Council, the Society’s board of trustees, met on Wednesday 17 March for their first meeting of 2026.
RSS President John Aston welcomed trustees to the meeting, including those joining as official members of the Council for the first time. He highlighted that conversations about the governance review and the relocation of the RSS headquarters would be of great importance, noting that plans for both aimed to result in positive impacts across the organisation.
CEO Sarah Cumbers provided updates on recent internal activity, particularly in relation to plans for the redevelopment of the RSS website, success for the Society’s training courses in Q1, and the policy team’s work with the Government Statistical Service on the Future Statistician. She shared that the introduction of a new commercial strategy had led to important work in marketing, sales and branding that would be extremely valuable for the Society.
The Society's dedicated working group for the governance review were invited to present their recommendations to the Council, who considered proposals for changes across five key areas:
-
Effectiveness and accountability
-
Advice and input from the membership
-
Inclusivity and community
-
Clarity and consistency
-
Efficiency and impact.
Discussions around the recommendations presented were followed by unanimous approval of the recommendations, which would now be shared with the wider membership for comment before a formal vote on changes to the Charter and Bylaws. It was noted that the Privy Council would also be involved in the process.
The Council received an update on the relocation of the RSS office including an assessment by the Audit and Risk Committee. Trustees agreed to move forward with the acquisition of the property in Borough, noting that given the refurbishment required it is likely that the RSS will be celebrating our new home in early 2027.
Updates from the Director of Finance and the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee were given, along with a report on membership figures from Stella Macaskill, Director of Professional Services. An increase in nominations for the 2026 Council Election was also noted.
Following changes within the internal staff team and the upcoming review and implementation of Society standards, the Council approved the extension of Professor Clare Morris’ term as Vice President for Professional Affairs – the Society remains hugely grateful for her work and support.
The RSS Council will next meet in June, and it is hoped that many trustees will be able to attend in person in London.