Volunteer with the Science Council

Vacancy: Chair of the Registration Authority

The current Chair, Dr Hilary Jeffreys CSci, will step down from the role at the end of May 2026. The Board is now looking for a successor to continue the outstanding work that Dr Jeffreys has undertaken for the Science Council.

About the Science Council Registration Authority

The RA is responsible for maintaining robust and high-quality professional standards and ensuring that all registrants meet these standards.  The Chair provides strategic leadership of the RA, working with Licensed Bodies and other partners in supporting the development and growth of the Science Council’s licensing standards and professional registers.

Who should apply

Applicants should:

• A track record of being an effective Chair and strong communicator.
• Already hold, or be eligible for, Science Council registration.
• Inspire trust and confidence in our Licensed Bodies.
• A commitment to the part the professional registers play in raising the profile of science and the status of scientists.

Co-Chair Option

In addition to welcoming applications from individuals seeking to serve as sole Chair, the Science Council Board also welcomes a co-Chair arrangement. This may suit individuals who are interested in the role but do not feel they have the time or capacity to take sole leadership. In this instance, at least one of the co-Chairs will need to hold, or be eligible for, Science Council registration. Please indicate on your application whether you are interested in sharing the role as co-Chair.

Term and Commitment

The post-holder(s)

• will serve for an initial three-year term.
• are expected to chair quarterly RA meetings (held online)
• will attend and present at quarterly Board meetings (two per year are held in person).
• will liaise with Science Council staff between meetings is required for planning, preparation and follow up.

Co-Chairs will be expected to work collaboratively and share responsibilities equally.

How to apply

Please submit:

• A statement (maximum one A4 page) outlining your experience, suitability and motivation for the role.
• A CV of no more than 4 pages in length.

APPLY HERE

The closing date is 5pm Monday 27^th October.

Interview and appointment schedule

Shortlisted Candidates will be interviewed on Monday 17^th and Tuesday 18^th November.

The successful candidate will be appointed by the Board at its meeting on Tuesday 8^th December.

Further information

Interested individuals are encouraged to read the role description and the Registration Authority’s Terms of Reference to understand more about and its key responsibilities.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Jennifer Larwood, the Science Council’s Membership Registration and Licensing Manager, before the closing date. This will not be considered in the selection process.

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 approximately 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.

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.

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.