Annual review 2018 The Society

Vision Society objectives A world-leading learned and The Royal Geographical Society (with professional body for , IBG) exists for ‘the advancement of widely respected for its independence, geographical science’. For the current quality, innovation, and for the breadth strategy, 2017-2021, this purpose has of its activities promoting and been expressed as six strategic supporting geography as the means objectives for the organisation. These for everyone to discover, understand focus the activities of the Society and and respect the world’s people, ensure that the Society’s operational places and environments. development is planned, integrated and responsive to the needs of the Mission discipline, its practitioners, the public A world centre for geography and at large and the membership. Three geographical learning dedicated to objectives concern first and foremost the development and promotion of the discipline. These are to safeguard knowledge together with its application the discipline, to develop and share to the challenges facing society and geographical knowledge and the environment. understanding, and to support practitioners and students. Three objectives concern the Society. These are to grow our reputation, enhance our membership and sustain the future. The Society’s work is organised into thematic departments, each of which The Society is a charity that exists for contributes work to several objectives. public benefit and which also has a broad-based membership that supports its mission and aims. The Society was independently recognised in 2013 as the leading scholarly geographical society in the world.

Registered Charity 208791 Rt Hon Baroness From the President President

Having been an Honorary Member together people of all backgrounds of the Royal Geographical Society who share an interest in the world, its (with IBG) for many years, and a former places, its people and its environments. member of Council, it is a great honour As President, I have also had the to find myself as President and to pleasure this year to oversee the have the opportunity to assist in the induction of our new Director, Professor Society’s ongoing development at Joe Smith. Joe joined us from the a time when geography is playing Open University where he had worked such an important role in tackling with a broad range of stakeholders the challenges facing the world. from academia, business, policy In my first six months as President, and the media on a series of I have been amazed and delighted interdisciplinary research and public to discover the breadth of activity engagement projects. undertaken by the Society, and Taking over the running of an the depth of its engagement with organisation as complex as the Society audiences ranging from school pupils has been made a little easier for both to teachers, members of the public of us by the existence of an ambitious to policymakers, and academics to and comprehensive five year strategy expeditioners. That our organisation and secure finances. During the three successfully balances the needs and years that I am President, I will be expectations of these diverse elements supporting Joe, and the wider staff of the geographical community team, to deliver the agreed strategic is a testament to the talents and objectives and take the Society on to commitment of both the membership the next phase of its illustrious history. and the staff. I would like to thank everyone who has Among my many highlights of 2018, made me so welcome as President. I have relished the opportunity to I would also like to thank you for your meet so many Fellows and members ongoing support of the Society and through our meetings and at Monday all that it helps us achieve. night lectures, and discover first-hand the ability of geography to bring 2/3 Professor Joe Smith From the Director Director

When I took over as Director of the calibre of Scholars. This work is helping Finally, the ongoing success of the Society on 1 May 2018, I had little real to define and catalyse leadership in Society’s exhibition celebrating the understanding of the scale of the geography teaching in our schools. centenary of Shackleton’s Endurance task I had taken on. Coming from an expedition highlights the appetite for There is a clear focus in the Society’s academic background, it was easy for contemporary interpretations of historical current strategic plan to increase the me to underestimate the real extent of geographical events. Its installation in support we provide for professional the Society’s work with schools, with the Hull Maritime Museum saw over geographers in the workplace, so it geography teachers, with expeditioners, 35,000 people visit the show, many has been satisfying to see the Society’s and with the public. After nearly a year of whom also contributed their own relationship with the Geographers in post I now have a renewed admiration stories connected to the expedition. in Government group and the pan- for an organisation that achieves so government Head of Geography While I am in no doubt about the fact much, and that serves such a diverse thriving. Working with these partners that I have plenty more to learn, I can body of audiences. and others, we have been able to say that I now feel very much at home. Of the many achievements in 2018, generate a real groundswell of activity This is in a large part due to the warm, there are four that stand out in particular that is leading to greater recognition friendly and encouraging welcome for me. among employers of the value of that I have received from you all geographical skills and knowledge – thank you. The Society was successful in a in the workplace. competitive bid to the Department for Education (DfE) to continue running It was also very satisfying to see the the Geography Teacher Training amount of media coverage generated Scholarship scheme for a further three by geographical research presented years. Scholars from the first year at the 2018 Annual International of the scheme are now working in Conference. Stories as varied as schools as newly qualified teachers, why men find it hard to eat less meat, while the second year of Scholars are the way commutes are becoming mid-way through their training. The part of the working day and the over- scheme’s combination of a tax-free exploitation of public parks were bursary and membership of the Society, covered by local, national and alongside bespoke training and international outlets, helping to support throughout the training year show public audiences the relevance and beyond has attracted a very high of geography. 4/5 1 Geography Promoting and sustaining a vibrant discipline

Objective Represent, promote During 2018, the Society continued to be an influential and effective advocate and advocate for geography as for the discipline, particularly in relation to geospatial skills and knowledge. a leading discipline, so that its contribution to understanding our The Society also sought to keep recognition of the value of geography among changing world is appreciated by parents, employers and government high in response to a small drop in the the public and it maintains a strong number of A Level and undergraduate students, which follows 17 years of growth. position in education, research, fieldwork and expeditions, in civic society and in informing policy In particular 1.1 Making the case for geography and business. The Society’s existing strong networks with • The Society worked closely with the newly key individuals and organisations across Context Geography has an formed Geospatial Commission to highlight essential role in the 21st century the government, business, education, and the key role of geography and geographers in helping everyone to understand research sectors were sustained successfully our world. 2012 to 2016 saw in the geospatial sector. significant strengthening in the during the year, helping to maintain the standing and study of geography. • Strong links were developed with the new Society’s central position of influence within 2017 to 2021 has uncertainties cross-government Head of Geography, and the geography community. in the face of UK political and with his new team of Deputy Heads – many economic change. After a series of meetings with the newly of whom are Chartered Geographers. formed Geospatial Commission, and • A social media campaign was run over the responding to their call for evidence by summer to raise awareness of the benefits highlighting the key role of geography and value of studying geography at school and geographers in this sector, the Society and university. developed a programme of work that aims to support the development of geospatial • Over 30,000 pupils took part in sessions run skills and raise awareness of their value. by the Society’s Geography Ambassadors. The Society’s support for professional geographers and the role of the discipline in good policymaking was developed further during 2018 as effective links with the cross-government Head of Geography in the Government Science and Engineering Profession (GSE), David Wood, and his team of Deputy Heads were formed. In early autumn, a Professional and applications by raising awareness 1.2 Advising on geography Policy Manager was appointed, leading of the value of studying geography After consultation with the wider to the reinstatement of proactive through a social media campaign geographical community, the Society policy monitoring and, with input using the hashtag #ChooseGeography responded to four consultations from across the research community, and press work that resulted in national including those on Qualified Teacher the reinvigoration of the Society’s press and broadcast coverage. Status and Career Progression for the programme of knowledge exchange Department for Education (DfE), the The Society’s reputation and convening events. In addition, the updated Fourth Industrial Strategy Inquiry for power enabled it to bring together Making the Case for Geography the Education Select Committee and school leaders who are geographers documents for policymakers, some of the draft guidance and criteria for the to discuss the current opportunities which were created with the Association Research Excellence Framework 2021. and challenges facing school for Geographic Information (AGI), The Society also maintained its ongoing geography. In addition, researchers were rolled out across the breadth of contacts with Ministers and officials from higher education institutions, the discipline. across a range of relevant government teacher training programmes, and departments. The Society responded to a decline others came together at the Society in the number of geography A Level to explore how to work more effectively students and undergraduate with local schools. 6/7

The Society maintained its close Ambassadors from universities and a relationships with the exam boards range of workplaces provided almost offering geography, and hosted a 900 sessions to over 30,000 pupils workshop by the Field Studies Council in schools across , Northern to explore how fieldwork is assessed Ireland and Wales. A pilot programme in the new GCSE and A Level exams. in Scotland, being run in partnership The Society also continued to actively with the Royal Scottish Geographical promote the use of Geographic Society, extended the initiative that Information Systems (GIS) software inspires pupils with the opportunities within schools, and sent a joint letter to provided by studying geography all secondary schools on behalf of the even further. Society, Esri UK and the exam boards, The Society’s Alexander Awards highlighting free access to ArcGIS provide support for disadvantaged online and the wider support available young geographers to participate in from the Society and others. a range of fieldwork activities. In 2018, The Society welcomed the appointment 16 A Level students gained knowledge, of a new National Lead for Geography skills and confidence by attending the by Ofsted and we were delighted that Alexander Awards Summer School, he was able to join one of the Society’s while three undergraduates took part CPD events for teachers in November. in overseas fieldwork with an academic from their university as part of the 1.3 Promoting geography Fieldwork Apprenticeship scheme, to wider audiences which is also supported by the The Society’s Geography Ambassadors Alexander Awards. programme increased the number of professional geographers participating The Society maintained support for the in the scheme during 2018 due to involvement of geography with sector- support for the programme from led programmes (including Athena geography employers including the Swan) to support underrepresented Environment Agency, and the networks groups in higher education institutions. of the Geographers in Government group. During the course of the year, 2 Knowledge and understanding Helping create a better informed world

Objective Advance, interpret and The Society continued to advance geographical knowledge through its grants share geographical knowledge more programme, Field Research Programme and support for researchers, while fully, so that the world is better understood and more people activities such as the Annual International Conference, events programme and benefit from using and enjoying the development of educational resources enabled the Society to share that geographical knowledge in their knowledge and understanding with millions of people. work, leisure and communities. Context In a period of In particular 2.1 Advancing knowledge uncertainty and rapid change there The second field season of the Society’s is a greater need than ever to • The second fieldwork season of Migrants Field Research Programme, Migrants on advance, and share, well-founded on the margins, the Society’s collaborative knowledge and understanding of the margins, was completed during 2018. international Field Research Programme, the UK and the world. And to do so The project, which is a partnership between in ways that are meaningful to was completed and work began on the Society and UK and international professional and public audiences disseminating the project’s initial findings. today. We will bring our researchers, is focused on the vulnerability independence, convening • The Society’s Annual International and opportunities of migrants in four of the power and inspiration to bear. Conference enabled almost 2,000 world’s most pressured cities: Colombo geographers from across the world to share (Sri Lanka), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Harare and learn about the latest developments (Zimbabwe) and Hargeisa (Somaliland). in the discipline. The research team, led by Professor Mike • During 2018, the Society organised more Collyer from the started than 450 live events – lectures, discussions, to disseminate their initial findings through a interviews, conferences, field visits and suite of educational resources, two exhibitions training courses – including those organised in the Society’s Pavilion, a Monday night by the regional committees and Research lecture and an enhanced online presence. Groups. The team also worked with PositiveNegatives, a graphic design company, to produce four comics which tell the story of individual migrants from each of the study cities. The comics highlight, in a very accessible way, the challenges that migrants living on the margins of these urban areas face in their day to day lives including forced evictions, poverty and lack of land security. 8/9

The Society’s grants programme, which supports the breadth of research, disciplinary perspectives and career stages, expanded during 2018 with new awards within the Geographical Fieldwork Grants and completion of the linking of the Frederick Soddy Trust with the Society. In 2018, over £190,000 of funding supported 58 research projects involving nearly 100 individuals. Grant recipients carried out research in over 40 countries across the world, from ever-popular fieldwork destinations like Iceland and Norway, to places less visited by Society grant recipients, such as Kyrgyzstan and Kiribati. Student expedition teams, postgraduates and senior researchers alike studied a great variety of topics, from vegetation change in the Canadian Arctic to urban inequality in Santiago, Chile. The Society is part of the Science Museum and Archives Consortium and in 2018 the 12th PhD studentship working on the Society’s Collections and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) was awarded to a project on Halley Bay, while projects on the instruments of geographical exploration and The Geographical Journal were completed successfully. 2.2 Interpreting and of displays and events, including a to a wide variety of geographical talks, sharing knowledge talk exploring the newly donated Eric lectures, field visits and social events. In During 2018, more than 35,000 people Newby archive of diaries, letters and 2018, the Regional Theatres Programme attended over 450 events as part of photographs. In November, the first included talks by Pip Stewart, Hugh the Society’s events programme across platinum prints to be created from Thomson and Leon McCarron. the UK. negatives housed at the Society from The programme of activities organised George Mallory’s 1921 Everest expedition A review of the public events by the volunteer regional committees were exhibited in the Pavilion. programme during the summer of 2018 during 2018 comprised nearly 200 led to the team trialling event ideas in The Society’s Monday night lecture events. These included: field visits to the autumn that had the potential to series for Fellows, members and their Poole Harbour, Eylesbarrow tin mine, attract a broader audience, including a guests continued to be very popular, and Glenridding Common; talks on younger demographic. Those that were attracting an average of 600 people wildlife photography, volcanic eruptions, successful included: programming to each lecture and the majority of the and walking the Zambezi; and a more topical issues, such as pollution lectures are available online for Fellows discussion on the potential impact from single use plastic; featuring the and members to watch. Speakers in of Brexit on upland landscapes. food, drink and cultural elements of a 2018 included Dr Barbara Bond on Discovering Britain sustained an destination as well as logistics in the World War II escape maps, Levison increase in the number of people travel events; and making more of Wood on overland journeys and Linden accessing the project’s geographical the Society’s Collections, in particular Edgell, Global Sustainability Director at walks, trails and viewpoints due to the film archive. Environmental Resources Management a focussed effort on digital marketing, (ERM), on the sustainable development Also in the autumn, panel discussions and the Society’s Britain from the Air goals. A selection of the year’s speakers were reintroduced to the public events outdoor exhibition of aerial photographs were interviewed for short films that were programme, with a discussion on the remained on display in Liverpool shared on social media to promote the viability of the Paris climate agreement throughout 2018. Public feedback role of the Society in sharing knowledge of 2016. Dwayne Fields, who was the remains very positive and it is and membership. first black Briton to walk to the magnetic estimated that almost one million people North Pole, gave an inspirational talk The nine UK regional committees and saw the exhibition during the year. to the young people attending the the Regional Theatres Programme The UK tour of the Society’s Enduring Children’s Lecture in December. ensured that Fellows and members, Eye exhibition (funded by the National as well as the public, across England, The Society’s Collections were Lottery Heritage Fund) concluded in Wales and Northern Ireland had access showcased through a popular series 2018 with more than 35,000 people 10/11

seeing Frank Hurley’s photographs from educational resources was recognised is on a par with those held in London. the Endurance expedition while the during 2018 with the Ask the Expert The conference was chaired by exhibition was at Hull Maritime Museum. podcasts receiving an award from the Professor Paul Milbourne (University Throughout its time in Hull, visitors were Geographical Association, the resources of Cardiff) who chose ‘Geographical encouraged to share their reminiscences for primary teachers receiving an award landscapes/landscapes of geography’ of the expedition and connections with from TeachPrimary and the subject as the theme. The conference the local crew members to help uncover knowledge animations being recognised programme included sessions for the ways in which the men’s experiences by the Scottish Association of Geography postgraduate students and early-career of Antarctica were shared and understood Teachers Award. researchers as well as journal-sponsored at the time. These responses from the talks and high profile plenary lectures. The redeveloped Discovering the community now form an online resource. Media coverage of research featured Arctic website also went live in 2018 A version of the exhibition was also during the conference was very good providing high quality resources for on display at the Bowers Museum in and included national and local press teachers and pupils. The site, produced California until the end of May, where as well as broadcast features. jointly with the NERC Arctic Office, the exhibition was seen by over British Antarctic Survey, Foreign and As usual, the majority of the conference’s 53,000 people. Commonwealth Office, and Scottish programme was produced by the The Society developed a new Association for Marine Science, proved Society’s Research Groups, and photographic competition, Earth Photo, to be a popular source of information alongside this they also delivered a in partnership with the Forestry England. for the 2018 Young Geographer of the broad range of events and workshops The competition and resulting exhibition, Year competition which asked pupils for their members, published several which was held in the Pavilion over the to explore what makes the Arctic unique. new books and gave awards to summer before touring regional venues, Over 1,100 entries from pupils aged recognise excellence in their areas aimed to reveal the stories behind the 8-19 were received for final judging of the discipline. images and encourage conversations at the Society from an estimated total In 2018, the Society implemented a about their subjects. of 20,000 entries that were judged in ‘digital first’ strategy for the scholarly school heats. In March, the Society’s new website journals, providing online readers with went live and the improved navigation, The 2018 Annual International a better experience and allowing the searchability and design meant that all Conference was held at Cardiff University Society to showcase the breadth of content, including the online resources over four days in late August. Around its journals content in one place via for schools, became much easier to find 2,000 geographers from across the the Wiley online hub. and use. The excellence of the Society’s world attended the conference, which 2.3 Extending our engagement with new audiences One of the Society’s Collaborative Doctoral Award students, Chandan Mahal, held a series of participatory workshops with representatives from post-war migrant communities as part of her PhD research into the relationships between family history and community heritage in diaspora. The workshops used maps, photographs, objects and documents held in the Society’s Collections, alongside participants’ own photographs, letters and possessions. The Society commissioned FFT Education Datalab to undertake research into the geography of geography in schools and higher education institutions. The results of the research, due in 2019, will inform Society activities and interventions, and how it works with the wider geographical community to support underrepresented groups. Each year the Society hosts around 30 undergraduate work experience placements. Students taking part in the two-week placements come from a diverse range of backgrounds and institutions. 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 within the discipline through accreditation, training and sharing best students, so that there are vibrant, well trained, accredited professional practice, and by working with organisations across the public and private sectors. communities, and highly employable students. In particular 3.1 Promoting the professionalism of geography and geographers Context Geographical knowledge • By the end of 2018, more than 50% of and skills are increasingly During 2018, the data that the Society holds UK universities offering a geography degree recognised at work and sought on the employability of geographers and out by employers. Professional had accredited programmes, providing the wide range of careers open to those development and accreditation is independent recognition that quality standards, becoming more widely valued and who study geography were updated and in line with the subject benchmark, are rewarded by employers. It is timely distributed to the higher education and to expand the Society’s role as a being met. professional body and its support schools communities, reinforcing the for professional geographers. • The Chartered Geographer scheme positive message about the employment continued to grow, supported by a mentoring prospects for geography graduates. programme and a new programme of events The Society also kept a close watch on with organisations across the breadth of the emerging skills, professionalism and sectors employing geographers. chartership agendas, in particular working • In 2018 the Society maintained a popular with the Geographers in Government group programme of training for teachers to enhance and the Geospatial Commission. their subject knowledge and subject specific The Society’s close working relationship with skills. the Geographers in Government group also ensured that there will be close alignment between their competency frameworks for professional geographers in government and the Chartered Geographer accreditation. In addition, it was agreed that a new award for professional geographers in government will be presented at the Society’s 2019 medals and awards ceremony. 3.2 Developing substantially 3.3 Sustaining a strong training inspirational talks. In addition, the the programme of professional function in schools, higher Society also ran a regional pilot event support and accreditation education and field science – Explore North West – organised in The Society’s Chartered Geographer The Society’s programme of continuing partnership with Cumbria University accreditation scheme continued to grow professional development (CPD) for and the North West Regional Committee. throughout 2018, and at the end of teachers was sustained successfully More than 90 people attended the the year there were 575 active CGeogs. during 2018. The programme reached day of workshops and talks, which was During the year, the mentoring scheme more than 1,300 teachers who attended primarily aimed at students undertaking for Chartered Geographers was courses including subject knowledge their first overseas field research project. relaunched successfully, and a series updates, skills workshops, and fieldwork In addition to the Explore events, of webinars to support those applying opportunities. A series of events for over 475 people attended Geography for chartership was delivered. Initial teachers were also held in partnership Outdoors workshops and training feedback suggests that the webinars, with higher education institutions to during the year, including courses for and other support before and during facilitate mutually beneficial local links Educational Visits Coordinators, those the application process has improved between schools and universities. interested in wilderness medicine and the quality of CGeog applications. Bespoke support was provided to the ensuring compliance with British The Society maintained collaborations Society’s Geography Teacher Training Standard 8830. with ERM and the AGI to support Scholars, including a three-day residential The Society also supports training geographers in the workplace. The course on fieldwork and workshops within higher education and during work with ERM also included the on the use of GIS in schools. Feedback 2018 sustained its work with development and publication of online from the first two cohorts of Scholars AdvanceHE (previously the Higher resources for geography teachers shows that this additional support Education Academy) around external that link school fieldwork with ERM’s makes a real difference to the skills and examiners and standards. The Society professional practice. confidence of new geography teachers. also continued to deliver events for More than half of the universities Field science and expeditions continued lecturers and postgraduates who are offering geography degrees now to be supported by the Society’s new to teaching. Most of the Society’s have an accredited programme and programme of training and development Research Groups also now deliver this includes all of the geography delivered by the Geography Outdoors workshops and provide online resources programmes in Wales and Northern team. The annual Explore weekend in to support teaching and learning within Ireland. Attention is now turning to November attracted over 325 participants their sub-disciplines. specialised masters programmes. with its mix of practical workshops and 14/15

2018 at a glance

Research and Higher Education Fieldwork and Expeditions

CHINA AGREEMENT 400 • An agreement signed with the 128 Geographical Society of China to ATTENDEES MENTIONS promote international collaboration. • Over 400 people attended the • Research presented at the Annual Explore and Explore North West Conference in Cardiff generated over fieldwork and expedition planning 128 media mentions for the Society events and geography. • One new online hub for the Society’s scholarly publications. Education

£190k • Over £190,000 was awarded for 1,100 field research projects and expeditions across the world. 128 SCHOLARS ENTRIES • 1,100 entries to the Young • 128 Geography Teacher Training Geographer of the Year competition Scholars were recruited. • 1,300 teachers attended CPD events organised by the Society across the UK. 16/17

Policy, Governance and Fundraising Public Engagement

ELEVEN NEW DEPUTYHEADS PRESIDENT • Eleven pan-governmental Deputy Heads of Geography 2M • The Society’s new President, were appointed. • Nearly two million people saw Baroness Lynda Chalker, was elected. the Society’s touring exhibitions, • The Society’s new Director, Enduring Eye and Britain from the Air. Professor Joe Smith, was appointed. Collections and Enterprises

1,280 110,000 71,000 SUBMISSIONS DONATIONS ATTENDEES • 110,000 items donated as part • 71,000 people attended events • The Earth Photo competition of the Eric Newby archive. at Lowther Lodge organised through attracted 1,280 submissions from Venue Hire. 19 different countries in its first year. 18/19 4 Growing our reputation Building on tradition, independence and contemporary relevance

Objective Build further the The Society’s reputation as a leading learned society and valued delivery Society’s strong profile, reputation partner was maintained during 2018, with new partnerships supplementing and presence, nationally and internationally, reinforcing and and enhancing existing, successful long term relationships. publicising its role as a leader among learned societies and In particular and A Level geography, providing advice and a partner of choice. expertise, and running joint training and • The Society’s new website went live during Context The Society is well events with them. Among other partnership the year, improving the discoverability of established and highly respected, events, the Society hosted a workshop in UK-wide and internationally. It has content, showcasing the Society’s breadth December led by the Field Studies Council a well-developed international of work and easing transactions such as reach in selected activities and an with the four Exam Boards to review the place booking events. international membership in more of fieldwork within A Level geography. than 100 countries. It is regularly • Media coverage of the Society’s activities, consulted as a leading learned The Society’s relationships with both the society. Geopolitical changes and and in particular of the research presented AGI and the Geospatial Commission were technological developments offer at the Annual International Conference, incentives and opportunities to strengthened due to working jointly on a returned to levels previously achieved in 2016. establish a stronger presence, and series of GIS-related projects. partnerships with sister societies, • A new online hub for the Society’s journals across the UK and internationally, 4.2 Enhancing our presence, was launched by the publishers, Wiley, for mutual benefit and that of online and across the UK geography. gathering all of the Society’s scholarly In March the Society’s redeveloped website publications in one place, and improving went live with a contemporary, image-led the experience of online readers. look and vastly improved navigation. Greater 4.1 Developing and consolidating integration between the Society’s website bilateral relationships and the membership database enabled The Society has long had close working efficiencies to be made with respect to the relationships with partner bodies and administration and booking of events as organisations across the geographical well as making the online event booking community. In 2018, the Society invested in its process easier for the public. Online joining relationships with related bodies, including for Ordinary Members, Young Geographers the Field Studies Council, the Royal Scottish and School Members is part of the next Geographical Society, and the Geographical phase of web development due to go live Association. It also continued to work closely by mid-2019. with the four exam boards offering GCSE The new website also allows non- The appointment of a Press Officer in links with these bodies were maintained members to see what content is April, after a period without someone throughout 2018. accessible to Fellows and members in post, resulted in an increase in In June, the Society signed a only, for example recordings of Monday media coverage as the Society was memorandum of understanding with night lectures and many of the schools able to undertake a much higher level the Geographical Society of China resources, and this content is now of proactive media management. In with a commitment to promote joint being used to encourage people to particular, geographical research being participation at scientific, academic join the Society. presented at the Annual International and professional events, explore Conference generated 128 print and Towards the end of 2018, a review of opportunities to collaborate on scholarly online articles, eight television news how the Society uses social media publications and liaise over international segments and 15 radio interviews. was begun with the aim of increasing scientific programmes and collaborative Other media highlights for 2018 included impact, while maintaining a balance research. coverage of the Society’s exhibition of of representation across the breadth platinum prints of photographs from A partnership with Outward Bound of the Society’s work and audiences. the 1921 Everest expedition in the Oman resulted in the joint development The revised social media strategy, Sunday Times and the Daily Mail, along of new educational resources on desert including the use of Instagram, will be with the Director, Joe Smith, being environments for Omani and UK schools. implemented in the first half of 2019. interviewed on BBC Breakfast about New UK regional boundaries were the exhibition, the expedition, and the agreed by the Society’s Regions Society’s wider Collections. Committee in April, to align them as 4.3 Extending the international closely as possible with accepted dimension of current activities administrative boundaries and make International partners have been pivotal it easier for both members and non- to the success to date of the Migrants on members to find Society activities near the margins field research programme them. In addition, all of the Society’s and their contribution has been featured events are now listed on the same fully in all publicity for the project. webpage, increasing the visibility of those events taking place outside of The Society is the national representative London. Regional events are also now of the International Geographical Union easily searchable using a filter. (IGU) and the European Association for Geographical Societies (EUGEO) and 20/21 5 Enhancing our membership An important source of expertise, funding and enthusiasm

Objective Reach and engage The Society’s broad and active membership is one of its greatest assets. new supporters and retain the Each Fellow and member helps to strengthen the Society’s influence and every enthusiasm and expertise of existing Fellows and members, across the subscription supports the Society’s charitable work. In addition, a large number UK and beyond, ensuring a strong of Fellows and members volunteer their time, expertise and advice to help and growing membership of both the Society. professionals and enthusiasts who support our activities. In particular 5.1 Continuing to improve engagement Context The Society benefits and communication with members from its Fellows’ and members’ • The number of Society Fellows was The Society’s new website makes it much knowledge, enthusiasm, time, sustained successfully and the total contacts, and their subscriptions easier for Fellows and members to access number of Fellows and members remain which provide around a quarter of member-only content than before. In the Society’s gross income. The at around 16,000. Society especially values its many particular, recordings of Monday night loyal Fellows who are long term • 3,000 Fellows, members and other lectures are much more visible and analytics supporters. To continue to develop volunteers gave their time and expertise to show that more people are watching them. sustainably, the continuing high retention and good recruitment of support the Society’s work during 2018. The new site also gives prominence to short Fellows and members is essential. articles about the Society’s activities. • The Society recognises, and greatly appreciates, the role of Fellows and members The Geography Teacher Training Scholarship in extending the reach of the Society and programme provides Scholars with Fellowship encouraging new joiners. of the Society and membership of the GA, while a closed Facebook group is used to support them, connect them with the Society’s work and build a community of new geography teachers. A closed Facebook group is also used to engender a feeling of community among Young Geographers and ensure that they make best use of their member benefits, including digital access to Geographical magazine. Towards the end of 2018, monthly In autumn, the structure of membership emails were instigated to help improve subscriptions for 2019 was reviewed engagement with Young Geographers and simplified for Fellows to reflect the by reminding them of the benefits of incremental costs of receiving print their membership, including digital journals. In addition, the option for access to Geographical magazine, Fellows to receive all academic journals and highlighting relevant activities and digitally was introduced for 2019. events taking place across the Society. 5.3 Learning more about our Following feedback from Fellows and members and their engagement members living outside London and with the Society the South East of England, a series of Barcodes have been added to the three Society lectures were planned Society’s membership cards and for 2019 to replicate the experience of during 2018, the use of scanners to a ‘Monday night lecture’ in Manchester. admit Fellows and members to the City lecture series was piloted successfully. 5.2 Enhancing recruitment This will be implemented more widely and retention during 2019, including for Monday Retention rates remained high during night lectures and public events. 2018, at 83% overall, and 93% for Fellowship. Analysis of the membership during the year showed that a significant and growing proportion of new Fellows came from the professional communities, and the majority of these from outside of London and the South East of England. This reflects the ongoing work of the Society with professional geographers and the value of the Society as a professional body. 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 clear strategy, sound governance, committed staff and loyal for the Society, by increasing membership enabled it to maintain momentum through a year of change with income sustainably, using technology effectively, and both a new Director and a new President taking office in 2018. In this second enhancing staff capabilities. year of the current strategic plan, there was a focus on developing the Society’s Context The Society is an role as a professional body, while keeping the breadth of scope and broad independent body and, like other balance of its charitable activities. The Society also invested in staff training learned and professional societies, and development. receives no core government funding. Annual income has more than doubled in real terms since The Society ended the year with an operating The Society bid successfully to the DfE to 1996, and substantial external surplus on the General Fund due to the continue running the Geography Teacher donations have been attracted. maintenance of key income streams including Training Scholarship scheme and was The current UK setting places greater uncertainty on growing membership subscriptions, Enterprise awarded a contract worth £564,000 over income over 2017-2021.We Company net revenue, targeted fundraising, three years. An additional £73,000 of are thus aiming for modest, and charitable operating activities. The funding was also secured from the Nuffield sustainable growth in core funding from subscriptions, enterprise, financial review (pages 24/25) sets out how Foundation to continue the Society’s Data operations, and corporate support; the Society generated and spent its income Skills in Geography project. plus fundraising success for new in support of its charitable activities. projects and the endowment. The Flotilla Foundation awarded the Society Before retiring from the Society at the end £80,000 to develop educational resources of April, the Society’s former Director, linked to the Weddell Sea Expedition, which Dr Rita Gardner, attended a series of events are freely available to all via the Society’s hosted by regional committees as part of a website. The Society also bid successfully for fundraising campaign to promote legacies £50,000 over three years from the Department as a way of Fellows and members supporting for International Development (DfID) for the the Society’s future. Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning project. During the year, the Society received two major donations to its Collections: the During 2018, the Society began working with Sandra Noel collection – the bequest of the human resources consultancy, HRSP, with Captain John Noel’s film, photographic the aim of updating and consolidating HR and archive collection; and the Eric Newby processes and procedures, improving the collection – the bequest of his archive training and development on offer to staff, materials, photographs, letters and diaries. and providing specialist HR support for staff. All statutory reporting requirements The Society thanks everyone who has The Society’s Grants Programme were met. generously donated in support of our work. is generously supported by 20th IGC Fund Corporate Benefactors in 2018 30th IGC Fund The Society made progress in seeking Environmental Resources Management Alasdair Macdonald (ERM) supported the Society’s core work with efficiencies and developing internal Albert Reckitt Award Fund professional audiences, specifically to enhance data management and use to support The Alexander Awards teachers’ fieldwork leadership skills and to enable Deutsche Post Foundation improved decision making. Most a regional programme of cross sector networking Memorial Award Fund and professional development. notable was the implementation of Trust Esri UK supported the Society’s Geography the new website. Frederick Soddy Award Fund Ambassador programme and brought GIS Henrietta Hutton Memorial Fund expertise to it and to the training of teachers in Hong Kong branch the classroom use of GIS. Ambassadors inspired HR Mill Trust Fund more than 30,000 young people in 2018 with Jasmin Leila geography and GIS. Jeremy Willson Land Rover supported our core scientific John Pilkington Monica Cole Bequest expedition and fieldwork training activities, Neil Proto including Land Rover driver training courses, the Neville Shulman loan of a Freelander to facilitate UK-wide visits, Paul and Mary Slawson and the Land Rover Bursary to support one major Ralph Brown field expedition during the year. RICS Ordnance Survey supported the Society’s work Rio Tinto to advance geospatial understanding by raising Rob Potter Award awareness of career opportunities, engaging with Sultan of Oman professional communities and promoting The Geographical Club understanding in policy and government. Walters Kundert Charitable Trust Rolex supported our core work with and through Other donors during 2018 the Society’s large, unique and iconic collections of Anonymous donors maps, photographs, books, documents and objects, Arctic Office, NERC helping to underpin public access, conservation Department for Education and new uses for, and users of, the Collections. Department for International Development Trailfinders supported the Society’s core work Estate of Barbara Wadie with the public, to inspire and promote the wider Estate of Mary McArthur relevance and enjoyment of geography and to Estate of Pauline Sheen foster a greater understanding of our world. This Outward Bound Oman builds on a shared common interest in informed Pearson UK travel. Sir Christopher Ondaatje Corporate Business Member Stanfords Maps and Books Silversea engaged the Society to provide The Nuffield Foundation informative materials on their expedition Weddell Sea Expedition / Flotilla Foundation cruise ships. 24/25

Financial review

The summarised financial statements General Fund expenditure as a whole (2017: £0.21m) increases the net assets for 2018 on the following page provide increased in 2018 by 3%. 2018 total costs, movement to £0.22m. The Society’s actual, an overview of the Society’s balance at £5.47m, were hardly changed from 2017 legal, obligation to funding the scheme (£5.54m). The Society’s expenditure on is determined by the triennial actuarial sheet assets, liabilities and funds, charitable activities increased in 2018 by valuation, the last one being at June 2017. together with its income and expenditure £0.01m, up 0.2% on 2017, to £4.39m. Of The Society’s calculated Free Reserves, by activity. the total, 10% was from restricted (donated which includes the FRS102 calculation of In 2018, the Society’s annual operating project and grants) funds, with almost the pension deficit, at 31 December 2018 result on the General Fund, after transfers all the remainder from the General Fund. were £2.97m (2017: £2.69m). Expenditure across the main areas of between funds, but before investment and Independent auditor’s statement to the pension valuations gains/losses was charitable activity showed some year Trustees of the Royal Geographical Society a surplus of £0.31m (2017: £0.19m). This on year variations, resulting largely from (with the Institute of British Geographers) We have examined the summarised financial statements was on the total General Fund income of varying levels of conference and project activity, with spend on research and higher of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of £5.03m (2017: £5.06m), and was ahead British Geographers) for the year ended 31 December of the budget for the year. The total Society education up and on policy and public 2018 set out on page 25. engagement down, the latter due to income was up 10% at £6.17m (2017: down Respective responsibilities of the Trustees 14% to £5.58m) largely owing to donations reduced project expenditure on the 21st and the auditor The trustees are responsible for and legacy income being higher in 2018 Century Challenges: policy forum and preparing the summarised financial statements. (£0.84m) than in 2017 (£0.26m). The public discussions and Discovering Britain Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the expenditure on charitable activities hardly project. Expenditure on education remained consistency of the summarised financial statements similar to 2017. The second pie chart shows with the full annual financial statements and the Trustees’ changed at £4.39m (2017: £4.38m), which Annual Report. equates to 80% of total expenditure. expenditure by activity (with the effects of depreciation removed). We also read the other information contained in the The broad patterns of other income and summarised Annual Report and consider the implications expenditure in the General Fund remained There was no concerted fundraising work in for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the similar in 2018 to 2017. Gross income and 2018. The new Director (appointed May 2018) wished to establish a clear body of fundraising summarised financial statements. The other information expenditure in Enterprises activities was comprises only the Annual Report. little changed in 2018 at £1.92m (2017: objectives before appointing a development / fundraising executive and translating these We conducted our work in accordance with our £1.93m) and £0.82m (2017: £0.89m), engagement letter dated 19 December 2018. objectives into a fundraising prospectus. respectively; net income rose by £0.06m, Opinion In our opinion the summarised financial Some legacies and donations were received after contributions to building repairs and statements are consistent with the full annual financial other costs. Membership income in 2018 reflecting longer term work inviting legacies. statements and the Trustees’ Annual Report of Royal rose by £0.05m to £1.73m and generated Geographical Society (with the Institute of British The summary consolidated balance sheet Geographers) for the year ended 31 December 2018. £0.99m net after costs of membership shows net assets increasing by £0.01m services in 2018. Income from charitable RSM UK Audit LLP Statutory Auditor, 9 April 2019. (2017: £0.50m increase), excluding the The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, activities decreased by £0.06m to £1.10m. change in the liability of the defined benefit Bucks, MK9 1BP Proportional income is summarised in the pension scheme as calculated annually for first pie chart. FRS102. The decrease in this liability to £Nil 2 1 RESTRICTED DESIGNATED DESIGNATED GENERAL TOTALS 5 Research & Other 31.12.2018 Consolidated New Initiatives 7 28 Balance Sheet £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Fixed assets 4,247 • 158 1,213 5,618

Investments 4,201 2,097 1,791 2,398 10,487 26 Current assets 626 • 297 3,223 4,146 14 Current liabilities • • • -1,173 -1,173 Pension scheme liability • • • • • 17 Inter-fund accounts -136 449 1,883 -2,196 • £6.17m income by source Net assets 8,938 2,546 4,129 3,465 19,078 2017: £5.58m Funds balances 31.12.18 8,938 2,546 4,129 3,465 19,078 • 28% Membership subscriptions • 14% Donations and legacies Funds balances 31.12.17 8,881 2,625 4,214 3,141 18,861 • 17% Income generated by charitable activities • 26% RGS Enterprises turnover 2018 net Funds movement 57 -79 -85 324 217 • 7% Investment income • 5% Corporate supporters • 2% Tenants • 1% Services provided Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities 8 Incoming resources 866 80 194 5,030 6,170 17 (see right for analysis by sources) 16

Resources expended -485 -30 -57 -4,897 -5,469 11 (see right for analysis by activity) Net investment loss -260 -128 -110 -134 -632 12 10 Surplus before transfers 121 -78 27 -1 69 7 Transfers between funds -64 -1 -112 177 • 19 Surplus after transfers 57 -79 -85 176 69 £5.13m expenditure by activity FRS102 actuarial gain on pension scheme 148 148 • • • Excluding depreciation of £0.34m. 2017: £5.19m (£0.35m) 57 -79 -85 324 217 • 17% Education, expeditions, fieldwork, grants • 11% Engaging wider audiences • 10% Information services & resources • 7% Policy, communications, media • 19% Research, higher education, grants • 12% Membership services • 16% RGS Enterprises costs • 8% Other, including governance 26/27

Governance

The Society is governed by its The Council met, as usual, three Professor Michael Bradshaw Staff Council which largely comprises times in 2018 and attendance Professor Joanna Bullard The Director reports to the Fellows elected from and by the averaged 77% across all three Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB Council and has responsibility for Fellowship. They are drawn from the meetings. The Executive Dr Melanie Norman coordinating the Society’s strategy main areas of activity of the Society. Committee, which comprises the Professor Chris Philo and running the Society and its There are 21 elected Council senior Trustees, met in the David Pyle activities, assisted by a senior team members and up to four further intervening periods as the need Chris Speight of five departmental heads and a Council members may be co- arose. Nina Willment staff that numbered 56 in December Professor Jamie Woodward opted, including a postgraduate The following Council members 2018. All staff members are based representative, to bring further were in office at the end of 2018 The following also served as Council at the Society’s headquarters in breadth, expertise and contact Members until June 2018: Kensington, London. networks. President Rt Hon Baroness Lynda Chalker Dr David Anderson In line with recommendations of Wallasey Dr Jenny Balfour-Paul of good practice by the Charity Immediate Past President Dr Simon Carr Commission, the Council identifies Nicholas Crane Dan Casey the skills and expertise gaps that Dr Michael Firth would be most helpful to fill in the Vice Presidents Professor Sarah Metcalfe elections to the Council each June. David Atkinson Professor Sarah Radcliffe Fellows standing for election are (Education) encouraged to state how they met Professor Adrian Smith The Council is advised by specialist those identified gaps. However, (Research and Higher Education) committees for Education; this approach does not preclude Professor Katie Willis Expeditions and Fieldwork; any Fellow standing for election (Expeditions and Fieldwork) Finance; and Research and Higher to positions relevant to their Education. Attendance at these background. The Council is also Honorary Treasurer committee meetings averaged cognisant of the value of diversity, Mark Humphreys 77% across the year. The Finance while seeking to attract the most Committee met four times, as usual, appropriately qualified people to Chair of Annual Conference 2018 and comprises a core membership guide the Society’s governance. Professor Paul Milbourne of accounting, financial, legal and Council positions are elected for Honorary Secretaries investment professionals. The other a single term of three years at Robert Lucas committees met twice, as usual, the Annual General Meeting, (Expeditions and Fieldwork) to give advice on their areas of which includes a postal vote of Laura Stone expertise. In addition, advice was the Fellowship. Elected Council (Education) provided by the Regions Committee, members also serve on the Dr Nicola Thomas a small number of specialist sub- appropriate Committee of Council (Research and Higher Education) committees, including one for to provide liaison between the investments and, where appropriate, two levels. Ordinary Members of Council individual professional advisors. Claire Allen RGS Enterprises Limited, a wholly Robin Ashcroft owned subsidiary of the Society, is Felicity Aston MBE governed by its Enterprise Board. 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 Chris Speight Professor David McEvoy London SW7 2AR Caitlin Watson E [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 Christina Lees-Jones 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 Professor Joe Smith 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 Oliver Worsley E [email protected] E [email protected] William Russell Policy Midlands E [email protected] E [email protected] Martin Haslett Research and Higher Education W www.rgs.org/singapore Monday night lectures E [email protected] Dr Catherine Souch E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/midlands E [email protected] Education and Outdoor Learning Annual Conference Northern Ireland Steve Brace E [email protected] Professor Stephen Royle E [email protected] Chartered Geographer E [email protected] Ambassadors programme E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/northernireland E [email protected] Research Groups and general North West Education general E [email protected] Tim Foster E [email protected] Academic publications E [email protected] Geography Outdoors E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/northwest E [email protected] Grants (all types) E [email protected] South Finance and Services Vacant Alison Sim Resources and Enterprise E [email protected] E [email protected] Alasdair Macleod W www.rgs.org/south Membership Office E [email protected] E [email protected] South West Enterprise Company Derry Corey E [email protected] E [email protected] Foyle Reading Room W www.rgs.org/southwest E [email protected] Picture Library West of England and South Wales E [email protected] Jacki Hill-Murphy Venue Hire E [email protected] E [email protected] W www.rgs.org/westandsouthwales 28/29 Looking ahead

The Society’s work is guided by the with the reintroduction of topical public objectives agreed and set out in the discussion events, but the aim is to 2017-2021 strategic plan. These are develop activities on this theme and summarised on the inside front cover have a greater impact in 2019. of this Annual Review. The third area of opportunity – and Of these, there are three elements that responsibility – is the Society’s physical stand out as areas of opportunity to build home. Lowther Lodge is one of the on. Recent developments in digital and most charismatic buildings of any social media can further amplify the voice scholarly society, but it is also the Forth of geography and help the Society reach Bridge of listed buildings, requiring beyond its traditional audiences. The a constant cycle of attention and Society needs to understand and take investment. Over the coming year, advantage of the opportunities these Society staff, including a newly platforms provide to share the distinctive appointed Development Executive, insights that geographers can make will develop a fundraising campaign to the big environmental and societal that will allow the Society to not only challenges currently facing the world. undertake some very necessary repairs to the fabric of the building, but The Society has already made progress also develop the public areas. There in this area with launch of a new website are opportunities here to work with the in 2018 and a new approach to social building and its contents in order to tell media to be implemented in the first a stronger story about the past, present half of 2019, but the efforts of the and future of geography. Communications team will be in this area throughout the coming year. These three areas of focus won’t distract the team here at the Society from the The Society can also play a bigger role core tasks of sustaining and improving in supporting public engagement with, our established activities that seek to and debate of, complex contemporary advance geographical science. issues – not least because geography brings together the humanities, and the natural and social sciences. Again, progress was made on this during 2018 Recognising excellence in 2018

The Society’s Medals and Awards have The Society’s Council made the following awards: recognised excellence in the breadth Victoria Medal Taylor & Francis Award of geographical research, practice and Professor Wendy Larner Professor Helen Walkington ‘for internationally leading research on ‘for sustained contributions to teaching public promotion since the foundation globalisation and political economy' and learning in higher education’ of the Society in 1830. Busk Medal Ness Award The two Royal Medals (The Founder’s Professor Bhaskar Vira MP ‘for interdisciplinary research on economy, 'for the popularisation of geography through and Patron’s Medals) are among the environment and development’ the media' highest international accolades. They Cherry Kearton Medal & Award Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize are awarded for ‘the encouragement Andy Goldsworthy Natasha Wallum and promotion of geographical science ‘for sculptural works that inspire reflection ‘for the undergraduate geography dissertation and discovery’. on changing environments’ judged to be the best in 2017’ Murchison Award Area Prize In 2018 Her Majesty the Queen Professor Mark Macklin Junxi Qian approved the award of the Royal ‘for pioneering research in fluvial geomorphology ‘for the best article in the journal by a Medals as follows: and its environmental applications’ new researcher’ Back Award Geographical Award Founder’s Medal Professor Hester Parr Dwayne Fields Paul Rose ‘for contributions at the interface of geographical ‘for inspiring young people to explore the ‘for scientific expeditions and enhancing research and policy’ world around them' public understanding'’ Cuthbert Peek Award Honorary Fellowship Patron’s Medal Professor Keith Lilley Peter Davies Professor Yadvinder Malhi ‘for advancing geographical knowledge of Andrew Linnell ‘for world leading studies on the impact of human impact on the environment through Paul and Mary Slawson climate change on tropical ecosystems’ the application on contemporary methods' ‘in recognition of outstanding support for the Society and Geography’ Gill Memorial Award (two awards) Dr Hilary Geoghegan The Society further recognised excellence through the ‘for outstanding early career research in Young Geographer of the Year Awards, the Rex Walford cultural geography’ Award to recognise newly qualified teachers, and the Dr Nick Malleson Excellence Awards made to pupils who achieved the ‘for outstanding early career research in highest marks in GCSE, A Level and International agent-based social geography’ Baccalaureate examinations in Geography. Ordnance Survey Awards (two awards) Aidan Hesslewood and Laura-Jayne Ward 'for excellence in geography education at the secondary level' This report summarises the Society’s charitable Acknowledgements activities and finances in 2018 in pursuit of its Front cover objective to ‘advance geographical science’. WorldView-3 satellite image of Statehouse, Hargeisa, acquired on 6 January 2018 © 2018 DigitalGlobe, Inc The Society’s work is guided by its current Page1 Rt Hon Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey, RGS-IBG President © Fabio Burrelli strategy and benefits a wide range of professional Page 2 clockwise from top left and public audiences. The Society is a vibrant Section of Sabina’s story © PositiveNegatives organisation that seeks to balance its stakeholders Earth Photo exhibition © RGS-IBG Dr Ceri Lewis presenting at Explore 2018 © Frazer Waller and activities for the benefit of all our users and Recipients of the 2018 Postgraduate Research Awards in the field © Svenja Riedesel of geography. The full annual accounts and report Page 3 can be found on our website and that of the Professor Joe Smith, RGS-IBG Director © J. Smith Charity Commission. Page 5 David Wood and the Deputy Heads of Geography in Government © Robert Porter If you would like to receive a copy of this report in Page 8 Gilchrist Fieldwork Award recipient Dr Melissa Murphy sampling in the field © Dr Melissa Murphy PDF so that it can be read in larger print or using Page 11 Adobe Reader software, please visit Teacher training scholars conducting river sampling © RGS-IBG Page14 /15 W www.rgs.org/annualreview Research and Higher Education Television interview at the Society’s 2018 Annual International Conference © RGS-IBG Signing ceremony at the Geographical Society of China © Geographical Society of China Fieldwork and Expeditions Networking at Explore 2018 © Elizabeth Streeter Registered Charity 208791 Fieldwork Apprentice Hannah Roe conducting fieldwork in Iceland © Hannah Roe Education Teacher Training Scholars on a residential weekend © RGS-IBG The winners of the 2018 Young Geographer of the Year competition © RGS-IBG Page16 /17 Policy, Governance and Fundraising Rt Hon Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey, RGS-IBG President © Fabio Burrelli Clare Hadley, Deputy Head of Geography in Government © Clare Hadley Public Engagement Opening of Enduring Eye exhibition in California © Bowers Museum Eagle huntress receiving, Earth Photo 2018 entry © Rosamund Macfarlane Collections and Enterprises The Eric Newby collection © RGS-IBG Exhibition Road entrance © Nando Machado

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