The BSA is seeking nominations for a Vice President of the British Sociological Association.

Our current Vice President, Les Back, will become President in January 2026, serving until December 2026. The new Vice President will work closely alongside Les throughout that year, before stepping into the role of President in January 2027. This approach ensures a smooth and supported transition, with time to learn, collaborate, and prepare.

The Presidency of the BSA is an honorary role held by a respected member of our Association. The President serves as an Honorary Adviser to the Board of Trustees, plays a key role at our Annual Conference, and represents the Association in national conversations about sociology and its future.

Key information

  • Nominations are sought for the next Vice President (and future President), for the period January 2026 – December 2027.
  • Nominees must be current BSA members and UK-based.
  • Any member may submit a nomination.
  • Each nomination should include a short statement (250–500 words) explaining why the nominee would be particularly suited to the role. This statement will appear on the voting site when the ballot opens.
  • Please make sure you have the nominee’s agreement before putting their name forward, and confirm this within the statement.

There’s no need to provide additional supporting signatories as these will not be included in any final voting materials or be taken into account during the shortlisting process. Nominations will be shortlisted by the current Vice President and the Board of Trustees, and the final decision will be made through a ballot of all members.

As always, the trustees are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion across all leadership roles and encourage you to be mindful of this when thinking about who you might nominate.

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  by no later than  Wednesday 10 December 2025, Midday GMT.