Would you consider standing for election to Council? The application forms are included with this issue, writes Stephanie Jones.
Are you willing to contribute to the work of the Society, as a member both of Council and one or more of its committees? Whatever your background and expertise in the geosciences, membership of Council enables you to influence the role of the Society in acting as a respected voice, serving society and the profession of geoscience.
You will be able to play an active role in the formulation and delivery of the Society's scientific and professional strategy, and help to facilitate the communication of new scientific findings, engagement with policy makers, the media and the public, and the certification of good practice in education and the profession.
Trustee
Each of Council’s 23 members is a trustee of the Society, accountable to the Fellows and to other stakeholders and regulators, such as the Charity Commission. The prime responsibility of the trustees is to oversee the affairs of the Society and to act prudently in the management of its financial resources.
Council meets five times a year, usually on a Wednesday. Four of those meetings take place in the afternoon beginning at 14.00 and finishing at 17.00. Papers are circulated a week in advance. In addition there is a two-day residential meeting, usually in late September, to discuss major strategic issues.
All members of Council also serve on one of the standing committees – External Relations, Finance & Planning, Professional, Publications & Information and Science. Standing committees usually meet three or four times a year, mostly in person but sometimes virtually. Council members are sometimes also asked to join other committees or short-term working groups. The typical time commitment is eight to 10 days annually for ordinary members of Council.
Forms
Fellows have received two nomination forms with this month’s Geoscientist - one for candidates for Council and the other for candidates for the position of President-designate. Details of the nomination process are on the forms and also on the ‘Governance’ section of the website.
Nominations must be received no later than noon on Friday, 6 January 2017 and they will NOT be valid unless they are fully completed, signed and accompanied by a statement by the nominees. Please return to: Stephanie Jones, Clerk to Council, The Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG.
Find out more about Council.
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