BERA is pleased to invite applications from the membership for the position of Conference & Events Committee (CEC) Chair. This role is for a period of four years and begins on 1 January 2026, when Mhairi Beaton’s term ends.

Fresh from our 50^th anniversary year, record breaking conference, and engaging events programme, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our events while contributing as a trustee to the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. Conference and events are a vital part of BERA’s activity, reputationally, financially, and a key part of our member engagement offering.   

For continuity within the association and good governance, applicants must have recent experience of BERA’s Conference & Events Committee giving them the knowledge and understanding of the ongoing issues the committee has been considering. They must also be able to attend the BERA Conference 2025 in Sussex. There will be other handover activity taking place throughout 2025, including invitations to relevant meetings as an observer. This role involves working closely with the professional staff in the BERA office, and in particular the Conference & Events Manager, Marie Moore and an understanding of the respective roles of academic lead and the professional office is essential to the role.

‘The opportunity to contribute to the work of BERA as Conference & Events Chair has been a hugely rewarding one. Supported by the BERA professional office staff, the role has allowed me to develop my leadership, communication and decision-making skills.’ Mhairi Beaton

Due to the importance of the position, BERA reserve the right to hold a shortlisting and interview process, this will be led by the BERA Chief Executive and members of BERA Council. For these purposes, the application detailed below, and the role description will be the basis for deliberations.

To apply, please complete the application through clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of this page. The application questions are:

• What experience and skills would make you suitable for the role of Chair? (500 words)
• What are the current challenges and opportunities for BERA’s events programme? (500 words)

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Monday 27^th January 2025. 

BERA Conference & Events Chair Timeline

The CEC Chair is also a member of BERA Council and a Trustee of BERA.

As a chair of a BERA committee, you are a vital part of the association. It is expected that you are able to attend all Council, Leadership Committee and CEC meetings (ordinarily one of each per term), including a Council away day in May. Attendance at the BERA conference is also required. The time commitment will normally be at around 20-25 days per year, with key activity around conference and conference deadlines. Full expenses are paid in line with BERA policies. Ahead of nomination, should you wish to explore the nature of the role, the commitment involved or any other queries, please contact secretariat@bera.ac.uk.

Trustee role descriptions can be found here. Further information on BERA’s Governance can be found on this page.

To be eligible to stand, candidates must be members of BERA at the time of application and remain so for the duration of their term. Candidates must not be ineligible to stand as according to the rules set out by the Charity Commission or Companies House.

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 from a racially minoritised background. We are also keen to increase our representation from disabled people and other underrepresented groups. 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 and we wish to benefit from the advantages that diversity brings, including different skills, life experiences and backgrounds. We also are mindful of the sex balance in our leadership positions and the need to reflect the community we serve.

Should you require this application or information in a different format, please contact secretariat@bera.ac.uk