About UCML
The University Council for Modern Languages (UCML) is the overarching national organisation which represents the interests of modern languages, linguistics and cultural and area studies in higher education throughout the United Kingdom, and works with corresponding bodies in other countries. It is chaired by Professor Jim Coleman.
What does UCML do?
UCML:
- represents the views and opinions of scholars and professionals in modern languages to Government, the funding councils and other bodies at national level;
- collects and disseminates information about the state of study, research and teaching of modern languages in the United Kingdom;
- provides a forum for debate on issues of concern to its members through meetings, working parties, discussions, conferences, seminars and publications;
- presents the case for languages in the media.
How does UCML work?
Plenary meetings are held twice a year when issues of interest to members are discussed. The summer plenary is also the Council's AGM. There is also normally an address by a representative or spokesperson for one of the organisations or public agencies with which the UCML has contacts, followed by discussion and debate. We also organise workshops, along the lines of those formerly run by SCHML, addressing issues of relevance to those in leadership and management positions related to languages in Higher Education
The UCML is run by an Executive Committee whose membership reflects the main areas of modern languages. UCML’s Executive Committee is made up of elected representatives of the various language interests, professional and scholarly associations, and other organisations concerned with the research and teaching of languages and their associated cultures.
In the regions: There are UCML branches in Scotland and Wales. The current Chairs are:
- Scotland: Dr Mary Fischer, Edinburgh Napier University;
- Wales: Prof Claire Gorrara, Cardiff.
There is representation from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the Executive Committee (see below)
SCHML: In January 2008, the Standing Council of Heads of Modern Languages (SCHML) agreed to dissolve its organisation and amalgamate with UCML. The amalgamated organisation, known as UCML came into being in July 2008.
Constitution and Standing Orders
Information about the objectives and framework of work of the organisation.
The Constitution and Standing Orders have been significantly reviewed during 2010/2011 after considerable consultation with members and the new versions were approved at the UCML AGM plenary meeting in June 2011. As a result of the review, a Steering Group was formed in January 2012, in addition to the Executive Committee.
Enquiries about these and about the work and membership of the Steering Group and Executive Committee to the Honorary Secretary: Lesley Twomey
Steering Group and Executive Committee
| Post | Representing | Start date | Finish date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Group | |||
| Chair | Jim Coleman | Jan 2011 | Jan 2014 (15) |
| Vice Chair, Research | Naomi Segal | Jan 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| Vice Chair, External Engagement and Communications | Teresa MacKinnon | July 2012 | July 2015 (16) |
| Vice Chair, Language & Intercultural Education | Jocelyn Wyburd | Jan 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| Hon. Secretary | Lesley Twomey | Feb 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| Hon. Treasurer | Tony Shannon-Little | Aug 2009 |
July 2013 |
| Executive Committee | |||
| Area Studies | Ulrich Tiedau | Jan 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| English Language Teaching (ELT) | Mary-Anne Ansell | Aug 2009 | July 2013 |
| Institution-wide Language Teaching | John Morley | Jan 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| Language Teaching | Elena Polisca | July 2012 | July 2015 (16) |
| East Asian Studies | Gerda Wielander | July 2012 | July 2015 (16) |
|
Middle Eastern Studies |
James Dickins |
July 2012 |
July 2015 (16) |
| French Studies | Lucille Cairns | July 2010 | July 2014 |
| Hispanic and Luso Studies | Andrew Ginger | Jan 2012 |
Jan 2015 (16) |
| Italian | Daniela La Penna | July 2012 | July 2015 (16) |
| Germanic Studies | Margaret Littler | Jan 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| Slavonic and East European | Ramona Gonczol | Jan 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| Linguistics | Kate Beeching | Jan 2012 | Jan 2015 (16) |
| Translation and Interpreting | Rebecca Tipton | July 2012 | July 2015 (16) |
| UCML Northern Ireland | David Johnson / John Gillespie | ||
| UCML Scotland | Mary Fischer | May 2011 | July 2014 (15) |
| UCML Wales | Claire Gorrara | Sept 2011 | July 2014 (15) |
| LLAS Subject Centre (by invitation) | Michael Kelly / Alison Dickens | ||
| ALL Co-opted | Linda Parker | June 2007 | |
| Initial Teacher Training Co-opted | Terry Lamb | June 2012 | June 2013 |
| HEA (by invitation) |
Fil Nereo |
Jan 2012 |
|
