The cycle of RSS activity means we now need to start thinking about the appointment of the Society's next President, who will take office after Sylvia Richardson's term ends on 31 December 2022. In March 2021, the President Nominating Committee (PNC) is set to meet to consider names and to make a nomination, which will then be considered by Council in Spring 2021.
The PNC draws members from Council, the Professional Affairs Committee, advisory groups, sections and local groups. However, it is of course not possible for the PNC to identify all those fellows worthy of consideration for the Presidency without the active co-operation of the fellowship. To this end, we are calling on all fellows of the Society to take a few moments to consider who you believe might make a good successor to Sylvia Richardson.
At the recent RSS International Conference, Deborah Ashby highlighted the importance of increasing the diversity of the Society's leadership. We would therefore particularly encourage nominations which reflect the full diversity of the Society in relation to ethnicity, gender, statistical specialisms and sectors of work.
If possible, obtain a CV (surreptitiously of course – all suggestions for nominations must be made discreetly!) or give an outline of the nominee's career. Please send this information to the Chief Executive Stian Westlake (s.westlake[at]rss.org.uk) no later than 31 December 2020.
Council has laid down the following criteria to be taken into account when a President is being elected:
- The President should be credible within and beyond the Society.
- The President should be able to fulfil the various roles required of them:
(a) to represent the Society and the discipline
(b) to oversee the Society and its running
(c) to initiate their own policy projects or directions.
- The President should have a prior track record of service to the Society.
- The President should have expertise in an area which reflects the current concerns of the Society or of the discipline.
- Over a period of time, the Presidents should be drawn in a balanced way from across the various areas of interest of the Society.
We very much look forward to receiving your suggestions.