Ahead of the opening of our governance review consultation next week, and following the unanimous approval of the review’s proposals by RSS Council, John Aston reflects on the process so far and what the proposals and changes can do for the Society.
Guest blog by John Aston, President of the Royal Statistical Society
Over the past year, many of you will have heard me speak about the importance of ensuring the Society is equipped for the future, from the way we champion statistics publicly, to how we support members and organise ourselves internally. Today, I’m delighted to share more about the proposed governance changes – approved unanimously by Council – that aim to strengthen, streamline and modernise the way the RSS operates.
These changes are the result of careful, collective work. We’ve spoken to members, reviewed feedback and received expert advice from colleagues at the Foundation for Science and Technology and other organisations who have navigated similar journeys. What we’re proposing isn’t change for its own sake. It’s change designed to make the RSS more effective, more inclusive and better placed to deliver impact in an evolving statistical and data landscape.
A Board built for accountability and strategic focus
One of the central recommendations is to create a smaller Board of trustees with the right blend of statistical expertise, strategic alignment and independent oversight. This will enable our governance to function more efficiently and with greater clarity of purpose, ensuring decisions are focused on delivering the Society’s goals and strengthening accountability.
Council will continue as our primary advisory body, providing essential guidance on statistical matters and maintaining our connection to the wider membership. We’re also proposing a clearer set of processes for how trustees and Council members are selected, with multiple pathways for members to nominate candidates, stand for roles and influence the composition of the teams that represent them.
A well-structured Board is essential for any organisation that wants to thrive. It means we can spend more time driving forward the priorities that matter to members and to the statistical community as a whole.
A more inclusive and connected community
The Society works best when members are fully engaged. Your expertise, your perspectives and your energy are what shape the RSS.
One of the aspects of this review that excites me most is the intentional focus on inclusion and community-building. We’re proposing new mechanisms to ensure all segments of our diverse membership are heard, from sections and local groups to those working in different domains. The introduction of a ‘People Trustee’ will help embed inclusivity throughout our work, ensuring that the Society is welcoming and accessible to everyone who values statistics.
This reflects a deep commitment to cultivating a thriving, representative community.
A key update proposed to our Charter will be our request to establish the new Chartered Data Science Professional (CDSP) qualification. This will be a major step in recognising the professionalism and expertise of those working at the cutting edge of data science, an area of enormous importance to society and to the RSS.
Clarity, consistency and efficiency
We’re also proposing updates that may feel more operational, but are no less important. Clearer terms of reference, role descriptions and committee structures will help us better separate governance from day-to-day operations. This clarity will free up time, reduce duplication and allow both staff and volunteers to focus on what they do best.
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference to how smoothly an organisation runs.
A thoughtful path to implementation
Some of these changes require updates to our Charter and Bylaws, which means consultation with and approval by our fellows, and Privy Council approval. While this process takes time, it’s essential to ensure transparency and good governance. In the meantime, we can begin progressing improvements that align with current rules.
I truly believe this is a moment of opportunity for positive transformation of the RSS. These proposals reinforce our strengths while preparing us for the opportunities ahead. I hope you will engage with the details, share your thoughts and help shape the future of our Society.
Together, we can ensure the RSS remains a powerful voice for statistics and data science – now and for generations to come.
All RSS members will be receiving an email detailing the proposals next week, along with a link to feedback on the changes and have their say on the future of RSS governance.