Our member networks and forums

The Chief Executives and Leaders Forum is a supportive peer group run under the Chatham House Rule, in which you can ask questions and discuss matters that help with your leadership roles. It also influences Science Council work.

The Science Council Employer Network is a developing network of UK employers with scientific staff, including scientists, science technicians and science teachers. It has been established to strengthen employer engagement and support the Science Council’s strategic priorities, as set out in the Science Council Strategy 2025 – 2028.

As the Network grows, it will provide a mechanism for employers to share insight, inform Science Council activity, and contribute to discussions on the science workforce and technical education pathways, including apprenticeships and T Levels. Activity and opportunities for engagement will evolve over time in line with member interest and capacity.

Applications for membership are open to UK-registered organisations that employ scientific professionals and are interested in engaging with the Science Council and supporting the development of the science and technical workforce.

To learn more about the Employer Network, including how to join, contact Joyti Chandegra, Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement Manager.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Forum is an opportunity to discuss progress against the Diversity and Inclusion Progression Framework 3.0 and other efforts to make science more accessible. It is chaired by a Science Council trustee Diversity Champion and showcases work by all our members.

If you are working on EDI at one of our member bodies and would like to attend, please contact Brian Wagenbach, Member Engagement Manager.

The Events Manager Network is a forum for sharing best practices and learning with other event leads. Topics reflect the constantly evolving field of event production, such as the balance between face-to-face, virtual and hybrid events, event planning tools and software, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and staff well being.

If you are an events lead at one of our member bodies and would like to attend, please contact Liz Gill, Events Manager.

The Marketing and Communications Forum is an opportunity to share knowledge and gain insight from other marketing leads. Topics include promotion, campaigns and events communication.

If you are a marketing and communications lead at one of our member bodies and would like to attend, please contact Sarah West, Head of Engagement and Policy.

The Policy Forum is an opportunity for member organisations to discuss, collaborate and shape science policy.

If you are a policy lead at one of our member bodies and would like to attend, please contact Sarah West, Head of Engagement and Policy.

The Registration and Licensing Learning Group provides a space for licensed member organisations to discuss areas of best practice, and to share advice and resources. Previous topics of discussion have included assessing equivalence, volunteer recruitment and sustainability within CPD.

Licensed members nominate representatives to attend these meetings. If you are interested, please speak to your colleague who manages the Science Council licence.

The Technical Pathways Advisory Group supports the Science Council’s Technical Pathways project, funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. The project aims to raise the profile and prestige of science-based technical pathways, including apprenticeships and T Levels, and to help address skills gaps at technician level across UK scientific professions.

The Advisory Group provides strategic advice, stakeholder insight and oversight to support the delivery of the project and its objectives.

Membership includes representatives from Skills England, professional bodies, employers, training providers, assessment and awarding organisations, and existing or recent apprentices. Staff from the Science Council and Gatsby Charitable Foundation are members, with additional experts invited as needed.

If you are interested in joining the Technical Pathways Advisory Group, please contact David Cameron, Project Lead.