Council, the Society's board of trustees, met on Wednesday 11th June for their second session of the 2025 season.
President John Aston began the meeting, welcoming trustees and thanking them for joining both online and in person in London. He provided an update on his recent activities for the Society, particularly highlighting the work put into RSS engagement with the official statistics system and into the exploration of specific fundraising opportunities. John also touched upon the relocation of the Society, with a potential headquarters having been visited by trustees and now being examined for its suitability.
John invited CEO Sarah Cumbers to also provide an update to Council; she discussed the current financial status of the organisation and introduced Adam Jones, the Society’s new Director for Commercial. Sarah also shared that Beryl Curtis and Mags Wiley would shortly be leaving the RSS, thanking them for their service and wishing them the best in their new endeavours. Sarah also informed the Council that staff were now transitioning into a new hybrid working arrangement, with colleagues working from the office a minimum of two days a week from mid-September.
Charlotte Stovell, Director of Finance, presented trustees with the 2024 Trustees’ Annual Report for their approval, and updated them on the Society’s most recent management accounts. The report will be presented to the membership at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Edinburgh conference.
John Aston introduced a detailed scope for the governance review, following the approval for its commencement at the Council session in March. He highlighted the main goals for the foundation stages of the review, sharing that the Charity Governance Code will be used as a best practice framework. He expressed his particular gratitude to Lori Frecker of the Foundation for Science and Technology, who has agreed to share her knowledge and advise the working group.
Council approved a new conflict of interests policy, presented by Director for Professional Services, Stella Macaskill, and discussed member subscription rates for 2026. Ricky McGowan, Head of Standards and Corporate Relations, shared professional affairs metrics, noting that the Society had seen increases in applications for professional qualifications in 2025.
Member Support Manager, Amirah Chaudry, shared plans for a review of RSS Honours and Awards, while Anna Heath, RSS Membership Manager, shared plans for the RSS to encourage legacy giving (further information will be shared at this year’s AGM).
Governance Manager Holly O’Brien asked Council to approve the recommendations of the 2025 Officer Search Committee – elected officers will be announced this summer. Candidates for the 2025 Council Election will be announced at the start of July. Trustees were also presented with the President Nominating Committee’s recommendation for RSS President 2027-8, approving the individual as their preferred candidate for the role.