BERA Opportunity

Opportunity: Chair of the British Curriculum Forum (BCF) Steering Group

Are you passionate about curriculum research, innovation, and its impact on education? Do you want to shape the conversation around curriculum studies and policy across the UK? The British Educational Research Association (BERA) is seeking a dedicated and experienced academic or practitioner to serve as the next Chair of the British Curriculum Forum (BCF) Steering Group.

About the British Curriculum Forum

The British Curriculum Forum (BCF) brings together educators, researchers, and policymakers to foster collaboration in curriculum research and development. With a history spanning over 50 years, BCF is committed to promoting theoretical, innovative, and practical aspects of the curriculum across schools, colleges, and educational settings.

Through events, grants, and partnerships, the BCF provides a platform for dialogue and engagement between schools, universities, and the wider research community, continuing the legacy of Lawrence Stenhouse in advancing curriculum studies.

The Role of the Steering Group

The BCF Steering Group is responsible for:

Overseeing BCF activities within BERA, particularly promoting the study of theoretical, innovative, and practical aspects of the curriculum.
Providing a medium for teachers and others to express opinions on curriculum matters and contributing to BERA’s consultation responses.
Enhancing collaboration between researchers, educators, and policymakers, working closely with relevant BERA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and the BERA Teacher Network to improve BERA’s offering to teachers and practitioners
Supporting the development of events, grants, and initiatives such as the Curriculum Investigation Grant.
Where appropriate, working with BERA’s Publications Committee to assist with the strategic direction of The Curriculum Journal

Role of the Chair

The Chair of the British Curriculum Forum (BCF) steering group is responsible for aligning its activities with BERA’s strategic objectives, while overseeing the planning and delivery of events and grants that support the BCF’s mission. They will advocate for the importance of curriculum studies, research, and policy across the UK, ensuring these are reflected in the BCF’s work. The chair will advise and report to BERA Council on matters of the curriculum and oversee the BCF Curriculum Investigation Grant.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure BCF activities align with BERA’s strategic objectives.
Oversee the planning and delivery of BCF events and grants.
Advocate for curriculum studies and research across the UK and beyond.
Connect the work of the BCF with BERA’s Teacher Network and relevant SIGs.
Represent the BCF by reporting to BERA Council and Leadership Committee.
Support a diverse range of practitioners and researchers to engage with curriculum matters.
Strengthen links with learned societies, practitioner bodies, and policymakers.
Serve on the editorial board of The Curriculum Journal, linking the journal with BCF activities.
Oversee and uphold the standards of the BCF Curriculum Investigation Grant, providing mentorship to recipients.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with:

A strong background in curriculum studies, research, or practice.
Experience in leading academic or professional networks.
A commitment to advancing curriculum development and research.
The ability to strategically guide the forum’s direction.
A passion for fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and policymakers.

Commitment

The BCF Steering Group meets twice per year, and the Chair is expected to dedicate time to overseeing BCF activities, attending BERA Council meetings as necessary, and representing BCF at key events.