Role title: Congress Secretary
Accountable to: BSI Board of Trustees
Term of office: Four years (with one additional year to shadow current Congress Secretary)
Scope and purpose
The Congress Secretary leads on and coordinates development of the scientific content of the BSI Congress, working closely with members of the Congress Committee to determine key themes and ensure a well-balanced programme. The Congress Secretary acts as Chair of the Congress Committee.
General responsibilities
The Congress Secretary is a key role for the BSI, supporting the Congress Committee in the development and delivery of BSI Congress.
The Congress Secretary will work closely with the BSI Board, staff and the Chief Executive to develop the scientific programme for the BSI Congress, chair the Congress Committee, and oversee the call for session proposals. They will coordinate the selection and timetabling of parallel, plenary and additional sessions, communicating with session organisers and speakers via the BSI team or directly, as required.
The Congress Secretary is expected to:
- Chair the Congress Committee meetings (3-4 per year) in an effective and efficient manner
- Lead on the development of the scientific content of the BSI Congress
- Consider and assess the breadth, depth and impact of Congress, working closely with the Congress Committee, Board and BSI staff to identify gaps, and explore new opportunities for further development of the programme
- Consult with the CEO and Director of Events and Training regarding general arrangements and any programme elements which may impact the budget
- Partner with organisations as appropriate for joint sessions and meetings (e.g. EFIS members, FOCIS, etc)
- Listen to members’ needs relating to Congress (e.g. attendance/topics/registration)
- Promote the principles of our BSI Diversity & Inclusion framework for the Congress programme, Congress Committee and its meetings and any other activity in which the Committee plays a role
- Coordinate input or contribute to the ECI and IUIS scientific programmes as appropriate
- Chair specialist sub-groups where needed in specific areas e.g. abstract review
- Attend the AGM and one Board meeting per year, as requested, to report on Congress
- Together with the CEO and Director of Events and Training, coordinate recruitment of new Congress Committee members, following an open call to the membership.
Congress Secretary person specification
- Must be a current member of the BSI and resident in the UK
- Have a demonstrable commitment to the Society and to immunology
- Have an excellent overview of key areas of and developments in immunology
- Have detailed knowledge of the work of key research programmes and their leaders
- Experience as a member of a Scientific Programme Committee (desirable)
- Be willing to contribute to the BSI’s strategic vision
- Have high levels of credibility and respect in immunological communities
- Have strong leadership skills
- Adhere to and promote the BSI Code of Conduct
- Ability to work collaboratively with BSI staff and external partners
- A strategic vision, with willingness to lead on the generation of ideas and their development, with support from BSI staff
- Aligned with the BSI values – ambitious and committed; evidence-based and responsible; collaborative and inclusive; agile and energetic
- A willingness to engage with members, act as an ambassador for the BSI and promote its values and purpose