Although Council takes all major strategic decisions and those reserved to it by law, it delegates some decision-making powers to the following committees and sub-committees.
- Business Committee
- Contracts with Trustees and Connected Parties Committee
- Nominations and Appointments Committee
- Pensions and Remuneration Sub-Committee
These may be made up from both members of Council and other members of the RHS and they have considerable scope to take decisions in pursuit of the Society’s objectives.
However, at all times, committees and sub-committees must operate within the overall strategy and budgets agreed by Council. They cannot take any decisions that are expressly reserved to Council.
Council is also advised by an Audit Committee, which is responsible for ensuring, that all aspects of the Society's financial and risk management policies, procedures and controls are effective and appropriate.
Advisory committees and sub-committees
Council also appoints committees, sub-committees and working groups to provide specialist advice to the RHS and the wider gardening public.
Plant committees
There are currently 13 specialist plant committees responsible for encouraging excellence in cultivation, the introduction of new plants and the maintenance of selected plant material and trials. A number of the plant committees are operated jointly with the relevant specialist plant society.
View the list of plant committees
Administrative committees
There are 26 administrative committees providing advice on science, education, shows, libraries and fundraising. These committees disseminate the knowledge of their members to a wider gardening audience across the UK and overseas, thereby fulfilling the learned society remit of the RHS.
View the list of administrative committees