Call for Nominations for BRISMES Secretary and BRISMES Treasurer (2026-2029)
Since 2019, BRISMES has undertaken an extensive process of reform, becoming more diverse and more democratic. The Society is currently seeking nominations from members for the positions of BRISMES Secretary and BRISMES Treasurer to help continue the work of our growing Society.
Overview
Founded in 1973, BRISMES is the largest national academic association in Europe focused on the study of the Middle East and North Africa, and a leading voice for the discipline both within the UK and internationally. BRISMES is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. The Society is run by a Council made up of the Officers and Council Members elected or co-opted from among the membership. It has two part-time employees.
The BRISMES Secretary is charged with the day-to-day running of BRISMES and the administration of its affairs in consultation with the other Officers and in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines. The BRISMES Treasurer shares, with other Officers, responsibility for the oversight and ongoing management of all financial matters. The terms for these positions will be three years (June 2026- June 2029) and further information outlining the responsibilities of each role is included below. These are unpaid, voluntary roles designed to be compatible with a full-time academic position. Administrative support is provided.
BRISMES Secretary
About the role
Term
- Three years (June 2026 to June 2029).
- The Secretary serves as one of the four Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer) and is a trustee and director of BRISMES.
Main Purpose of the Role
- Oversee day to day running of BRISMES and the administration of its affairs in consultation with staff, the other Officers and in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines.
- Together with the other Officers, take a leading role in the strategic development and promotion of the Society.
Key Responsibilities
- Be an active member of at least one BRISMES subcommittee.
- Act as Line Manager for the Society’s Manager and Conference Coordinator.
- Chair the BRISMES Annual Conference for at least one year out of the three-year term.
- Assist in the writing of the Annual Report for the AGM.
- Ensure that Council members are kept up to date with Charity Commission recommendations on Good Governance.
- Undertake other duties as appropriate, as agreed with the other Officers and, where appropriate, the Council.
Time Commitment
The role is designed to be compatible with a full-time academic position. Administrative support will be provided.
- Attend approximately 3-4 Council meetings per year (mostly online but at least 1 meeting in person to coincide with the annual conference).
- Attend the annual conference and Annual General Meeting.
- Communicate regularly with Officers and staff members by email or online meetings.
Eligibility
- Must be a current BRISMES member.
- Must be based in the UK and be currently working, or have worked, in UK academia within the past five years.
- Demonstrated commitment to the aims of BRISMES and to inclusive academic leadership.
Trustee Responsibilities
- As Secretary, 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.
BRISMES Treasurer
About the Role
Term
- Three years (June 2026 to June 2029).
- The Secretary serves as one of the four Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer) and is a trustee and director of BRISMES.
Main Purpose of the Role
- Responsibility, with the other Officers, for the oversight and ongoing management of all financial matters relating to the Society.
- Advise BRISMES Council on financial matters.
- Support other Officers with all executive decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare an annual statement of accounts for the membership to be presented at the Annual General Meeting.
- Monitor the Society’s accounts and authorise payments.
- Authorise expense claims from trustees and apply HMRC rules therein.
- Chair the Finance and Fundraising Subcommittee and play a leading role in the Society’s fundraising efforts.
- Be an active member of the Conference Committee and contribute to its budget management.
- Liaise with BRISMES accountants as needed to complete the annual auditing process.
- Ensure that the annual financial statement is returned to the Charity Commission and Companies House by the deadline each year.
- Work with the Journal Editor and Membership Subcommittee to ensure that BRISMES’ two principal sources of income are adequately managed and developed.
Time Commitment
The role is designed to be compatible with a full-time academic position. Administrative support will be provided.
- Attend approximately 3-4 Council meetings per year (mostly online but at least 1 meeting in person to coincide with the annual conference).
- Attend the annual conference and Annual General Meeting.
- Communicate regularly with Officers and staff members by email or online meetings.
Eligibility
- Must be a current BRISMES member.
- Must be based in the UK and be currently working, or have worked, in UK academia within the past five years.
- Demonstrated commitment to the aims of BRISMES and to inclusive academic leadership.
Trustee Responsibilities
- As Treasurer, 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.
Nominations Process and Timeline
Each BRISMES member can nominate one candidate for the position of BRISMES Secretary and one candidate for the position of BRISMES Treasurer. We particularly welcome nominations for individuals from groups underrepresented in BRISMES leadership or in UK academia. Please submit your nominations using the online forms below. The deadline for nominations is 17:00 BST on 20 April 2026.
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.
- 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.
If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about either of the roles, please email the outgoing Secretary, José Ciro Martinez (secretary@brismes.org) or outgoing Treasurer, Waseem Farooq (treasurer@brismes.org).