RHS Structure and Governance

Discover the RHS governance structure and the key pillars that support the strategy and decision-making of the RHS Council

How the RHS is organised

The RHS is a registered charity incorporated and governed by a Royal Charter and by Bye-Laws that are approved by RHS members. The RHS Council is the highest decision-making body and has overall responsibility for the organisation, providing strategic direction and monitoring the delivery of the RHS Strategy with support from the Leadership team and the three pillars of governance.

The three pillars of RHS Governance are Statutory, Guidance and Oversight, and Expert Groups that set the strategic direction of the RHS and ensure that the charitable, regulatory and compliance requirements are met. They also make key decisions and recommendations to RHS Council, offer guidance and oversight to specific areas of RHS work and provide key horticultural advice and expertise.

“A well-structured governance framework is essential for the RHS Council to successfully deliver its remit. It allows us to have proper oversight of our strategic direction, management, and performance, ensuring we can operate efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the organisation.”

Keith Weed, RHS President

Overview: RHS Council

Find out about the RHS Council and its responsibilities in overseeing the operations of the RHS:

RHS Council
RHS Council in the gardens of RHS Harlow Carr

RHS Council is the governing body and comprises the President, Treasurer and up to 15 ordinary members, elected by RHS membership, plus up to two co-opted members.

Under the Charter and Bye-Laws, the RHS Council holds the responsibility for:

  • The future direction of the Society
  • The investment and disposal of Society assets
  • The strategic management and performance of the Society

Overview: RHS Statutory Groups

Learn about the RHS Statutory Groups and their role in supporting the oversight and strategy of the RHS:

The RHS Statutory Groups are all sub-committees of RHS Council:

Horticulture and Sustainability Board

The Horticulture and Sustainability Board has oversight of the RHS purpose and sustainability in relation to the RHS Strategy both nationally and internationally.

Finance and Commercial Board

The Finance and Commercial Board has oversight of the financial affairs, resources and commercial activities of the RHS.

Investments Sub-Committee

The Investments Sub-Committee reports to the Finance and Commercial Board and provides advice and assistance on the RHS Investments portfolio (including bursary funds).

Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee has oversight of the effectiveness and appropriateness of all aspects of RHS financial and risk management procedures and controls.

Governance and People Committee

The Governance and People Committee has oversight of the effectiveness and appropriateness of all the RHS Governance arrangements, people policies and the wellbeing of the workforce.  

Overview: RHS Guidance and Oversight Groups

Explore how the RHS Guidance and Oversight Groups support the oversight and strategy of the RHS:

The Guidance and Oversight Groups will inspire and oversee plans on their subject matters, guiding and advising the Leadership Team to develop and deliver key projects and activity that they lead on.

Each group will be chaired by an RHS Council member, or in exceptional circumstances, a recent ex-RHS Council member.

RHS Hilltop display
RHS Hilltop display featuring exhibits from the RHS Herbarium

The RHS Guidance and Oversight Groups are made up of:

  • Digital and IT
  • Science and Collections including Sub Groups:
    • Nomenclature and Taxonomy
    • Orchid Hybrid Registrations
    • Narcissus Classification Advisory Groups

  • Learning and Engagement including Sub Group:
    • Qualifications Advisory Group
  • Gardens (each garden has an advisory group)
  • Awards
  • Bursaries

Overview: RHS Expert Groups

See how the RHS Expert Groups for horticulture and plants provide expertise and knowledge to the RHS:

Expert Group
Fruit, Veg and Herb Expert Group in community garden

The Expert Groups, have since the foundation of the RHS, provided deep plant expertise to the RHS to advance and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture.

The Expert Groups will continue to advance their areas of expertise and horticultural plant knowledge. Where required, the Statutory and Guidance and Oversight Groups will engage this group of world class experts to inform their work and decisions.

The RHS Expert Groups are made up of:

  • Alpine and Rock Garden
  • Bulb
  • Fruit, Veg and Herb
  • Herbaceous

  • Orchid
  • Tender Ornamental
  • Woody
  • Expert Group Board made up of the seven Expert Group Chairs

RHS Annual Report

Read the RHS Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for 2023–2024. For more information about the report or RHS Governance, please contact: [email protected].

Download the report (3.9MB pdf)

RHS Annual Report

Explore more with the RHS

Get involved

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.