NPC Scotland

The National Postgraduate Committee of the United Kingdom (often abbreviated to NPC) represents postgraduates at UK universities. Since 2002 it has held charitable status. It is formed by affiliation from student representative bodies across the United Kingdom and seeks, in the words of its constitution, “to advance, in the public interest, the education of postgraduate students within the United Kingdom” through representation, lobbying, contribution to public policy debate, initiating communication between relevant parties and bringing key issues and potential solutions to wider audiences. The organisation is currently reforming its role in light of the fact that the National Union of Students (United Kingdom) has recently website leasing formed its own postgraduate committee, though not structured in any way comparable with the NPC and thus it is seeking to find ways in which it can serve the needs of postgraduates in a way that is not met by other organisations. The NPC was formed in the 1980s as a network of officers. In 1990 it held its first conference at the University of Cambridge. Following this a growth in activity ensued, leading to the adoption of formal structures. It adopted its first constitution in 1992, the same year that it created the full time post of General Secretary and began its affiliation scheme. The NPC sought charitable status for a number of years and obtained this in 2002, following the passing of a new constitution. As of February 2009, the NPC is rumoured to have agreed to dissolve itself amidst concerns at its vps hosting relevance to postgraduates in the UK, the majority of whom are either unaware of, or largely unsympathetic to, the organisation’s existence, as evidenced by the lack of membership numbers in comparison to postgraduates studying in the UK. James Irvine from October 1st 1992 until September 30th 1993. Crispin Allard from October 1st 1993 until September 30th 1994 Jamie Darwen from October 1st 1994 until September 30th 1995 Ewan Gillon from October 1st 1995 until September 30th 1996 John Gray from October 1st 1996 until September 30th 1997 Martin Gough from October 1st 1997 until September 30th 1998 Jeremy Hoad from October 1st 1998 until September 30th 2000 James Groves from October 1st 2000 until September 30th 2002 Tim Brown from October 1st 2002 until September 30th 2004 Jim Ewing from October 1st 2004 until September 30th 2005Simon Felton from October 1st 2005 until September 30th 2007 Duncan Connors from October 1st 2007 until September 30th 2008 Matt Gayle from October 1st 2008 until September 11th 2009 No full time General secretary was appointed in 2009 due to lack of funds to employ such a position. The majority of NPC’s work is conducted by the General Secretary who works full time and there are then 14 other voluntary officers on the executive to assist in the general running. Several student representative bodies in the United Kingdom affiliate to the NPC, which is the main source of income along with a small number of donations. The Journal of Graduate Education (ISSN 1354-0653) is an academic journal established by the NPC in 1994. The output of NPC’s work involves lobbying and working on behalf of postgraduates to government and higher education bodies, where it aims to engage the interests of postgraduates in what it does. As a national organisation, it has the means to communicate the collective interests of postgraduates on a national level. NPC has achieved great success on a number of national committees, working groups and forums. Another important aspect of NPC’s work is helping student representative bodies develop better postgraduate support and representation. This is done through production of publications, having an enquiry service and also visiting institutions where appropriate. Recent output has been affected by an inability to generate sufficient interest (and by extension, funding) amongst postgraduates in the UK. Positions on the Executive The NPC’s executive is formally known as the “Management Sub-Committee.” All positions are part-time voluntary unless otherwise indicated: General Secretary (full-time, salaried) Chairperson Treasurer Minutes Secretary Conference Secretary Communications Officer Equal Opportunities Officer Project Officers (X4) Ordinary Executive Officers Chairperson of NPC Scotland Depute Chairperson/Secretary of NPC Scotland Treasurer of NPC Scotland Chairperson of NPC Wales/PCO-R Cymru Vice Chairperson/Secretary of NPC Wales/PCO-R Cymru Treasurer of NPC Wales/PCO-R Cymru There are also the Financial and Constitutional Sub-Committees and there are plans to develop a subcommittee within Northern Ireland. Current Committee General Secretary: N/A Chairperson: Vacant Treasurer: Tim Roll-Pickering Minutes Secretary: Vacant Conference Secretary: Vacant Communications Officer: Vacant Equal Opportunities Officer: Armineh Soorenian (Leeds) Project Officers (x4): Vacant Ordinary Officers (x2): David Thurkettle and Carole Brooks  Chairperson of NPC Scotland/CIN Alba: Vacant Chairperson of NPC Wales/PCÔ-R Cymru: Vacant Financial Sub-Committee Treasurer (Convener): Tim Roll-Pickering Past Treasurer: Christabel Silva General Secretary: N/A Chairperson: Vacant Conference Secretary: Vacant Treasurer NPC Scotland/CIN Alba: Vacant Treasurer NPC Wales/PCÔ-R Cymru: Vacant Ordinary members (x2): Margaret Davine and Martin Gough Constitutional Sub-Committee Chairperson (Convener): Vacant Past Chairperson: David Thurkettle General Secretary: N/A Ordinary members (x3): Peter Campbell and James Groves Affiliates There are up to 50 affiliated institutions within the UK.