Call for Nominations | BRISMES Council Membership 2026-2029

In the past few years BRISMES has undergone a process of extensive reform and democratisation, while simultaneously working to promote and defend  academic freedom related to the Middle East, organising our annual conference and outreach events, and expanding our work to support early career researchers. 

We are now inviting nominations from members for four vacancies on BRISMES Council to help us continue these activities. The terms for these positions will be three years (June 2026 to June 2029). Please read the role description for Council Members below before submitting a nomination. 

These are unpaid, voluntary roles designed to be compatible with a full-time academic position. Administrative support is provided. Council members are typically based in the UK and affiliated with a UK academic institution; however, we also welcome nominations from those based outside of the UK and from those who are not employed by a university. Please note that BRISMES can only reimburse travel within the UK.

BRISMES Council Members

About the role

Council members serve as trustees and directors of BRISMES. They are responsible for ensuring that the Society operates in accordance with its charitable status and legal obligation.

Trustees share collective responsibility for directing the affairs of the Society, ensuring that it remains solvent, well-run, and delivers its charitable objectives for public benefit.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend and contribute to Council meetings. 
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Society.
• Represent and promote the interests of the Society in appropriate contexts, including encouraging membership.
• Attend BRISMES events as appropriate.
• Serve on at least one BRISMES subcommittee (Finances; Communications; Prizes, Awards & Scholarships; Membership; Public Outreach & Pedagogy).
• Undertake additional responsibilities as agreed by Council from time to time.

Time Commitment

• Attend approximately three to four Council meetings per year (mostly online but at least one meeting in person to coincide with the annual conference).
• Engage in regular email communication with Officers, fellow Council members and BRISMES staff. 
• Attend meetings of relevant subcommittees (online). 

Council members are also encouraged to attend the annual conference and annual general meeting.

Eligibility

• Must be a current BRISMES member. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the aims of BRISMES.

Trustee Responsibilities 

As a member of BRISMES Council, the postholder also serves as a trustee and director of BRISMES, sharing collective responsibility for the Society’s compliance, prudence, and care in line with Charity Commission guidance.

Important Information 

• All nominations must have a proposer and a seconder (interested members may nominate themselves and ask two other colleagues to second the nomination).
• Proposers must have obtained the agreement of both the nominee and the seconder.  
• Proposers, seconders and nominees must be members of BRISMES at the time of submitting the nomination. 
• Proposers must provide a biographical summary of the nominee (around 250 words), which will then be circulated to members should an election be necessary. The election will be conducted online by secret ballot. 

Please email office@brismes.org if you need to check your membership status or if you have any questions about the nomination process.