the-BA : Volunteering in a BA Branch

Supported by:
The Regional Team

Aim of the Branches:
Branch committees are groups of volunteers from all sectors who organise and run a wide variety of science-related events to engage and inspire local public audiences. The Branch network is crucial in extending the reach of the BA. There are currently 27 active Branches across the UK.

What Branches have to offer volunteers:
- A framework in which to be creative
- Practical experience in science communication
- Development of transferable skills such as budgeting, time management, marketing, and team working

Where are they based?
To find your local branch, please see the In Your Area section of the BA site

What if there is no Branch nearby?
Where the level of local interest is sufficient, it is possible for new branches to form. This normally requires a minimum of three committed volunteers in the first instance. Contact your Regional Officer to discuss branch start-up further.

Level of Commitment:
This varies greatly and is dependant on the activities of the branch, and the role you have within that branch. Branches are flexible and aim to offer roles suitable for anyone with time or expertise to give.

Recruitment process:
- Specific opportunities are advertised on the BA recruitment website.
- We always welcome expressions of interest directly to the branch, your Regional Officer or by emailing regions@the-ba.net.

Main tasks/responsibilities:
The branch committees work as a team to deliver their local programmes and projects. Individuals will take on specific tasks and responsibilities based on the skills and areas of interest that they bring to the group. Everyone has the right to propose and develop creative event ideas. There are however, some more defined roles that are common to all branches.

Branch Chair: Provides overall leadership, coordination and drive for the Branch.
- Attends and chairs all Branch meetings
- Presents a report at the Branch AGM
- Represents the branch within the BA and externally
- Works to involve new people in Branch activities
- Supports the committee in event planning and delivery

Branch Secretary: Coordinates Branch (internal) communications and meetings.
- Acts as the primary point of contact within the BA and externally
- Attends and provides minutes for Branch meetings and the AGM
- Presents a report at the Branch AGM
- Supports the committee in event planning and delivery

Branch treasurer: Coordinates the Branch finances.
- Maintains records of the Branch accounts
- Attends and provides financial reports for Branch meetings and the AGM
- Prepares Branch funding applications on behalf of the Committee
- Authorises Branch expenditure on behalf of the Committee
- Supports the committee in event planning and delivery

Branch Committee member: Supports the Branch in event planning and delivery.
- Attends Branch meetings and the AGM to contribute input
- Supports the committee in event planning and delivery by undertaking specific tasks according to skills and interest, which may include:

Advertising and publicity
Sourcing speakers and venues
Fundraising and sponsorship
Web development
Coordinating a specific event within the Branch programme

Branches also create specific roles such as Press & Publicity, University liaison etc, depending on need.

Desired skills:
Interest and enthusiasm in engaging public audiences. Knowledge of and/or experience in Science Communication and event management is helpful, but not essential.

Contact the Manager of Regional Programmes for more information about branches.

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