Elections 2021
Because Global Justice Now is a democratic organisation, members get a say in what we do and how we’re organised in various ways. This includes electing our council every three years. This year is one of those years. The timetable is as follows:
- Friday 19 February: Nominations open
- Friday 26 March: Nominations close
- Late April to 24 May: Voting period
- Saturday 5 June: Our AGM, where the results of the election are announced.
Standing for election
Our council is the main governing body of the organisation, and is responsible for key decisions between each AGM. All 12 council members are directly elected by the membership, and council then elects from amongst itself a chair, national secretary and treasurer. The chair is responsible for managing the director.
Council meets four times a year, approving organisational strategies and key policies, as well as the annual budget, and seeking to ensure the good health of the organisation.
In order to stand for council you must be a member yourself, be proposed by three other members (or two local groups, or a group and two other members) and submit a statement of up to 200 words explaining why you’re standing. If you’re considering standing, you should read the guidance document (pdf).
Please use the same online form whether you’re standing or nominating someone:
Changes to the election process
Our 2020 AGM voted to update our election procedures. Our previous system involved electing area representatives, some of whom then sat on council. It was replaced because it no longer reflected our activist structures, but we are keen to ensure that our council still has a good spread of representation from around the UK.
In addition, our new system involves all council members being directly elected, but with rules to ensure local groups, people of colour, and those under 26 are represented, and that there is an overall gender balance. Further information is contained in the guidance document (pdf).
Further information
The returning officer for this election is Steve Rolfe. For enquiries about the election process or about the details of how to stand you can email him on [email protected]
For enquiries about the role of council, contact Steven Thomson, head of resources, on [email protected] or 07930 868194.
Global Justice Now’s Articles of Association and our Rules both pertain to the election process, but especially the Rules. They are available below, together with the guidance document, Standing for Council 2021, which you are advised to read first.
Download: Standing for council 2021
