UKCRC Constitution

The UK Computing Research Committee is a group of the UK's leading computing researchers, formed to represent and promote the best interests of computing research. The UKCRC Executive is recognised as an advisory panel by the BCS, the IET and the CPHC. There is no limit on the number of members of the UKCRC.

2. UKCRC Membership

The full membership of the UKCRC is the body:

• from which the Executive is elected;
• that elects the Executive;
• that provides guidance to the Executive;
• that engages in a range of activities intended to promote computing research.

3. Eligibility for membership

All members of the UKCRC shall have shown verifiable international research leadership in computing[1]. This might be demonstrated by attainments such as:

• being a Fellow of a recognised learned society, such as the BCS or the IET;
• having a world-class publication record;
• editing a leading journal;
• chairing a premium conference programme committee;
• being invited to speak at high-impact research events;
• chairing an international research society;
• playing a leading role within an internationally respected industrial or academic research group;
• having a key involvement in a major advance in some relevant field.

This list is not necessarily exhaustive, but evidence of achievement in several such aspects of research activity is normally required. Membership, once attained, is normally held until the member chooses to resign.

4. UKCRC Executive

There are up to nine members of the UKCRC Executive, which is responsible for the on-going activities of the UKCRC, and is recognised as an expert panel by the BCS, IET and CPHC. Members of the Executive serve for three years, with one third elected each year. Members of the Executive may be re-elected once, for a further three-year period; there must be at least a one-year gap before any subsequent re-nomination for election.

Each year, the Executive elects a Chairperson, who will also be the Chairperson of the full UKCRC.

The Executive reports at least annually to a meeting to which all UKCRC members are invited. It also regularly communicates electronically with the full membership, and reports to the BCS, IET and CPHC. Any member of the UKCRC can submit suggestions directly to the Executive for consideration.

5. UKCRC Membership Panel

The UKCRC Membership Panel considers all nominations for membership and is responsible for approving individual entry to membership. It may refuse admission or terminate membership. All members of the Membership Panel must be current UKCRC members at the time of their election. The Membership Panel determines the admission procedures and the criteria and procedures on which membership may be terminated.

The Panel comprises three members elected by the UKCRC, plus one representative each from the IET, BCS and CPHC (appointed in each case by the senior honorary officer of the relevant organisation). One or more members of the Panel are to be elected by the UKCRC each year, each serving up to three years. Those appointed by the IET, BCS or CPHC also serve for a term of three years. Membership may be renewed only once, for a further three-year period; there must be at least a one-year gap before any subsequent re-nomination. Each year, the Panel elects a Chairperson from among its members.

The Membership Panel also organises the annual election to determine the next UKCRC Executive.

6. Meetings

A meeting of the general membership will be held at least once a year, where the quorum will be not less than 10% of the membership.

7. Amendments to this document

Amendments will be proposed to the general membership and will require approval by at least 75% of the members voting either present at the Annual General Meeting or via email vote. In either case a quorum of 20% is required.