Guest blog by John Aston, RSS President
Earlier this year, we consulted widely with RSS members on proposed governance changes, and the impact of this consultation was seen in the final proposals approved last week by Council. Reading the comments left by members was really encouraging, both in terms of the level of support and the thoughtfulness of the feedback received. Members recognised the value of a more streamlined, skills-based Board, clearer separation between governance and advisory roles, and a strengthened focus on the Society’s evolving professional landscape—including the proposed introduction of the Chartered Data Science Professional qualification.
But perhaps more importantly, members did not hesitate to tell us where the proposals could be improved. That constructive challenge has been invaluable. It has prompted us to sharpen our thinking, refine our proposals, and, in several instances, introduce new measures to strengthen accountability, representation, and clarity.
Democracy at the RSS
One of the clearest themes in the feedback was the importance of democratic accountability and ensuring that member voice remains visible and meaningful. In response, we will introduce a directly elected Member Trustee to the Board, strengthening the connection between governance and membership. Alongside this, we will publish a clear “Member Voice in Governance” statement and introduce more transparent feedback loops—so that members can see how their input informs decisions. We also intend to trial an open Board session each year, creating further opportunities for dialogue.
Members also rightly highlighted the need to ensure breadth of representation, particularly in a Society with a growing international community. We have responded by embedding representation principles into our future regulations, committing to international representation on Council, and plan to strengthen how we engage with members across different geographies and sectors. We have also clarified responsibilities in areas such as education and publications, and ensured that developments in data science and AI are explicitly reflected in the skills and focus of our governance structures.
A sustainable way forward
A third important theme was implementation. Members emphasised that even well-designed governance structures will only succeed if supported by clear roles, robust accountability, and sufficient resourcing. We agree, and plan to publish a summary of our Scheme of Delegation and develop a phased implementation roadmap so that changes are introduced in a way that is transparent and manageable. We will also continue to review the resource implications carefully, recognising the vital contributions of both volunteers and staff.
Finally, feedback on professional standards and credentialing has helped to shape how we approach future developments in this area. The strong support for the Chartered Data Science Professional qualification is encouraging, and we are committed to ensuring that its development—and the wider framework of membership grades and pathways—is fair, clear, and internationally relevant.
Taken together, these refinements mean that the changes approved by Council are not simply those that were initially proposed, but a strengthened and more responsive set of arrangements—ones that better reflect the diversity, ambition, and expertise of our membership.
When will the changes come into effect?
There is still more to do. Some elements of the changes will require updates to our Charter and Bylaws and will therefore be subject to further approval processes, including member vote. Others can begin to be implemented sooner, where they align with our current framework. As we move into this next phase, we will continue to communicate openly and provide opportunities for members to stay involved.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this process. It reflects a Society that cares deeply about its future and is willing to invest time and thought in shaping it.
Good governance is not an end in itself; it is a means of enabling the RSS to fulfil its mission more effectively. With the continued involvement of our members, I am confident that these changes will help us do just that—ensuring the Society remains relevant, inclusive, and impactful in a rapidly evolving world.