Watson back at DPA
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- Published: Sunday, 01 July 2012 10:33
- Written by News Editor
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Derek Watson has been reinstated in his role of Chief Executive of the DPA following the aborted takeover of the organisation by CODE Ltd. The DPA office is open and membership services continue as before, following a four month hiatus. |
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The following press notice has been received by GDPUK from former Treasurer and President, Neville Bainbridge LDS.
Sorry not to have been in touch sooner regarding events at the Dental Practitioners Association. At the Special General Meeting in London on 21st April we were slightly short of the number required but the first two motions were put to the members present, who voted that Council had been in breach of Rule 6 (conflict of interests) and acting outside their authority when they signed the Association Management Agreement that gave control of the DPA to Paul Mendlesohn and CODE Ltd. While this was not binding, eventually the Acting Chairman Reg Short and several other Council members did resign.
Thanks to the efforts of those members who fought for the DPA to remain an independent, mutual not-for-profit, I am pleased to say that Paul Mendlesohn and CODE Ltd have withdrawn and ceased to manage the Association with effect from 30 April. It was also the feeling of the meeting that Derek Watson should be reinstated as Chief Executive, and one of Reg's last emails was to offer Derek his job back and I hope this will happen as soon as terms are agreed.
The This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is now co-ordinating efforts, which have turned to making improvements to ensure that this cannot happen again. These are:
- to retain the independent, mutual, not-for-profit status of the DPA
- to act as an alternative voice for dental care professionals working in primary dental care
- to provide the exceptional 1-to-1 support from a fellow dental professional that only the DPA provides
- to expand the range of member benefits and as a result
- to spread the good news about the DPA and increase membership!
Many members complained to me that they could not vote because they could not attend the SGM in person. In future I am hoping that we can change the Constitution to allow all members to vote on important issues, either by post or through our Web site. We will also have a new organisational structure that will be much more in touch with the members. Of course, any changes will be put to a referendum of the members.
I am pleased to say that our suppliers have indicated their firm support for the DPA and want to work with us to develop and extend our services and to drive membership and profit. This includes CPD, Care Quality Commission compliance (including HTM01-05) and indemnity insurance. Most importantly, we are starting to give advice on dental commissioning post-April 2013, including the NHS Commissioning Board, Local Area Teams and Local Dental Networks. The new DPA will be even stronger and better than before!
Members can still ring us on 020 7193 7240 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any dental-related problems. The last copy of the GDP magazine published was in February and a members-only magazine will still be a big part of our community. Chris the Editor and Maria Advertising are raring to go. The Web site is up and running, the CPD is safe, we are just waiting to get control of our bank account back from Paul Mendlesohn and CODE Ltd. When that happens, it will be business as usual.
Thank you to everyone who has covered this story these last few months. It took something like this to make us all realise how unique and valuable the DPA is. It would not exist without the support and feedback from people like you and I look forward to writing to you again as we design and implement the new DPA.
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