We are seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on COPE Council.
We currently have six vacancies owing to three Council Members stepping down from Council at the end of their term and three Council Members completing their first term on Council who are eligible to restand for a second term. In line with COPE’s strategic goals and objectives to meet the needs of all our members across disciplines and regions, we would particularly welcome applications from those with a background in the arts, humanities, and social sciences and those with experience of professional membership organisations. At this time, we would also especially encourage applications from journal editors, as well as from outside the UK and US.
In accordance with COPE’s constitution, the candidate, or the organisation they represent, must have been a member of COPE for at least 1 year.
About COPE Council
COPE Council is an active, working council. Council typically meets three times a year; two of the meetings are held by webinar, with the other being a 3 day residential meeting which also incorporates subcommittee meetings and any other meetings which may be necessary. It is expected that all COPE Council members will attend all of these meetings. Annual seminars and workshops are held in a number of locations worldwide and it is hoped that Council Members will participate in at least one of these. (Under current conditions, all in-person meetings have been suspended.)
Key responsibilities
COPE is governed by the Trustee Board, who is ultimately responsible for the financial, legal and business operations of COPE as a charitable business and gives authority to Council and the Executive Office to manage the operational activities of the organisation. Council currently comprises six subcommittees - Council Members will be expected to join either the Membership subcommittee or the Facilitation and Integrity subcommittee initially, to gain a deeper understanding of how COPE works, the issues we face, and the members and communities we support. Other general Council tasks, such as the Forum and responding to member queries, are undertaken electronically. It is anticipated that the work of Council Members amounts to about 2–3 hours per week dependant on the activity at that time. This is in addition to attendance at meetings.
Length of service
Council Members will serve on COPE Council for 3 years, with the possibility to stand for election for an additional 3 years. These are voluntary unpaid positions. It is expected that your employer will cover any expenses as part of your professional development; if this is not feasible, please contact the COPE Administrator for guidance.
Election process
Candidates for Council membership will be short-listed by the Nominations subcommittee. Short-listed candidates may be asked to complete a written interview, or be interviewed by telephone. If the number of short-listed candidates exceeds the number of vacancies, elections will take place. Council Members shall be elected by the members of COPE with voting rights or (if the candidates are unopposed) by approval of the Trustee Board.
How to apply
Please contact the COPE Administrator for more details on what is expected from Council Members, including details of how to apply for a position on COPE Council.
The closing date for applications is Monday 9 November 2020.