Want to help shape the future of the Royal Entomological Society?
Apply to stand for Trustee election as Chair of Membership Committee
We are seeking an active and dynamic member to serve as the Chair of the Membership Committee. As the Chair, you will play a vital role in shaping and enhancing the membership experience, diversifying membership income streams, while contributing to the strategic direction of the Society. The elected trustee will serve a four-year term on Council and help build an exciting future for the Society and achieve its vision to enrich the world with insect science.
You can apply below to stand for trustee election to actively contribute to the governance of the Society and have a key leadership role. The successful candidate will be encouraged to use their strengths and skills to support the Society to ensure it meets its charitable objectives and achieves the goals set in the strategy.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from any member or fellow regardless of experience. It is key for trustees to have a varied skillset that can best support the Society. You do not have to be a fellow, or a professor, or be a regular contributor to our journals. You do not need experience of being a trustee somewhere else – The Society will provide trustee training to new trustees and will also offer refresher training during your term of office. You can be based anywhere in the world, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and circumstances.
You only need two people to support your application, who have been members or fellows for at least one year. Please email Jemma Gannon at the Society (jemma@royensoc.co.uk) if you would like supporters to be identified and approached for you..
What does being a Trustee mean?
Trustees are a group of people whose aim is to make sure that a charity does what it says it will do, and that it acts properly. Trustees set the strategy, and make sure that the organisation is financially sustainable. They also look after the charity’s assets. For the Royal Entomological Society, this includes our headquarters, the books in the library and staff.
What would my legal role and responsibilities be?
All the trustees are equal and have the same legal duties, as follows:
- Ensure the Society is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit (the improvement and diffusion of entomological science)
- Comply with the Society’s bye-laws and the law itself
- Act in the Society’s best interests
- Manage the Society’s resources responsibly
- Ensure the Society is accountable
- Act with integrity, reasonable care and skill
What are the responsibilities of the Chair of Membership Committee?
- Strategic Leadership:
- Advise Council on membership-related matters.
- Review and improve the Society’s services and benefits.
- Membership Engagement:
- Foster communication with entomologists and members.
- Collaborate with other committees on membership initiatives.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
- Monitor diversity within the Society.
- Recommend strategies for recruitment and retention.
- Membership Growth:
- Drive new member and fellow recruitment.
- Improve retention strategies and attract diverse attendees to meetings.
- Governance and Reporting:
- Trustee oversight responsibilities.
- Establish accountability and feedback mechanisms.
- Review committee effectiveness and recommend changes.
The application process
The Society is committed to increasing diversity within the Society’s leadership and welcomes applications from all, especially those from under-represented groups. If this applies to you, or if you would like help with your application, please contact jemma@royensoc.co.uk for an informal chat about how the Society can help you.
Data provided as part of the application process will be treated in accordance with the Society’s Privacy Policy.
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm BST on 25th July 2023. Successful candidate will start their role as trustee at the next AGM on 5th September 2023.
The voting process
Council will assess applications for eligibility, skills and experience and if necessary, create shortlists.
If only one application is received then the candidate will be put to the Membership for a “yes/no” confirmation vote. Online voting information will be emailed to the Membership and put on the website on 1st August 2023. Voting will close on 29th August 2023.
Candidates will be notified of the results before the AGM. Council will announce the results at the AGM on 5th September 2023, University of Exeter, Falmouth Campus and online.
We look forward to hearing from you!
