Each year, members of the Society are invited to nominate fellow members who would be willing to serve as elected members of the BSPP Board. Nominations are required for the position of Programme Secretary: starting 1st January 2025. The position is for a four year period. Deadline for nominations 31 July 2024.
Programme Secretary: The role of the Programme Secretary is to manage the programme of meetings organised by the Society. These currently include the annual #PlantPathology meeting and the #ECPP meeting. There is also considerable scope, with approval from the Board, to organise other relevant meetings or training opportunities perhaps with other learned societies. The Programme Secretary works with the current and future BSPP presidents to organise these meetings. This includes vetting and booking venues and accommodation up to 3 years in advance, selection of invited speakers and of offered papers, timetabling the programme and editing the meeting booklets. The Programme Secretary is responsible for the budgetary control of the meetings and acts as the event coordinator. S/he works with the Society administrator to communicate with the venue, speakers and attendees.
The position has hitherto been for 3 years but has been extended to 4 to allow for one year of overlap with the current Programme Secretary. Nominations are open for all members of BSPP, but as this board position requires organising the annual conference it would not be suitable for anyone not based in the UK.
The Board of BSPP meets four times each year, either in-person or on-line, to manage the affairs and business of the Society. This includes planning the annual Presidential Conference, managing the Society’s finances, and meeting our obligations as a charity. In addition to these formal duties, the Board is exploring ways to promote the interests of the Society and its members and there is a constant stream of new and exciting initiatives. Meetings are conducted in a friendly and relaxed manner and we are lucky to have a wide range of skills, outlooks and interests represented on the Board. Membership of the Board of BSPP provides a great opportunity to shape the activities and future of the Society. The wellbeing of the Society depends on the continuing support members give the Board.
Nominations by any member should be seconded by another BSPP member and have the approval of the nominee. Self-nominations should be seconded by two members.
Nominations should be emailed to the Board Secretary, Trisna Tungadi, by 31st July 2024 (Secretary@bspp.org.uk). Questions regarding the Board position should also be emailed to the Secretary in the first instance. Informal queries regarding the roles can also be addressed to the current Programme Secretary, Richard Oliver, at meetings@bspp.org.uk
A CV and a short summary (200 words) of the nominee’s experience in organising meetings and/or training events, academic achievements, and motivation to apply should also be provided. If more than one nomination is received for the position an electronic ballot will be held. In the event of a ballot, if any member would prefer to vote by post, rather than electronically, they should inform the Secretary to arrange a postal vote.
The Board look forward to hearing from you.
Trisna Tungadi, Board Secretary Secretary@bspp.org.uk
