The British Association for Romantic Studies invites self-nominations from members who would like to stand for the role of President or Treasurer.
Both posts have incumbents who have served one term and plan to stand again (Matthew Sangster as President; Mary Fairclough as Treasurer), but other candidates are welcome to nominate themselves for either role. Descriptions of the purviews and responsibilities of both roles can be found below.
The BARS election process follows the provisions of the Constitution, with a three-week nomination window followed by a two-week voting period.
If you would like to stand for election for either of these roles, please send your election statement to Andrew McInnes (bars.secretary@gmail.com) and Yimon Lo (bars.memberships@gmail.com), who will be administering this election on behalf of BARS. Election statements should be addressed to the BARS membership and should describe your vision for the role, your relevant experience and the talents you would bring to the BARS Executive (see here for examples from the 2025 elections). Statements should be received by 11:59 UK Time on Wednesday July 8th. All those standing for election must be members of BARS.
After the deadline, a list of candidates for each role and their statements will be published on the BARS Blog and electronic voting will be opened to the BARS membership.
Any questions regarding the roles or the electoral process can be directed to Andrew and Yimon using the addresses above.
President
The President works with the Executive Committee in overseeing the strategic direction of BARS, new projects and research funding initiatives, future planning, and liaising with external partners. One of the core roles of the President is liaising with the organisers of the Society’s International Conference, ensuring that the needs of BARS Members are met with due diligence. The President chairs regular meetings of the Executive Committee. The President also works with the Executive in identifying and filling any vacancies on the Committee, including elections, appointments and co-options, as appropriate.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Act as a voice for Romantic studies both nationally and internationally, advocating for the interests and the wellbeing of BARS Members.
- Maintain the commitment of BARS to the principles of inclusion, diversity and equality, making the Society a welcoming and safe space for all of its Members.
- Oversee the strategic business, constitutional and recruitment matters of BARS.
- Work with the Executive in all aspects of BARS regular business in support of its Membership.
- Chair the regular Executive Committee meetings (4-5 times/year).
- Liaise with the organisers of the two major BARS conferences and other regular or one-off events.
- Ensure that the BARS operating budget remains healthy, balancing need with financial security.
- Resolve any critical issues or challenges in a timely, transparent and collaborative manner.
- Develop new partnerships, initiatives and funding sources.
Key Activities
- Working with the Vice President and the Past President, plan the strategic aims of BARS and their implementation for the current cycle.
- Working with the Secretary, coordinate the routine business of BARS.
- Working with the Treasurer, ensure that the Executive maintains a careful balance between expenditure and income, as well as dealing with any banking issues raised by the Treasurer.
- Working with the Membership Secretary and PGR/ECR Representatives, review all Members’ needs, requests and feedback.
- Working with the Communications Officer, ensure that important information is conveyed to the Membership in a timely and effective fashion.
- Working with the Website Editor, to ensure that outward facing information is appropriate, updated and effective.
- Working with the BARS Review Editor, ensure that each issue of the BARS Review is published as required.
- Working with the Bursaries Officer, review current funding mechanisms, revising them as necessary and implementing new schemes that support BARS values.
- Working with the Research and Innovation Officer, review the state of the field, the relationship of Romantic studies to institutional and governmental agendas, and ensure a responsive approach to the challenges facing our discipline.
- Oversee the recruitment of new members of the Executive and associated Officers.
- Provide mentoring and continuing professional support to fellow members of the Executive if they desire it.
- Prepare and oversee the selection of the BARS International Conference, including paying a site visit to the selected host and liaising with the conference organising team.
- Working with the Digital Events team to ensure that BARS is represented fairly, engagingly and equitably in the programme of activities.
- Working with the relevant Committee members (e.g. the Outreach and Impact, International, Non-Academic and Schools Officers) and other partners, oversee new strategic partnerships and outreach activities.
- Oversee the appointment of the Book Prize Chair, and receive regular updates from the Chair once appointed.
- Attend to any constitutional and practical issues relevant to BARS and its Members.
Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees all aspects of the Association’s financial management, working closely with other members of the Executive Committee to develop͕ maintain and safeguard the Association’s finances. While the Treasurer ensures that these responsibilities are met, work can be delegated as appropriate to the Bursaries Officer, the Membership Secretary and ad hoc sub-committees (e.g. for conferences and other events, projects or partnerships).
Roles and Responsibilities
- Oversee general finances of the Society.
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting and fundraising.
- Manage the Society’s bank account and financial records͘.
- Control any of the Society’s assets, stock and sources of income͘.
Key Activities
- Oversee and present budgets, accounts and financial statements to the Executive Committee and Members of the Society.
- Liaise with designated members of the Committee and ad hoc partners (e.g. conference organisers) about financial matters.
- Ensure that appropriate and robust financial systems and controls are in place.
- Ensure that record-keeping and accounts meet statutory or best-practice expectations.
- Liaise with the Membership Secretary in processing Members’ dues, including shared oversight of the Society’s PayPal account.
- Liaise with the Bursaries Officer in the disbursement of any funding for Fellowships.
- Disburse non-Fellowship claims that have been approved by the Executive Committee.
- Disburse any other moneys that have been approved for expenditure by the President and/or Executive Committee.
- Advise on the Society’s fundraising strategies͘.
- Ensure use of funds complies with conditions set by relevant legislation, financial control systems and organisational bodies.
- Prepare and present budgets for new and ongoing projects.
- Prepare and present regular reports on the Society’s financial position (e͘g͘ at the Executive Committee meetings͕ at the Society’s Biennial General Meetings).
- Manage bank and other financial accounts.
- Set up appropriate systems for book-keeping, payments, lodgements and cash disbursements.
- Ensure everyone handling money keeps proper records and documentation.