The Biochemical Society
Terms of Reference for Members of the Policy Committee

Constitution

The Executive Committee has resolved to establish a Sub-Committee of the Executive Committee to be known as the Policy Committee.

Responsibilities

• To be proactive in identifying scientific and educational policy matters of relevance to molecular and cellular life scientists, and to develop and drive the strategic objectives of the Society with respect to such matters and to related public affairs.
• To establish and maintain good working relationships with key decision-making bodies including Government Departments, Parliamentary Committees, RCUK and Charities.
• To consult the members of the Society whenever possible in order to reflect their views and to strengthen the authority of the Society in discussions with external agencies.
• To advise the Executive Committee on appropriate resources and the mechanisms required to realise the policy objectives of the Society.
• To prepare an annual budget for policy activities, for consideration by the Executive Committee.

Membership

• The Chair of the Policy Committee is elected by the Council of the Society for a 5-year term of office.
• Other members of the Policy Committee shall comprise:
  1. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Committee,
  2. The Honorary Membership Secretary,
  3. The Chairperson of the Education Committee,
  4. Up to seven other members, appointed by the Executive Committee or co-opted to assist consideration of specific issues. These members may be drawn from HEIs, Research Institutes, Industry, Science Communication or other related areas. Appointments made by the Executive Committee shall be for an initial period of three years and may be renewed for one further period of three years at their discretion.
• A quorum shall be 4 members.

Attendance at meetings

• The Chief Executive, the Group Head of Society Activities and the Policy Officer for the Society shall attend meetings of the Policy Committee as observers, other senior staff may attend as required.

Frequency of meetings

• The Policy Committee will meet twice a year, but will conduct its business electronically as far as possible. The Chairperson may convene additional meetings as s/he deems necessary.

Reporting procedures

• The Policy Committee reports to the Executive Committee through its Chairperson, and all papers of the Policy Committee will be shared with the Chair of the Education Committee in order to facilitate effective division of responsibility in areas which overlap the remit of both committees. Minutes of the Policy Committee will be circulated by the Group Head of Society Activities.

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