The BSA is seeking nominations for a Vice President of the British Sociological Association. Current BSA President Rachel Brooks completes her term of office in December 2025. The successful Vice President will work alongside Rachel Brooks for a year and then become President in January 2026. Appointing a Vice President with the express intention of them becoming President after a year allows for a good induction into the role.

The Presidency of the BSA is an honorary position, which is held by a respected member of the Association.  The President acts as Honorary Adviser to the Board of Trustees, plays a central role for the Annual Conference and represents the Association on matters affecting the discipline of sociology.

Nominations are now sought for the next Vice President (and, subsequently, President) of the British Sociological Association, for the period running from January 2025 to December 2026.   Nominees must be members of the BSA. Nominations will be accepted from any member of the Association and must be accompanied by a short statement of between 250 and 500 words describing why the nominee would be particularly suitable for the role. Nominators will seek the nominee’s agreement prior to nomination, this agreement to be confirmed in the statement. The nominations will be short-listed by the Board of Trustees and the new President will be elected by a ballot of the full membership.

Two-year tenure:

  • January to December 2025 (BSA Vice President)
  • January to December 2026 (BSA President)

The Trustees seek to achieve a good balance of people in key positions with respect to equality and diversity and request that members are mindful of this when nominating.

Outline of duties

Throughout tenure:

  • Attend Board of Trustees meetings in an advisory but non-voting capacity (up to five times a year)
  • Attend meetings of the BSA Advisory Forum (once or twice a year)
  • Co-create, with the conference committee, the Annual Conference theme and plenary speaker line-up
  • Represent the Association at external meetings, e.g. meetings of the International Sociological Association
  • Assist the work of the BSA Public Engagement Committee as required (i.e. letters and statements)
  • Provide ad hoc advice and support to the Chair, Trustees and staff of the Association

Year 2 only, in capacity as BSA President:

  • Participate in judging submissions to the annual BSA Philip Abrams Memorial Prize (business conducted online from December to February)
  • Present the award of the BSA Philip Abrams Memorial Prize and the BSA Distinguished Service to British Sociology Award at each BSA Annual Conference (normally at conference or during the conference month in March or April)
  • Present any other ad hoc awards at the BSA Annual Conference, e.g. Lifetime Achievement Awards (normally every ten years)
  • Deliver a Presidential Address and/or Event at the BSA Annual Conference
  • Organise a Presidential Event at another time in the year (optional)

NB.  A small sum is provided in the Association’s annual budget to facilitate attendance at key events during the year.

If you would like to nominate someone for the Presidency, please email their name, confirmation that they are willing to be nominated, and your reasons for nomination (min. 250 words / max. 500 words) to Katherine.Minnis@britsoc.org.uk  by no later than Tuesday, 3 December 2024, 12:00 GMT.