BBS Council and Committees
The BBS is governed by a Council comprised of elected Officers and members, who normally meet twice a year during the Spring Meeting and before the Annual General Meeting in the autumn.
Council is presided over by the President, who – as for all Council Officers except the Vice President – is elected for a term of 2 years, by majority vote of those present at an AGM. The Vice President automatically succeeds the President at the end of their 2 year term. The retiring President takes up the position of Past President for a further 2 years, ensuring continuity of management.
Council officers are elected for key roles such as General Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Recording Secretary…, again for 2 year terms. 6 ‘elected members’ with no specific responsibilities are elected for 3-year terms, with 2 normally elected each year, thus again ensuring some continuity.
An Executive Committee, consisting of the President, Vice President, General Secretary and Treasurer, is empowered to make decisions on urgent matters arising between Council meetings. Other committees are convened as required to address specific matters and advise Council on actions required.
The work of Council is reported annually in the form of a Council Newsletter in Field Bryology; members may also access the reports in the Members Area.
The BBS holds an Annual General Meeting each year, normally during a long weekend in the Autumn; all members are invited to attend. The weekend usually includes talks and presentations on a variety of bryological topics, an evening meal and a field excursion – providing opportunities to meet and socialize with other bryologists. The location of the meeting varies, to try and ensure they are accessible to as many people as possible.
The reports of these meetings – including summaries of the talks and presentations – are published in Field Bryology the following year (usually the November issue).
The official rules of the BBS (otherwise known as its Constitution) are available to view and download below.
The Rules of the British Bryological Society