IPS Officer Positions - Important information for nominators and nominees

Although any IPS member can be nominated for election as an officer (President-Elect, Secretary or Treasurer), it is important that both nominators and nominees are aware of the circumstances, and requirements, that are inherent in accepting a nomination and the commitment that accompanies such a nomination.

IPS Experience

The IPS very much prefers nominees who have appropriate experience within the IPS, although other types of qualifications or experience will also be taken into account. Such IPS experience can be in the form of

  • Being, now or in the recent past, a Committee Chair or have made significant committee contributions
  • Being a Council Member
  • Holding a current or former Officer position in an Affiliate or the IPS itself
  • Extensive or long-term involvement in IPS affairs
  • Attendance at several IPS conferences, together with one or more of the above

General Considerations

Before choosing to nominate a member, or upon receiving a nomination, careful consideration should be given to the following.

1. Time commitment

The IPS Officers are involved in many matters and communicate frequently, sometimes on a daily basis and normally by email; this is an ongoing task throughout one's period as an Officer. It typically occupies many hours per week, with 10 hours being a good guideline (although in busy periods it can amount to more).

One also needs to commit time to the week-long biennial conferences (which include Council Meetings), the odd-year Council Meetings (typically 2-3 days), and occasional Officers' meetings.

Another major consideration is the period of office. For the Secretary and Treasurer, this is two years (although it is very common for candidates toseek re-election). For the position of President, the entire 'presidential period' is six years long (two as President Elect, two as President, and two as Past President). Candidates should therefore carefully consider the requirement for these periods of dedication to IPS duties.

2. Support of the Home Facility / Institution

A nominee must consider the level of support that can be expected from the institution at which the nominee is based. This will need to be in the form of availability of leave (or, even better, acceptance that the IPS role is part of one's work) and funding. Although the IPS provides a certain level of funding for Officers and affiliate representatives, this does not cover all of the cost, and there will be a shortfall that must be covered either through one's institution, or through personal or other means.

3. Availability to travel

Some financial considerations are mentioned in (2) above, but it is also important that the nominee would be available to travel. Being able to do so at conference time is clearly very important, but the odd-yearCouncil Meetings are typically held at other times of the year (typically August or September), and Officers' meetings, which are held on an 'as needs' basis, may be held at any time.

4. Teamwork

Within the IPS, teamwork is an essential requirement. There are five Officers (President, Past President, President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer). The Officers work constructively to achieve the aims of the IPS and each has an important role. Candidates for the position of President Elect are expected to work closely with the other officers on all IPS matters over the six-year commitment; provide sound leadership during the period as President; and guidance during the subsequent period as Past President.

In summary, it is important that all nominators and nominees are aware of the above, giving careful consideration to these issues.