19 May 2021
The 2021 Management Committee nominations are open. With four seats available, this is your opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the Society of Authors over the next few years.
We invite all Full Members of the Society of Authors to stand – or to encourage fellow members to step forward – for election to the Management Committee. The elections will open in mid-September and close on 27 October.
Four vacancies will become available after the 2021 AGM in November when Sam Collett, Woodrow Phoenix, Katharine Quarmby and Hugh Roberts complete their three-year terms. Retiring Committee members may choose to stand for a second term of office.
Newly elected Management Committee members will join Joanne Harris (Chair), Simon Cann, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, Abie Longstaff, Dorothy Koomson, Anne Rooney, Margaret Skea and Philip Womack.
The Management Committee is responsible for the direction of the SoA and makes all major policy and strategy decisions.
We particularly encourage nominations from members with skills, experience and/or perspectives currently underrepresented on the Committee. Training will be provided to help members fulfil their role and all meetings can be attended online.
Nominations must be made by 15 July 2021. Submit a nomination here and find out more about the responsibilities of Management Committee members here.
Joining the SoA board – FAQs
What sort of member / author can stand?
The Management Committee needs to be representative of the SoA membership, so it’s important that it reflects all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators, regardless of age and background.
How can I stand for election?
Start by writing a candidate statement of up to 500 words to explain what you hope to achieve as a member of the SoA board. You will need two other SoA members to nominate you in brief letters of support. Once you have these, use the nominations form to upload your statement and two letters as Word documents, along with a photograph of you. We will share your candidate statement, photograph and the names of your two nominators when the elections open in September. Click here to submit a nomination
What if I don’t know another member who can nominate me?
We know it’s not always easy to meet members, particularly when most activities are online. Why not join one of our many special interest groups or networks, or a local group near you. It’s a great way to meet, chat and stay in touch with fellow members with similar interests.
What time commitment can I expect?
The Committee meets six times a year on Thursday afternoons. In addition, Committee members would be expected to attend the Annual General Meeting in November. Optionally, Committee members are invited to join sub-committees and to attend other SoA and industry events if their time allows.
I’m an Associate Member but I’m eligible for an upgrade – how can I stand?
Get in touch with our Membership team (membership@societyofauthors.org) before the end of June to update your membership record.
I’m only just starting out – can I still stand?
Yes. You need to be a Full Member of the SoA for three months prior to nomination, but members at any stage of their careers are invited to stand. We seek a wide range of perspectives and experience to reflect our membership.
I can’t travel to London – can I still stand?
Yes, you can. All Management Committee meetings are currently online and in the future will be ‘hybrid’, enabling members to attend in person or online. Members who live outside of the UK are also welcome to stand.