This page has been updated.

BERA would like to invite applications from the membership for the position of Conference & Events Committee (CEC) Chair. The position would commence in September 2021 and run for a period of four years. As part of our wider commitment to greater equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation, BERA Council has agreed that there should be at least 50% of women represented in leadership positions on our General Purposes Committee (comprising of the Officers and committee chairs). Given the existing office holders, we would therefore strongly wish for this post to be held by a woman.

In the interests of transparency, the current holder of the role is Mhairi Beaton who has indicated her intention to re-stand.  

With the importance of the BERA Conference and Events to the organisation, both reputationally and financially, this is a key leadership role and we are keen to hear from those who may be interested in standing. 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. 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 President and Chief Executive.

The CEC Chair will take an active and invaluable role in BERA’s governance, providing oversight and setting the strategic direction of all conference and events activities, which are vital to the financial health and overall priorities of the Association. The CEC remit can be found here. This role involves working closely with the professional staff in the BERA office, and in particular the Conference & Events Manager.

To apply, please submit a two-page CV to secretariat@bera.ac.uk and complete the application through clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page. Your CV will not be made public but is for internal use only. The three questions which will form the basis of your application are:

• What experience and skills would make you suitable for the role of CEC Chair?
• How do you fulfil the criteria outlined in the role description?
• Names of two current BERA members who support your application

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Wednesday 16^th December 2020. 

BERA Conference & Events Chair Timeline

The Conference and Events Chair is also a member of BERA Council and a Trustee of the Association.

You will serve as a key member of the Association and therefore are expected to attend all Council, GPC and CEC meetings (one of each per trimester).The time commitment during the period will normally be at around 20-25 days per year.

The trustee role description and specifications can also be found here.

To be eligible to stand, candidates must be fully paid up members of BERA at the time of the nomination process opening and closing and must remain so for the duration of their term. No extensions are granted. Candidates must not be ineligible to stand according to the rules set out by the Charity Commission or Companies House.

We are committed to equal opportunities and we want BERA Council to benefit from the advantages that diversity brings, including different skills, life experiences and backgrounds. We would particularly welcome applications from all under-represented groups and backgrounds and we would encourage voices who would bring fresh perspectives to the board.

If successfully elected, your term will begin after the 2021 Conference and end after the BERA 2025 Conference, although if successfully elected, you will be invited to attend the Strategic Away Day in May, (dates TBC) to attend a Trustees’ Training session and attend a meeting of Council as an Observer. You will also be invited to the Summer CEC meeting as an observer. Council meet three times a year and you would participate with full voting rights from the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year

Further information on BERA’s Governance can be found on this page.

Applications accepted to December 16th, 2020. 

Apply Now