Governance
The Society was founded in 1660 and incorporated by Royal Charter. Queen Elizabeth II approved a Supplemental Charter in 2012 and that now serves as the Society's governing document. The governing body of the Society is its Council and its members are elected by and from the Fellowship. Council is able to make Statutes and Standing Orders for the direction of the Society.
The Society has a Code of Conduct (PDF) that sets out standards of conduct to which Fellows are expected to adhere.
The Society is a registered charity and Council is the trustee body under charity law. The most recent Trustees' Report and Financial Statement (PDF) is available to download.
The Society's Strategic Plan 2022-2027 (PDF) sets out its strategic priorities.
The Society has a system of committees.
The Fellowship is supported by a staff of approximately 300.
Related content
Funding and finances
Links to the variety of sources of Royal Society funding, which ensure our independence.
Trustees' Report and financial statements
To comply with charity legislation, the Society produces an annual Trustees' Report every year…
About elections
Information on how candidates are put forward and elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society.