Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Special Interest Group

The Group represents members and suppliers of products for teaching and learning in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Given the vital and increasing importance of STEM education for the future, for young people’s employability and the UK’s leading role in developing and exporting innovation, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Special Interest Group seeks to welcome contribution from companies across the sector.

The SIG aims to make introductions, share knowledge and best practices and work together to have a strong, cohesive and influential voice for STEM Education.

Upcoming meeting dates:

Tuesday 14 January 2025, 11am-1pm
Tuesday 10 June 2025, 11am-1pm
Wednesday 24 September 2025, 11am-1pm

Chair: Katie Sergeant

Secondary & Revision Publisher, HarperCollins Publishers

Katie has over 20 years’ experience in educational publishing and is passionate about collaborating with experts to create and deliver high-quality, accessible and representative educational resources. Katie has published award-winning and innovative products across all stages and ages. As Secondary & Revision Publisher at Collins she is committed to improving life chances for learners and advocating that education equips young people with the skills necessary for success in work and life. Beyond publishing, Katie brings broader leadership experience as a former governor and Chair of Teaching and Learning at a primary school, and organiser of literary festivals that bring literature and books to life. Passionate about continuous learning, and championing the work of teachers, Katie believes that connecting people and organisations and working in partnership is the best way to navigate the ever- changing educational landscape. As Chair of the STEM SIG, Katie will amplify the voices of members at Executive Council.

How to join:

Joining the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Special Interest Group is free and open to BESA members only.

Step 1) Click ‘Apply to join’ and login to the Portal. If you need help navigating the portal have a look at the Portal Manual or get in touch with us at eventsteam@besa.org.uk.

Step 2) Send in your application letter stating that you want to join the group using the example application letter as a guide.

In your application you must confirm:

that you are happy to share ideas with the rest of the group
that you are committed to developing and taking the group forward
that you meet the group’s Terms of Reference

Step 3) Your application will then be presented to the group for approval & you’ll be emailed if your application is successful.

Meetings take place three times a year online, and you are expected to attend each meeting

Example application letter:

I am writing on behalf of (company) to apply to join the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Special Interest Group.

Paragraph confirming that

i)You are happy to share ideas with the rest of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Special Interest Group
ii) Committed to developing and taking the Group forward
iii) You meet the Group’s Terms of Reference

Yours sincerely,

Who are the group members?

Terms of reference:

Members of the Group must be full or associate members of BESA and suppliers of products for teaching and learning in STEM subjects with a particular focus on encouraging: that education properly prepares young people with practical as well as theoretical skills for employability in STEM-relevant jobs.
The Group is known as the ‘Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Special Interest Group’ (STEMSIG).
The Group should have two or three meetings a year, unless the Group wants more.
As agreed by the founding members of STEMSIG, any member of BESA may make a written application to the BESA secretariat to join the Group and such applications will be presented to the Group via e-mail.
Applicants that can demonstrate to the Group, by justifying their area of expertise within STEM, that they fit the description defined in paragraph 1), shall be admitted to membership of the Group. Members will have two weeks to comment on submissions and no comment means an application is approved. If the Secretariat receives any objections the application will be referred to the next meeting.
Member companies need to attend a minimum of two meeting per year. If the minimum requirement is not met, the company may be asked to leave the Group and will have to reapply for membership.
When attending a meeting, members need to be ready to contribute to all areas of meeting unless not relevant.
When attending a meeting, members need to be ready to interact to the polls, Q&A’s and have their camera turned on.
When attending a meeting, members need to ensure that they are in a suitable location without distractions.
The Group is entitled to call meetings which will be serviced by the BESA secretariat. Any abnormal costs may have to be charged.
In the event of the Group deciding to undertake a course of action leading to or becoming liable to any costs or expenditure over and above the provision expressed in paragraph 7) then such expenditure shall be borne by members of the Group.
In the event of the Group wishing BESA to undertake a course of action on its behalf such proposed action shall first be approved by the Executive Council.
The Chairman of the Group (or a representative nominated by the Group from amongst its members) will be co-opted to membership of the Executive Council of BESA. The Chairman of BESA is, ex officio, a member of the Group and is entitled to attend its meetings.
The Chairman of the Group has the responsibility of organising a guest for each meeting, this responsibility is not for members of the group.
The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be serve for three years, subject to re-election for a fourth year, four years being the maximum period of continuous service in one office. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be from separate member companies.
Members of the group consent to data sharing between BESA and the Chair/Vice-Chair of the group in line with BESA’s Privacy Policy.
Based on one vote per member company, decisions taken at a Group meeting will be a simple majority with the Chair having a casting vote.

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Whether you’re joining us as a Full Member or subscribing to the Launchpad programme, your business will need to meet our membership criteria and sign up to our Code of Practice. Take the next step and see what is involved in this commitment.

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