Member Input Session 2025

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A summary of the governance review member webinar 

Held on Tuesday 23rd September 2025, 12:00 – 13:30 

 

RSS members were invited to attend a webinar on the current review of Society governance, during which they gained further information and had the opportunity to make comments and have questions answered. 

President John Aston reminded members that, as a charitable organisation, it is crucial that the RSS is governed correctly, and that its governing documents (the charter, bylaws and regulations) are fit for purpose. As a member-led organisation, members must therefore be the driving force and leaders of the review. 

John expressed his gratitude to the working group members, including Lori Frecker from the Foundation for Science and Technology, for their care and dedication thus far. 

John introduced members present to the scope and considerations of the foundation stage of the review, provided in the table below. 
 

Scope	Considerations
Trustees	What skills and experience does the RSS need in our trustees for effective governance?  Are there particular skills and experience brought by RSS members vs independent trustees?  What is recommended practice in terms of number of trustees and tenure, and how might that be applied in the context of the RSS?  How should diversity considerations be reflected in the design of our trustee body?
Officers	What input does the RSS need from trustees and other active members to support strategic development and the delivery of our work?  Should certain roles and responsibilities align with the goals of our strategy?  What roles and responsibilities should be held by trustees vs non-trustees?  What are the risks and benefits or the RSS President and Chair of Trustees being combined in the same role – should this continue?  Should the recommended tenure of senior trustee roles (e.g. President, Vice President, Chair) align with recommended tenure of regular trustees, or be different?  What mechanisms are needed to ensure trustees have a good connection with non-trustee roles and the wider membership?
Purpose, structure and powers	What responsibilities and powers should sit with all trustees and what should be delegated to sub-committees or staff?  What is the recommended number and scope of subcommittees that should be in place appropriate to the RSS’ size, operations, statutory requirements, strategy and risk management?  What should the terms of reference and reporting arrangements be for effective governance?  What frequency and content of trustee meetings is required for effective governance?  How should trustees be involved in strategy development?

It was noted that the next step of the governance review was for the working group to lead a discussion with Council on the principles underpinning future governance, to take place in November 2025. 

It was noted that the timescale for later stages of the review would be variable – they would depend on the changes approved, whose approval was required, and the time needed for effective implementation. It was planned that later stages would focus on: 

• Appointment procedures 
• Induction and training 
• Policies and procedures 
• Board effectiveness 
• The embedding of RSS values into governance 
• Trustee involvement in stakeholder mapping 

Topics raised during the member webinar included: 

1. Whether the review will consider how the Society oversees the quality of its governance processes and activities. 
   ​The governance review will improve the documentation of the Society’s governance arrangements which will aid the consistency of implementation through standard processes and procedures.


2. The role of the Society’s international members. 
   The governance review is an opportunity for the RSS to consider how members are involved in Society governance, and with most meetings offering a hybrid option, our international members will have equal opportunity to be involved across the Society. 


3. The role of the Society’s sections and local groups. The governance review presents an opportunity to consider the clarity of governance arrangements within our existing structures and ensure that the vital role that sections and groups play is recognised and supported through our governance. 


4. Learning from similar organisations. 
   The RSS works actively with the American Statistical Association and has had the opportunity to understand its governance, and the working group has also reached out to a range of other UK-based learned societies and professional bodies to learn more about reviewing governance and implementing best practice. 


5. Encouraging the involvement of career-young members in the work of the Society.  
   The governance review will seek to increase the transparency of our appointments processes and ensure we are offering development opportunities to members across the community.  

Members are strongly encouraged to keep sharing their ideas for the review and to keep asking questions – those interested should contact governance@rss.org.uk.