Research Committee member
Volunteer for BACP

The Research Committee holds delegated responsibility for: 

• developing, informing and monitoring our research strategy
• overseeing our research procedures, policies and plans, and their quality assurance
• approving and reviewing research projects (subject to budget provision)
• providing advice and practical solutions for research projects

The committee will have up to seven members, recruited by the Chair who may be a BACP or lay (non-BACP) member. Each committee member will have one equal vote.

Term of office

Committee members are appointed for up to three years. This may be extended for a further three years.

Time commitment

You must attend four committee meetings a year, always before our Board meetings, and at other times as required.

You'll also be expected to commit any additional time necessary to satisfactorily perform the duties of sitting on a governance committee.

Carrying out the role

You'll be expected to:

• attend committee meetings fully prepared to participate and ensure key decisions are reached, having read up all the information sent out
• participate in the committee’s performance review, and work with BACP staff to develop the committee's skills set
• attend BACP events, including the AGM, to promote and support the work of the committee and answer any questions members may have
• maintain absolute confidentiality of any sensitive and confidential information you receive 
• always act in the best interests of BACP to support our charitable aims and achieve our strategic objectives
• comply with the committee's current terms of reference
• observe the code of conduct, policies and procedures as they relate to volunteers
• uphold the seven principles of the Charity Governance Code:
  - organisational purpose
  - leadership
  - integrity
  - decision making, risk and control
  - board effectiveness
  - diversity
  - openness and accountability

Skills and abilities

You should:

• be a current member* of BACP, or a lay member, with experience in research governance
• be passionate about the value of research and the benefits of a research ethos, particularly in a membership organisation setting
• be able to demonstrate good strategic research leadership
• have an interest in and or experience of research relevant to BACP’s strategic aims i.e. older people, children young people and families and the four nations
• have a willingness to devote time and effort
• have good, independent judgement
• be able to think creatively
• understand the responsibilities of the position

Knowledge and experience of the third sector would be an advantage but is not essential.

*Members who are currently under investigation, or sanction, through our professional conduct procedure cannot apply.

Remuneration

There is no remuneration for this role, however we will reimburse reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role in line with our volunteers expenses policy. 

Any other remuneration is subject to Charity Commission guidelines and approval of the Board of Governors.

To apply

Please email your CV and a detailed application letter to Pam Ludlow, Governance Manager at governance@bacp.co.uk. Or you can send it by post to BACP, BACP House, 15 St. John’s Business Park, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4HB.

For more information about the role, email governance@bacp.co.uk or telephone 01455 883311.

BACP has made it our responsibility when attracting and meeting with new talent to be inclusive and accessible, we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities. BACP is Disability Confident Committed and we'll make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support you in your application and candidate journey throughout the recruitment process.