Council elections

IBMS Council is responsible for the big decisions that steer the organisation. This includes agreeing the Institute’s strategy, ensuring effective governance, approving the annual budget and overseeing risk management.

Council members provide a collective voice that helps keep the IBMS strong, responsive and forward-looking.

Only IBMS corporate members can stand for election to Council. This means Fellows (FIBMS), Members (MIBMS) and Licentiates (LIBMS).

Council members are also Charity Trustees and Company Directors, so the role comes with important legal responsibilities.

Eligibility

To apply, you must meet all of these requirements:

• An IBMS corporate member (Fellow, Member or Licentiate) 

• Living or working in the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man 

• Eligible to act as a Charity Trustee (this is a legal requirement for the role) 

• Able to commit the time needed to attend meetings, prepare in advance, and represent the Institute when required

We welcome applications from all eligible corporate members. This is a very demanding role and requires relevant skills, so we are looking for candidates with the depth of knowledge, insight and experience needed for the role of trustees and who can demonstrate a track record in:

• leading services, teams or projects
• governance, risk, finance or strategic planning
• education, training, quality, EDI, or professional standards work
• representing the profession locally, regionally or nationally

Council members use their professional expertise and personal skills to help the Institute thrive. Each member contributes to collective decision-making, provides professional leadership and brings insights from being actively involved in the biomedical science community.

While backgrounds vary, key strengths include:

• Strategic thinking
• Financial understanding
• A genuine passion for the work and mission of the IBMS
• Being a positive role model for the profession
• Commitment to the responsibilities of the role

Serving on Council is a rewarding leadership role, but it does require time and commitment.

Members are expected to:

• Attend five Council meetings each year (in person or virtually) plus the AGM (held on a Saturday in June)
• Sit on at least one Standing Committee, which meets four times a year
• Attend an annual strategy day
• Participate in the biennial IBMS Congress
• Be available for extended working days, occasional weekend events and necessary preparation and travel
• Represent the Institute on external committees or working groups
• Contribute to consultation responses and key organisational discussions

Becoming a Council member is a chance to make a real impact. You’ll help guide the direction of the Institute, influence decisions that support members, and strengthen the voice of our profession.

It’s also a valuable opportunity to broaden your experience, develop leadership skills and build connections across the UK.

Nominations 2026

Our online nomination form will open in early January. 

The deadline for nominations will close on 12 March.

Voting

Voting will open to all members on 20 April and close 28 May. 

All eligible members who can vote will receive notifications with a link to vote for their candidates. 

If you’re considering standing, these two short documents set out what we expect from Council members:

• IBMS Council role descriptor

• IBMS Council summary of role