Fellowship Council

Important and exciting changes have been implemented for the governance of the RSA, with the introduction of the new Fellowship Council. The Council represents the interests of the Fellowship, helps Fellows to work with the RSA in the development of projects and activities, and works to ensure that Fellows’ projects are aligned with the charitable aims of the Society.  You view and participate in further dicussions on the Fellowship Council online site.

View the list of Fellowship Council members.

View the summary of the first Fellowship Council meeting - October 2009. This includes a text and pictorial summary.

View the summary document of the second Fellowship Council Meeting - December 2009 (PDF, 295KB). This took place on Tuesday, 15 December 2009. 

Fellowship Council information pack

In preparation for the inaugural meeting of the Fellowship Council which took place on 7 October 2009, the RSA prepared information about its current work and how the new Fellowship Council can support, champion and complement this.

View the full Fellowship Council information pack.

Introduction of the new Fellowship Council

We are pleased to have announced a new and exciting opportunity for Fellows to become more engaged with the work of the Society.

The election finished on 7 July and the Trustees have endorsed the outcomes of the elections and the uncontested regions.  The Trustees have nominated Fellows for the remaining places on the council; Fellow elected candidates and Trustees nominated candidates are now in place and have been endorsed by the Trustees and announced.

The new Fellowship Council will:

  • Raise the profile and represent the interests of the Fellowship and the RSA
  • Ensure that the Fellowship and the Society work together effectively
  • Identify and encourage best practice for the development of Fellows' networks and activities
  • Engage Fellows in the development of programmes, projects and activities

An early task will be to agree a new Fellows' Charter – outlining more explicitly the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of Fellowship.

Download further information on how the Fellowship Council works (PDF, 84KB)

All Fellows were eligible for nomination for Council during May 2009. Download the Call for Nominations for Elections to the RSA Fellowship Council (2009) (PDF, 39KB) and the  nomination form (PDF, 33KB). View letter to Fellows announcing the launch of the Fellowship Council from chief executive Matthew Taylor (PDF, 25KB)

Fellowship Council Facts

Council Membership

  • The Council will be limited to 40 RSA Fellows:
    - 20 elected directly on a regional basis
    - 20 who will be nominated by Trustees
  • Two members of the Council will serve as full members of the Trustee Board
  • Nominations opened 20 April 2009
  • Nominations closed 22 May 2009
  • Elections began on 17 June 2009
  • Elections ended on 7 July 2009
  • Over 14% of the Fellowship engaged with the Council Election process
  • Trustee Board reviewed and announced Council Members (Fellow-elected and Trustee-nominated) early August 2009
  • The new Fellowship Council was endorsed at the RSA AGM on 7 October 2009.

Working towards positive change

Once operational, the Council will meet officially twice a year but Council Members will be encouraged and expected to debate, action and deliver throughout the year, both online and offline, with the core aim of ensuring a more effective relationship and communication between the RSA and the Fellowship they represent.

Candidates will demonstrate ability and commitment through having:

  • Made a practical contribution to civil society through voluntary, social or community organisations
  • Challenged current thinking; shown bravery or innovation in their actions; or pioneered positive change
  • Used their expertise and enthusiasm to participate in RSA projects or wider work
  • Participated in communities and networks, and shown a generosity in sharing ideas and resources.

All Fellowship Council Members have now been announced and was endorsed at the RSA AGM on 7 October 2009.


If you would like more information regarding the Fellowship Council or would like more information regarding your potential Council representative, contact us by email or by calling the Fellowship team on +44 (0)20 7451 6826.