RSA Fellowship Charter – second draft June 2010 This Fellowship Charter explains the role that the RSA and the Fellowship seek to play in developing people, ideas and societies. With reference to our original founding documents, this reaffirms what the RSA means in the contemporary world. ‘Undertakings for the Publick Good’ We were founded in 1754 for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Today, the RSA and the Fellowship is still a unique combination of committed people and diverse ways of working. We operate on a local, national and international scale to turn progressive thinking into positive action. We work to develop inclusive and capable societies, encourage empathetic and self-reliant behaviour, and enable people to lead fulfilled lives. ‘Members from all Ranks, Professions and Trades’ Together we are a network of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines that harnesses the power of our many minds. We share a commitment to realising both our own untapped potential and that of others; we are confident of our ability to effect change collectively; and we are willing to lead by example in transforming society for the better. ‘Discoveries, Inventions and Improvements’ We inspire innovative thinking by promoting new ideas, and by being open-minded and creative in our approach. We enable people to bring about change by encouraging and leading pioneering projects and being generous in sharing resources and skills. We support each other through collaboration and by creating an enlightened space in which to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. As a Fellow of the RSA, I subscribe to the aims and values outlined above and recognise the importance of my role in achieving this. Signed: Fellow's name, FRSA Date: joining date Signed: Chair's name, Chair of Trustees   Date: publication date

Changes made in response to your feedback

Comment: too long, should be short and punchy
Change: reduced from 311 words to 230, efforts to remove jargon and speak in plain English

Comment: language and tone not collaborative enough
Change: now encompasses Fellows, staff and others as part of a shared vision with equal importance in achieving it together

Comment: nod to history but be forward facing
Change: linked to 21 century enlightenment branding, include more of a challenge for the future and less reference to past success

Comment: reference full name including ‘Manufactures and Commerce’ not just ‘society’
Change: full name included in description

Comment: value a diversity in approach and emphasise the interdisciplinary nature of Fellowship
Change: increased explanation of Fellowship network including points above

Comment: concern over line precluding personal benefit from Fellowship
Change: removed line in acknowledgment that personal growth is a positive and necessary outcome of being a Fellow. Further clarity to be provided where necessary within separately held case studies and best practice guidelines.

Comment: concern about confusion with Royal Charter
Change: updated introduction to reference founding documents and better explain the purpose behind the RSA Fellowship Charter. Included quotes from original Royal Charter to better link the two documents.

Comment: important to recognise different levels of Fellowship connections and networks
Change: included reference to different scales of working (local, national, international)

Find out more about the RSA Fellowship Charter

The background - why we are developing the RSA Fellowship Charter
The first version – presented at the AGM October 2009
The feedback – summaries of responses from Fellows across the UK and internationally
The working group – join the working group online to track progress
(please note that the working group is on the Fellowship Council site and requires you to create a user name and password for full access)
Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions or comments,please contact Ned Thistlethwaite.