National Postgraduate Committee
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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.
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[edit] History
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 begand 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.
[edit] Output
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 (ISBN 13540653) 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Current Committee
General Secretary: Simon Felton (Birmingham) Chairperson: Jennifer Winter (York) Treasurer: Tim Roll-Pickering (London) Minutes Secretary: Chris Norris (Nottingham) Conference Secretary: David Thurkettle (Keele) Communications Officer: Chris Whittaker (Southampton) Equal Opportunities Officer: Armineh Soorenian (Leeds) Project Officers (x4): Alex Higgins (Sussex), Rhys Kearney (Salford), Chandan Singh (Staffordshire), Daniel Snowdon (London) Ordinary Officers (x2): Matthew Daley (Aston), Marilyn Shanks (Essex) Chairperson of NPC Scotland/CIN Alba: Jim Ewing (Glasgow) Chairperson of NPC Wales/PCÔ-R Cymru: To be elected at the next Wales/Cymru meeting
Financial Sub-Committee
Treasurer (Convener): Tim Roll-Pickering (London) Past Treasurer: Christabel Silva (Middlesex) General Secretary: Simon Felton (Birmingham) Chairperson: Jennifer Winter (York) Conference Secretary: David Thurkettle (Keele) Treasurer NPC Scotland/CIN Alba: To be confirmed Treasurer NPC Wales/PCÔ-R Cymru: To be elected at the next Wales/Cymru meeting Ordinary members (x2): Duncan Connors (Glasgow), Martin Gough (University College London)
Constitutional Sub-Committee
Chairperson (Convener): Jennifer Winter (York) Past Chairperson: Marilyn Shanks (Essex) General Secretary: Simon Felton (Birmingham) Ordinary members (x3): Peter Campbell (Sheffield Hallam), Duncan Connors (Glasgow), James Groves (Lancaster)
[edit] Affiliates
There are around 50 affiliated institutions within the UK, who are increasing all the time.
[edit] Recognised Bodies
Like affiliates, recognised bodies are also have voting rights and they are student run organisations with compatible objects to the NPC.
- Coalition of Higher Education Students in Scotland
- Council for International Students
- Mature Students' Union
- National Union of Students of the United Kingdom
[edit] Associate Bodies
Associates do not have voting rights, although they do have the right to table motions to a general meeting and have a close working relationship with NPC in its activity.
- National Union of Students Scotland
- National Union of Students Wales
- NUS-USI - The Student Movement in Northern Ireland
- Political Studies Association Postgraduate Network
- United Kingdom Council for Graduate Education
[edit] See also
- Associação dos Bolseiros de Investigação Cientifica - The equivalent organisation in Portugal.
- Thesis - Equivalent organisation in Germany.
- Eurodoc - Eurodoc, the European wide federation of national postgraduate representative bodies.
