Questions about the RSA upcoming elections?

Over the next few months there will be a number of opportunities for Fellows who would like to become more engaged on a voluntary basis in the way the RSA is run – and my colleague Brinda Sittapah, the RSA’s Governance Manager outlines what is happening and the opportunities available:

Q) What are the available posts? A) We’re looking for three types of hands-on leaders to collaborate with other Fellows and at times staff to help the Society meet its charitable goals – or ‘undertakings for publick good’ as our founder William Shipley would have put it. In practice that means:

A Fellowship Councillors for each Region/Nation An elected Fellowship Councillor to represent each of the 14 Regions/Nations in the UK and Ireland – and working as an integral part of a hands-on Regional / National Team.

“At large” Fellowship Councillors based on skills Seven elected “at large” Fellowship Councillors to be elected by Fellows across all 14 Regions/Nations in the UK and Ireland. It is expected that candidates for these positions will stand on the basis of their experience, interests and skills.

A Regional/National Chair for each Region/Nation An elected Regional/National Chair to represent each of the 14 Regions/Nations in the UK and Ireland – again, a hands-on role as part of a Regional/National Team.

Read the full call for nominations here.

Meanwhile, here are a few practical follow-on questions that have come in from the field which might help you in case you’re thinking of standing:

Q) What is the time commitment for the different roles? A) There are at least three Fellowship Council meetings every year and Fellowship Councillors will also be on their Regional/National team which meets quite regularly to decide on the plan of activities for the Region/Nation.

Besides being on the Fellowship Council, the Chair will also be responsible for the Region/Nation. As such, he must have sufficient time to devote to the activities of the Region/Nation and to ensure the development plan is being implemented.

Q) How can Fellows who do not have contact with other Fellows have supporters? A) Candidates interested can find events in their Region / Nation to attend on the Fellowship Where You Are pages of the RSA website.

Q) What if I am thinking of relocating in the near future:

A) If a candidate is relocating then we would not advise them to apply for the Region/Nation they are currently in. The Fellowship Councillor for the Region/Nation together with the Regional/National chair and the Regional Programme Manager are required to meet to devise the development plan and ensure the plan implemented.

Q) Will electronic signatures be accepted?

A) Yes

Q) Can signatures be scanned?

A) Yes

Q) Can supporters sign on different forms?

A) Yes

Q) Should Fellows supporting a candidate be in the same region/nation?

A) Yes, you must be known to at least 5 Fellows in your Region/Nation to be able to apply – the role is after all about leading those around you.

Q) Can a Fellow nominate more than one candidate?

A) Yes

Q) Can a Fellow based abroad apply for the “At large” Fellowship Councillor post? A) Yes but alas, as we are a charity, we do not have budget to reimburse more than the most basic travel expenses. However, all Fellows will be able to vote for the “At large” Fellowship Councillors.

Q) How can a Fellow based abroad get involved with the Fellowship Council
A) There are a number of seats on the Fellowship Council available for co-opted members – please express your interest using the same form. It should be noted that there is a requirement to attend Fellowship Council meetings in person and we do not have budget to reimburse more than the most basic travel expenses.

Please note: Just sending your interest via email without the candidate statement and nomination form will be void.

Candidates should submit their interest using the nomination form available on the RSA Governance pages at latest 12 noon GMT 30 May 2012.

Originally posted on the main Fellowship blog.