Constitution of ECPG, the ECPR Standing Group on Gender and Politics

The ECPR Standing Group on Gender and Politics (here after SG) operates under the direction of the conveners of the SG.
1. Conveners: The conveners of the SG are responsible for the day to day running of the SG, the liaison with the ECPR and take decisions on behalf of the SG. The conveners of the SG automatically, and at the same time, become the conveners of the ECPG charity that runs the European Conference on Politics and Gender. Conveners are appointed for a 3-year mandate, renewable once.
When new conveners are sought a notice will be sent to all ECPG members. All of those who meet the eligibility criteria set put below may put themselves forward to become a new convener. New conveners are then proposed by the Steering committee and the Conveners. The appointments of the new conveners are then ratified at the ECPG business meeting held at the ECPR general conference.

Eligibility criteria:
- be a member of the SG,
- hold a PhD,
- have a post doc or paid research position within an institution for the duration of at least one year beyond the term of office or hold a permanent or tenure-track position,
- demonstrate substantial research and interest in gender and politics,
- demonstrate active participation at ECPR standing group activities (including the ECPR General Conference) and the European Conference on Politics and Gender,
- demonstrate capacity for running the group; this requires an active commitment to the activities of the SG and a commitment to make every effort to attend the business meetings of the Standing Group.

2. Steering Committee: The Steering Committee advises and ratifies decisions made by the Conveners where appropriate. The Steering Committee may for instance be asked by the
conveners to take on additional administrative duties concerning the administration of the SG or liaisons with ECPR.
The Steering Committee is composed of 4 members for a non-renewable 3-year mandate and will include the Financial Officer. Every three years, the Conveners of the SG will launch a call for joining the Steering Committee, interested members of the SG should put themselves forward by the deadline. Members of the Steering Committee are nominated by the Conveners and ratified at the business meeting. All the efforts should be made to ensure a well-balanced representation that is reflecting the diversity of the group.

Eligibility criteria:
- be a member of the SG,
- at least 1 member should be either working towards a PhD or hold a post doc or paid research position within an institution for the duration of at least one year beyond the term of office,
- at least 2 members should hold a permanent or tenure-track position at the assistant professor level or equivalent,
- demonstrate substantial research and interest in gender and politics,
- demonstrate active participation at ECPR standing group activities (including the ECPR General Conference) and the European Conference on Politics and Gender
- demonstrate capacity for running the group; this requires an active commitment to the activities of the SG and a commitment to make every effort to attend the business meetings of the Standing Group.

3. Appointed Financial Officer: the financial officer is responsible for submitting an annual financial report to the conveners of the SG and the Steering Committee. The financial report is presented to the SG at the annual business meeting of the SG. The financial officer is nominated and appointed by the Conveners for a non-renewable 3-year mandate.

4. Members of the SG: Membership of the SG lasts 3 years. During that time members are expected to be active participants in the gender and politics community
To qualify for membership of the SG, applicants should demonstrate an active research interest in Gender and Politics in Europe. In order to qualify for membership applicants should send an
email to the Conveners (ecpg1234@gmail.com) by 31st July, to commence in 2015. The conveners compile the membership list and this is ratified at the annual business meeting. After 3 years, members are automatically renewed unless they explicitly withdraw or show no active interest and participation in the gender and politics in Europe research community or in the SG activities over the last 3 years.

5. Changes to the constitution can be proposed by convenors or by members; any changes should be ratified by the SG at its annual meeting.