The BGS has several major committees who undertake work in pursuit of its strategic objectives. Each of these committees is chaired by a Vice-President (VP), who attends the BGS Board, but is not a charity trustee. The purpose of the deputy role is:
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to help to share the workload of the VP
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to enable the VP to delegate key projects
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to have someone who could chair Committee meetings or attend Trustee Board meetings should the VP be unavailable or called away
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to provide a development opportunity for someone who might go on to take a leadership role in the BGS.
Taking up the deputy position will not automatically lead to that person becoming Vice- President the next time a VP vacancy arises. The BGS would still advertise and interview candidates, of whom they might be one.
The term of office for the deputy VP will be three years. This will start from when they are appointed and therefore may not coincide with the three-year term of office of the VP. Deputies would be welcome to apply for a VP vacancy at any point during their term. This voluntary role is open to BGS members from any profession.
Candidates should:
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Be BGS members from any profession
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Be research-active with a track record in leading research
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Demonstrate an interest and experience in the work of the RADC
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Be keen to learn new skills such as leadership, chairing, project management etc through taking on the deputy role
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Be available to attend committee meetings and have sufficient capacity to take on tasks as agreed with the VP
Be willing and able to actively contribute to RADC-related activities
The opportunity will be advertised to existing members of the RADC. A short online interview may be held.
If you would like to discuss the position further, please contact Jo Gough at j.gough@bgs.org.uk. She will be happy to put you in touch with Professor Goodwin, the new VP of Research and Academic Development, who will also be attending the BGS Autumn Conference from 12–14 November, should you wish to meet in person then.
Candidates interested in the deputy role are invited to send a statement of up to 200 words setting out why they have applied, and to provide a short CV to j.gough@bgs.org.uk by 20th November 2026.