ERS Council Elections are coming up – here’s why you should stand

Could you help us shape the future of electoral reform in Britain? Why not consider standing for our Board?

This year our members are electing the ERS’ Council, and we’re looking for passionate reformers to share their time, energy and ideas.

The Council is the driving force behind the Society. Elected by our membership, the Council members set our strategy and take an active part in shaping the direction of our campaigns.

With nominations now open, we want to outline what being on the ERS council entails and why you should consider getting involved.

What do members of the Council do?

The Electoral Reform Society is governed by an elected Council made up of its members. The day-to-day running of the Society is done by the staff team, which the Council oversees.

The Council meet with senior staff and work to ensure that the ERS has a clear and relevant set of aims and an appropriate strategy for achieving them.

Council Members are also the legal directors of the ERS, with collective responsibility for ensuring that it is legally and financially compliant, well run, and effective in carrying out its vital mission to fight for our democratic rights.

In short, they help the Society be the best it can be, to take on the challenges ahead.

What do I need to know about the Council elections?

Every two years, 12 members of the Society are elected by the membership to form the Council. Once elected, they can co-opt a further three, if extra skills are required.

Our members elect the Council using the fair and proportional Single Transferable Vote, and the new Council takes office at the close of our AGM.

To stand for election, you need to be an ERS member who is 16 or over, has not been disqualified from acting as a Company Director and has not recently worked for the Society.

I’m thinking of standing for election but I’m not sure I have the time or experience

Being a Council member is not a day-to-day role; in fact, there are only four meetings a year, held either in central London or online, plus the AGM.

While the Council is ultimately responsible for the decisions and actions of the ERS, it cannot and should not do everything. Instead, the focus of the Council is on strategy, performance and making sure the Society is well run, rather than daily matters.

We would love to see a fantastic range of candidates from across the country, with different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints that they can bring to the Council.

Travel, accommodation and childcare costs

We want our members to be able to elect a Council that is representative of the diversity of the UK, that can scrutinise the ERS from a range of different perspectives, and who you may not imagine would usually sit on a company board.

Nobody should miss out because they are caring for others or need extra support. That’s why we cover any reasonable expenses, like travel, meals, overnight accommodation, and even things like childcare costs.

You don’t even need to have sat on a board before to put yourself forward – so what’s stopping you? 

How do I stand for the Council?

Nominations open this year on 4th August, and we will be contacting all our members with details of how to nominate themselves nearer the time.

For now, if you are interested in the Society and in nominating yourself to stand for election to our Council, become a member today and we will be in touch with everything you’ll need to stand. The deadline to submit a nomination is 23:59 on Friday 10 September 2021.

Do you still have questions?

If you have any questions about standing for the ERS Council please contact us on ers@electoral-reform.org.uk

We’re looking forward to you getting involved!