2024-2025 BCCJ Executive Committee Elections – Apply Now

On Monday February 19, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) will begin accepting applications for the 2024-2025 BCCJ Executive Committee (Excom). In this article you will find everything you need to know about the upcoming elections, what being on the BCCJ’s Excom entails, and why you may wish to consider joining, to help steer one of Japan’s most active and influential business organisations in the year ahead.

 

Opportunity

Serving as a member of the BCCJ’s Excom is an exceptional opportunity to lead and develop activities central to the UK-Japan commercial relationship at a time of great significance. While serving on the Committee requires energy, drive and commitment, it also provides a rewarding opportunity to give back to the community, fostering growth opportunities between the two nations.

 

Role of the Executive Committee

The Executive Committee (Excom) is a group of 12-15 current BCCJ members, elected by the current membership to address pressing issues and to strategise how to provide modern, effective and inclusive Chamber services for its members. Excom decides the overall purpose and direction of the BCCJ and provides a course of action on how the Chamber can best meet the needs of its members over the course of the year. Key responsibilities of Excom, working closely with the BCCJ’s Executive Director, include:

• Setting suitable organisational aims and objectives;
• Setting an annual budget which allows the BCCJ to fulfil its purpose;
• Agreeing policies, targets and priorities;
• Monitoring and reviewing the performance of the BCCJ and the Secretariat.

Each Excom member will be involved in one of 4 pillar taskforces, all of which the BCCJ has identified as crucial for the future sustainable growth of business in Japan, the UK, and globally. The taskforces help with defining themes, content and events of interest to the Chamber and supporting membership growth. They also organise quarterly meetings with members to solicit feedback, share information and ensure members’ needs are being met around the 4 pillars.

These pillars are: Responsible Business, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Digital and Tech Innovation, and Government Relations.

 

Who can Apply for a Seat at the Table?

Any BCCJ member who shares our passion for further enhancing the UK-Japan relationship, and who feels they have something great to offer the chamber is eligible to apply. If you would like to speak with the BCCJ’s Executive Director to learn more about your Excom suitability, we encourage you to book a 15-minute meeting with a member of the BCCJ team. No matter your background, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Additionally, if you would like to speak with a current Excom member to hear their thoughts of being on the Committee, we would be happy to arrange this.

 

What’s the timeline?

The 2024-2025 Excom application and election timeline is as follows:

• • FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 28
    Excom application period: BCCJ office accepts completed 2024-2025 Excom application forms (including applications for President)
  • APRIL 4 – APRIL 19
    Excom election period: An election booklet of candidates will be published. BCCJ nominated representatives can vote for their preferred Executive Committee and Presidential candidates via an online poll, or by post/proxy
  • APRIL 25
    BCCJ Annual General Meeting: 2024-2025 Excom and President will be announced

 

Submit your application

If you would like to apply for a BCCJ Executive Committee role and / or the role of BCCJ President, please complete the form below by March 28:

[APPLICATION FORM]

 

FAQs

• What attributes make a good Excom candidate?

The Excom seeks an appropriate balance of members of the business community with specific skills and experiences that will benefit the BCCJ and its membership at large. We are looking for individuals with an eagerness to participate in discussions and BCCJ events, and a genuine interest and commitment to furthering UK-Japan relations.

• What are the time commitments to joining the BCCJ Excom?

Excom members will meet one time each month, excluding the month of August, and are also expected to attend the BCCJ Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April.

 

Speak with a member of the BCCJ team