The RPS 2026 Trustee Election

About the Election

We’re looking for an engaged and motivated Trustee to guide and support the RPS on the next stages of its mission to bring photography to everyone.  If you have experience in some or all of the following, we would love to hear from you. 

• Photographic education 
• Fundraising 
• Income diversification
• Membership organisations and engagement 
• Exhibitions and events 
• Legal and commercial skills 

About the Role

The RPS is an educational charity committed to bringing photography to everyone.  Founded in 1853 to make the art and science of photography more widely available and, underpinned by a Royal Charter and its own set of By-laws, it has evolved to meet the interests and needs of its members and the changing nature of photography.   

The vision of the RPS is to bring photography to everyone, both by providing public benefit and promoting the highest standards of achievement in photography.  With the rapid evolution of photography, the RPS is on an exciting journey to ensure it continues to fulfil its purpose, to inspire creativity and personal expression in all of us, and to share ideas, beliefs and interpretations of the world. 

The RPS Board of Trustees provide governance and assurance that the RPS fulfils its charitable objectives and supports the Senior Leadership Team, staff and volunteers in effective delivery of the RPS’ strategic and transformational plan.   

Trustees play a crucial role in setting and supporting the RPS strategy and the constructive non-executive Board conversation with the Senior Leadership Team.   

Specific Requirements

We are fortunate to have a strong and committed Board of Trustees, bringing together a wide range of experience, perspectives and skills, which is enhanced through a ‘buddy’ programme of Trustee liaison with representatives of the wider RPS regional, international and special interest community.  

We are committed to maintaining a culture of constructive challenge, thoughtful enquiry, and mutual respect, where Trustees are encouraged to contribute their own expertise and to listen carefully to the views of others. Effective governance depends upon collaboration, good judgement, collective responsibility, and a shared commitment to the Society's charitable purpose. 

As we look to the future, we are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who can bring experience and insight in one or more of the following areas: 

• Photographic education, including Higher and Further Education, new approaches to learning, online delivery, and digital engagement. 

• Fundraising, philanthropy, sponsorship, and the development of sustainable income streams. 

• Membership organisations, including member and volunteer engagement, recruitment, retention, and the overall membership experience. 

• Exhibitions, events, and public programmes, particularly within photography, the arts, heritage, or the wider cultural sector. 

• Legal, commercial, financial, or business expertise that can help support the Society's governance, resilience, and long-term development. 

Above all, we welcome individuals who share our belief in the power of photography to educate, inspire, and bring people together, and who are willing to contribute their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to the continued evolution and success of the Society. 

This includes the ability to ensure sound financial and commercial management, upholding excellent governance in line with the RPS charitable status, a collegiate approach to balancing different stakeholder perspectives, and effective collaboration with the other Trustees and the executive Senior Management Team.  

We are recruiting one Trustee in 2026, but applicants should be aware that there will be a further recruitment cycle in 2027 when a number of current trustees reach the end of their term of office. 

Essential Information

Under the RPS By-laws, the RPS Nominations Committee scrutinises all applications and has an important role in recommending suitable candidates that meet the above requirements for the Board of Trustees to endorse as they are put forward to the wider Membership for voting.  

Trustees are elected or appointed for a 3-year term.  It is anticipated that Trustees will need to dedicate approximately 150 hours per annum to Trustee activities (with a significantly greater commitment for those holding office: President, Deputy Chair, or Treasurer). Trustee commitments include: 

• Approximately 8 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, either in Bristol, London, Birmingham or online, plus appropriate preparation.

• Involvement with the Trustee ‘buddy’ programme for the wider RPS community (Regions, Groups, International).

• Occasional attendance at training events, conferences, and Board ‘away days’.
  
  
• Providing consultation and advice as appropriate. 

The role is unremunerated, and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.  If you are interested and have the requisite skills and experience as outlined above, please contact the Chair of the Nominations Committee for an informal chat about the role.  

Key Dates