Consultation on Governance Review Recommendations (7 April–7 May)
Following extensive work undertaken throughout 2025–26, the Society is pleased to share a summary of the recommended changes emerging from the Governance Review. These proposals build on the activity outlined on our Governance Review page.
From 7 April to 7 May, all RSS members are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes before they progress to detailed drafting and review of an updated Charter and Bylaws by RSS Council and the Privy Council.
What the proposed changes aim to achieve
The recommendations are designed to ensure that the Society’s governance is effective, accountable, inclusive and aligned with our strategic goals. They have been approved by RSS Council, and were recommended by a dedicated working group drawing on the experience of comparator organisations across the sector. The proposals have been further reflected on in this blog by RSS President John Aston.
Summary of key changes:
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Effectiveness and accountability – creating a smaller Board of Trustees with statistical knowledge and experience aligned with RSS strategic goals, relevant transferable skills, and an independent trustee to govern the RSS and ensure accountability and compliance.
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Advice and input from membership – maintaining Council as the RSS’s advisory group, ensuring guidance on statistical matters and a strong connection with the membership and work of the society; members and their representatives will continue to have significant input into processes including the selection of Trustee and Council roles.
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Inclusivity and community – establishing mechanisms of engagement with the main segments of the RSS membership; explicitly defining Council roles to ensure the needs and views of members are fed in from across our activities, including our sections and local groups; appointing a People trustee to support pervasive action on inclusivity across our work.
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Clarity and consistency – improving understanding and operation of powers, roles and responsibilities, and reporting and, particularly, the separation of governance and operations through development or revision of the scheme of delegation, committee structure, terms of reference and role descriptions.
These recommendations are explored further in the full table of recommendations that summarises and contrasts current arrangements with the main changes proposed, and articulates the rationale for change. You can also explore the new structure in our visual guide.
During the course of the review, the RSS benefited from the expert advice of staff from the Foundation for Science and Technology, who have experience of working with a range of membership organisations on governance matters. A number of other external organisations generously gave their time to discuss their governance arrangements and the outcome and impact of recent reviews.
How to provide your feedback
Member input is essential to this process, and all RSS members have been sent an email with an invitation to review the recommendations and share your views until 7 May.
Feedback received during this period will be considered by the review group and inform the drafting of updates to the Charter and Bylaws, which will then undergo Council and Privy Council scrutiny before being presented to the membership for a formal vote at a general meeting.
Your role in shaping the Society’s future
As a membership organisation, the RSS relies on the expertise and engagement of its Fellows. This consultation is a key opportunity to help ensure our governance structures remain robust, inclusive and fit for purpose, supporting the Society’s mission and ensuring it continues to thrive in the years ahead.
Read the full recommendations table here, which compares the proposed changes with the current arrangements.
You can also explore the proposed new structure in this visual guide.