Geoscientist Online

Would you consider standing for election to Council and contributing to the work of the Society, as a member of both Council and one or more of its committees? The application forms are included with this issue, writes Stephanie Jones.

Membership of Council enables you to influence the role of the Society in acting as a respected voice and serving science, the geoscience profession and society.

You will play an active role in the delivery of the Society's strategy, and help to facilitate the communication of new science through engagement with policy makers, the media and the public, and the certification of best practice in education and the profession.

Trustee
Each of the 23 members of Council 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.  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 ten days annually for ordinary members of Council.

Forms

As part of our commitment to ensuring a more diverse and inclusive Council, the Society particularly welcomes nominations from under-represented groups, allowing Council to better reflect the community it serves. Knowledge and experience of scholarly publishing and of fund-raising are also desirable.