1. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences The Council for the Mathematical Sciences: Overview and Plans David Wallace, Chair HoDoMS Annual Conference Tuesday 3 April 2007 Secretariat: Martin Smith De Morgan House 57-58 Russell Square London WC1B 4HS www.cms.ac.uk

2. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) is: a body comprising the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) a forum for the three mathematical societies to discuss and work together on issues of joint concern a mechanism for jointly representing the interest of mathematics to government, research councils and other public bodies a combined voice for the mathematical sciences community

3. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences Recent CMS developments: Independent Chair – David Wallace Part-time Secretariat – Martin Smith Permanent base at one address Development of CMS interaction with the mathematics community Formal objectives for the CMS

4. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences CMS Objectives (2006): 1.To provide an expert advisory group on matters affecting the mathematical sciences in higher education, research, business, industry and the public sector 2.To engage (proactively and responsively) with government and other decision-makers and to respond coherently and effectively to proposals in which the mathematical sciences have a role, or may be affected 3.To engage with funding agencies for higher education and research on maintaining and improving a strong mathematics base in the UK

5. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences CMS Objectives (2006): 4.To encourage the public’s appreciation of and engagement in mathematical sciences and their application, including activities to enthuse young people and demonstrate the role of the mathematical sciences in career options 5.To bring together the mathematical sciences community and facilitate communication between the community and other stakeholders to explore common issues and potential solutions 6.To promote good practice in mathematics education (including teaching, learning and the curriculum) at all levels and in all sectors of education, working as a complement to ACME in England

6. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences CMS–HoDoMS activities: Collaboration on consultation responses Annual CMS-HoDoMS survey of departments HE admissions data

7. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences Other ongoing CMS Activities: Meetings with Secretaries of State Charles Clarke (July 2004), Ruth Kelly (March 2006) Consultation responses and policy submissions Work with EPSRC: Quarterly meetings with the Mathematical Sciences Programme team, Annual Meeting with EPSRC Chief Executive, ‘Engaging Maths’ Showcase event, International Review of Mathematics

8. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences Other ongoing CMS Activities: Mathscareers Website www.mathscareers.org.uk Interaction with ACME ACME observer on CMS, CMS Secretariat observing termly ACME meetings with DfES ‘CMS Diary’ An accessible account of recent CMS activities, made available at www.cms.ac.uk and appearing in the Society’s newsletters

9. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences Key issues and concerns: Regional provision of mathematics courses Proposed changes to mathematics GCSE Bologna Process - science community meeting Threats to mathematical sciences in HE Transitions into and out of post-16 mathematical study Development of CMS activities in Scotland – meetings with ministers, Chief Scientists etc. Engaging with other mathematical sciences bodies and stakeholder groups

10. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences Questions: What issues do Heads of Departments consider to be key? How can the CMS and HoDoMS work together on these issues? As part of the mathematical sciences community, do Heads of Departments feel informed of and involved with CMS activities? How might CMS engage with Heads of Departments and other stakeholder groups?