2026-27 BCCJ Executive Committee Elections: We Await Your Application
As of Wednesday 18 February, The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Executive Committee Election (ECE). To guide you through the process, we invite you to spend some time reading about the application process below and understanding how a role on the BCCJ's Executive Committee (Excom) could be something that aligns with your professional goals.
To quick apply, please download the PDF here. Once you have downloaded the file, you will be able to manually enter your details directly into the PDF. Please follow the instructions on the PDF to submit your application by 25 March.
Opportunity
Serving as a member of the BCCJ’s Executive Committee 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 is a collective of 12 to 15 existing BCCJ members, elected by the current membership to address pressing issues and to strategise how to provide modern, effective and inclusive Chamber services. The Executive Committee 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. As an Executive Committee member, you will work closely the BCCJ’s Executive Director, as well as:
- Set suitable organisational aims and objectives;
- Agree an annual budget which allows the BCCJ to fulfil its purpose;
- Align on policies, targets and priorities;
- Approve new member applications; and
- Monitor and review the performance of the BCCJ and the Secretariat.
As part of this year’s Executive Committee structure, Excom members may also contribute to one of the Chamber’s core operational portfolios. These groups strengthen the BCCJ internally and support effective planning, oversight and strategic alignment across our key functions.
The four portfolios are:
Membership
Events
Communications
British Business Awards 2026
In addition, we will appoint one Executive Committee member to serve as the designated Champion for each of the following strategic priority areas:
These Champion roles are outward-facing. Each individual will act as the primary point of contact within Excom for their respective area, supporting thought leadership, member engagement and external positioning. Further details on portfolio allocations and Champion appointments will be shared at the beginning of the Chamber year.
Eligibility
Any BCCJ member who shares our passion for continuing to enhance the UK-Japan relationship, or feels they have something unique to offer the chamber is welcome to apply. If you would like to speak with the BCCJ’s Executive Director to learn more about your 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 committee member to hear their thoughts, we would be happy to arrange this.
Application to Election Timeline
The 2026-2027 application and election timeline is as follows:
Application Period: 18 February – 28 March
BCCJ office welcomes completed 2026-2027 application forms (including applications for President)
- Election Period Opens: 6 April - 17 April
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 - Annual General Meeting: 23 April
2026-2027 Executive Committee members and President are announced. Complementary tickets can be acquired here (BCCJ members only).
Application Submission
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 25 March.
Executive Committee Elections Application Form 2026
This is an interactive PDF. Once you have downloaded the PDF, you will be able to directly type into the document for a seamless experience. If any issues arise, please do not hesitate contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What attributes make a good candidate?
As with the nature of the Chamber, it is best when our Executive Committee has a balance of members from 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 as a Committee Member?
Members will meet once a month, excluding the month of August, and are also expected to attend the BCCJ Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April. Most Executive Committee members partake in a variety of events throughout the year and enjoy promoting the BCCJ to their external networks.
Questions? Speak with a Member of the BCCJ Team
Want to learn more about the 2026-2027 BCCJ Executive Committee application process? We warmly encourage you to book a meeting with a member of the BCCJ team.
For anything quick, we are always reachable from [email protected], where a team member will get back to you shortly.
We wish you the best of luck with your application and look forward to receiving your submission soon.