Are you a member or Fellow of the Society of Biology? Would you like to inform our work on education, training and science policy? Could you commit a significant amount of time to driving forward the strategy in this area?

We are currently seeking 2-3 new members for our Education, Training and Policy (ETP) committee, if your answer was yes to the above questions we would like to hear from you!

Background

The ETP committee is one of the principal committees of the Society of Biology, reporting directly to the Council. The role of the ETP committee is to develop the Society's strategies, policies and priorities across the complete public policy arena (both policy for the biosciences and policy areas where bioscience is relevant and where bioscientists are employed) and across the full range of education, training and professional development from early stages through to professional level and from schools to the workplace, and to be responsible for oversight of registers.

In summary, the ETP committee is responsible for:

1. Proactive development of a strategic policy framework across education, training and science policy
2. Creation of an evidence base to underpin policy work
3. Reactive guidance and support in responding to consultations
4. Oversight of the specialist registers, including, but not limited to, Chartered Status and Technicians Register and developing its potential to support the wider membership
5. Directing schools engagement work and careers activity as part of the strategic framework

Desirable qualities for potential candidates include:

• Relevant experience in education, training, research, business or policy in the biosciences
• Membership of the Society of Biology, or commitment to join at the appropriate grade
• Commitment to the Society's vision and mission
• Willingness to contribute a significant amount of time to the Society
• Commitment to develop and promote delivery partnerships, and utilise personal and professional networks to further the work of the Society

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, and particularly in the following areas:

• Bioscience business including SMEs
• Those with an interest/expertise in the agriculture or environmental sector
• Those working within secondary education sector
• Those working in human and biomedical science sectors
• Those in or with an interest in supporting early career researchers

If you would like more information, or would like to discuss your suitability for the committee please contact the director of education and training.

Interested candidates should send a brief CV with evidence of suitability and a letter of application to the director of education and training.

Time commitment, expenses and ways or working

Members of the committee shall serve a term of two to five years however on average appointments will be for three years, by agreement. The committee meets quarterly at the Society's headquarters in London, comprising of one full day strategy meeting and three half day meetings. Members are expected to read papers prior to each meeting and the members are consulted in the interim on a regular basis. While the majority of the decisions are made at meetings, there is some commitment between meetings and members will be asked from time to time to represent the Society at external events and meetings and to provide comment on potential policy responses and projects in development.

Members of the ETP committee do not receive remuneration but all reasonable expenses associated with attending the meetings will be reimbursed.

The committee will typically consist of up to 12 members. These are all in a personal capacity. Members will be expected to be (or to become) members of the Society. All members will usually be appointed by the chair and formally approved by the Society's Council at their next normal meeting.

Deadline for applications closes on Friday 18 April.