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How the RSS chooses its President

RSS presidents usually hold office for two years. When the Society is seeking a new president, a call for nominations goes out to members at least one month before the nomination deadline. Any fellows can make a nomination, with the consent of the nominee, with all nominations considered by a dedicated President Nomination Committee (PNC). The PNC makes a nomination to RSS Council in the first year of the current president’s term, and the elected candidate then steps into the role of president-elect for the following year.

The PNC is chaired by a vice president of the Society. Committee members are put forward by Council, the Professional Affairs Committee and advisory groups. New representatives are sought for each election.  The committee is completed by the most recent and willing past president, the Honorary Officers for EDI and Sections and Local Groups and two external advisors.  

The criteria for the presidential role must (in accordance with RSS byelaws and regulations) include the following, plus any further criteria highlighted by Council: 

  1. The area of focus for the Society over the next three years – the post holder should be knowledgeable and able to contribute and add value 
  2. The key strategic aims for the Socety’s strategic plan – the post holder should be able to support these 

  3. The post holder should agree and comply with the Society’s values, including EDI, and ideally actively contribute to this where possible. 

Once the PNC has made its choice, Council is invited to approve the PNC’s proposal. The nominee is then announced to the membership as a whole. Should any six fellows wish to nominate another eligible fellow to stand for election as president, an election will be held. 

If no other nominations are received from the membership, Council's nominated candidate is confirmed as president elect.