RSA - FAQs

FAQs

What is the RSA Fellowship?

An international community of over 27,000 achievers and influencers from a wide array of backgrounds and professions.

What do the letters FRSA mean?

Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Fellows are entitled to hold these letters after their name.

Fellows are represented across England and throughout the devolved nations, forming RSA Cymru Wales, RSA Ireland and RSA Scotland. If you live outside of the UK or travel frequently, you can access information about active networks where you are, including RSA USA, RSA Australia and New Zealand, and RSA Europe.

Who can join the Fellowship and how?

There are three primary ways to become a Fellow of the RSA:

1. We welcome applications from individuals who share a commitment to positive social change.

2. We encourage existing Fellows to nominate friends or colleagues.

3. We research prospective Fellows and invite them to join.

Download an application. Enter your contact details and we will email you with a link to our application form. You will need to complete your details, references and fees section, and return the form to the address provided. We accept scanned copies of the form, these can be emailed to us.

Contact the team to discuss joining the Fellowship.

I don’t live in the UK. Can I apply?

Yes. We welcome applications from across the world. There are regular networks in cities throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand as well as activity elsewhere. Find out about international activity where you are.

How can I nominate someone for Fellowship?

Fellows can nominate individuals to join the Fellowship by completing the online nomination form. You will need to be logged in to the RSA website to do this. An invitation will be sent on your behalf, including your statement of support. We will inform you if your nominee joins the Fellowship.

I have received an invitation that says 'By Trustee'. What does this mean?

You have been invited by a member of staff or by a member of our Trustee Board. This means you do not need to submit a sponsor declaration or referee information with your application.

I have completed my application and returned this to you, when can I expect to hear from you?

We process applications on a weekly basis. Please allow up to 12 working days for confirmation. If you have any concerns please contact us on +44 (0)20 7451 6831 or email us.

Will being a Fellow of the RSA help me obtain a Visa?

RSA Fellows are drawn from all around the world. However, the RSA does not provide any support in regards to Visa applications or immigration issues.

We only encourage people to apply for Fellowship that subscribe to our aims as set out in the Fellowship Charter.

What is expected of Fellows?

There is no enforced minimum level of engagement for RSA Fellows. Fellows are encouraged and supported through the Fellowship Network to develop and collaborate on local and issue-based initiatives.

How do I contact Fellows?

You can contact Fellows online using the Fellowship directory or our social networks as well as face-to-face where you are.

What are Fellowship networks and where are they?

Fellowship networks are regular meetings held across the world.

There are established networks across the UK, the USA, continental Europe and Australia, as well as gatherings in other international locations. Find out what is happening where you are.

Does the RSA provide funding or grants for Fellows?

Yes. Catalyst funds (£0.5-£2k) are available for new or early-stage projects that have a tangible social impact. Funding is subject to assessment. Larger additional grants of up to £5k are available to projects that have previously received a smaller grant.

Who is eligible to apply?

Funding is available for RSA Fellows only.

Does the RSA provide funding or grants for Fellows’ projects outside the UK?

Yes. Previous winners are featured in Fellowship News.

How do I apply to RSA Catalyst?

Visit the RSA Catalyst page and download our application guidelines.

If you wish to discuss your application with a member of staff prior to submission, contact us on +44(0)20 7451 6856 or email us.

Who decides what applications receive funding?

Applications are assessed by a panel with representation from the Fellowship Council and senior RSA staff. The awards panel meets on a monthly basis (except December and August). Future submission deadlines are announced on the RSA Catalyst page.

How and when will I be told if my application is successful?

All applicants will be notified by email within fifteen working days following the application deadline.

Can I apply to the Catalyst fund more than once?

Should your application be unsuccessful, you are eligible to re-apply. Feedback is provided to all applicants.

If your application is successful, you are eligible to apply for an extension grant.

Can I apply if I already have a grant/award from another organisation?

Yes. It is essential that you share details of any other supporters as part of the application process.

What is RSA Skills bank?

A pool of skills consisting of Fellows who have registered their expertise and interests with us.

How do I register for RSA Skills bank?

You can register online or by contacting us on +44 (0)20 7451 6856 or by email.

How do I access registered Fellows in the Skills bank?

The quickest way to access skills is to fill out a Catalyst application (leaving the request for a grant empty). You can do this via RSA Catalyst.

What is the Fellowship directory?

The Fellowship directory is an area for Fellows to connect with each other on a one-to-one basis. As a Fellow, you can upload your details plus extra information and search for other Fellows.

Why isn’t every Fellow listed?

In the interest of data protection, the directory is an opt-in resource. Only Fellows’ who elect to enter their details, and allow others to find them, will be listed.

Who can see my details once I upload them?

Only Fellows can see directory listings. You also have the option to keep your profile private or to hide your email address.

I want to contact a lot of people about something. Can I use the directory?

No. The directory is there to enable meaningful one to one connections between Fellows and not for mass-communication. The best way to connect with many Fellows at once is by engaging with a relevant network.

I think I have received mass-communication/marketing via the directory, what should I do?

Please email us with information regarding the email you received. We will investigate and take appropriate action where necessary.

Why am I unable to see the directory even though I have registered as a Fellow?

Please allow two working days for account verification. We are currently implementing an automatic system to help with this. If it has been longer than two working days since you registered then email us.

Why can't I log into the website?

Firstly please check that your "cookies" feature is turned on. Please note that your log-in details are case-sensitive.
Contact the webmaster if you cannot resolve the problem.

Can I pay my subscription online or by phone?

Online payments are currently unavailable. However, an online payment facility is being developed. Contact the Fellowship office on +44 (0)20 7451 6827 if you would like to pay your subscription by phone.

Can I update my details online?

Fellows can update their details using the Fellowship directory. However, in the interest of security, we advise all Fellows to email us changes to their contact information, including employment and address information.

How can I request a hard copy of your publications/online forms?

Where possible, we make our communications and publications available online to download. As a registered charity, this helps the Society to economise on its administration costs. Contact us on +44 (0)20 7451 6826 or email us if you wish to make a request.

Can I get a re-issue of an RSA exam certificate?

The RSA no longer administrates examinations, and the RSA exam board is now part of the Oxford, Cambridge and Royal Society of Arts Examining Board (OCR).
For exam and certificate queries, please email the OCR directly.

How do I get in touch?

If you have further questions, please contact us at +44 (0)20 7451 6826 or email us.

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FAQs

The Fellowship

Becoming a Fellow

Being a Fellow

Support for Fellows: RSA Catalyst and RSA Skills bank

Fellowship directory

Website

Miscellaneous