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, the RHS holds elections for at least three Ordinary Members of the RHS Council.

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.

Candidates sought for election in 2025

For 2025, applications are encouraged from candidates with senior and current expertise in one or more of the following areas: science (ideally in subjects related to horticulture), finance and/or business/commercial activities, policy and public engagement. Senior board experience is expected.

Applications are welcomed from all eligible* RHS members. The RHS is committed to 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.

View of the RHS Annual Report and plans for the future

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.

RHS President Keith Weed leading the RHS Annual General Meeting

Candidates seeking the support of RHS Council should submit an informal expression of interest, including a CV and a supporting statement of not more than 500 words, to the Secretary ([email protected]) by Friday 18 October 2024. The RHS Governance and People Committee will consider 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 1 March 2025. The RHS is committed to providing equal opportunities and welcomes nominations from any eligible member.

Nomination forms for 2025

Nominations for RHS President:

Nominations for RHS Treasurer:

Nominations for RHS Council:

Please send all expressions of interest and nominations to The Secretary by post to RHS, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE or email [email protected].

Additional information

Have a question?

For more information about RHS Elections, please refer to the Charter and bye-laws and associated regulations. For expressions of interest and nominations or further queries, write to RHS, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE; email [email protected] or telephone 020 7821 3194.

Email

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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.