The role of the Board of Trustees is to:

• ensure that the Science Council has a clear strategic focus
• ensure that the Science Council fulfills its charitable objectives
• ensure that the Science Council complies with its legal and regulatory requirements
• act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, and ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• monitor and hold management to account

The Charity Commission, our Royal Charter and Bylaws, our Trustee Role Description and our Trustee Code of Conduct set out the responsibilities of trustees.

Trustees serve for an initial three-year term.

There are normally four board meetings per year, held quarterly and set around the charity’s financial reporting cycle. Board meetings last approx. 3 hours.

In addition to formal meetings, trustees may also be required to serve on individual board subcommittees, working groups or be invite to represent the Science Council at external meetings and events.

Trustees are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting, which is normally held in June or July.

It is every applicant's responsibility to receive consent from their employer, if necessary, that it is willing to release the applicant for the time commitments involved.

Anyone can become a trustee of the Science Council as long as they have the energy and commitment for the role.

It is worthy noting that sixty percent of Elected Trustees will come from Member Bodies. They will be either members or employees. Up to 40% of Elected Trustees will come from outside the membership and must not be employees or members of Member Bodies.

Trustees are elected by our Member Bodies, with each Member having one vote. Ballot forms containing the name and other relevant details of candidates for election are sent to every Member Body of the Science Council at least four weeks prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.

The Board values diversity and actively encourages applications from a wide range of backgrounds and roles to stand for election. The skills needs for 2024 will be published here in the New Year.

Applicants will be asked to provide details of their current post and summary of their career to date; a personal statement; a summary of their suitability to join the Board, and an up-to-date photo. This information will be circulated to Member Bodies to provide them with the necessary information to make a decision on your suitability for the role.

Applications for the 2024 election will open in the New Year.

After the application deadline, the Nominations Committee will review the applications received against the Board's skills requirements. The Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board, which will then put forward candidates to election.

New trustees are expected to participate in trustee induction sessions. This will include meeting with the Chief Executive, Governance Manager and the Chair of the Board.

New trustees will also be invited to attend Board committees to get a better understanding of the work they do in support of the Board. Throughout their term of office, trustee's are encouraged to undertake training, and attend conferences and events to equip them with the knowledge needed to discharge their duties.

If you would like more information on becoming a trustee please contact Oli O’Hanlon.