RHS Elections

After serving the maximum seven terms as dedicated volunteer RHS Treasurer, at the RHS Annual General Meeting in 2026, Matthew Lindsey-Clark will retire from office. Therefore, in the coming year, the RHS will be looking for a new RHS Treasurer.

The Treasurer must be an RHS Member at the date of nomination (1 March 2026). The position is subject to annual election for up to five years and a further two years by exception. The RHS Governance and People Committee invites any candidates interested in this rewarding opportunity to submit an expression of interest for consideration.

Interested RHS Treasurer candidates seeking the support of RHS Council in 2026 were invited to submit an informal expression of interest, including a CV and a supporting statement of no more than 500 words, to The Secretary by 17 October 2025. The RHS Governance and People Committee considers all expressions of interest.

All candidates who wished to proceed directly to the election without the support of the RHS Council were required to complete and submit a nomination form, supported by the signatures of eight other RHS Members, to the Secretary by 1 March 2026.

For the 2026 RHS Council Elections, applications were invited from candidates with senior and current expertise in one or more of the following areas: digital, AI and IT; media and external communications; science; commercial, with experience or expertise in visitor attractions and/or retail; and e-commerce. Demonstrable senior board experience was expected.

All RHS Members were eligible to apply. The RHS is committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices and actively encourages applications from all sectors of the community. Appointments are made on merit, through a fair and transparent selection process.

RHS Members interested in standing for RHS Council in 2026 were invited to submit an initial expression of interest. This included a CV and a supporting statement (maximum 500 words) to be sent to The Secretary by 17 October 2025. All expressions of interest will been reviewed by the RHS Governance and People Committee.

All candidates standing for election, including those who wished to proceed directly without seeking the support of the RHS Council, were required to complete a nomination form. This had to be supported by a proposer, a seconder and six further RHS Members and submitted to the Secretary no later than 1 March 2026.

At the 2025 RHS Annual General Meeting, Helen Cox and James Hitchmough stood unopposed, with the support of RH Council, for election. They both attended the AGM at RHS Rosemoor in Devon, where they were appointed. Their terms began on the date of the AGM and will run until the AGM in 2030. They both bring a diverse range of skills in sustainability, education, and community engagement. Together, they represent the next generation of leadership – committed to guiding the RHS with integrity, inclusivity, and a strong focus on impact.

• RHS Council terms of reference (203kB pdf)
• Election regulations – Council (263kB pdf)
• Election regulations – President and Treasurer (228kB pdf)

• Regulations for the conduct of meetings of RHS Council and Statutory Groups (179kB pdf)
• Charity Commission booklet (1.3MB pdf)