating the financial systems which are now very robust. This gave me the opportunity to be in contact with members, even if some of the time I was chasing them for money!!

Since then my role has developed considerably. To many members I'm seen as the first point of contact should they have any concerns or need help, both on a day-to-day basis and also at the Conferences. I'm known as a great organiser with good social skills and I believe that these attributes have helped me establish a good relationship with members and also prospective members. I certainly enjoy meeting members at the conferences and over the last two or three years feel an integral part of what is happening.

I also see my role as assisting Council in the smooth efficient running of the Society. Members of Council are based all over the country and undertake busy jobs. By having someone in a central administrative role this ensures better communication and control.

EJPRD

In addition to taking on BSSPD in November 2006 I also undertook the role of assisting the Editor in the administration of the European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry. This links in with BSSPD for a number of reasons. Firstly we provide the Journal to all members but secondly quite a number of our members contribute manuscripts for publication. This can be a very frustrating process, both for them and for me, as despite having a really organised system the process can take much longer than anticipated due to factors out of my control. However I always endeavour to try and get things moving as quickly as I can - firstly by persuasion or coercion and if all else fails then I adopt my bossy mode!

Life before BSSPD and EJPRD

Although born in Newcastle upon Tyne I lived for a number of years in Surrey, moving back to the North East after I finished commercial college. I worked in a number of PA roles in industry, the last being PA to a Chief Executive of a large conglomerate. I then had a career break during which time I was more than busy with three beautiful daughters.

In 1998 I commenced work at Newcastle University and for the past eleven years have been one of the key people in the development and organisation of a postgraduate Diploma in sedation. This is my main job for which I work 4 days per week. I run two programmes per year and students travel from all over the UK to attend this part time course.