Organisation of the ASF Cave Science Commission

Structure and relationships

Organisation

Organisation subject to change pending discussion

From S. White:

This is a rough idea of a structure only and should be flexible. Some points:

  • A deputy commissioner is advisable at this stage to make sure the system gets started and is maintained. SW is prepared to be the inaugural commissioner for a couple of years to get things established but we need to build in a succession plan now.

  • A smallish group (Commission Committee?) to Zoom meet every couple of months or so is advisable to get all these areas established. These may be drawn from existing commissions or the general ASF membership. This group should include the website person at least but a couple of others with time & enthusiasm would be an advantage. These may or may not be attached to other commissions but even a rotating group would help.

  • The Working Groups (WG) will need to be chaired (organised) by someone who is prepared to be proactive, and use Zoom to have occasional “meetings”.

  • People who are not currently members of ASF, e.g. specialised academics might be able to be enticed to be involved.

  • About 18-20 people have volunteered to be involved in various areas. Some of those are currently involved in commissions but it would be useful to harness the energy of those who are not currently involved with running things to get them involved. See below for ideas on this. Jill Rowling and Mike Lake have volunteered to set up the website.

Budget and other administration

From S. White:

Usual annual budget for a Commission; reporting to Executive as per usual Commissions (May, September & Annual report).

A personal approach to specific people is needed to a) join the “committee” and b) to lead each WG. SW has some ideas and can approach people individually. She has a lot of contacts, so can start on this after the end of July 2025. She is sure we should be able to get this up and running this year. We have a group of people who volunteered at the Buchan Conference.

SW thinks how each of the WGs function and what they specifically do should at this stage be left flexible as long as they remain within the main aims of the Commission.

NOTE:   Earlier budget notes below:

At this early stage there are no significant anticipated costs. Running of the Commission is performed by volunteers in the same way as existing ASF Commissions.