[Rebecca Woods]

[Message below from Wissia Fiorucci of UCFL]

I am writing to invite nominations for the upcoming UCFL Executive Committee elections, with posts effective from 1 March 2026.
We are currently seeking nominations for the following six roles:

• Chair of Wales
• Early Career Academic Representative
• French Studies Representative
• Linguistics Representative
• Lusophone Studies Representative
• Slavonic and Eastern European Studies Representative

Nominations must be supported by a proposer and a seconder, both based in institutions or associations that are members of UCFL or of a recognised academic institution or subject association.

Completed nomination forms should be sent to the UCFL Honorary Secretary at w.fiorucci@kent.ac.uk, copying in the Project Coordinator at contact@ucflangs.com. Please clearly specify the role applied for in the subject line of your email.

The deadline for the return of nominations is 16 January 2026.

As part of the nomination process, candidates are asked to submit a short Election Statement (maximum 150 words), outlining their current post, relevant experience, and expectations. Candidates are strongly encouraged to consult the relevant role profile [below], as well as the UCFL Constitution and Standing Orders, when preparing their statement. Election statements will be published on the UCFL website.

We warmly encourage members from across the UCFL community to consider standing for election and contributing to our work and future direction.

ROLE PROFILE
ROLE PROFILE: Linguistics Representative
UCFL is governed by a Steering Group and a wider Executive Committee, as specified in the Constitution and Standing Orders approved by the membership. This role profile should be read in conjunction with the Constitution and Standing Orders, available on the UCFL website.
The Steering Group is made up of:

The Chair
Vice Chair, Research
Vice Chair, Language and Intercultural Education
Vice Chair, Engagement and External Communication
Hon. Secretary
Hon. Treasurer
Membership Secretary
Project Coordinator

The Executive Committee consists of representatives of numerous specialist interest and discipline-specific constituencies. Elected representatives are responsible for ensuring regular two-way communication between the Executive Committee and relevant institutional and associate members within their area of representation, particularly (but not exclusively) those listed in the Standing Orders.

The Linguistics Representative is responsible for liaison with relevant academic associations, networks, and professional bodies in the field of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, including research, teaching, and policy-related activity in higher education. In particular, this role engages with organisations such as:

• Linguistics Association of Great Britain (LAGB)
• British Association for Applied Linguistics (BAAL)
• University Council of General and Applied Linguistics (UCGAL)
• Philological Society and Henry Sweet Society

To fulfil this role, the elected representative should:
• Endeavour to attend all meetings, or send apologies to the Chair in the event of absence;
• Prepare for meetings by reading agendas, papers, and relevant correspondence in advance;
• Submit reports to the Honorary Secretary and Project Coordinator by the deadlines indicated;
• Establish active and effective communication with key individuals within the bodies represented, ensuring they are aware of their UCFL representative and the scope of the role;
• Ensure that the Executive Committee is kept informed of issues of relevance to the Linguistics constituency;
• Regularly report back to the constituency on matters discussed at UCFL meetings, including the circulation of minutes and reports where appropriate;
• Build contacts and foster relationships within Higher Education Institutions that host departments, research groups, or programmes in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics;
• Actively canvass views from within the constituency on issues being advanced by UCFL;
• Promote the benefits of UCFL membership by ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of the Linguistics discipline are clearly and effectively represented.

Terms of Office
Please refer to UCFL Standing Orders: https://university-council-for-languages.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UCFL-Standing-Orders-July-2025.pdf

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