Annual review 2016 The Society

Vision Society objectives A leading learned and professional The Royal Geographical Society (with body for geography in the world, widely IBG) exists for ‘the advancement of respected for its independence, quality, geographical science’. For the current innovation and for the breadth of its strategy, 2012-2016, this purpose activities promoting and supporting has been expressed as six strategic geography as the means for everyone objectives of the organisation. The to discover, understand and respect aims concern sustaining and promoting the world’s people, places and the discipline, advancing and sharing environments. knowledge and understanding, and enabling professional and student Mission communities of geography practitioners. A world centre for geography and In doing so, the Society also aims to geographical learning dedicated grow its own reputation, enhance its to the development and promotion membership and ensure sustainability of knowledge together with its for the future. application to the challenges facing society and the environment. The Society’s work is organised into thematic departments, each of which contributes work to several objectives. The Society is a charity that exists for public benefit and which also has a broad-based membership that supports its mission and aims. The 1 Society was recognised in 2013 as the leading scholarly geographical society in the world.

1 International Benchmarking Review of UK Human Geography 2013

Registered Charity 208791 Nicholas Crane From the President President

For the Society, geography is the ‘spatial Fellows and members. A number of exhibition, drawing on the Society’s discipline that helps everyone understand discussions have been held among extraordinary collection of Hurley glass the world – its places, people and the Society’s senior management team plate negatives, completed its three environments.’And the Society’s objective, and the Council. This work continues month exhibition in London in February of advancing geographical science, has into 2017, with the Council formally 2016. Thanks to a grant from the Heritage never been so important. So I’m going agreeing the strategy. Lottery Fund, it started a four-city UK to begin by thanking all of you for tour in Manchester in summer 2016, Autumn 2016 saw the start of the supporting the continuing work of the to be followed by Birmingham and Society’s international Field Research Society. Every Fellow, member, donor Edinburgh in 2017 and Hull in 2018. Programme, Migrants on the margins. and volunteer makes a difference. In collaboration with the universities of Little known among the Society’s This has been another exciting year Sussex, SOAS and Durham and research Collections is the archive of moving and I encourage you all to explore the institutes in each of the four cities that images, stored at the British Film details in the following pages. By way are being studied, this is the first time Institute (BFI). A further £150,000 grant of introduction, I’d like to share three the Society has engaged in a largely in 2016 from the Heritage Lottery Fund current aspects of our work. urban project. It is led by Professor means this is about to change. The Mike Collyer at the University of Sussex. films are being digitised by specialists The Society spent considerable time The choice of topic reflects the fact that at the BFI and will become available to and effort in 2016 planning its next migration of the rural poor to cities in the public in digital form in 2017. This strategy, which will guide work over Africa and Asia will be one of the defining includes the film of the first flight over the five years 2017-2021. Led by the global issues of the 21st century. The Everest in 1933. Executive Committee of the Council, first field research meeting, to plan the which comprises senior trustees and None of the above would have been 2017 field surveys, was held in Colombo the Director, there was widespread possible without the dedication and in early October. This followed the consultation during the second half of expertise of the staff at the Society. success, led by the research team, in 2016. This included consultation with Thank you all for putting in the long raising c £1m in support of the project, the four main Committees of Council; hours and for your devotion to the which is scheduled to end in December representatives of the 11 regional future of geography. 2020. Thanks are warmly extended to committees; the Research Group the Fellows and members who donated Finally, the Society was delighted sub-committee; the Professional in support of this project. to welcome HRH The Princess Royal Accreditation committee; the Policy as Patron. Advisory group; the Society’s staff; and The Society’s Collections were in the a consultation paper circulated to all limelight too in 2016. The Enduring Eye 2/3 Dr Rita Gardner CBE From the Director Director

2016 was both a demanding and an As a charity, our work continued to • A new programme to accredit degree excellent year. As the last year in the reach non-Fellows and members, courses, introduced at the request of current strategy (2012-2016), it was the both nationally and internationally. We some universities. This complements culmination of five years of growth and estimate more than 3.5 million people in the Chartered Geographer professional reputation-building across our breadth 2016 engaged with it, from conferences accreditation, which reached 673. of activities; and a year with important and seminars to scholarly journals; from • The Society being selected by the new developments. We end the year training courses to online resources; from Department for Education as its partner with the Society and geography in very debates to interviews and lectures; from to award prestigious teacher training good shape and heart. our Collections to geographical walks; scholarships to recognise and from professional accreditation to grants Our staff team of 60, together with the encourage high calibre trainee teachers. and Ambassadors; and much more 2,800 volunteers who support our work, This followed the announcement of a besides. These are described in the and our users and donors, ensured national shortage of geography teachers, following pages that set out how that we had an active year and one in reflecting the increasing popularity of the we met our charitable objective ‘the which the Society’s core activities met subject. Entrants to GCSE and A Level advancement of geographical science’. with success. These are the bedrock of reached a 15 year high, of 244,033 and the work we do, with and for a breadth of We also developed a number of new 36,363, respectively. geographical communities in: research activities, partnered initiatives and We were delighted to receive donations and higher education; school education; projects, in line with our strategy. of more than £800,000 to enhance the fieldwork and expeditions; professional They include: Society’s grant-giving for field research geography; policy; and the wider public. • A formal strategic alliance between and scientific expeditions. Our greatest challenge was in senior the Society and the Association for management finance support, and we Finally, the culmination of two years’ Geographic Information that focuses have appointed a new Head of Finance work by Chartered Geographers in on public affairs activities. and Services. Whitehall, and the Society, resulted in the • Environmental Resources excellent news that a Head of Geography In 2016, some 16,000 individuals, Management (ERM) becoming a will be appointed within the Science and departments and organisations new corporate benefactor, supporting Engineering Profession in Government. supported the Society – the learned our work in professional development; This will be the first time that geography society and professional body for and the renewal of support from Esri and professional geographers have been geography in the UK – as Fellows and UK and Trailfinders. officially recognised in UK government. members. Membership included some A great way to end the year! 2,500 Young Geographers. 4/5 1 Geography Promoting and sustaining a vibrant discipline

Objective Represent, promote Geography ended 2016 in excellent health overall, continuing the upward trend and advocate for geography as a in recent years in England and Wales especially – at school, in higher education, leading discipline, so that it is seen as engaging and useful by the public and in terms of recognition of its value by employers, parents and in government. and it maintains a strong position The Society continued to be an influential, widely sought out, and effective in education, research, fieldwork advocate for the discipline. and expeditions, and in informing policy and business. In particular 1.1 Making the case for geography Context Major changes are The Society continues to have strong links underway in the UK in school and • The contribution that geography makes to with networks of key influencers across the higher education, in the funding analysis, policy and delivery in government of research, and in the shaping of government, business, research and learned was formally recognised with the agreement national policy. If geography is to society sectors. The Society is a powerful sustain its strong position and fulfil to appoint a Head of Geography within advocate and well placed to ensure that the its full potential it needs an effective the Government Science and Engineering champion, ensuring decision makers voice of geography and of geographers is profession. and others understand its relevance heard where it matters. and contribution. Geography has • In response to geography being designated an essential role in the 21st century. During 2016 the Society worked closely with It is the spatial discipline that a teacher shortage subject, following its the Geographers in Government network to helps everyone understand our continued growth at GCSE and A Level, the make the case for geography and geographers world – its places, people and Society was funded by the Department for environments. Without it, people being formally recognised by the introduction Education to administer a Geography would struggle to grasp how social, of a Head of Geography under the umbrella economic and environmental Teacher Training Scholarship programme. processes bring about change of the Science and Engineering Profession in communities, places and • The Society and the Association for in Government. Other links with government regions; and how to manage Geographic Information (AGI) entered into and closely related bodies were maintained a sustainable future. a formal strategic alliance in late 2016 throughout the year, including with the to promote the understanding, use and Department for Education (DfE), Department applications of geographic information in for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), a world of ‘big data’. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Department for International Development (DfID), Environment Agency (EA), Defence Geographic Centre (DGC) and Ordnance Survey (OS). “It was an excellent opportunity to explore this key issue across academics and professional groups.” 21st Century Challenges: Policy forum attendee

After discussions during the year, the Councils of the Society and AGI agreed in late 2016 to enter a strategic alliance between the two organisations. This will build on the Society’s expertise and experience in public affairs and the AGI’s insight into the use of geographic information, to provide a stronger voice for professional geography in this field. As part of the alliance, a Public Affairs Manager will be recruited in mid-2017 Two well attended 21st Century The Society’s long term relationship to deliver a joint programme of work. Challenges public discussions also took with the DfE, together with its standing place on the topics of social integration as the professional body for geography Advocacy from the Society, and others, and energy supply. and well-developed networks with over the previous six years to ensure both students and employers, led that geography education in schools 1.2 Advising on geography to the Society being funded to run includes opportunities for high quality The Society’s position at the heart of the Geography Teacher Training fieldwork and independent study, as the geography community enabled Scholarship programme. Geography well as preparing students for both informed responses to be submitted was formally recognised as a teacher higher education and employment, to six policy consultations on topics shortage subject in 2016 and the came to fruition in September 2016 including the purpose and quality of programme – similar to those in with the first teaching of the new GCSE education in schools, the impact of the place for physics, chemistry and and A Level courses. UK leaving the EU on higher education, maths – aims to help address the and the Research Excellence and The importance of geography to key shortage of geography teachers by Teaching Excellence Frameworks. The policy issues was highlighted through attracting high calibre individuals into Society also continued to monitor the the four 21st Century Challenges policy the profession. The programme, which many changes occurring in higher forum events that took place during started in September 2016, will recruit education, working closely with the 2016. The discussions on migration, 80 outstanding prospective geography university Heads of Geography to housing, flooding and energy featured teachers in 2016/17 and offers a respond to the Higher Education and leading researchers, practitioners and £27,500 scholarship and support Research Bill as it passed through policymakers, and attracted audiences including membership of the Society Parliament, and on the implications of around 100 people to each event. and the Geographical Association. of Brexit on students, staff and funding. 6/7

1.3 Promoting geography to wider audiences To help geography to prosper and raise its profile, the Society promotes the discipline to a wide range of audiences, including the public, young people, parents and employers. The Geography Ambassadors scheme continued to be successful at reaching young people with Ambassadors providing presentations in several hundred schools to c 30,000 pupils during 2016. Feedback from both teachers and pupils about the presentations – which explore the value of studying geography and the relevance of the subject to careers – continued to be overwhelmingly positive. To ensure the quality of the presentations, all Ambassadors, whether they are undergraduates, postgraduates or early–career professionals, participate in training sessions. Two of the Society’s public engagement projects, Discovering Britain and Britain from the Air, reached large audiences during 2016 (see section 2), while even more people learnt about the Society’s work through profiles in the media (see section 4). 2 Knowledge and understanding Helping create a better informed world

Objective Advance, interpret Advancing and sharing geographical knowledge and understanding represents and share geographical knowledge a significant proportion of the Society’s work. During 2016, the Society engaged more fully, so that the world is better understood and more people with over 3.5 million people, including Fellows and members, scholars, field benefit from using and enjoying scientists, teachers, students, community groups and the wider public. geographical knowledge in their work, leisure and communities. In particular Context In a rapidly changing world we constantly need to • Migrants on the margins, the Society’s advance our knowledge and collaborative international Field Research understanding of it, so that we can Programme, got underway. better care for our environments and landscapes, respond to social • The Society’s Annual International and economic challenges as they affect our towns, communities Conference enabled almost 2,000 geographers and countryside, and act more from across the world to share and learn responsibly as citizens. Helping to about the latest developments in the discipline. advance geographical knowledge through research and scientific • Discovering Britain, with its national spread 2.1 Advancing knowledge expeditions, share it with professional users and make it of geographical views, trails and walks was The Society’s major Field Research Programme, accessible and engaging through launched publicly and the Britain from the Air Migrants on the margins, started in October interpretation to non-specialists exhibition was on show at the Society and in 2016 with a meeting of the project team in are all at the heart of the Society. Birmingham and Nottingham city centres. Colombo, Sri Lanka. This was made possible by fundraising efforts over 18 months, led by • The Society ran more than 450 live events the project team, which successfully reached – lectures, discussions, interviews, conferences, the target of £1m. Migrants on the margins field visits and training courses – over the is a three year project focussing on the course of 2016, including those organised by vulnerability and opportunities of migrants the regional committees and Research Groups. in some of the world’s most pressured cities, • The Society's active support for teachers including Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dhaka continued with a focus on resources and (Bangladesh), Harare (Zimbabwe) and training to help with the first teaching Hargeisa (Somaliland). The project is a of the new GCSE and A Level courses, partnership between the Society and UK including the first full year of the Data Skills and international researchers, and is led in Geography project. by Professor Mike Collyer of the University of Sussex. 8/9

The Society’s grants programme, 2.2 Interpreting and Northern Ireland. In 2016, the Regional through the field research and scientific sharing knowledge Theatres Programme attracted over expeditions it supports, advances During 2016, over 26,000 people 3,280 people to 23 events. geographical knowledge and helps attended more than 200 events as part The regional programme of activities develop careers. of the Society’s London programme. The organised by the volunteer-led regional Society’s renowned series of Monday In 2016, the Society awarded grants committees was full and varied during night lectures for Fellows, members and to 63 projects, directly involving 2016 with more than 160 events taking guests, regularly attracted audiences 155 individuals, with over £170,000 place. These included guided walks of over 600 to listen to talks on a wide of funding. The projects ranged from based on Discovering Britain activities, range of topics including the making investigations of ground water field visits to the Lion Salt Works in of British landscapes, the global politics resources and indigenous land rights, Cheshire and the cave system of of climate change and life in Yangon. to research on the geomorphology Barbondale, and talks on topics ranging The majority of the year’s lectures are of desert wadis and transnational from extreme weather and Antarctic available for members to watch online identities. exploration to shark conservation and and short ‘trailers’ of the lectures are human migration. In September, an event was held to being used on the website and shared celebrate 60 years of Expeditions and via social media to encourage people Discovering Britain, the Society’s project Geographical Fieldwork grants. Over to join the Society. to get people exploring the stories 11,500 people have been directly behind the country’s diverse landscapes The London programme of public events supported through these grants, along through geographical walks, trails and included the Discovering People series with very many in-country participants. views saw a boost in users following its of interviews and the Discovering Places Projects have been conducted in 148 launch to the press in May (see section series of travel events. Discovering Places countries across all seven continents. 4 for details). By the end of the year, the featured Kazakhstan, Nicaragua and Close to 250 former grant recipients mobile-friendly website featured over Senegal, providing potential visitors with attended the event which was hosted 350 activities. practical information and cultural insights by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. about these less-visited destinations. The Discovering Britain website now During the year, the fundraising target also contains the images from Britain The nine UK regional branches and the for the grants programme during the from the Air, the Society’s outdoor Regional Theatres Programme provided strategic period 2012-16 was exceeded exhibition of large scale aerial a range of geographical talks, lectures thanks to the generosity of donors photographs. The exhibition itself was and field visits for both members and (see section 6 for details). on display in the Society’s gardens in the public across England, Wales and London from 10 May to 12 July, before “What wonderful and inspiring photographs. Such an informative and thought-provoking exhibition.” Britain from the Air visitor

moving to Birmingham city centre from 15 July to 11 September and then to Nottingham city centre from 8 December to late April 2017. Thanks to project sponsorship from Craghoppers Ltd and the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, over 1.5 million people were able to see the exhibition during 2016. The Enduring Eye exhibition received over 107,000 physical and online visitors during its residency in the Society’s Pavilion from 21 November 2015 to 28 February 2016 and received widespread coverage in the national and international press during that time. An ongoing UK tour of the exhibition, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is exploring the connections between the Endurance expedition and local communities. While at Manchester Central Library (April-June 2016) it was seen by over 20,000 people and resulted in a gallery of local connections on the Society’s website. Other events designed to increase access to the Society’s Collections, such as the Be Inspired talks and On View displays, attracted more attendees during 2016 thanks to wider promotion beyond the Society’s membership and immediate supporters. 10/11

Almost 2,000 geographers from across number of specialist groups to 30. In addition, new A Level topic the world attended the 2016 Annual During the year, the Research Groups overviews, written by leading academic International Conference, which was organised over 25 events across the geographers, were produced to provide held at the Society in London over four UK, as well as publishing books and an introduction to some of the key days. The Chair, Professor Peter Jackson journals and awarding publishing prizes, content, concepts and geographical (University of Sheffield), chose ‘Nexus as part of their work to support the theories within the new courses. They thinking’ as the conference theme. research community. received a Geographical Association Sessions, plenaries and discussion Publishers’ Award in recognition of The 2016 Young Geographer of panels explored the urgent need to the high quality support they provide the Year competition gave pupils the address the interconnected challenges teachers. opportunity to engage with contemporary of food, water and energy security, geographical issues as they answered A new initiative to facilitate links between through integrated research across the the question ‘How is Britain changing?’. schools and universities got underway social and environmental sciences. Over 1,500 entries from pupils aged mid-year with an event in Oxford. The The conference programme also 8-19 were received for final judging. initiative is developing local programmes included field visits and exhibitions, Alongside the competition for pupils, of subject update lectures for A Level sessions for postgraduate students and the Society also presented the Rex pupils alongside subject knowledge early career researchers, collaborative Walford Award to Richard Sutton, a new and CPD events for teachers. work by geographers and artists, teacher, for the resources he developed The Discovering Antarctica website, meet-the-author sessions, and lectures linked to the competition question. produced jointly with the British Antarctic sponsored by some of the leading The Society’s online resources for Survey, British Antarctic Territories and geography academic journals. Media schools, now fully integrated into the the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, coverage of conference papers was Society’s website, continued to be in was redeveloped and relaunched again significant, building on links made high demand with the schools pages in 2016. The improved site, which is with journalists during the previous year’s being viewed 1.85m times over the now mobile friendly and has greater conference (see section 4 for details). course of the year. Alongside written interactivity, received a commendation The Society’s Research Groups are at case studies and expert interviews, short from the Scottish Association of the heart of the success of the Annual podcasts and videos of geographers Geography Teachers and was shortlisted Conference, with the majority of sessions discussing a range of contemporary for awards from the Educational organised or supported by the Groups. issues were introduced during 2016 Resources Association and BETT. In 2016, the Digital Geographies Working and they have proved a popular way Group was set up, bringing the total of exploring the issues. 2.3 Reaching new audiences The workshop was repeated at the end year, fieldwork masterclass weekends The Society’s work to engage and of October at the request of the Black for geography teachers, and support support diaspora and community groups Heritage Group and both workshops to enable first year university on projects linked to the Society’s received excellent feedback. undergraduates to take part in overseas Collections was taken forward during field research projects. The evaluation The Society’s Learning and Leading 2016 with the production in June of report and project review to be published programme drew to a close in 2016 ‘Working with the Society’s Collections’. in 2017 will describe the project’s impact after eight years of support for students This is an accessible guide for on raising aspiration and achievement. from disadvantaged backgrounds community groups wanting to work and teachers who faced challenging As part of the discussions to inform the with the Society on heritage projects. circumstances. Between 2008 and 2017-21 strategy, the Society is reviewing A workshop linked to the launch of 2016, more than 255 young geographers the opportunities to continue work the guide generated four new project and 158 teachers benefited from to inspire those from less advantaged proposals including ones that will explore fieldwork summer schools for Year 12 backgrounds and to contribute to the heritage of Gujaratis in the UK, and students, support for school leavers to social mobility through geography reinterpret the role of women in the organise a meaningful overseas gap and fieldwork. abolition of the eastern slave trade. 12 /13 3 Geography in practice Enabling professional and student communities

Objective Help meet the needs As the UK’s professional body for geography, the Society helps to maintain of practising geographers and standards in the discipline by providing training, accreditation and professional students, so that there are vibrant, well trained, accredited professional networking for a wide range of audiences including geographers in business, communities, and highly employable the public sector, higher education, schools and those undertaking independent students. fieldwork and expeditions. Context Geographical knowledge and skills are increasingly used at In particular 3.1 Developing a full programme of work and sought out by employers. professional support and accreditation Students have a keener interest • The Society’s support for field researchers As part of the Society’s work to support than ever in training and and independent travellers was celebrated employability in a world of geography in higher education institutions, with the 40th anniversary of Explore. greater competition. Professional course accreditation was introduced during accreditation is becoming more widely valued and rewarded. • The Society began accrediting 2016. In the first round of the new scheme, undergraduate geography programmes, 139 undergraduate and integrated master’s The Society has developed as a professional body as well as providing independent recognition that geography programmes were accredited. a learned society in the past ten quality standards, in line with the subject Society accreditation is one of the ways years. This is to meet individual benchmark, are being met. for a university to receive independent needs for advising, maintaining recognition that the knowledge, skills and and accrediting standards and • The Chartered Geographer scheme other attributes expected of high quality in providing quality training for continued to grow, bolstered by relationships expeditions, fieldwork and subject geography graduates are being delivered. knowledge. It is timely for that with employers across a range of sectors to expand. employing geographers, including transport, The Society also offers accreditation of insurance and consultancy. individuals through the Chartered Geographer scheme. During 2016, the range of events • More than 1,600 teachers attended offered to Chartered Geographers and those continuing professional development interested in applying to the scheme increased (CPD) events organised by the Society. in response to demand. New online resources were also launched in the second half of the year to better promote the benefits of accreditation and support the application process. By the end of 2016, there were 673 Chartered Geographers. “Really good place to share good practice.” “Lots of new ideas for lessons.” “Incredibly useful!” Attendees at teacher CPD sessions

3.2 Sustaining a strong The Society is a leading provider of 3.3 Consolidating, sharing training function CPD for teachers of geography at the and promoting best practice The Society’s annual expedition and field secondary level. In total, more than In an important new initiative, the Society research planning weekend, Explore, 1,600 teachers attended CPD events put in place support for the teaching celebrated its 40th anniversary in organised by the Society during 2016. and learning of geography in higher November by bringing together many education. This was in response to the CPD provision was enhanced during of those who have supported the event reduction in subject focused work by the year with the successful roll out of with their time and expertise over the the Higher Education Academy and the the Data Skills in Geography project. decades. The Peter Smith lecture, held growth in numbers of students studying This project, funded by the Nuffield on the Friday evening, was on the future geography at university. Largely externally Foundation, meets an identified need of exploration. Over 450 delegates, funded, the work during 2016 included to enhance the understanding and speakers and guests attended the the introduction of course accreditation confidence of both teachers and weekend, taking part in lectures, (see above); a number of training events students in the collection, analysis workshops and informal networking. including a ‘new to teaching’ event in and use of data. By the end of the weekend, many November that was fully subscribed more expeditions and field research In the CPD strand of the project, around with 22 delegates; and a new section projects were being planned and 300 teachers during 2016 attended a of the Society’s website that brings many delegates have since gone on wide range of regionally-based events together subject-specific resources to apply for Society grants. that were delivered in partnership with on teaching and learning. universities, exam boards and field Explore is just one of the activities The Society also hosted two meetings, studies organisations. In addition, the organised by Geography Outdoors, in March and September, for university project established a team of 15 regional the Society’s centre for supporting field geography departments to discuss ‘Data Skills Champions’ to provide research, exploration and outdoor issues of equality and diversity in encouragement to teachers and learning. It also provides expert advice relation to the Athena SWAN Charter schools locally. online, and one-on-one advice for Mark and the Race Equality Charter Fellows and members planning scientific The Society also increased its CPD Mark managed by the Equality expeditions or travel with a purpose. offer in 2016 as a result of the Greater Challenges Unit. During 2016, Geography Outdoors ran London Authority supporting the 25 training courses spanning Land Rover Geography: A Subject Hub for London Training, Off-Site Safety Management project, which delivered a programme and using GIS in the field, which were of support for teachers across 15 attended by over 500 people. London boroughs. 14/15

2016 at a glance

Research and Higher Education Fieldwork and Expeditions

• Migrants on the margins got underway with research partners from five countries meeting in Colombo.

• Nearly 2,000 geographers attended the Society’s Annual 2,0DELEGATESInternational Conference.00 • 139 undergraduate geography programmes in 24 departments • 40 years of Explore and 60 years were accredited. of Expeditions and Geographical YEARSFieldwork Grants were celebrated. COUNTRIES 40 5 Geography remains in an excellent position.

Education

• Over £170,000 was awarded • 1,600 teachers attended Society- for field research projects and run CPD events across the UK. expeditions across the world.

• Geography Outdoors ran 25 workshops attended by over 500 people. • 400 teachers and young people facing challenging circumstances • The Society started recruiting 80 £170k TEbenefitedACHERS during the eight years of scholars for the Geography Teacher 1,600 SCHOLARS the Learning and Leading project. 80Training Scholarship scheme. 16/ 17

2016 saw: the number of students studying GCSE increasing for a fifth consecutive year, a16% increase in A Level

Policy, Governance and Fundraising Public Engagement

• The Society and the AGI formed • HRH The Princess Royal became a strategic alliance, ERM became a the Society’s Patron. Corporate Benefactor, Esri UK and Trailfinders renewed their support.

• £813,000 was raised for the grants programme, funding new £grants in813 perpetuity. k • Over 1.5 million people saw Britain from the Air while it was on display in • In total, £1.9m was raised during London, Birmingham and Nottingham. the year in support of the Society’s MILLION £MILLwork in 20161.9 and beyond.ION 1.5 candidates since 2011, high course satisfaction among undergraduates and high employability for geography graduates.

Collections and Enterprises

• More than 350 proactive pieces • Platinum print sales of images from of press coverage were generated the Endurance expedition generated during the year. gross income of over £200,000.

• Enterprise activity generated net income of nearly £1m, including £719,00 from venue hire.

• 138 films were digitised to make • The Society’s website was visited £200k the Society’s moving film archive PRby overES 1.2SCOVE million people.RAGE 350138publiclyFILMS accessible. 18/19 4 Growing our reputation Building on tradition, independence and contemporary relevance

Objective Build further the The Society’s reputation as one of the most active and innovative learned societies Society’s strong profile and was reinforced during 2016 by continuing to increase media coverage of the reputation, nationally and internationally, reinforcing and breadth of its work and proactively collaborating with partners to increase the publicising its role as a leader scope and impact of activities. among learned societies and a partner of choice. In particular remains the UK representative body for the Context The Society is one International Geographical Union. the largest, most active and most • The media profile of both the Society innovative of scholarly geographical and geography was kept high owing to The Society maintained close liaison and societies worldwide. It is well known good relationships with key journalists and engagement with the British Academy and highly respected in the UK. It has a well-developed international producers being developed and maintained. and the Academy of Social Sciences, reach and reputation through its through representation as a trustee, on • The international partners for the Society’s journals, the field projects and committees and via the geography Fellows expeditions it supports, the Annual Field Research Project, Migrants on the of both academies. In addition, the Society International Conference and margins, were announced. an international membership. It participated in the Strategic Forum for Social is sought out for advice by other • The Society’s journals continued to perform Science, which brings together leading national geographical societies; and has two international branches. very well, providing a valuable resource for institutions under the chair of Lord Stern. the academic community across the world. Global changes offer opportunities The Society was invited to share its experiences to establish stronger partnerships with selected nations and sister in strategic development with trustees of the societies for the mutual benefit of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) 4.1 Developing and consolidating organisations, their memberships, and the Director was honoured to receive the and geography globally. bilateral relationships Gold Medal of the RSGS, its highest accolade. Discussions with the College of Teaching continued during 2016, focussing on 4.2 Enhancing communication membership and the parity of chartered and liaison accreditation for teachers across the subject To enable more effective and consistent specific and generic teaching realms. communications with key audiences, The Society also continued to liaise including Fellows and members, in early productively with the Field Studies Council, 2016 the Society moved to the MailChimp the Geographical Association, Ordnance email platform and introduced standardised Survey, the examination boards offering templates based on the Society’s visual GCSE and A Level courses, and the Council identity. The clear calls to action now of British Geography (COBRIG). The Society included in each email have increased click “I’m delighted to have been appointed sole Editor of the RGS-IBG Book Series. It is exciting to be working on this influential series and, with the extended Editorial Board, to be guiding its future direction.” Dr David Featherstone, University of Glasgow, RGS-IBG Book Series Editor

through rates, meaning greater of the Enduring Eye exhibition in Journal rose to fifth in the geography numbers are finding out more about Manchester generated two BBC citation rankings during 2016. Five new the Society’s activities. News Online pieces as well as local books were published in 2016, and two press coverage. published the previous year received During 2016, the Society’s website was prestigious international awards. visited by almost 1.2 million individual The Annual International Conference, users who looked at over 3.5 million held at the end of August, provided the The international research partners for pages. As part of a coherent strategy basis for strong national media coverage the Society’s collaborative Field Research for the Society’s digital presence as a of geographical research and key Project, Migrants on the margins, were whole, the scoping of a new website geographical issues including by BBC announced during 2016 as: the Centre was underway by the end of the year. News, BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4 for Migration Research and Development The new website will be live by the end Today, Sunday Times, Guardian, Metro, in Sri Lanka, the International Centre of 2017. Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Independent, for Climate Change and Development City AM, Spectator, and Evening in Bangladesh, the Development Media coverage of the Society and its Standard. In total over 350 pieces of Governance Institute in Zimbabwe, and activities remained high throughout 2016, coverage were generated. the Organisation for Conflict and Violence building on progress made during 2015 Prevention in Somaliland. in developing relationships with key 4.3 Extending the international journalists to profile geography as a dimension of current activities Establishing a sustainable international vibrant discipline and promote significant As the leading scholarly geographical exhibition presence, starting with the aspects of the Society’s work. The press society in the world, the Society’s reach Enduring Eye exhibition, has proved launch of Discovering Britain in May and reputation are global. The Society’s challenging. However, discussions resulted in features in the Sunday international journals (Area, Transactions towards the end of the year with senior Telegraph and the Guardian as well of the Institute of British Geographers, trustees at the Bowers Museum in as the Director appearing on the BBC The Geographical Journal, WIREs Los Angeles look likely to yield a US Breakfast sofa. Also in May, the Britain Climate Change and Geo) and book venue and potentially a US tour of from the Air exhibition opening at the series continue to disseminate new the exhibition. Society was covered by photo stories geographical research, sustaining their The Hong Kong branch of the Society in the Evening Standard and the reach and stature during 2016. 4,200 continued to have a lively programme of Times. When the exhibition opened in institutions worldwide subscribe to events, with over 68 organised during Birmingham in September, new images Society journals and 5,416 institutions 2016. A programme of events also took of the city in the exhibition also featured in the developing world receive free place in Singapore during the year. in local newspapers. The opening philanthropic access. The Geographical 20/21 5 Enhancing our membership An important source of expertise, funding and enthusiasm

Objective Reach and engage The Society is a vibrant community of geographers and those with an interest in new supporters and retain the informed travel and understanding our changing world. Every Fellow and member enthusiasm and expertise of existing Fellows and members, across the helps to strengthen the Society’s influence and each subscription supports the UK and beyond, ensuring a strong Society’s charitable work in championing geography, inspiring the next generation and growing membership of both and sharing geographical knowledge. professionals and enthusiasts who support our activities. In particular Context The Society draws heavily on its Fellows and members for their • The total number of Society Fellows and knowledge, advice, enthusiasm and members was successfully sustained and contacts, and for their subscriptions which provide around a quarter is stable at 16,000. of the Society’s income – the single largest source. The Society • More than 2,800 Fellows, members and especially values its many loyal volunteers gave their time and expertise to Fellows and members who have support the Society’s work during 2016. provided long term support. If the Society is to continue to develop in • The role of Fellows and members in a sustainable way then membership needs to continue to increase year extending the reach of the Society and encouraging new joiners is invaluable and on year, while being mindful of not 5.1 Improving communication adding too much additional pressure greatly appreciated. on London events and facilities. with members • In 2016, the Society had Fellows and As part of the ongoing commitment to members in over 104 countries worldwide communicate more effectively with Fellows including most countries in Europe. and members, a review of all membership literature (including application forms, welcome packs, renewal letters and exit surveys) was completed over the summer of 2016. This, along with a closer working relationship between the membership and communications teams, has improved the consistency of messaging across all membership communications. Work also took place during the year to keep the In the Field pages of the Society’s website “From my first time at Explore to receiving the Land Rover Bursary ten years later, the Society has supported and guided my work in countless invaluable ways.” Tom Allen FRGS

updated with information about the Rates of retention, at c 94% for Fellows 5.3 Support from volunteers fieldwork supported by the Society and c 62% for members, were in line The Society thanks its highly committed so that Fellows and members could with previous annual levels. regional committees for organising follow the progress of the expeditions. events for members and the public Throughout 2016, there was a focus on during 2016. The volunteers who make The Society news pages of the website improving membership administration up the regional committees are just a remained a source of timely information processes and reporting. This produced proportion of the 2,800 people who about the Society’s activities. In 2016, better management information, gave their time and expertise during resource was prioritised to ensure that enabling an improved service for new the year to support the aims and at least two, and more often three, and existing members. objectives of the Society. In total, an articles were published each week to An ongoing, regular series of low estimated 1,500 days of direct volunteer enable the breadth of work being done cost activities continued to result in support was given, including speakers by the Society to be profiled. All the recruitment across all membership at events, Geography Ambassadors, articles were also shared on social groups. One of the most productive, expert advisors, editors and editorial media to extend their reach. and highly valued, ways of reaching board members, peer reviewers, grant Geographical magazine, produced new Fellows and members remains reviewers and committee members under licence by Syon Publishing through existing Fellows and members. – this is equivalent to roughly six full for the Society, featured stories on time staff. The number of School Members was sustainable tourism, fashion and food, at a steady state at the end of 2016, The modest pilot of new regional the plight of refugees and endangered consolidating the modest growth activities that took place between 2014 animals, among many others. Each achieved in 2015. The offer to School and 2016 was completed. The pilot issue also contained an article about Members now includes free, termly assessed different mechanisms for Society activities and initiatives. lectures by leading academics for attracting individuals to serve on regional Geographical is available as both print A Level students – over 800 pupils committees; facilitating members and digital editions. attended the 2016 lectures. meeting on a more local basis; and 5.2 Enhancing recruitment and trialling activity in city centres. The The number of Young Geographers retention of Fellows and members learning from the activities has been grew in 2016, largely due to gift There was modest growth in the number shared among the regional committees memberships and better articulation of Fellows during 2016, with the total and has stimulated some new activities. of the benefits of becoming a Young number of members across all grades Geographer. stable. 22/23 6 Securing the future As one of the world’s largest and most active scholarly geographical societies

Objective Enable a robust future The Society’s work in 2016 benefited from a clear strategy, sound governance, for the Society, by increasing income committed membership, volunteer support and enthusiastic staff. The Society sustainably, using technology effectively, and enhancing staff exceeded its income targets for 2016 and maintained expenditure within budget, capabilities. to end the year with an operating surplus on the General Fund of £309,000, Context The Society is an on a total income of £6.52m (2015: £5.41m). Increased income in the year was independent body with a strong generated from donations and grants, operating activities and Enterprise reputation for quality and objectivity. company gross revenues, while membership income remained similar to 2015. In common with most other learned societies and professional bodies, The Society’s income growth over the five year period from 2012-2016 was it receives no core government consistent with the high level scenario in the business plan. funding. It is proud to have developed to be among the most dynamic The financial review (pages 24/25) sets out new projects, and for capital replacements. scholarly bodies worldwide. Over the past 15 years it has grown to how the Society generated and spent its Esri UK renewed its corporate support for the be recognised both for its work income in support of its charitable activities. Ambassador programme, Trailfinders renewed to advance geography with the In 2016 the Society sustained, again, higher its support for learning through travel; and research and scientific expedition communities, and also beyond, with gross income in Enterprise activities at £1.77m Environmental Resources Management schools, students, the public at large (2015: £1.49m), of which £1.09m came (ERM) agreed to become a new Corporate and policy makers. The strategy from venue hire; net Enterprises income was Benefactor from 2017, supporting 2012-2016 builds on the breadth of £0.97m (2015: £0.9m). The Hurley platinum professional development. our activities and reputation, seeking print sales were also very successful. new ways to involve people and to £813,000 was donated to the grants increase our income. In January 2016, the new post of Facilities programme for research and scientific Manager was filled. A planned programme expeditions, increasing the undergraduate, of major works and repairs in 2016 included postgraduate and early career awards a new fire alarm system and new lighting in the Society offers. This includes £500,000 the Ondaatje Theatre. endowment from the Walters Kundert Charitable Trust to support field research The Society sustained strong relationships in Arctic and high mountain environments. with its donors, and received substantial new support in addition to funds given in previous £300,000 was raised by the Migrants on the years for work in 2016. Overall, £1.9m in new margins team, from The Global Challenges funding (2015: £2.0m) was given or committed Research Fund, to support the field research, in 2016 for Society-led and partnered activities: and will be administered through the University boosting the grants programme, supporting of Sussex. We thank everyone who has kindly Esri UK the leading provider of GIS technology, Gumby Award donated in support of our work; supported the Society’s Geography Ambassador Henrietta Hutton Memorial Fund programme and brought GIS expertise to it. HM Qaboos, Sultan of Oman those supporting activities in 2016 Ambassadors inspire 30,000 young people Hong Kong Branch are listed below. a year with geography and GIS. John Pilkington and the BBC Land Rover Corporate Benefactors in 2016 Corporate Business Member Neville Shulman All are warmly thanked for their support Silversea engaged the Society in providing Paul and Mary Slawson over many years. educative materials on their expedition cruise ships. Ralph Brown Memorial Fund Land Rover supported our core scientific Other supporters Information services and resources expedition and fieldwork training activities, including Owing to space limitations, not everyone can be NADFAS Land Rover driver training courses, the loan of mentioned but the Society thanks you all warmly a Freelander to facilitate outreach visits, and the as every donation matters. We also thank staff and Legacies received Land Rover Bursary to support one major field others who have provided fundraising guidance Estate of Fay Elspeth Langford expedition each year. and assistance. Estate of Mr Charles O'Brien Estate of Mr Rupert Hughes Ordnance Survey Ltd supported our core work Education with schools and teachers, helping to strengthen Arts and Humanities Research Council Lowther Lodge geography in education, to ensure sound use British Antarctic Survey Sir Christopher Ondaatje of maps and GIS, and to reward excellence in British Antarctic Territory Membership services teaching and learning. Department for Education Cotswold Outdoor Rolex supported our core work with and through Department for International Development Philip’s Publishing the Society’s large, unique and iconic collections Economic and Social Research Council Stanfords Maps and Books Foreign and Commonwealth Office of maps, photographs, books, documents Public engagement and objects, helping to underpin public access, Greater London Authority Polar Regions Department 21st Century Challenges project supporter conservation and new uses for, and users of, British Antarctic Territory the Collections. The Nuffield Foundation University of Exeter Discovering Britain project supporter Trailfinders supported the Society’s work with the University of Nottingham Government of South Georgia & South public, to inspire and promote the wider relevance Sandwich Islands and enjoyment of geography and to foster a greater Fieldwork and expeditions Heritage Lottery Fund understanding of our world. This builds on a shared Arts and Humanities Research Council Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 common interest in informed travel. Department for International Development The Clothworkers’ Company Economic and Social Research Council UK Antarctic Heritage Trust Corporate Project Partners Land Rover Experience Walter Scott Ltd Craghoppers corporate support for the Society’s Learning and Leading project supporter acclaimed Britain from the Air exhibition helped Research and higher education Grants enable exhibitions in 2015/16 in Leeds, London, Arts and Humanities Research Council Albert Reckitt Trust Birmingham and Nottingham. The Ernest Higher Education Academy John and Anne Alexander Kleinwort Charitable Trust kindly provided Deutsche Post Foundation complementary charitable support. Dudley Stamp Memorial Fund Geographical Club 24/ 25

Financial review

The summarised financial statements General Fund expenditure as a whole triennial actuarial valuation, the next one for 2016 on the following page provide increased in 2016 by 10%, half of the being at June 2017. The Society’s calculated an overview of the Society’s balance difference being the increase in expenditure Free Reserves at 31 December 2016 were on Enterprise activities noted above. 2016 £1.49m (2015: £2.05m). sheet assets, liabilities and funds, total costs, at £5.58m, were up 8.3% on 2015 together with its sources of both Independent auditor’s statement to the (£5.15m). The Society’s expenditure on Trustees of the Royal Geographical Society income and expenditure by activity. charitable activities rose in 2016 by £228k, (with the Institute of British Geographers) In 2016, the Society’s annual operating up 5.2% on 2015, to a high of £4.58m. Of Opinion We have examined the summarised financial statements result on the General Fund, after transfers the total, 23% was from restricted (donated project and grants) funds, with almost of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of between funds, but before investment and British Geographers) for the year ended 31 December all the remainder from the General Fund. pension valuations gains/losses was a 2016 set out on page 25. surplus of £309,000 (2015: £270,000). This Expenditure across the main areas of charitable activity showed some year on In our opinion the summarised financial statements are was on the total General Fund income of consistent with the full annual Financial Statements and £4.67m (2015: £4.37m), and was ahead of year variations, resulting largely from varying the Trustees’ Report of the Royal Geographical Society the prudently cast budget for the year. The levels of conference and project activity, (with the Institute of British Geographers) for the year ended 31 December 2016. total Society income was up 21% at £6.52m with spend on Research and Higher (2015: up17% to £5.41m) largely owing to Education, Policy, and Public Engagement Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the auditor donations and legacy income being higher up, the latter owing to the 21st Century Challenges policy forum and public The Trustees are responsible for preparing the in 2016 (£1.31m) than in 2015 (£0.74m). summarised financial statements in accordance discussions and The expenditure on charitable activities Discovering Britain with applicable United Kingdom law and the increased to £4.58m (2015: £4.35m), project funding. Expenditure on education recommendations of the charities SORP. which equates to 82% of total expenditure. fell slightly compared with 2015. The second Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the pie chart shows total resources expended consistency of the summarised financial statements The broad patterns of other income and by activity (with the effects of depreciation within the Annual Review with the full annual Financial expenditure in the General Fund remained removed); the proportional values, in Statements and the Trustees’ Report. similar in 2016 to 2015. Gross income and comparison with 2015, being affected We conducted our work in accordance with Bulletin expenditure in Enterprise activities was up by the higher enterprise costs. 2008/3 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. in 2016, to £1.77m (2015: £1.49m) and RSM UK Audit LLP £800k (2015: £587k), respectively; net The summary consolidated balance sheet Statutory Auditor, 4 April 2017. income rose by £70k, after contributions to shows net assets increasing by £1.65m The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Boulevard, building repairs and other costs. Membership (2015: £1.56m increase), excluding the change in the liability of the defined benefit Milton Keynes MK9 1BP income in both 2015 and 2016 was £1.62m; These summarised financial statements are extracted pension scheme as calculated for FRS102. which generated net £870k after costs of from the Society’s full audited Financial Statements for membership services in 2016. Income from This liability of £1.03m (2015: £425k the year ended 31 December 2016, which were approved charitable activities rose by £242k to £1.34m. unrecognised asset; 2014: £839k liability) by Council on 3 April 2017. The full Financial Statements and Trustees’ Report will be submitted to the Charity Proportional income is summarised in the reduces the net assets movement to £613k. The Society’s actual, legal, obligation to Commission after the Society’s AGM, and are available first pie chart. on the Society’s website W www.rgs.org and the Charity funding the scheme is determined by the Commission website W www.charity-commission.gov.uk. RESTRICTED DESIGNATED DESIGNATED GENERAL TOTALS 4 2 Research & Other 31.12.2016 6 Consolidated New Initiatives 25 Balance Sheet £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Fixed assets 4,745 1,280 6,025 •• 23 Investments 3,198 2,170 1,807 2,202 9,377 Current assets 830 • 71 3,682 4,583 Current liabilities •••-1,417 -1,417 20

Pension scheme liability •••-1,034 -1,034 21 Inter-fund accounts 359 304 2,051 -2,714 • £6.52m income by source Net assets 9,132 2,474 3,929 1,999 17,534 (2015: £5.41m) Funds balances 31.12.16 9,132 2,474 3,929 1,999 17,534 • 25% Membership subscriptions • 20% Donations, grants, and appeals Funds balances 31.12.15 8,508 2,254 3,593 2,566 16,921 • 21% Income generated by charitable activities • 23% RGS Enterprises turnover 2016 net Funds movement 624 220 336 -567 613 • 6% Investment income • 4% Corporate supporters • 2% Tenants

Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities 6 17 Incoming resources 1,411 81 358 4,668 6,518 15 (see right for analysis by sources) Resources expended -1,059 -31 -14 -4,479 -5,583

(see right for analysis by activity) 18 13 Net investment gain 241 174 139 175 729 Surplus before transfers 593 224 483 364 1,664 10 16 Transfers between funds 31 -4 -147 120 • 6 Surplus after transfers 624 220 336 484 1,664 £5.23m resources expended by activity Actuarial loss onpension scheme •••-1,051 -1,051 (2015: £4.78m) excluding depreciation £358k (2015: £350k) • 17% Education, expeditions, fieldwork, grants 624 220 336 -567 613 • 18% Engaging wider audiences • 10% Information services & resources • 6% Policy, communications, media • 16% Research, higher education, grants • 13% Membership services • 15% RGS Enterprises costs • 6% Other, including governance 26/27

Governance

The Society is governed by its Council The Council met, as usual, three times Ordinary Members of Council Staff which largely comprises Fellows in 2016 and attendance averaged Dr David Anderson The Director reports to the Council and elected from and by the Fellowship. 83% across all three meetings. In Professor Phil Ashworth has responsibility for implementing They represent the main areas of addition the Council held a special Felicity Aston MBE the Society’s strategy, assisted by activity of the Society. Up to four meeting to consider strategy. The Dr Jenny Balfour-Paul a senior team of five departmental of the 25 Council members may be Executive Committee of Council, Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB heads and a staff that numbered co-opted, including a postgraduate which comprises the senior-most Dr Emma Mawdsley 60. All staff members are based representative, to bring further Trustees, met in the intervening Professor Sarah Metcalfe at the Society’s headquarters in breadth, expertise and contact periods as the need arose. The Dr Kathryn Monk Kensington, London. networks. Finance Committee, which oversees Professor Chris Philo all financial matters, met four times, David Pyle Since 2014, in line with as usual, and comprises a core Maddy Thompson recommendations of good practice membership of accounting, financial, by the Charity Commission, the legal and investment professionals. The following also served as Council Council has identified the skills and Members until June 2016: expertise gaps that would be most The following Council members were helpful to fill in the elections to the in office at the end of 2016 Alistair Carr Council each June. Fellows standing Barbara Hamnett MBE President for election are encouraged to state Peter Mather Nicholas Crane how they meet those identified gaps. Professor Joe Painter However, this approach does not Immediate Past President Professor David Thomas preclude any Fellow standing for Professor Dame Judith Rees Greg Thomas election to positions relevant to Vice Presidents Professor Sarah Whatmore their background. Dr Michael Firth The Council is advised by specialist (Education) Council positions are elected for committees for Education; a single term of three years at the Dr John Shears Expeditions and Fieldwork; Annual General Meeting, including (Expeditions and Fieldwork) Finance; and Research and Higher Education. Attendance at these a postal vote of the Fellowship. Professor Adrian Smith committee meetings averaged 73% Elected Council members also (Research and Higher Education) serve on the appropriate Committee across the year. In addition, advice Honorary Treasurer of Council to provide liaison between was provided by the Regions Mark Humphreys the two levels. Committee, a small number of Chair of Annual Conference 2016 specialist Sub-Committees, The Council is cognisant of the value of Professor Peter Jackson including one for investments and, diversity, while seeking to attract the where appropriate, individual most appropriately qualified people Honorary Secretaries professional advisors. RGS to guide the Society’s governance. Dr Simon Carr Enterprises Limited, a wholly owned (Expeditions and Fieldwork) subsidiary of the Society, is Laura Stone governed by its Enterprise Board. (Education) Dr Nicola Thomas (Research and Higher Education) Contact details Current regional coordinators Royal Geographical Society(with IBG) Public Engagement Chair of the Regions Yorkshire and North East 1 Kensington Gore and Communications Dr Kathryn Monk Chris Speight London SW7 2AR Caitlin Watson ET [email protected] E [email protected] T +44 (0)20 7591 3000 E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/ Cheshire and North Wales F +44 (0)20 7591 3001 Communications yorkshirenortheast Vacant E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] Hong Kong W www.rgs.org E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/cheshirenorthwales Rupert McCowan Exhibitions Director and Secretary E [email protected] E [email protected] East Anglia Dr Rita Gardner CBE W rgshk.org.hk Programmes Michael Hand E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] Singapore Development Public Engagement projects W www.rgs.org/eastanglia Vacant E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] Policy Midlands W www.rgs.org/singapore E [email protected] Martin Haslett Research and Higher Education E [email protected] Education and Outdoor Learning Dr Catherine Souch W www.rgs.org/midlands Steve Brace E [email protected] E [email protected] Annual Conference Northern Ireland Ambassadors programme E [email protected] Professor Stephen Royle E [email protected] Chartered Geographer E [email protected] Education general E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/northernireland E [email protected] Research Groups & general North West Geography Outdoors E [email protected] Tim Foster E [email protected] Academic publications E [email protected] E [email protected] Finance and Services W www.rgs.org/northwest Alison Sim Resources and Enterprise South E [email protected] Alasdair Macleod Vacant Facilities E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] Enterprise Company W www.rgs.org/south Membership Office E [email protected] E [email protected] Foyle Reading Room South West E [email protected] Derry Corey Grants (all types) Picture Library E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/southwest Venue Hire West of England and South Wales E [email protected] Dr Phillip Toms E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/westandsouthwales 28/29

Looking ahead

With so many political changes in the inequality, geopolitics, urbanisation, two decades, and that consolidation world the Society is taking extra care pollution, flooding and much more. and stability, building on what has gone to consider both external and internal Rarely has geography been of more before, are seen as essential by the risks to its operations and its income importance, and happily this coincides Society’s Council. sources. We are an international with a time when its fortunes in the UK In terms of activities planned for 2017, organisation with a membership in are high and rising. our core work will continue: Monday 104 countries and our work is used The Society has an essential role to play night lectures, regional events, Annual by millions of people each year across in the UK as we face a level of change Conference, publishing, support for the world. The Society is proud of, and and disruption unprecedented in the teachers, expedition advice and Explore, committed to, an international profile past 40 years. We will, as we have done grants programme, policy advocacy and values its global membership over the past 20 years, provide a strong, and a lot more besides. The first field – including the significant number influential and stable voice for geography. season in the Migrants on the margins of Fellows from the member states Our role as an independent and project will see thousands of migrants in of the European Union. In a world respected forum for discussion provides four cities in Asia and Africa interviewed. of Brexit and Trump, to name but two opportunities to consider and share of the many current uncertainties, The new programmes, set up in 2016 the latest research evidence aside organisations such as ours have an ready for a 2017 start, as part of the new from political influence. Our convening important role and responsibility to help strategy, will be a significant focus for capabilities across leaders and sustain the international research effort staff time and effort throughout the year. communities of research, practice, to understand our changing world, and As will the many projects that continue education, policy and the public, to share and debate those findings from previous years, including the enables different voices to be heard, as widely as possible. Data Skills project; Discovering Britain; new networks to be made and, hopefully, Teacher Training Scholarships; the Our discipline, by its very nature as the new communities to be reached. Enduring Eye and Britain from the Air spatial discipline, concerns patterns, So, as we look ahead we see heightened tours; and the Geography Ambassadors processes and interconnections at external risks and opportunities. Our new programme. Last but not least we will levels from neighbourhood to global. strategy, to be published in 2017, will be investing in a new website as a first Geography is practised worldwide, often seek to both manage perceived risks stage in a new digital strategy. through international collaborations. and respond to identified needs. It helps to inform contemporary issues All in all, a busy year beckons, as ever! Continuity will also be a vital strand of national and international importance, reflecting the fact that the Society has from climate change to migration, grown and developed greatly in the past community cohesion, social and spatial Recognising excellence in 2016

The Society’s Medals and Awards have The Society’s Council made the following awards: recognised excellence in the breadth Victoria Medal of geographical research, practice and Professor Ronald Martin Andrea Wulf ‘for research excellence in regional economic ‘for popularising the histories of geography and public promotion since the foundation development’ of scientific botanical exploration’ of the Society in 1830. Busk Medal Ordnance Survey Awards (two awards) The two Royal Medals (The Founder’s Professor Jo Sharp Joanna Lee Debens ‘for innovative field research and empowering Kate Otto and Patron’s Medals) and the Victoria others through fieldwork’ ‘for excellence in geography education at the Medal are among the highest secondary level’ Cherry Kearton Medal & Award international accolades. The Royal Dr Wendy Darke Taylor & Francis Award Medals are awarded for ‘the ‘for cinematography of the natural world’ Dr Margaret H. Byron ‘for excellence in the promotion and practice of encouragement and promotion of diversity in the teaching of human geography’ geographical science and discovery’. Professor Parvati Raghuram The Victoria Medal is awarded for ‘for publications contributing to the geographical Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize understandings of mobility’ Rachel Meunier ‘excellence in research’. ‘for the undergraduate geography dissertation judged to be the best in 2015’ In 2016 Her Majesty the Queen Professor Colin R. Thorne approved the award of the Royal ‘for contributions to the scientific study of rivers Area Prize and the shaping of national and international Sam Halvorsen Medals as follows: policy on river and flood risk management’ ‘for the best article in the journal by a new researcher’ Founder’s Medal Cuthbert Peek Award Geographical Award Professor Michael Storper Professor Dom Kniveton Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team ‘for scholarship and leadership ‘for pioneering work on the impacts of climate ‘for outstanding collaborative work to foster in human and economic geography’ change and environmental instability on student and wider public engagement with the human migration’ ‘Jurassic’ coastline’ Patron’s Medal Bob Geldof KBE Gill Memorial Award (two awards) Honorary Fellowship ‘for raising global public awareness and Dr Harriet Hawkins Mrs Hokey Bennett-Jones challenging the causes of inequality in Africa’ ‘for outstanding early career research in creative ‘in recognition of outstanding commitment and geographies’ contribution to the Society’ Dr Joanna M. Nield Neville Shulman CBE ‘for outstanding early career research in aeolian ‘in recognition of outstanding commitment and processes and arid landform development’ contribution to scientific exploration and the Society’ Fordham Award The Society further recognised excellence through the Marjo T. Nurminen and Juha Nurminen Young Geographer of the Year Awards, the Rex Walford ‘for collaborative research and writing on the Award to recognise newly qualified teachers, and the cultural history of mapping’ Excellence Awards made to pupils who achieved the highest marks in GCSE, A Level and International Baccalaureate examinations in geography. This report summarises the Society’s charitable Acknowledgements activities and finances in 2016 in pursuit of its Front cover objective to ‘advance geographical science’. Britain from the Air © RGS-IBG The Society’s work is guided by its current Page1 strategy and benefits a wide range of professional Nicholas Crane © RGS-IBG and public audiences. The Society is a vibrant Page 2 clockwise from top left organisation that seeks to balance its stakeholders Ondaatje Theatre © Debbie Castro Endurance in focus © RGS-IBG and activities for the benefit of all our users and Meltwater sampling © Aga Nowak of geography. The full annual accounts and report Fieldwork masterclass © RGS-IBG can be found on our website and that of the Page 3 Charity Commission. Dr Rita Gardner CBE © RGS-IBG Page 5 If you would like to receive a copy of this report in 21st Century Challenges © Debbie Castro PDF so that it can be read in larger print or using Page 6 Adobe Reader software, please visit Going places with geography © RGS-IBG Page 7 W www.rgs.org/annualreview Migrants on the margins © Laura Hammond Page 9 Enduring Eye © Debbie Castro Page 11 Registered Charity 208791 Young Geographer of the Year © Howard Sayer Page14/15 Research and Higher Education Annual conference © Rob Johns Migrants on the margins © RGS-IBG Fieldwork and Expeditions Explore © Martin Hartley Iceland expedition © Martha Thompson Education Teachers masterclass © RGS-IBG Fieldwork masterclass © RGS-IBG Page16/17 Policy, Governance and Fundraising 21st Century Challenges © Debbie Castro HRH The Princess Royal © Nando Machado Public Engagement Britain from the Air © RGS-IBG Nicholas Crane © RGS-IBG Collections and Enterprises Persepolis © RGS-IBG Endurance expedition © RGS-IBG

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) 1Kensington Gore London SW7 2AR

T +44 (0)20 7591 3000 F +44 (0)20 7591 3001 E [email protected] W www.rgs.org