Welcome to the RPS 2026 Presidential Election

This page has been prepared by the RPS Nominations Committee (NomCom) to give members information on the 2026 Presidential Election. All of this is regulated through the RPS By-Laws 2025.

Over the course of the RPS's history, sixty-eight individuals have held the post of President. Each has brought something particular to the role - some have been very hands-on, closely directing the Society’s activities, while others have been more of a figurehead, representing the Society at its own events and externally. By voting in the presidential election, you are helping shape the future of the Royal Photographic Society, continuing a legacy that stretches back to 1853 and generations of presidents who have guided its impact on photography.

In 2026, members are voting for a President and Chair of the Board of Trustees who will take up office at the close of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September 2027. For the preceding year, from the 2026 AGM, the successful candidate will hold the position of President Elect and the office of Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees.

NomCom encourages members to engage with the election process and use their vote to fill the important Presidential Role. The extent to which the President steers the RPS through their term of office combined with representing and advocating for the RPS sets an important tone and adds to the future success of the society.

NomCom has prepared a helpful document for members on election of the Royal Photographic Society President, which can be downloaded here. This set outs the timetables and answers the key questions relating to the process.

The RPS Nominations Committee (NomCom) is administering the 2026 Presidential Election process in line with the requirements of RPS By-Law 2025:11. The process is described in the Information for Members document.

Board members were invited to indicate their willingness to stand for election as President and to provide the required information in readiness for preparation of the members’ prospectus.

I am able to confirm that one current Board member has stood for the role of RPS President. As chair of NomCom, I am content that all eligible Board of Trustee members have considered the role and not inadvertently missed out on the opportunity.

I confirm therefore that:

1. As the candidate is standing unopposed, we will move to a confirmatory vote at the AGM on 26 September 2026.
2. Subject to approval by the Members at the AGM on 26 September 2026, at the close of that meeting Joanne Segars OBE LRPS will formally become President Elect of the RPS.
3. Subject to approval, at the close of the AGM in 2027, Joanne Segars OBE LRPS will take up the office of President and Chair of Trustees of the RPS.

Members can read about Joanne Segars here
Members can read the personal statement from Joanne Segars here
Members can view a video presentation by Joanne Segars here

An updated Information for Members document is available here

Town Hall Meeting on Monday 15 June at 19:30 BST

NomCom states in the Information for Members document that a Town Hall meeting (chaired by a member of NomCom) will take place where members can meet candidates to hear details of each candidate’s plans and ambitions outlined in the prospectus.

The Town Hall will go ahead on Monday 15 June and members will have the opportunity to meet Joanne Segars OBE LRPS and to hear her plans and ambitions for the Society.

The Town Hall meeting will be hosted by RPS Digital Imaging on behalf of NomCom. To attend this meeting, please book here. Please note that registrations close on 14 June and the meeting links are unique to individuals and cannot be shared. 

Members will have the opportunity to ask relevant questions, and these must be submitted in advance to nomchair@rps.org by no later than 1700 on Friday 12 June 2026

Register here →

On behalf of the RPS Nominations Committee

Alastair Taylor ARPS
Chair
RPS Nominations Committee

Further Information:

Role Description & Person Specification

Support Material

Election Timeline

Please note that some dates and activities are subject to change.