An opportunity has arisen to become a SIG Convenor for Youth Studies & Informal Education and help lead the SIG over the next 3 years. 

The special interest of the Youth Studies & Informal Education SIG is in research and scholarship relating to theory, policy and practice issues in Youth Studies and Youth and Community Work.  These include: youth transitions and geographies; youth culture and debates about Youth Voice; Youth Justice; Youth Work as a practice ‘beyond school’ in Community and Neighbourhood contexts. The Special Interest Group aims to provide a forum for academics, practitioners and students with interest in research and scholarship in youth studies and Informal Education to engage in dialogue and debate and to contribute to knowledge transfer / exchange through publications, conferences and seminars. It further aims to strengthen discussion and make connections between BERA members, TAG (the Association of Lecturers in Youth and Community Work) and the BSA Youth Studies network as well as the secondary and post-compulsory education and informal education in adolescence and adult life sector.

SIG Convenors are volunteers whose main role is to co-ordinate, oversee and develop the mission and activities of each particular SIG. 

If you would like to be considered, key aspects of the Convenors’ role include:

• Preparing text for a regular (ideally once per term) newsletter to SIG members.
• Hosting at least one annual SIG forum meeting for all members (organised via the BERA office)
• Encouraging submissions of individual papers and symposia for BERA conference.
• Reviewing abstracts or acting as a third reviewer.
• Grouping together abstracts for the conference.
• Succession planning.
• SIG events
• SIG Forum Meetings
• BERA Conference
• Social media

If multiple expressions of interest are received an election may be run.

By agreeing to assume a position of SIG convenor, individuals are committing to fulfilling the responsibilities and obligations that go with that role. SIG Convenors are expected to exercise their own judgment to meet the requirements listed in BERA guidance and to seek further advice from the BERA Office if in any doubt on any of these matters. If any procedures are not followed then BERA reserves the right to take whatever action may be necessary to protect BERA’s legal, financial and reputational position.

If multiple expressions of interest are received an election may be run.

This role is intended to serve a 3 year term, finishing 30 September 2027

The deadline is Monday 15th January 2024

Please click on apply now to proceed

As part of our wider commitment to greater equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation, we continue to seek increased representation from members with a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background. In acknowledging the structural inequalities and unjust power imbalances that affect our members, we wish to be proactive in addressing this within our own structures.

If you require this application in a different format for accessibility reasons, please contact membership@bera.ac.uk