News: ACME is making an open call for new members

The Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) provides a two-way channel between the mathematics community and the Government and its agencies on mathematics education policy issues in English schools and colleges.  In its third phase of operations the Committee will be working mainly proactively, producing forward-looking policy reports and providing policy advice to Ministers and civil servants in key areas of mathematics education.  ACME collectively aims to have expertise in mathematics education at all levels from Early Years up to the start of Higher Education, including the mathematical needs of employment. Insofar as is feasible for a small group, it also seeks to have a balanced representation across gender and ethnicity. For further information about ACME and its work please see www.acme-uk.org .

ACME is now seeking new members.  Short-listed candidates for the positions are expected to have an understanding of current policy issues in 5-19 mathematics education .  Recognising the need to accommodate any existing commitments, we will be flexible about start dates; the new members may start serving on ACME from the 1st  of any month between September 2008 and January 2009 - applicants should indicate their preferred start date.

New members will be expected to give an agreed proportion of their time to ACME work, and if appropriate their employers will be reimbursed for the equivalent proportion of their salary and any on costs via the Royal Society, which hosts ACME. Travel and subsistence expenses incurred on ACME business (including for its formal meetings, usually held monthly in London) are reimbursed directly to members. Members will be selected on the basis of the following criteria: an ability to think strategically, an understanding of policy analysis and of government and confidence to form their own views and to engage with senior policy makers; willingness to work on agreed ACME activities and ability to commit the necessary time to such work; broad expertise and recognised status; involvement in established networks (such as membership of professional bodies); track record in writing, leading projects, and communicating to diverse audiences; and open-mindedness and the ability to work as part of a co-operative team. The members of ACME will serve as expert individuals and not as representatives of any organisation or interest group.

Applicants should provide a 2-page CV and explain in no more than 500 words what they feel they will bring to ACME and how they will manage to give the time required for ACME work (a minimum of 12 committee meetings per year, usually in London). If appropriate, they should provide a signed reference from an employer confirming that they will be allowed to commit an agreed proportion of their time to ACME.  The ACME Secretariat will be happy to discuss the importance and status of ACME membership with potential referees. ACME’s working methods, including details of the membership selection process, are available on the website.

Applications must be received by Friday 28 March 2008 at the very latest.  Please send electronic copies of application papers (including an electronic scan of the signed reference) to acme@royalsociety.org  with the subject header ‘Open Call 2008’. Short-listed candidates may be asked to interviews to be held on 24 April in London.

posted 17/02/08