Call for Nominations for Governing Council 2025 | Society for Research into Higher Education

Call for Nominations for SRHE Governing Council

First term of office to commence: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028
Closing date for Nominations: 19 September 2025

Applications/nominations are invited from current members of the Society to join the SRHE Governing Council. Closing date for submissions: 19 September 2025

Appointments will be for a term of office of three years, 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028.

The Society is seeking applications from individuals associated with higher education to join their Governing Council and contribute to the Society’s mission, governance, and strategic forward planning.

As it pursues the aims and objectives outlined in its 2024-2029 five-year plan (Strategic Plan 2024) the Society is seeking new skills and perspectives, to widen the range of knowledge and experience on which it can draw. We welcome interest from all members, at all levels of experience, and particularly with a view towards diversification of our board – we therefore especially welcome those from underrepresented groups to stand for election. We are also looking for additional expertise and experience in the following areas: HE policy engagement; research funding and grant applications; finance; income generation/fundraising; and communications and social media.

Supporting a Learned Society in this way brings many personal rewards and benefits. Working alongside professional colleagues, all engaged in different aspects of higher education, you will be responsible for strategic goal setting and implementation. Working collegially with fellow Council members develops and reinforces leadership skills and understanding of what is involved in running a charity, and in supporting a small executive team of experienced and accomplished professionals. In terms of professional development, those interested in pursuing non-executive directorships in the future should note that experience as a charity trustee is valued by those appointing NEDs.

This is an exciting time at which to get involved with the Society at this level. The Society has a sound financial base and commands a high reputation for its many and varied academic programmes and activities and has a strong portfolio of publications.

We are looking for individuals with the energy, drive and vision to support the Society in a variety of ways; forging relationships within the higher education sector, developing a wider engagement with policy matters, advising on new ways in which the Society can continue to support and sustain an international community of researchers in higher education, expand our spheres of influence and increasingly be of value to our members and beyond.

How to Apply

Appointments to Governing Council follow a process of open application/nomination and then election by vote of the members of SRHE. These appointments are made with a view to maintaining a balance and breadth of knowledge and expertise, the provision of specialist knowledge in key areas and achieving diversity and inclusivity in the membership of the Council.
Applicants/Nominees must be current members of the Society (normally for a period of two years prior to application).
Each application/nomination received must be supported by a proposer and a seconder who are also current members of the Society.
All individuals elected to the Governing Council must maintain their membership of the Society for the full duration of their period of office
Download and complete the nomination form here.

Prospective candidates are welcome to discuss the requirements of the role with current Council members and/or the CEO (clare.loughlin-chow@srhe.ac.uk).