Geoscientist Online

Are you willing to contribute to the work of the Society not only by becoming a member of Council and one of its standing committees, but also by serving on working groups and undertaking tasks between meetings?

Whatever your background and expertise, membership of Council enables you to influence the role of the Society in acting as a respected voice, serving society through science and profession.

Each of the 23 members of Council is a Trustee of the Society, accountable to Fellows and other stakeholders and regulators - such as the Charity Commission. Trustees’ prime responsibility is to oversee the Society’s affairs and act prudently in managing its finances.

Council meets five times a year, usually on a Wednesday. Four take place in the afternoon (14.00-17.00). Papers are circulated a week in advance. There is also a two-day residential meeting (early February) beginning in the afternoon and finishing mid-afternoon, the next day. Its purpose is to allow Council to discuss issues such as strategy, business planning etc.

All Council members serve on a standing committee – External Relations, Information Management, Finance and Planning, Science, Professional or Publications Management (PMC). These usually meet quarterly; though recently the PMC has developed the practice of having one virtual and three actual meetings.

From time to time, standing committees may establish short-lived working groups which could impose a further call on your time; but in agreeing to stand, ordinary members of Council should budget for a time commitment of 8-10 days a year.

If elected to Council you will play an active role formulating and delivering the Society's scientific and professional strategy, facilitating the communication of new scientific findings, engaging with and translating knowledge and expert advice to society, policy makers and government, and in certifying good practice in the geoscience professions and teaching.