Who are we?

We are the RSA. The royal society for the encouragement of arts, manufactures and commerce. Since 1754, we’ve turned world-leading ideas into world-changing action.

Our global Fellowship comprises tens of thousands of people driving social progress across sectors and borders. From tackling child labour in the 18th century to building sustainable futures today, we’ve always backed bold ideas that make a difference.

We’re committed to a world that is resilient, rebalanced and regenerative, where everyone can fulfil their potential. 

We invite you to be part of this change.

Attend the webinar

Book onto this friendly, informal session where our team will walk you through what the Fellowship is, how it works, and how you can get involved. It’s a great chance to hear about the benefits of Fellowship first-hand, and to get practical advice and guidance from us.

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Our impact

From our inception, the RSA has championed ideas that drive social progress. Here are just a few of the ways we’ve made a lasting impact:

  • Founded the RSA Student Design Awards – the world’s longest-running design competition, helping launch major design careers, such as Richard Howarth (Apple, VP of Design) and Betty Jackson MBE (Fashion designer)
  • Pioneered London’s Blue Plaque scheme – commemorating notable people and places in British history, which later rolled out across the UK.
  • Led early environmental conservation efforts – including afforestation and land reclamation schemes as far back as the 18th century.

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Join us

Being a Fellow means joining a community committed to building a better future, and it also comes with a range of valuable benefits designed to help you learn, connect, and contribute.

  1. Use the FRSA title – stand out professionally with the respected post-nominal letters FRSA, recognising your commitment to positive social change.
  2. Access insights and events – enjoy invitations to our thought-provoking events and engaging webinars that explore the ideas shaping our future, as well as access to cutting-edge RSA research.
  3. Receive and contribute to the RSA Journal – get the award-winning RSA Journal delivered to your door, and get the opportunity to submit your own ideas and stories to be featured in its pages.
  4. Be part of the conversation through our online community – Circle is your digital home as a Fellow, a space to find and connect with others, share ideas, join conversations, and collaborate on projects from anywhere in the world.
  5. Join our global community – collaborate with a diverse global community of thinkers, doers, and leaders across sectors, generations and countries. Whether you’re looking for fresh perspectives or new opportunities, the RSA Fellowship opens doors.

Ready to join us?

Complete your application online and become part of a global community committed to turning ideas into action for lasting social change. If you share our values and vision for a better future, we’d love to welcome you.

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If you want to improve something, you have to contribute. When you act, like-minded people are drawn to you. You need people to make change and being a Fellow gave helped me get heard.

Lynsey Shaw
Sing-songwriter, producer and multimedia storyteller
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You get out of this network what you put in. If you engage actively – attending events, contributing ideas – you’ll find the RSA gives back more than you invest.

Fred Bassett
Entrepreneur and commercial strategist
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I'm a Fellow because I believe in what the RSA stands for. If someone is working in regenerative design and they’re a Fellow, I know that person is committed to similar values.

Katie Allen
Knitwear designer and RSA Student Design Awards winner

Apply online now

Start the application process by registering online via our online application portal.

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