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Letters to the Editor
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Retention fee
Can retired members contribute to the Benevolent Fund?
From Dr J. W. Clitherow, FRPharmS
Having read the many letters to the PJ on the new retention fee structure
and the subsequent article
by the President on this and other associated
items (PJ, 23 October 2004, p624), the impression I received from the
President’s article and Society’s attitude was: “We
hear what you say but our minds are made up and we do not intend to take
any account of your views, and if you do not like what we have decided
on, then go.”
Thus, I find myself in a position similar to, and in sympathy with, the
views expressed by E.
J. Shellard (PJ, 28 August 2004, p285) and Peter
Houghton (PJ, 9 October 2004, p517). Perhaps “Sink our Society” might
be a more appropriate slogan than “Save our Society”.
One point which occurred to me, and which was partially raised by June
Jenkins (PJ, 9 October 2004, p517), is that if one were to leave or be
manoeuvred off the Register, despite having subscribed to the Benevolent
Fund and Birdsgrove House for many years, would one then be debarred
from making further contributions to these funds and taking advantage
of the facilities they offer?
John Watson Clitherow
Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire
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BEVERLY NICOL, Benevolent Fund co-ordinator, Royal Pharmaceutical
Society, replies:
In response to Mr Clitherow’s question,
we are able to assure members of the Society that if they retire
from
the Register, they will still be eligible to apply for help from
the Benevolent Fund as the terms state that we may assist members,
former members and their immediate family members who are in need.
Application forms may be obtained from the Benevolent Fund office
and all applications are dealt with sensitively and in the strictest
confidence. We feel sure that the membership will understand that
we do have to reserve our funds for those who are most in need
so we cannot guarantee the outcome of any single application. We
are
also glad to give whatever information we can about welfare matters
and to provide information about convalescence or simply to provide
a friendly ear to anyone who is in difficulty. The bottom line
is that a former member will be able to link in with all the services
that are provided by the Benevolent Fund at the time of need. |
Why not a monthly direct debit?
From Mr A. J. Jukes, MRPharmS
I wonder whether a monthly direct debit would not save a lot of administration
and provide a more manageable way of payment of the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society’s retention fee. A monthly direct debit system would also
ensure a constant flow of payment and save the Society the cost of following
up late payment, etc.
Andrew Jukes
Chichester, West Sussex
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BERNARD KELLY, director of resources, Royal Pharmaceutical Society,
replies:
The question has been asked on a number of occasions as to why
members cannot pay their retention fee in instalments, for instance
by a monthly direct debit. It has also been suggested that a discount
for
early payment would be a good idea. Unfortunately, although these
suggestions are not without merit and have some attractions from an
administrative
viewpoint, once the fee is set and approved by the Privy Council the
Society does not have the power to vary the retention fee in any way.
Applicable legislation and byelaws state retention fees become due
and payable on the 1 January each year. The Society could put members
at risk of breaching
the requirements for retention on the Register if monthly direct debits were
instituted. This situation would arise in that payments would not have been
received in full as is required by the applicable rules.
Members who do not want to pay the entire fee at one time are able to spread
payments by using a credit card and paying online. |
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal