Any paid-up Member, Registered Member or Fellow who has been a TOPRA member for at least one full calendar year can stand for election. There are no limitations in terms of your location, the sector you work in, or who you are employed by.

We are committed to encouraging diversity and inclusivity throughout the organisation and the Board is no exception. There are no limitations in terms of age, gender, or ethnic background - if you think you can add a fresh perspective to the way the Board thinks then we encourage you to join them. As signatories to the Science Council Declaration on Diversity, we actively seek candidates who reflect the changing demographic of the wider regulatory affairs profession. 

It is important that our Board reflects our diverse membership. About 60% of our membership is female and currently six of the nine TOPRA Board members are women. We therefore actively encourage applications from minority ethnic candidates, people with disabilities, people who identify as non-binary and men.

We are keen to attract Board members with a wide skill set and welcome those who can act as genuine ambassadors for our organisation, who enjoy networking at a senior level and who have deep understanding of regulatory affairs in a global context.

Nominees are asked to provide information about themselves as part of the election process. Members who vote can base their decision on what experience candidates have in regulatory affairs, what they have contributed to the profession and the extent of their current engagement in TOPRA activities, plus any fresh ideas they may have.

This form requires the signatures of three other TOPRA members (a proposer and two seconders) plus a statement from you which explains why you wish to stand and what you think you would bring to the Board.

If an election is held, the statement you provide will be available for members to use as the basis for their selection.

Please note that you may only stand for one position on the Board.

All nominees must be current Members, Registered Members (MTOPRA) or Fellows  (FTOPRA), have experience in the field of regulatory affairs and be supportive of the vision and objectives of TOPRA. Some experience of volunteering in TOPRA can be helpful but is not a requirement. Honorary Members and Student Members may not stand for, or vote in, an election.

Being elected to the TOPRA Board presents a real chance for regulatory affairs professionals to influence the work of their professional body and to offer their time and talents to promoting TOPRA and the profession.  

Our Board Directors are volunteers, but they also enjoy the benefits of being leaders of an organisation that is increasingly high profile and influential where they have a chance to shape the strategy for TOPRA's future.  

Members of the Board liaise with leading figures in the regulatory affairs world and have opportunities to attend conferences and meetings that help develop their personal regulatory intelligence and networks.

Participation in TOPRA’s work at Board level is a significant personal development opportunity, raises your personal profile and above all is a chance to ‘give something back’ to the profession.

Potential candidates should understand that being a member of the Board of TOPRA means that they will be a Director of a Company and subject to the requirements of the UK Companies Act.

Candidates should be sure that they have no reason why they should not stand for a Board position, including contractual issues with their employers or conflicts of interest.

Membership of TOPRA is individual and personal, so Board Directors are elected as individuals and not as representatives of their employer. However, as meetings take place in business hours, Board Directors do need the support of their employers to undertake their duties. Many employers recognise that service of this sort is enriching to the individual, but also brings value to their employers in many ways. It can be part of a wider corporate responsibility agenda. It also adds value as the employee is well-informed, well-connected, and well-respected because of their involvement with TOPRA.

The new Board is announced to the membership at the Annual Review Meetings and on the TOPRA website.   

The Board year runs from 1 January to 31 December in line with TOPRA’s financial year.

If there is more than one candidate for any position, an election will be held by electronic means.  Please make sure that your member record contains your up-to-date e-mail address so that you do not miss out on your opportunity to vote and make your voice heard. Results of the election and the composition of the new Board are announced at the Annual Review Meeting.

There is also the opportunity to apply to become a co-optee to the Board. There is also the opportunity to apply to become a co-optee to the Board. Co-optees enable the Board to benefit from their valuable insights and opinions in discussions and can ensure that the diverse range of voices that represent today’s profession are heard. Unlike Board members however, they will not have voting rights or legal responsibilities for the Company.

In addition to being able to positively influence TOPRA’s future direction, co-optee roles are also a great way to gain experience that will assist with career development and even a future application for a Board position.

If you are interested in becoming a co-optee and would like to find out more, then please email membership@topra.org with your CV and an initial supporting statement.