RHS Elections

Held annually, the RHS Elections allow the elected governing body to shape the policies, direction, and initiatives of the RHS

What are the RHS Elections?

The RHS Council is the highest decision-making body, with overall responsibility for the organisation, providing strategic direction and monitoring the delivery of the RHS Strategy with support from its Boards and Committees. Each year at the RHS Annual General Meeting, at least three RHS Council members retire, with vacancies filled by election.

When recruiting new RHS Council members, the focus is on individuals with a keen interest in gardening and specific expertise in horticulture or skills/capabilities that are under-represented among current trustees. Annual assessments of RHS Council members’ skills help anticipate future gaps due to retirements and the organisation’s evolving needs.

Nomination process for election

The RHS encourages applications from candidates with senior expertise (expected) and prior board experience. Specific areas of interest are outlined when nominations open each year. Applications are welcomed from all eligible* RHS members. The RHS is committed to providing equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices, and encourages applications from all sectors of the community. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

Information: Nominations for 2025 are closed. Nominations for 2026 open in September

View of the RHS Annual Report and plans for the future

RHS President Keith Weed leading the RHS Annual General Meeting

Each year, candidates seeking the support of RHS Council are invited to submit an informal expression of interest, including a CV and a supporting statement of no more than 500 words, to The Secretary by October in the year of election. The RHS Governance and People Committee considers all expressions of interest. Candidates wishing to proceed directly to the election without the support of RHS Council should complete and deliver a nomination paper, supported by the signatures of eight other RHS members, to the Secretary by the 1 March in the year of election.

Please note: *Eligible candidates must have been an RHS member of the RHS for three years at the date of their nomination. However, in exceptional circumstances, RHS Council may waive this requirement.

Additional information

Have a question?

For more information about RHS Elections, please see the Charter and bye-laws and associated regulations. For further queries, write to RHS, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE; email secretary@rhs.org.uk or telephone 020 7821 3194.

Email

secretary@rhs.org.uk

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.