News
Published 4 April 2025Review of governance - summary of changes
Royal Society Te Apārangi has been reviewing its governance structure and processes and the following changes have been approved by Council.
Background
In February 2024, following a Governance Training Workshop and strategic planning day, the Council agreed that the Society should review the structure and governance practices of the Council to maximise its effectiveness in governing and supporting the Society to be the best it can be, and to deliver on the Society’s long-term strategy to 2042.
Proposal
In its subsequent communication to all members, the Council laid out a proposal for a revised governance structure and basis for appointing or electing to the Council. It explored two key aspects of structure: reducing the size of the Council and introducing a skills matrix to guide appointments to the Council. The proposal also suggested the establishment of a separate membership advisory committee to strengthen connection with the Society’s membership groups.
Decision
After consultation with our members, and detailed consideration of a range of alternative approaches, the Council has agreed on changes to its structure and processes as set out below.
Changes to structure
The size of the Council will be reduced to eight (in years when there is no President-elect). If necessary to achieve a balance of skills, experience, and diversity, the Council may co-opt an additional Councillor.
|
Current Councillors |
Councillors from 1 July 2025 |
|
President |
President |
|
President Elect (1 in every 3 years) |
President Elect (1 in every 3 years) |
|
Academy Chair |
Academy Chair |
|
Academy Deputy Chair |
Academy Deputy Chair |
|
Two Councillors elected by the Māori Electoral College |
Two Councillors elected by the Māori Electoral College |
|
One Councillor elected by Branches |
One Councillor elected by Branches |
|
One Councillor elected by Constituent Organisations One Councillor elected by early career researchers One Councillor elected by Members |
Two Councillors elected by all members |
|
Up to three co-opted Councillors |
Option to co-opt an additional Councillor if needed |
- A matrix of the skills and experience needed on Council has been developed to guide all appointments.
- Detailed role descriptions will outline Councillors’ duties, expectations, and term length.
Changes to processes
Improved engagement with the Society’s membership groups has remained a central focus.
- Each membership group will have separate meetings on a six-monthly basis (rather than annually), attended by relevant operational staff, the Chief Executive, the President, and at least one other Councillor wherever possible. Meeting agendas will be drawn up with the members and sufficient time allowed for full discussions on key matters of interest. Records of meetings will be produced, with actions arising for responsible individuals noted, and reported back at subsequent meetings (as is current practice).
- Each membership group will elect two members who are not Councillors to be their key points of contact with the Society. One of these contact people will chair the six-monthly meeting for that membership group.
For more information on these changes, see the Frequently Asked Questions.