Job Description for the Chair of UCML
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To take the lead in pursuing UCML’s role as overarching national organisation representing
the interests of modern languages, linguistics, and cultural and area studies in Higher
Education throughout the United Kingdom
To consult with the Council’s membership across these disciplines in order to represent the
views of scholars and professionals in modern languages to the Government, the funding
councils, the media and relevant national bodies.
To lobby relevant bodies on behalf of the Council’s membership and its member institutions
and associations.
To coordinate the work of the Vice Chairs for Engagement and External Communication,
Research, and Language and Intercultural Education
To oversee the effective working of the Executive Committee
To ensure effective representation of all UCML’s constituencies across the UK, liaising
particularly with UCML’s local organisation and representatives in Northern Ireland, Scotland
and Wales.
To promote the benefits of UCML membership in order to recruit new members and
increase the impact of UCML’s voice and the influence of its activities.
To act at all times in the interests of UCML and its membership by working effectively
through the Steering Group, the Executive Committee and plenary meetings of the General
Council.
To provide effective chairing of the meetings of the Steering Group, the Executive
Committee and the General Council, liaising with the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, and
the Council’s administrative support, to ensure appropriate consultation with the
membership, balanced discussion of business, timely action in response to the Council’s
decisions, and communication to the membership.
To liaise with the European Language Council and relevant bodies in other countries.
Annual commitments over recent years
Approx 50 days per annum, including chairing meetings of the Steering Group, Executive
Committee and General Council.
Liaison with the Higher Education Academy Languages Lead and LLAS Subject Centre..
Representation of UCML at quarterly meetings with HEFCE Associate Director and Policy
Adviser for Languages
Representation of UCML at occasional meetings with other bodies, including Government
departments (BIS and DfE), British Academy, British Council, national Embassies and Cultural
Representation, subject associations, individual member schools/departments, All Party
Parliamentary Group for Languages, Language Rich Europe, European Commission.
Liaison with Vice Chairs to ensure UCML representation at meetings with AHRC, ESRC, AHUG, Routes into Languages, Speak to the Future.
Liaison with Vice Chairs and Executive Committee to respond on behalf of UCML to national
consultations
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Liaison with individual member schools/departments, providing confidential advice and
support where requested.
Speaking at public events.
Representative of UCML on the Advisory Board of IGRS, the Institute of Germanic and
Romance studies.
Participation in national conferences and, by invitation, the meetings of member
organisations and associations.
Keeping abreast of trends, policies, events and publications related to languages in higher,
secondary and primary education and ensuring that members are kept informed both of the
evolving context and of UCML actions.
JAC 3 June 2013