Volunteer with COPE
CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 23 JULY 2021
We are seeking applications from members of COPE interested in serving on COPE Council.
We currently have six vacancies owing to the early retirement of one Council Member, two Council Members completing their first term on Council who are eligible to restand for a second term, and a need to expand Council. 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 China, South America, and South Asia. We would also welcome applicants with a background and experience in the arts and humanities, computer science, or technology based disciplines. We currently have good representation from North America and the UK on Council and therefore applications from these areas will only be considered if candidates can demonstrate expertise in the arts and humanities, computer science or technology based disciplines. 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 10 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 and the issues facing the members and communities we support. Other general Council tasks, such as participating in the Forum, responding to member queries, and contributing to the writing of our resources, are undertaken electronically. It is anticipated that the work of Council Members amounts to about 2–3 hours per week, depending 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 shortlisted by the Nominations subcommittee. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written interview, or be interviewed by telephone. If the number of shortlisted 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 Friday 23 July 2021.