Governance of the CellML Specification Custodian Board

This document describes the governance of the CellML Specification Custodian Board.

1. Executive Summary

The title and function of the governing body for the CellML Specification transitioned from an Elected Editorial Board to a Self-Sustaining Custodian Board on 16 May 2026. This change emphasizes long-term stewardship over publication cycles. The primary revisions were the removal of the annual election process and the introduction of a new mechanism for filling vacancies, alongside a critical step that allows the Custodians to initiate a transition back to an elected Editorial Board if deemed necessary.

2. Rationale for the Transition

The term "Custodian" more accurately reflects the critical function of providing long-term stewardship, stability, and preservation for the CellML Specification.

  • Focus on Stability: Moving away from elections provides continuity and allows the board to focus on long-term strategic guidance without the disruption of annual turnover.
  • Stewardship and Preservation: The role is redefined to ensure the integrity, stability, and longevity of the Specification, a function better described by "custodian" or "steward."
  • Flexibility: The introduction of a mechanism to revert to an elected model ensures that the governance structure can adapt if the community’s needs or the Specification’s life cycle demand a more dynamic, elected approach in the future.

3. Governance Structure: Appointed Custodians

The governance structure is self-sustaining and based on appointment.

3.1. Title and Structure

  • Title: The custodians shall be formally known as the CellML Specification Custodian Board.
  • Membership: The board shall consist of five members of the CellML community, unless the Custodian Board votes to change the size.
  • Term of Service: Custodians will serve indefinite terms, subject to voluntary resignation or removal by a majority vote of the Custodian Board for cause (e.g., inactivity or violation of the Custodian mandate).

3.2. Initial Appointment of Custodians

  • When transitioning to the CellML Specification Custodian Board, the members of the serving CellML Editorial Board at the time of the transition automatically became the CellML Specification Custodians.

3.3. Filling Vacancies (Self-Sustaining Model)

  • When a Custodian position becomes vacant (due to resignation or removal), the remaining Custodians are responsible for selecting and appointing a replacement.
  • The selection process must be approved with at most one dissenter among the remaining Custodians.
  • The selection criteria should focus on candidates demonstrating a deep commitment to the CellML Specification, relevant technical expertise, and a history of contributing to the CellML community.

4. Mechanism for Reversion to an Elected Editorial Board

To ensure the governance structure remains appropriate for the specification's needs, the Custodian Board retains the power to revert to the previous elected editorial board model.

4.1. Initiation of Reversion

The Custodian Board may, at any time, initiate a transition back to an elected Editorial Board structure by:

  1. Motion and Vote: A formal motion is put forward and approved with at most one dissenting vote from the Custodian Board.
  2. Public Consultation: The Custodian Board must issue a formal document to the CellML community via the cellml-discussion@cellml.org mailing list, detailing the rationale for the reversion and seeking feedback over a period of four weeks.

4.2. Implementation of Reversion

Following the consultation period, and upon a final confirming vote by the Custodian Board, the following steps will be executed:

  1. Adoption of Election Procedure: The governance structure will immediately revert to the most recent official Election of CellML Editors procedure.
  2. Interim Board: The existing Custodians will serve as the Interim Editorial Board until the first full slate of Editors is elected.
  3. Initiate Elections: The Interim Editorial Board must initiate the Call for Nominations for the newly established Editorial Board within three months of the reversion decision.
  4. Dissolution: Upon the announcement of the newly elected Editorial Board, the Custodian Board will be dissolved, and the Editorial Board will assume governance.