If a group wants to be considered for SIG status within BAM, it will need first to submit a short application to the SIG Co-ordination Group and SIG Chairs via the SIG Administrator. Particularly because BAM is a registered charity, this needs to be quite a formal process.

The application will progress through the following three stages:

Stage 1 - Initial Application

Before the application is submitted, it must be established by the applicants that there is no substantial overlap with the proposed SIG and SIGs already established within BAM. The proposed SIG should be consistent with BAM’s broad aims and research policy. The application should contain the name of the proposed SIG; its objectives and rationale; information about its initial membership; and who is acting as 'chair' or convenor (and other 'official' roles within the group). A minimum of around 20 potential members (who must be current BAM members drawn from at least five different institutions) is expected before a new SIG can be approved for progression to Stage 2, in order to demonstrate that there is sufficient demand for a new SIG of a viable size.

Applications can be submitted at any time of year. The application should be submitted in writing to the SIG Administrator, for consideration by the SIG Co-ordination Group and SIG Chairs on behalf of the BAM Council. Responses and recommendations must be submitted to the SIG Administrator at least two weeks before the next BAM Executive Committee and Council meetings.

Stage 2 - Start up Phase

The SIG Co-ordination Group and SIG Chairs will evaluate the application in terms of completeness of the proposal, viability of objectives and membership base, and distinctiveness from existing SIGs. Once the proposed SIG has received approval from the SIG Co-ordination Group, SIG Chairs and the Council, before it can be fully established the proposed SIG will be asked to organise an event such as a symposium, seminar or conference track to demonstrate the level of interest and clarify its objectives. It should also produce a simple plan of activities and a budget for the Start up phase (normally the next 12 months). At this stage it may be possible for limited financial support to be provided for essential start-up activities, subject to the approval of the Executive
Committee and the availability of funds.

SIGs in the developmental or Start up phase may not be in a position to produce a full Annual Report (see Annex 2). However they will be required to submit a short report to the Coordination Group by the standard annual reporting date of 31 January, indicating: names and contact details for organising committee or equivalent; draft Constitution; activities undertaken since receiving approval for Start up; current membership; and intended date of application for Full approval. If, after being in the Start Up phase for more than 12 months, no such application is submitted, the Co-ordination Group will set a date by which the application should be submitted, failing which the establishment of the new SIG will be deemed to have lapsed.

Stage 3 - Full Approval

Once Stages 1 and 2 have been satisfied and the viability of the Group has been demonstrated, the final stage is consideration of the full formal proposal by the SIG Co-ordination Group. Normally this approval should be sought in writing no longer than one year after the Start up phase commenced. Along with an account of objectives, activities and membership to date and draft plans for the coming year (including contribution to BAM Conference), applications for Full approval require a Constitution (see Annex 1), an indication of the defined responsibilities of officers and procedures for their election and succession.

Unless the application is rejected at this stage, or referred back for amendment, acceptance will be confirmed and passed to full Council for ratification, normally at its next meeting. The SIG should also produce a short description of its objectives and scope, forthcoming activities, and contact details for the convenor or another officer, for inclusion on the BAM web site and in the Newsletter as soon as formal approval is given. Information on the web site should be kept up to date by the Group (using the arrangements advised by the SIG Administrator) on a regular basis.

SIGs that have received Full approval will be included in the official list of BAM SIGs and entitled to bid for funding (as a guide, this was up to a maximum of £1500 p.a. each in 2007). Continued approval will be conditional upon the submission and acceptance of an Annual Report (see Annex 2) as required by the Co-ordination Group on behalf of Council. A register of SIGs that are in 'good standing' will be maintained by the SIG Administrator and on the BAM website, together with information about SIGs that are in the process of seeking Full approval.