Come and join me on the RGS Education Committee

Nominations are now invited from Fellows for Committee positions to be elected in June 2026.

Please note, there are no Council positions up for election in 2026, but the positions on committees are as follows:

• Research and Higher Education Committee - Chair of the Annual Conference 2027 (to serve on the committee June 2026-June 2028, a two-year term).
• Research and Higher Education Committee - Member (to serve on the committee June 2026-June 2029, a three-year term).
• Education Committee - Member (to serve on the committee June 2026-June 2030, a four-year term).
• Professional Practice Committee - Member (to serve on the committee June 2026-June 2030, a four-year term).
• Expeditions and Fieldwork Committee - Member (to serve on the committee June 2026-June 2030, a four-year term).

The expertise and interests of Council and committee members represent the main areas of RGS activity and bring a breadth of experience from the wider world. The positions provide a valuable opportunity to contribute to the Society’s activities and serve as a direct influence on its strategic direction.

Nominations for candidates with the following key skills/expertise areas would be welcomed:

• Research and Higher Education Committee - Chair of the Annual Conference 2027: a senior, leading, internationally-renowned scholar.
• Research and Higher Education Committee - Member: Expertise in research leadership and impact in geography with in-depth knowledge of the Society’s research groups and their ethos.
• Education Committee - Member: Practical expertise, skills and knowledge as an established geography teacher and head of department at secondary level in either the maintained or private sector.
• Professional Practice Committee - Member: Active interest in higher-level skills training for those in the professional practice, including, but not limited to, professional development courses, apprenticeships and micro-credentials.
• Expeditions and Fieldwork Committee – Member: Expertise in purposeful travel and exploration, strategic approaches to community growth and knowledge mobilisation through creative or civic channels.

We are looking for a range of experience, genders, ethnicities, and ages to apply for these roles. 

If you are wondering whether any of the positions are right for you, or you have any queries, please contact the Director's Office.

I'm also happy to respond to any queries from people who are thinking of putting themselves forwards for the Education Committee role.

You'll be working with a fine bunch of geographers.

The deadline is 5.00pm on Thursday 19 March 2026 and all nominations should be sent to the Director, preferably via email: director@rgs.org

Full guidance and information on the nomination process

RGS Education Committee - why not join me?

There is availability to join me on the Royal Geographical Society's Education Committee, which I joined in June as Vice President Education.

We have an important job to do - particularly at the moment with a focus on the Government's Curriculum and Assessment review.

The process is explained on the link below if you'd like to put yourself forward.

You will need to fill in a few forms online and get them to the Director's office by the 20th of March 2025. Selected names will then be added to a ballot paper which will go out to all those eligible to vote. The results will be announced at the RGS's AGM in early June 2025. I shall be there. 

You will fill the role for a four year term.

Only Fellows of the Society may stand for positions on Council and only Fellows may propose candidates for election (this includes Associate Fellows).

If you wish to stand for election to Council, you should be able to demonstrate:

• a good working knowledge of the Society
• an understanding and support for its breadth of activities and audiences
• experience and seniority relevant to the position that you are standing for

Each position also requires a sound working knowledge, as appropriate, of geographical education, expeditions and fieldwork, research and higher education, geography in professional practice. In addition, Council has provided guidance to nominees and proposers on the skills, expertise and experience that it feels would be most helpful at the present time. It is not a requirement that nominees fill identified skills gaps but it is highly desirable.

For Education this is described as:

Practical expertise, skills and knowledge as an established geography teacher (with five or more years of classroom experience), head of geography or senior leader at secondary level (Councillor).   

In terms of time commitment, Council members must be available to read papers for, and attend, four Council meetings per year and at least two Committee meetings per year.

Go to this page for all the details.

Feel free to get in touch if you would like to know more details about what is involved in this role, and good luck if you are thinking of applying.