The Social History Society’s committee has a vital role in shaping the society’s activities and priorities.
This year we are seeking nominations for six vacancies:
1 x Communications Secretary
1 x EDI Secretary – a new role
4 x Ordinary Members
1 x Postgraduate Representative (to work alongside continuing PG Rep Amy Stanning)
We are inviting nominations for all these positions by midnight on Thursday 28 March 2024. Anyone who has been a member of the Society for a year is eligible to apply.
Once nominations have been received, information about the candidates will be circulated and voting will be open to all members of the society. Successful candidates will be announced at the AGM to be held at the SHS Conference in July.
Executive and Ordinary committee members usually serve for three years and are eligible for re-election on one further consecutive occasion. Postgraduate Representatives serve for two years are eligible for re-election as a Postgraduate Representative or election as an Ordinary Member depending on their status at that time.
To nominate yourself please complete this form.
You will need to add the names of two members of the society willing to support your nomination. If you would like to informally discuss any of these positions or the nomination process, please do contact us at the Society email address: socialhistorysoc@gmail.com
Last year we posed some questions to Professor Georgina Brewis about her role as Honorary Secretary. This year, with the Communications Secretary role opening, I will try to answer them myself!
SHS: What are your main responsibilities as Communications Secretary?
Dr Henry Irving: I am responsible for maintaining this website, sending our monthly newsletter and helping to organise the annual conference. As one of the longer standing members of the SHS Executive, I also keep in regular contact with the other members to help set the direction of the society and to keep things moving along. I am also responsible for our social media, although I am sure my replacement will do a better job at this than me!
SHS: How do you fit this role around your teaching and research?
Georgina spoke about good organisational and time-management skills last year, and I think this is true of all the Executive roles.
SHS: Have you benefitted from the role?
Absolutely! I originally joined the SHS as a postgraduate member and have relished the opportunity to get more involved. I am proud that the SHS has used its position to push for a more equal approach to history, for example through the importance it attributes to postgraduate members, speaking out against course closures, setting up a Public History Prize, offering financial support during COVID, or taking a lead on EDI matters. Bringing this back to benefits, I do not think I would have been able to be involved in so many initiatives if it were not for my role on the committee.
SHS: Has anything about the role surprised you?
Just how varied it has been. I have worked very closely with the wider Executive on matters ranging from the renewal of our journal’s contract to selecting lunch options for our conference. Throughout, I have been lucky to work with some wonderful colleagues and have enjoyed making connections beyond my department and research specialisms.