AGI Cymru Elected Posts
Chair and Vice Chair of AGI Cymru
The elective posts of Chair and Vice Chair of AGI Cymru fall in line with the agreed AGI Cymru election process. Each position will be held for the period of one year with the Vice Chair becoming Chair the following year.
Representative on AGI Council
Since January 2005 there has been the opportunity to be the AGI Cymru representative on AGI Council. This is normally for a three-year period after which the candidate can again put themselves forward for re-election.
Conference Chair
Each year the AGI Cymru Steering Group organise an annual conference. This conference requires a Conference Chair to come forward to take the lead on the organisation of the event.
Opportunities arising as Chair or Vice Chair of AGI Cymru
“This has become a prestigious position - the Minister for Economic Development Andrew Davies is an active supporter of GIS and has had good contact with all recent Chairs of the group. Many other key players in Wales are also behind the initiative.
Within my own organisation being Chair of AGI Cymru allowed me to have the weight of the GI Industry behind me and to move the agenda of GI in the Assembly forward in a much more proactive way than when I have not been chair. It was then that it came firmly to the attention of senior decisions makers. It is no longer a huge amount of work- you have active support from the Committee. I estimate that the job was between 1 and 3 days a month work depending on the month (round the winter conference is the busiest).
The 'softer' returns for the little effort are well worth it. Particularly consider it if you think potentially having good contact with the Minister may advantage you or your organisation. Whether what you are trying to achieve in your organisations would benefit from the backing of the GI community and whether the networking opportunities are worthwhile to you.”
Katie Medcalf, Chair AGI Cymru 2002-2004
My experience as Chair is that the role is as broad or narrow as you wish to make it. The position gives you access to senior managers and the opportunity to discuss issues and influence policy at a higher level than normal. It enables you to develop a wide range of contacts within the industry and even outside it and the opportunity to contribute your views to consultations, professional publications, and other forums.
The role of Chair requires 1-3 days a month. In the absence of any formal AGI Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, a negotiating tactic with employers is to allocate the time as career development which the role undoubtedly provides. As long as the work of AGI Cymru is shared among the members of the Steering Group, the role is not onerous and can be fun too!
Rod Kedge, Chair AGI Cymru 2005
Opportunities arising as a member of AGI Council
A role on AGI Council means that you are directly involved in setting AGI policy and strategy, sponsoring action working groups and helping the Special Interest Groups champion their cause. This is a real opportunity to be at the heart of UK GI policy and new initiatives and provides an opportunity to represent the GI Community in Wales
There is a tremendous opportunity for members of the AGI Cymru Steering Group to take up these positions. You will be able to shape the future of AGI Cymru, the GI industry in Wales, combined with career/personal development and increased exposure for your organisation.
Steve Keyworth, AGI Cymru Representative 2004
Duties
1. Chair
-Ensure that the Steering Group underpins the AGI’s mission, objectives and strategy
-Chairing the steering group of AGI Cymru.
-Chairing the AGI Cymru winter conference and being present to endorse and open
the other seminars and workshops run through the year.
- Liaise with AGI headquarters.
- Be enthusiastic at all times about GI in Wales - you will become the energy hub for
the group.
- Believe that the Strategy Action plan will be delivered.
-Work with the Steering Group to deliver a programme of events throughout the
year to meet the needs of the industry in Wales, and to deliver the GI Strategy for
Wales.
-Together with other members of the Steering Group engage with other
organisations and groups. This includes attending other meetings where others
value GI contributions e.g. TASK group, Cymru Arlein etc.
- Talk to senior people including the Minister and get them on board, promotion of GI
at senior executive level.
2. Vice Chair
-Deputise for the Chair when they are unavailable.
-Work with the Chair and the Steering Group to develop the AGI Cymru strategy
and programme for the year.
-Lead the review of the GI Strategy - Location Wales.
3. AGI Council Representative
As the AGI Cymru representative on Council, you become a Director of AGI. Council meets five times a year and the meetings take place in London and and run from 11am to 4pm. There is usually an opportunity to discuss some of the more serious issues in the pub afterwards. Council members can claim their travel expenses back. (Advice from AGI Central should be sought regarding claiming money and responsibilities as a director).
4. AGI Cymru Conference Chair
-Work with the Chair, Vice Chair, AGI Central and the rest of the Steering Group to
organise the annual conference, including;
-Develop the conference programme
-Organise a venue
-Arrange sponsorship
-Prepare marketing material
-Ensure the event is financially sustainable and meets the AGI financial
requirements
5. Secretary
- Work with the chair and vice chair and contribute to the organisation of meetings
- Take minutes at meetings and distribute to steering group members
-Provide AGI Central with approved minutes
- Lead on the administration of the steering group
-Monitor the AGI Cymru Mailbox
-Administer material on the AGI Cymru website
- Maintain the list of steering group members
6. Steering Group Members
There are two types of steering group member, participating or corresponding. Corresponding members are those that have usually spent a significant amount of time as attending members or who are unable to attend for an extended period due to work or other commitments.
Participating Members
-Attend meetings every two months at venues throughout Wales
-Contribute to agenda items and accept actions as appropriate
-Be prepared to work with other members on task and finish groups on topical issues as they arise
-Where possible, assist with organising events periodically during the year
-Assist with organising the annual AGI Cymru conference to include suggesting and mentoring contributing speakers, chairing conference themes or manning
stands
Corresponding Members
-Monitor active agenda items and contribute where possible
-Notify the secretary of changes in ability to contribute
