Annual review 2017 The Society

Vision Society objectives A world-leading learned and The Royal Geographical Society (with professional body for geography, 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 Nicholas Crane From the President President

In my final year as President, I would achievements, do have a look at the • There was a fantastic programme like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our April 2018 edition of Geographical of engaging and inspiring events Fellows, members, donors and volunteers magazine. – Monday night lectures, Discovering whose continuing support makes it People and Places in London; the The search for Rita’s successor began possible for RGS-IBG to play a leading regional programme across England, in June 2017 and has led to the role in furthering geographical science. Wales and Northern Ireland; and the appointment of Dr Joe Smith. Joe brings Annual International Conference and The last year has reminded me in to the Society an exciting record of Research Group meetings. particular of the enormously valuable geographical engagement across role played within the Society by the many fields. • The existing programme of teacher elected trustees, whose time and continuing professional development In the pages that follow, you will see the expertise makes it possible for the was enhanced with new work with breadth of what was achieved during Society to remain a beacon among schools to support field teaching. 2017, but in my last ‘From the President’ learned societies. Standing back – and I would like to pick out just a few • The Society’s moving film archive is down – from my role as President, I see examples that illustrate the Society’s now available to everyone through the a world-class organisation devoted to a ongoing work in both generating new BFI media player, after a programme of subject at the heart of our shared future. geographical knowledge and improving digitisation supported by the Heritage That we have been able to achieve so access to it. Lottery Fund. much in recent years is due to the hard work and dedication of the Society’s • The Society’s collaborative field My role over the past three years has senior management team and the research project, Migrants on the been enjoyable and rewarding, and entire staff of RGS-IBG. margins, completed its first field I thank all of you who have made it so. season of data collection and analysis Many of you will know that Dr Rita of the initial results has informed the Gardner, our Director of the last 22 second field season, which takes place years, is leaving the Society this year in the first half of this year. and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing Rita the very best in the next phase • Our grants programme continued of her geographical journey. Rita’s to grow, with new grants for field achievements during her time at the research – including the Walters Society have been nothing short of Kundert Awards – meaning that extraordinary. For a flavour of those 47 projects were supported with over £200,000 of funding in total. 2/3 Dr Rita Gardner CBE From the Director Director

2017 was a year of change and tasked with inviting suggestions from mentioned some already and there are continuity. In terms of governance, we the membership and the trustees as to many more. For example, developing a completed the planning and publication possible candidates, and considering new website, trebling use of Discovering of the fourth successive strategy those in relation to the skills and Britain walks, new professional (2017-2021) of RGS-IBG and started experiences sought in the next President. discussions, enhancing teachers’ its implementation. This strategic plan skills and confidence in data skills, Stewardship of the Society’s donors continues the Society’s steady evolution and the appointment of the first ever and members featured prominently as a learned society, professional body, cross-government Head of Geography in our development activities. A donor charity and membership organisation, in autumn 2017. celebration event in July enabled us and builds firmly on the past 22 years to thank again the c.1,250 donors Finally, I cannot end my last ‘From the of development of RGS-IBG and on the – individuals, trusts and foundations, Director’ without extending warmest longer term histories of the two bodies. companies and statutory bodies – thanks to all those who have generously The Society will continue to focus who have supported the Society’s given their time, expertise, commitment, on promoting and safeguarding the development since 1995 with more passion for geography, and moral and discipline; advancing new knowledge than £35m. Honorary Fellow, John financial support to the Society since and understanding of our world and Williams, was commissioned to write 1996. Our membership is a very broad sharing that widely; and supporting, a short overview of the RGS-IBG’s first and special community and I have had training and accrediting professional 22 years of development. This was the pleasure of working with many and student geographers. The strategy published in autumn 2017. outstanding people in leading the retains our well-established breadth Society’s work. In particular, I thank Preparations were made during the of activities for the wide range of senior colleagues Steve Brace, Alasdair year for a new legacy campaign to be audiences who value the RGS-IBG as Macleod, David Riviere and Catherine launched in spring 2018. The intention a ‘geographical home’. The plurality Souch for many years of shared ‘travels is to enable the Society to grow, over of the Society is a great strength and and endeavours’ in the service of the coming years, a £10m endowment increasingly our activities join across geography and the Society. The to help pump-prime the Society’s the different communities of interest. RGS-IBG and UK geography are in development in perpetuity. Pledges may great strength and heart. I wish my Considerable time this year was spent also, of course, give to specific areas of successor, Joe Smith, a tenure as preparing for a handover in Society interest or activities. stimulating and enjoyable. leadership at both Director and President Meanwhile, there were many highlights levels. The Council established, in the across our work, as you can read in the usual way, a Presidential search group following pages. The President has 4/5 1 Geography Promoting and sustaining a vibrant discipline

Objective Represent, promote 2017 was another good year for geography, with record numbers of GCSE, A Level and advocate for geography as and undergraduate students, and an increasing recognition of the value of the a leading discipline, so that its contribution to understanding our discipline by parents, employers and government. The Society continued to be changing world is appreciated by an influential, widely sought out, and effective advocate for the discipline. the public and it maintains a strong position in education, research, fieldwork and expeditions, in civic In particular 1.1 Making the case for geography The Society continued to have strong links society and in informing policy • A cross-government Head of Geography and business. with networks of key influencers across the was appointed within the Government government, business, research, education, Context Geography has an Science and Engineering profession, essential role in the 21st century and learned society sectors. The Society, representing a formal recognition of the in helping everyone to understand whether working independently or in our world. 2012 to 2016 saw contribution geography makes to analysis, partnership with others from across the significant strengthening in the policy and delivery in government. standing and study of geography. geographical community, remains a powerful 2017 to 2021 has uncertainties • The International Review of UK Physical advocate and well placed to ensure that the in the face of UK political and economic change. Geography declared the sub-discipline’s voice of geography and of geographers is health and global influence to be excellent. heard when and where it matters. The report highlighted its influence beyond During 2017, the Society continued to support traditional geography departments, high geography in schools, higher education research funding success rate, increasing and research, and across the professions presence in schools, and highly regarded by engaging in pro-active dialogue with graduating students. government departments and agencies, • The work that the Society has done the national academies, and other bodies to successfully improve the use and ranging from the Satellite Applications understanding of data skills in both secondary Catapult to the Nuffield Foundation. and higher education was recognised by The Society extended the existing networks two separate independent reports. of senior geographers in government with its close involvement in the appointment of David Wood as cross-government Head of Geography within the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) profession. The initiative, advocated for by the Central “The review shows that physical geography within the UK is a major international player in terms of any metric considered: it makes major contributions to the big scientific and applied societal questions, collaborates and leads international agendas, and punches above its weight in the delivery of research impacting on policy.” Professor Olav Slaymaker, Chair of the International Review Panel

Government Geographers Group and the Society, has been warmly welcomed by other geographers in government. The GSE welcomed the Society’s UK- wide role in the professionalism and accreditation agenda. Considerable work continued to be done during the year on making the case for geography as a way of delivering data skills at both secondary and higher education levels. This valuable role of geography, and the Society’s Data skills in geography project, were recognised in Sir Adrian Smith’s Review of Post16 Mathematics (commissioned by HM Treasury and the Department for Education) and in the Data Skills for the Future (commissioned by the Data Skills Taskforce) reports. The Society’s Director was a member of the steering group of the British Academy’s strategic five-year skills and training programme. A programme of public affairs activity relating to geographic information, in partnership with the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) commenced. The new Geospatial Commission announced by Government late in 2017 and the geospatial skills gap were identified as areas of opportunity for the two organisations. 6/7

In order to add a new dimension to Geography report was launched at particular sectors and organisations, the Society’s networks in schools, an the British Society for Geomorphology most notably the Environment Agency, advisory group of head teachers and conference. The report, a companion having an interest in outreach to senior school leaders with geography to the 2013 International Benchmark underrepresented communities, backgrounds was established. The Review of Human Geography, found including those from black and minority group will meet annually to review school that the sub-discipline’s health and ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. geography from a senior leadership global influence were excellent. The perspective and offer advice to the Society is leading a working group Society’s advocacy role. that is now implementing a series of initiatives that address the challenges 1.2 Advising on geography identified in the report. The Society’s position at the heart of the geography community enabled 1.3 Promoting geography informed responses to be submitted to wider audiences to seven policy consultations during The Society promotes the discipline 2017 on topics including the Industrial of geography to a wide range of Strategy, the Research Excellence audiences, including the public, young Framework and the national transport people, parents and employers. strategy. The Society also maintained By the end of 2017, the Society’s its ongoing contacts with Ministers Geography Ambassadors scheme and officials across a range of relevant had provided around 900 sessions government departments. to pupil groups in schools across The Society worked closely with the England, Northern Ireland and Wales. heads of geography departments in As in previous years, these activities higher education institutions to nominate successfully engaged, informed and suitable people for the Chair and inspired pupils with the opportunities membership of the Geography and that studying geography at university Environmental Studies sub panel of and geography careers can provide. the Research Excellence Framework. There was a welcome increase in In September, the Society-led interest from work-based Ambassadors International Review of UK Physical in 2017. This was largely stimulated by Chartered Geographers working in 2 Knowledge and understanding Helping create a better informed world

Objective Advance, interpret and In 2017, the Society advanced knowledge through its grants and Field Research share geographical knowledge more Programme, and shared knowledge and understanding with around 3.5 million fully, so that the world is better understood and more people people – engaging them in learning more about the world. benefit from using and enjoying geographical knowledge in their In particular 2.1 Advancing knowledge work, leisure and communities. The Society’s major Field Research • The first fieldwork season of Migrants Context In a period of uncertainty Programme, Migrants on the margins, on the margins, the Society’s collaborative and rapid change there is a greater undertook its first fieldwork season focussing need than ever to advance, and international Field Research Programme, on the vulnerability and opportunities of share, well-founded knowledge was completed. and understanding of the UK and migrants in four of the world’s most pressured the world. And to do so in ways that • The Society’s Annual International cities: Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dhaka are meaningful to professional and public audiences today. We will Conference enabled almost 2,000 (Bangladesh), Harare (Zimbabwe) bring our independence, convening geographers from across the world to share and Hargeisa (Somaliland). The project power and inspiration to bear. and learn about the latest developments in partnership, between the Society and UK the discipline. and international researchers, was expertly led by Professor Mike Collyer of the University • Discovering Britain, with its national spread of Sussex. The fieldwork consisted of surveys of geographical walks, and the Britain from in over 2,000 households across the four the Air outdoor exhibition enabled more than cities, community mapping exercises and a million members of the public to learn local capacity building. Initial analysis shows more about the social, environmental and that many survey respondents are united economic changes in the UK. by complex mobility histories and a high • During 2017, the Society organised more likelihood that they will move again in the than 450 live events – lectures, discussions, future. Plans were also developed during the interviews, conferences, field visits and year for the second set of field surveys which training courses – including those organised will be carried out in spring 2018. by the regional committees and Research The Society’s grants programme advances Groups. geographical knowledge and helps develop • The Society’s training and online careers by supporting field research and resources for UK teachers helped to support scientific expeditions. In 2017, the Society the implementation of the recent major awarded over £204,000 of funding to 66 curriculum changes. projects that directly involved 134 students 8/9

and researchers. The projects funded ranged from urban forestry in Accra and ice loss on Annapurna South Glacier in Nepal, to gendered institutional change in 20th century Antarctic science. They were undertaken in 41 countries from Myanmar to Sweden. The first Walters Kundert and Alexander Awards were awarded during 2017. The Society continues to undertake research-based Collections initiatives, including the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDA). During 2017, three CDA students successfully defended their PhDs and one student was appointed to a new CDA project with the University of Glasgow looking at the historical geography of relief models. 2.2 Interpreting and sharing knowledge During 2017, over 25,000 people attended more than 200 events as part of the Society’s London programme. The Society’s renowned series of Monday night lectures for Fellows, members and guests, regularly attracted audiences of over 600 to listen to talks on a wide range of topics including the causes and consequences of Brexit, Antarctica’s “A truly wonderful and inspiring exhibition detailing a remarkable tale of human endurance.” Enduring Eye visitor

changing ice shelves, and tiger The digitisation of the Society’s film The number of users of Discovering conservation. The majority of the year’s collection, held at the British Film Britain activities more than trebled lectures are professionally recorded Institute (BFI), was completed in March during 2017 due to improved online and available for members to watch thanks to funding from the Heritage promotion. In addition to attracting a online. The Society also streamlined its Lottery Fund. A special programme of larger audience to the project website, approach to Monday night suppers with public events ran through the autumn walks were added to ViewRanger, a the introduction of online booking and, to promote the film archive to wider popular outdoor activity app that enables as agreed by Council, a more varied audiences and to encourage research people to access the route information approach that enabled suppers for use of this new digital resource. The without a Wi-Fi or phone connection. members and guests on around half public events included a screening of Adding Discovering Britain content to the evenings, with more focused the 1922 film Climbing Mount Everest, it significantly increased the number of opportunities to engage prospective which included a discussion on the role users of the featured activities. members and supporters. of film within scientific expeditions. The Society’s Britain from the Air The London programme of public events The nine UK regional branches and the exhibition was on display in Nottingham included the Discovering People series Regional Theatres Programme provided from December 2016 to July 2017, before of interviews and the Discovering Places a range of popular geographical moving to Liverpool where it remained series of informed travel events. talks, lectures and field visits for both into early 2018. Public feedback was, as Discovering Places featured Papua members and the public across ever, positive and around one million New Guinea and Bolivia, providing England, Wales and Northern Ireland. people saw the exhibition during 2017. potential visitors with practical In 2017, the Regional Theatres This completes the currently funded information and cultural insights about Programme attracted over 2,400 people tour of the exhibition around the UK. these less-visited destinations. In July, to 20 events. The programme of Artefacts from the Society’s Antarctic a behind-the-scenes look at Planet activities organised by the volunteer- collections were exhibited at the Library Earth II featuring two of the producers led regional committees was full and of Birmingham and at the National was popular and led to the Children’s varied during 2017 with more than Library of Scotland in Edinburgh as lecture in December also being given 150 events taking place. These included part of the UK tour of its Enduring Eye by one of the series producers in order guided walks based on Discovering exhibition, which was seen by almost to allow more young people access to Britain activities, field visits to 100,000 people in 2017. Funded by the content. Audiences for Collections Babbacombe and Horsey Mere, and the HLF, the associated work with local events, including the Be Inspired series talks on topics ranging from the Silk communities generated significant of afternoon talks, during the year were Road and Myanmar to volcanoes and new exhibition content based on local regularly at or near capacity. British landscapes. 10/11

connections to members of the Throughout 2017, the Society worked engaging pupils throughout 2017. The Endurance expedition. with publishing partners Wiley to podcasts were recognised in October transition to a ‘digital first’ model of with an award from the Scottish Almost 2,000 geographers from across publishing. When launched in early Association for Geography Teachers. the world attended the 2017 Annual 2018, it will provide online readers New resources published during International Conference, which was with a better experience and allow the 2017 include those linked to the held at the Society in London over Society to showcase the breadth of its Global Learning Programme funded four days. The Chair, Professor Sarah journals content in one place. by the Department for International Radcliffe (University of Cambridge), Development (DfID), and those chose ‘Decolonising geographical The 2017 Young Geographer of the supporting the new A Level knowledges’ as the conference theme. Year competition gave geography independent investigation as part of The programme included field visits and pupils the opportunity to engage with the Data skills in geography project exhibitions, sessions for postgraduate contemporary geographical issues as funded by the Nuffield Foundation. students and early career researchers, they answered the question ‘What is collaborative work by geographers the geography of your favourite place?’. The Discovering the Arctic online and artists, meet-the-author sessions, Over 2,000 entries from pupils aged resources for pupils and teachers were and lectures sponsored by some of the 8-19 were received for final judging by redeveloped during 2017 and the new leading geography academic journals. the Society. Alongside the competition site will be launched in 2018. It was Media coverage of conference papers for pupils, the Society also presented produced jointly with The NERC Arctic was at a lower level than recent years the Rex Walford Award to Rhianne Office, British Antarctic Survey, Foreign owing to staff changes (see Section 4 Quigley for the resources she developed and Commonwealth Office, and Scottish for details). linked to the competition question. Association for Marine Science. The Society’s Research Groups are at The Society’s online resources for 2.3 Extending our engagement the heart of the success of the Annual schools continued to be in high demand with new audiences Conference, with the majority of sessions with the schools pages being viewed The Society continued to facilitate organised or supported by the Groups. in excess of one million times over the the use of its Collections by diverse During the year, the Research Groups course of the year. Alongside written community groups. During 2017 two also organised over a dozen other case studies and expert interviews, groups applied for funding from the events, as well as publishing books the short podcasts and videos of HLF for Collections-related projects in and journals and awarding publishing geographers discussing contemporary which the Society was a collaborative prizes, as part of their work to support issues that were introduced in 2016 partner. In addition, a series of the research community. proved to be a very successful way of workshops based in the Collections for community groups was delivered as part of one of the CDA projects on community and family histories. An A Level summer school, supported by the Alexander Awards, took place during August for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, building on the experiences of the Learning and leading programme of previous years. As a result of a Department for Education (DfE) funded initiative to recruit more geography teachers, the Society awarded 111 Geography Teacher Training Scholarships in the 2016/17 academic year, exceeding the DfE target. In September, the DfE renewed the Society’s funding for the scheme for the 2017/18 academic year. Support from the higher education, professional, teaching and wider community has been invaluable in helping to promote the scheme and is much appreciated. 12 /13 3 Geography in practice Enabling professional and student communities

Objective Help meet the needs The Society is the UK’s professional body for geography and plays a vital role of practising geographers and in helping to maintain standards in the discipline. In 2017 it continued to provide students, so that there are vibrant, well trained, accredited professional training, accreditation and networking for a wide range of audiences including communities, and highly employable geographers in both the private and public sectors, in higher education and schools, students. as well as with those undertaking independent fieldwork and expeditions. Context Geographical knowledge and skills are increasingly In particular 3.1 Promoting the professionalism recognised at work and sought of geography and geographers out by employers. Professional • In 2017 the Society started a new The Society’s actions to raise its profile as a development and accreditation is programme of field training for teachers becoming more widely valued and professional body were approached in 2017 to enhance their ability in formulating and rewarded by employers. It is timely through the ongoing work with ERM and to expand the Society’s role as a leading local fieldwork, supported by ERM. professional body and its support the AGI, as well as new activities with the for professional geographers. • Undergraduate geography programmes Ordnance Survey, the Central Government in more than 50% of UK had been accredited Geographers Group, the new Head of by the end of 2017, providing independent Geography in government and additional recognition that quality standards, in line links with commercial sectors. with the subject benchmark, are being met. 3.2 Developing substantially the • The Chartered Geographer scheme programme of professional support continued to grow, supported by a mentoring and accreditation programme and a new programme of events The Society plans, in the 2017-2021 with organisations across the breadth of strategy, to enhance significantly its work sectors employing geographers. as a professional body started well. • More than 1,500 teachers attended CPD During 2017, the Society built on the initial events organised by the Society. success of the undergraduate course accreditation scheme introduced in 2016. This is one of the ways for a university to receive independent recognition that the knowledge, skills and other attributes expected of high quality geography graduates are being delivered. By the end of the year, courses in more than 50% of UK geography departments “The Society’s mentoring programme for aspiring and current Chartered Geographers benefits both mentors and mentees by facilitating rewarding relationships that contribute to professional development and lifelong learning. I’d strongly encourage fellow CGeogs and those looking to follow this professional path to seek each other out through this programme.” Ashley Parry Jones, CGeog FRGS, Director of Environment at WSP

had been accredited. Accreditation has 3.3 Sustaining a strong training The Society is a leading provider of also been recognised in the Unistats function in schools, higher continuing professional development Key Information Sets, which can be used education and field science (CPD) for teachers of geography at by prospective students to compare Geography Outdoors, the Society’s secondary level. In total, more than programmes and outcomes. centre for supporting field research, 1,500 teachers attended CPD events exploration and outdoor learning, organised by the Society during 2017. The number of Chartered Geographers provided training and advice to over A new series of teacher fieldwork CPD (CGeogs), the professional accreditation 500 individuals during 2017. The18 events was developed during the year offered by the Society, grew to 714 courses organised by Geography and includes a training day on field during 2017. The mentoring programme Outdoors ranged from emergency techniques relevant to the new A Level for prospective CGeogs was re-launched medicine and assessing tree canopy curriculum content. and new events in collaboration with cover to off-site safety management British Cartographic Society and the Funding for the Data skills in geography and using technology in the field. AGI were launched. and Geography – a subject hub for In addition, 400 people attended the London projects came to an end at the The Society continued to share good Explore expedition planning weekend in end of 2017. In total, over the course practice in teaching and learning London and 75 people went to Explore of the project lifetimes, they provided geography in higher education with North West in Cumbria. training opportunities for thousands a series of workshops on external October’s, Explore North West was of teachers, receiving much positive examining, funded by the Higher organised in partnership with the feedback. Education Academy, and two workshops University of Cumbria. This pilot event for postgraduates who teach. provided seminars, workshops, talks The Society also hosted two Athena and opportunities for networking for Swan meetings for university geography many people who would not otherwise departments to discuss issues of have been able to access the expert equality and diversity, and profiled their expedition advice on offer at Explore outcomes at the Heads of Geography in London. Departments meeting. The Peter Smith lecture, held on the opening evening of Explore, was given by Sacha Dench and Julia Newth who described their project to help conserve Bewick’s swans. 14/15

2017 at a glance

Research and Higher Education Fieldwork and Expeditions

• 2,000 households surveyed as 2,0part of the first field 00research season SURVEof Migrants on the marginsYS, the Society’s Field Research Programme. • Geographers from 53 countries attended the Society’s Annual • International Review of UK Physical COUNTRIES International Conference. • Geography Outdoors ran 18 Geography published. WORKSHOPSworkshops attended by over 500 53 18individuals. Geography remains in excellent health. In 2017 the number of pupils choosing geography at GCSE increased for the sixth consecutive year, A Level numbers were the highest for 17 years and employment rates for geography graduates remained high.

Education

• Over £200,000 was awarded for field research projects and expeditions across the world. • 50th Slawson Award for PhD £200k • 2,000 entries to the Young students carrying out geographical Geographer of the Year competition. field research overseas granted. 2,000 • 1,500 teachers attended Society ENTRIES • 111 scholars recruited for run CPD events across the UK. SCHOLARSthe Geography Teacher Training 111Scholarship scheme. 16/ 17

Policy, Governance and Fundraising Public Engagement

• One cross-government Head of APPOINTMENTGeography appointed. • Over one million people saw • £1.65m was raised during the year Britain from the Air while it was on in support of the Society's work in 2017 • Past President, , display in Nottingham and Liverpool. and beyond. spoke at an event in July to celebrate MILLION NEW • 945,000 individual users of the 21 years of development. YEARS ONESociety’s website. • 7 major government consultations were21 responded to. Collections and Enterprises

+ • Three year, £250,000 upgrade of Ondaatje Theatre AV, sound and lighting completed. 100,• 100,000 visitors000 to the Enduring £250k Eye exhibition. • Over 400 Society events took place VISITORS 400EVENTSacross the UK. 18/19 4 Growing our reputation Building on tradition, independence and contemporary relevance

Objective Build further the During 2017, the breadth and depth of the Society’s activities maintained its Society’s strong profile, reputation reputation as a leading learned society. This was greatly aided by working and presence, nationally and internationally, reinforcing and productively with partner bodies and the geographical community in general, and publicising its role as a leader by raising awareness of key initiatives with both the membership and the public. among learned societies and a partner of choice. In particular Stern in 2017. The Society remains the UK Context The Society is well representative body for the International • The Society developed a new website established and highly respected, Geographical Union. The development of UK-wide and internationally. It has during the year, focussing on improving the closer links with the Economic and Social a well-developed international discoverability of content and showcasing reach in selected activities and an Research Council (ESRC) was postponed the Society’s breadth of work. international membership in more during 2017, awaiting the appointment of a than 100 countries. It is regularly consulted as a leading learned • The media launch of the Society’s Field new Chair. This activity will be resumed once society. Geopolitical changes and Research Project, Migrants on the margins, she is established in her role. technological developments offer generated positive leads and new incentives and opportunities to The Society’s alliance with the AGI relationships with journalists. establish a stronger presence, and commenced in 2017 with the appointment partnerships with sister societies, across the UK and internationally, • The Society’s journals continued to perform of a jointly-funded post to deliver public for mutual benefit and that of very well, providing a valuable resource for affairs activities and the development geography. the academic community across the world. of a plan for future activity. The separate contractual agreement with the AGI to 4.1 Developing and consolidating deliver services for their membership bilateral relationships also progressed well during the year, with The Society continued to sustain strong substantial documentation of processes relationships with the British Academy (BA) being completed. and the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS), including through the Director’s personal In relation to school geography the Society involvement as a member of the BA’s new continued to liaise with the Geographical skills programme steering group, the BA’s Association (GA) and the Council of British Higher Education Policy Development Group Geography (COBRIG), as well as to work and on the Council of AcSS. The Society closely with the Field Studies Council, the was also represented at the Strategic Forum Ordnance Survey, Esri UK and the examining for Social Science, which brought together boards offering GCSE and A Level courses. leading institutions under the chair of Lord Positive discussions about possible areas “The chance to edit The Geographical Journal has been a great opportunity to help build the Society’s reputation for publishing the best of theoretically- informed and policy-relevant research from across geography.” Professor Keith Richards, Journal Editor

of collaboration took place with the in national press, including the Sunday The Society’s collaborative Field Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Times. A BBC News documentary Research Project, Migrants on the called Great Explorations and allied margins, is being undertaken in 4.2 Enhancing our presence, BBC online, radio, TV and social media partnership with the Centre for Migration online and across the UK coverage took place in May focusing Research and Development in Sri Lanka, During 2017, the Society’s website was on the digitisation of the Society’s film the International Centre for Climate visited by over 945,000 individual users, collection. Four letters were printed in Change and Development in who looked at over three million pages the Times Educational Supplement in Bangladesh, the Development of content. In April, the Society awarded response to articles about the geography Governance Institute in Zimbabwe, a competitive tender to redevelop curriculum and teacher recruitment. The and the Organisation for Conflict and the website and produce a site that opening of Enduring Eye in Birmingham Violence Prevention in Somaliland. delivered a better user experience and Edinburgh also generated coverage and had improved integration with The longstanding Hong Kong branch online and in local press, as did the the Society’s contact and membership of the Society continued to have a lively opening of Britain from the Air in database. The new site, which includes and well supported programme of Liverpool. the facility to join the Society online, will events, with over 64 lectures and other go live in the first quarter of 2018. 4.3 Extending the international events organised during 2017. dimension of current activities The Society’s social media channels Items from the Antarctic collections The Society’s reach and reputation are continued to grow and registered greater were loaned to the Bowers Museum global. The Society’s scholarly journals engagement. By the end of 2017, in California to support their version (Area, Transactions of the Institute of the Society’s social media followers of the Enduring Eye exhibition, which British Geographers, The Geographical (across all feeds) totalled 61,000. opened in September. And the loan of Journal, WIREs Climate Change Hurley lantern slides to the Government Media coverage of the Society and its and Geo) and books continued to of South Georgia and the South activities was reduced in 2017 compared disseminate new geographical research Sandwich Islands was renewed. to previous years due to staff changes. during 2017. Society journals are There were, however, some notable available in over 9,600 institutions successes, including the media launch worldwide, including more than of Migrants on the margins in mid- 5,400 in the developing world via February, which generated positive philanthropic initiatives. Two new books leads and new relationships for later on were published in the RGS-IBG Book in the project. Several articles related to Series in 2017. the Annual Conference were published 20/21 5 Enhancing our membership An important source of expertise, funding and enthusiasm

Objective Reach and engage The breadth of the Society’s membership is a core strength of the organisation. new supporters and retain the It encompasses academic geographers, teachers and students, professional enthusiasm and expertise of existing Fellows and members, across the geographers, expeditioners and independent travellers, and those with a general UK and beyond, ensuring a strong interest in understanding our changing world. Every Fellow and member and growing membership of both contributes to the Society’s influence; every subscription supports the Society’s professionals and enthusiasts who support our activities. charitable work; and many members also volunteer time, expertise and/or advice.

Context The Society benefits In particular 5.1 Continuing to improve engagement from its Fellows’ and members’ and communication with members knowledge, enthusiasm, time, • The number of Society Fellows was contacts, and their subscriptions Improvements in the flow of member successfully sustained and the total number which provide around a quarter of messaging between the Communications the Society’s gross income. The of Fellows and members remain at around and Membership teams were achieved Society especially values its many 16,000. loyal Fellows who are long term during 2017. This has resulted in a better supporters. To continue to develop • 3,000 Fellows, members and other breadth and balance in the reporting sustainably, the continuing high retention and good recruitment of volunteers gave their time and expertise of the Society’s work and developments Fellows and members is essential. to support the Society’s work during 2017. in geography across all strands of communication and more consistent ‘join us’ • The Society recognises, and greatly messages in communications aimed at appreciates, the role of Fellows and members non-members. in extending the reach of the Society and encouraging new joiners. Throughout 2017, there was a focus on the development of a new website for the Society. Among the essential functionality identified early in the project was a better digital experience for members including intuitive online ‘Monday night’ lectures, joining and event booking. These functionalities were being tested at the end of 2017 and will be delivered to users as part of the new site in the first quarter of 2018. The Society news pages of the current website remained a source of timely information about “Geography means so much to me as a student. Being an Ambassador helps with my personal development, and spreads new ideas and geography love.” Daisy Hunt, Geography Ambassador

the Society’s activities. In 2017, an 5.2 Enhancing recruitment gave their time and expertise during the average of two articles were published and retention year to support the aims and objectives each week to enable the breadth of In line with recent years, in 2017 there of the Society. In total, an estimated work being done by the Society to be was a good retention rate for Fellows 1,500 days of direct volunteer support profiled. All the articles were also shared (93%) and a total of 2,357 new joiners was given by speakers at events, on social media to extend their reach. across all membership categories. Geography Ambassadors, expert After a slow start early in the year, all advisors, editors and editorial board Geographical magazine, produced membership categories caught up with members, peer reviewers, grant under licence by Syon Publishing 2016 retention and recruitment rates. reviewers and committee members. for the Society, featured a wide range The exception was the number of Young of geographical stories, including Geographers, which was down 10% on those on the Northwest Passage and recent years. The Geography Teacher global gender equality, as well on air Training Scholarships scheme brought pollution and the restoration of Florida’s in 111 new Postgraduate Fellows and Everglades. Each monthly issue also School Membership remained steady contained an article about Society at 550. activities and initiatives. Geographical is available in print and digital editions. The most successful recruitment routes remained people coming to public With the implementation in May 2018 events, members bringing guests of new data protection legislation to Monday night lectures, CGeog (GDPR), the Society started an audit of accreditation, and personal invitations the personal data it keeps, the reasons to geographers in the public eye. for keeping that data and the implications of the new legislation. Towards the end 5.3 Learning more about our of 2017, a workplan to guide the Society members and their engagement in being compliant with GDPR by with the Society May 2018 was agreed by the Finance The Society thanks its highly committed Committee. regional committees for organising events for members and the public during 2017. The volunteers who make up the regional committees are just a proportion of the 3,000 people who 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 was well positioned in 2017. A new, five-year strategy and business for the Society, by increasing plan was finalised and approved, for 2017-2021. This builds on the success of the income sustainably, using technology effectively, and past three strategies in seeking to extend the Society’s work and influence, enhancing staff capabilities. including further development of our role as a professional body. It retains the Context The Society is an Society’s breadth of scope and broad balance of charitable activities. The Society independent body and, like other also benefited from loyal staff, secure finances, sound governance, and a learned and professional societies, sustained base of volunteer support and expertise. receives no core government funding. Annual income has more than doubled in real terms since The Society ended the year in a strong last full year in post. A major donor’s event 1996, and substantial external position, with an operating surplus on the was held and a new publication, written by donations have been attracted. General Fund and the key income streams John Williams, celebrated the achievements The current UK setting places greater uncertainty on growing sustained, including the growth in recent of the RGS-IBG since its formation in 1995 income over 2017-2021.We years in enterprise income. The main income and the role of donors in supporting it. are thus aiming for modest, sources for the charity continued to be Fundraising during the year generated new sustainable growth in core funding from subscriptions, enterprise, membership subscriptions, Enterprise funds of £1.65m (2016: £1.9m). The formal operations, and corporate support; Company net revenue, targeted fundraising linking of the Frederick Soddy Charitable Trust plus fundraising success for new and operating activities. The financial review to the Society was also agreed in principle. projects and the endowment. (pages 24/25) sets out how the Society 2017 saw completion of the three-year, generated and spent its income in support £250,000, programme to upgrade the of its charitable activities. Ondaatje Theatre facilities, with a new As usual at this point in the strategy cycle, 2017 sound system installed in 2017. The external was a transition year. Completion of a number security systems were also upgraded, and of projects linked to the last strategy, sat the automated plant monitoring equipment alongside work to set up for the new one. The repaired to ensure real time, remote latter included planned expansion of staff monitoring capabilities. All statutory capacity in the communications team, and a reporting requirements were met. review of staff needs in support of professional The Society made progress in seeking and policy-related activities. efficiencies and developing internal data Fundraising focused more than usual on management and use to support improved stewardship of Fellows, members, donors and decision making. Most notable was the other key stakeholders during the Director’s development of a new website. We thank everyone who has kindly Corporate Business Member Collections and Lowther Lodge donated in support of our work; Silversea engaged the Society in providing NADFAS educative materials on their expedition cruise Sir Christopher Ondaatje those supporting activities in 2017 ships. are listed below. Legacies received Estate of Lord Chorley Other supporters Estate of Mr Timothy R H Morgan Corporate Benefactors in 2017 Owing to space limitations, not everyone can All are warmly thanked for their support be mentioned but the Society thanks you all Membership services and encouragement. warmly as every donation matters. We also thank Philip’s Publishing Environmental Resources Management staff and others who have provided fundraising Stanfords Maps and Books guidance and assistance. (ERM) supported the Society’s core work with Public engagement professional audiences, specifically to enhance Education 21st Century Challenges project supporter teachers’ fieldwork leadership skills and to enable Arctic Office, NERC British Film Institute a regional programme of cross sector networking British Antarctic Survey Discovering Britain project supporter and professional development. British Antarctic Territory Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust Esri UK supported the Society’s Geography Department for Education Heritage Lottery Fund Ambassador programme and brought GIS Department for International Development The Clothworkers’ Company expertise to it and to the training of teachers in Foreign and Commonwealth Office Walter Scott the classroom use of GIS. Ambassadors inspired Greater London Authority Research and higher education more than 25,000 young people in 2017 with Ordnance Survey Higher Education Academy geography and GIS. Pearson UK Polar Regions Department Land Rover supported our core scientific The Nuffield Foundation expedition and fieldwork training activities, including Land Rover driver training courses, the Fieldwork, expeditions and grants loan of a Freelander to facilitate UK-wide visits, Named endowments in earlier years and the Land Rover Bursary to support one major for grant-giving in perpetuity field expedition during the year. Alexander Awards Rolex supported our core work with and through Deutsche Post Foundation the Society’s large, unique and iconic collections Memorial Fund of maps, photographs, books, documents Frederick Soddy Trust and objects, helping to underpin public access, Geographical Club conservation and new uses for, and users of, Hong Kong Branch the Collections. John and Anne Alexander John Pilkington and the BBC Trailfinders supported the Society’s core work Land Rover Experience with the public, to inspire and promote the wider Neil Proto relevance and enjoyment of geography and to Neville Shulman foster a greater understanding of our world. This Paul and Mary Slawson builds on a shared common interest in informed Walters Kundert Awards travel. Jeremy Willson Trust 24/ 25

Financial review

The summarised financial statements General Fund expenditure as a whole June 2017. The Society’s calculated Free for 2017 on the following page provide increased in 2017 by 6%, nearly half of the Reserves, which includes the FRS102 an overview of the Society’s balance difference being the increase in expenditure calculation of the pension deficit, at 31 on Enterprises activities noted above. 2017 December 2017 were £2.69m (2016: £1.63m). sheet assets, liabilities and funds, total costs, at £5.54m, were hardly changed together with its sources of both Independent auditor’s statement to the from 2016 (£5.58m). The Society’s Trustees of the Royal Geographical Society income and expenditure by activity. expenditure on charitable activities (with the Institute of British Geographers) We have examined the summarised financial statements In 2017, the Society’s annual operating decreased in 2017 by £0.19m, down 4.2% on 2016, to £4.38m. Of the total, 15% was of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of result on the General Fund, after transfers British Geographers) for the year ended 31 December from restricted (donated project and grants) between funds, but before investment and 2017 set out on page 25. pension valuations gains/losses was a funds, with almost all the remainder from the General Fund. Expenditure across the Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the surplus of £0.19m (2016: £0.31m). This was auditor The trustees are responsible for preparing the on the total General Fund income of £5.06m main areas of charitable activity showed summarised financial statements. some year on year variations, resulting (2016: £4.67m), and was ahead of the Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the budget for the year. The total Society income largely from varying levels of conference consistency of the summarised financial statements with was down 14% at £5.58m (2016: up 21% and project activity, with spend on research the full annual financial statements and the Trustees’ Annual Report. to £6.52m) largely owing to donations and and higher education up and on policy and legacy income being lower in 2017 (£0.26m) public engagement down, the latter due We also read the other information contained in the summarised Annual Report and consider the implications than in 2016 (£1.31m) which was unusually to reduced project expenditure on the 21st Century Challenges: policy forum and for our report if we become aware of any apparent high. The expenditure on charitable activities misstatements or material inconsistencies with the decreased to £4.38m (2016: £4.58m), which public discussions and Discovering Britain summarised financial statements. The other information equates to 79% of total expenditure. projects. Expenditure on education comprises only the Annual Review. remained similar to 2016. The second pie We conducted our work in accordance with our The broad patterns of other income and chart shows total resources expended by engagement letter dated 3 January 2018. expenditure in the General Fund remained activity (with the effects of depreciation Opinion In our opinion the summarised financial similar in 2017 to 2016. Gross income and removed). statements are consistent with the full annual financial expenditure in Enterprises activities was statements and the Trustees’ Annual Report of the Royal up in 2017, to £1.93m (2016: £1.77m) and The summary consolidated balance sheet Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) for the year ended 31 December 2017. £0.89m (2016: £0.80m), respectively; net shows net assets increasing by £0.50m income rose by £0.07m, after contributions (2016: £1.65m increase), excluding the RSM UK Audit LLP Statutory Auditor, April 2018. change in the liability of the defined benefit The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, to building repairs and other costs. Bucks, MK9 1BP Membership income in 2017 rose by £0.06m pension scheme as calculated annually These summarised financial statements are extracted to £1.68m and generated £0.93m net after for FRS102. The decrease in this liability to £0.21m (2016: £1.03m.) increases the net from the Society’s full audited Financial Statements for costs of membership services in 2017. the year ended 31December 2017, which were approved assets movement to £1.33m. The Society’s Income from charitable activities decreased by Council on 9 April 2018. The full Financial Statements by £0.18m to £1.16m. Proportional income actual, legal, obligation to funding the and Trustees’ Report will be submitted to the Charity is summarised in the first pie chart. scheme is determined by the triennial Commission after the Society’s AGM, and are available actuarial valuation, the last one being at on the Society’s website W www.rgs.org and the Charity Commission website W www.charity-commission.gov.uk. 2 1 RESTRICTED DESIGNATED DESIGNATED GENERAL TOTALS 5 Research & Other 31.12.2017 New Initiatives 7 Consolidated 30 Balance Sheet £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Fixed assets 4,476 • 177 1,227 5,880 Investments 3,879 2,279 1,847 2,297 10,302 29 Current assets 131 • 107 3,724 3,962 5 Current liabilities •••-1,075 -1,075 Pension scheme liability •••-208 -208 21 Inter-fund accounts 395 346 2,083 -2,824 • £5.58m income by source Net assets 8,881 2,625 4,214 3,141 18,861 2016: £6.52m Funds balances 31.12.17 8,881 2,625 4,214 3,141 18,861 • 30% Membership subscriptions • 5% Donations and legacies Funds balances 31.12.16 9,132 2,474 3,929 1,999 17,534 • 21% Income generated by charitable activities • 29% RGS Enterprises turnover 2017 net Funds movement -251 151 285 1,142 1,327 • 7% Investment income • 5% Corporate supporters • 2% Tenants • 1% Services provided Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities 8 Incoming resources 241 81 201 5,060 5,583 17

(see right for analysis by sources) 17

Resources expended -708 -35 -34 -4,759 -5,536 12 (see right for analysis by activity)

Net investment gain 180 109 40 96 425 13 8 Surplus before transfers -287 155 207 397 472 7 Transfers between funds 36 -4 78 -110 • 18 Surplus after transfers -251 151 285 287 472 £5.19m resources expended by activity Actuarial loss onpension scheme 855 855 ••• Excluding depreciation of £0.35m. 2016: £5.23m (£0.35m) -251 151 285 1,142 1,327 • 17% Education, expeditions, fieldwork, grants • 12% Engaging wider audiences • 8% Information services & resources • 7% Policy, communications, media • 18% Research, higher education, grants • 13% Membership services • 17% RGS Enterprises costs • 8% Other, including governance 26/27

Governance

The Society is governed by its Trustees, met in the intervening Clare Sladden Staff Council which largely comprises periods as the need arose. Chris Speight The Director reports to the Fellows elected from and by the Professor Jamie Woodward Council and has responsibility for The following Council members Fellowship. They are drawn from the coordinating the Society’s strategy were in office at the end of 2017 main areas of activity of the Society. The following also served as Council and running the Society and its Twenty one Council members are Members until June 2017: activities, assisted by a senior team President elected and up to four further Council of five departmental heads and a Nicholas Crane Professor Phil Ashworth members may be co-opted, including staff that numbered 56 in December Professor Peter Jackson a postgraduate representative, to Immediate Past President 2017. All staff members are based Dr Emma Mawdsley bring further breadth, expertise and Professor Dame Judith Rees at the Society’s headquarters in Dr Kathryn Monk contact networks. Kensington, London. Vice Presidents Dr John Shears In line with recommendations of good Dr Michael Firth Maddy Thompson (Education) practice by the Charity Commission, The Council is advised by specialist Professor Adrian Smith the Council identifies the skills and committees for Education; (Research and Higher Education) expertise gaps that would be most Expeditions and Fieldwork; Finance; helpful to fill in the elections to the Professor Katie Willis and Research and Higher Education. Council each June. Fellows standing (Expeditions and Fieldwork) Attendance at these committee for election are encouraged to state meetings averaged 73% across the how they met those identified gaps. Honorary Treasurer Mark Humphreys year. The Finance Committee met However, this approach does not four times, as usual, and comprises preclude any Fellow standing for Chair of Annual Conference 2017 a core membership of accounting, election to positions relevant to their Professor Sarah Radcliffe financial, legal and investment background. The Council is also Honorary Secretaries professionals. The other committees cognisant of the value of diversity, Dr Simon Carr met twice, as usual, to advise on their while seeking to attract the most (Expeditions and Fieldwork) areas of expertise. In addition, advice appropriately qualified people to was provided by the Regions guide the Society’s governance. Laura Stone (Education) Committee, a small number of Council positions are elected specialist Sub-Committees, including Dr Nicola Thomas for a single term of three years one for investments and, where (Research and Higher Education) at the Annual General Meeting, appropriate, individual professional which includes a postal vote of the Ordinary Members of Council advisors. RGS Enterprises Limited, Fellowship. Elected Council members a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr David Anderson also serve on the appropriate the Society, is governed by its Felicity Aston MBE Committee of Council to provide Enterprise Board. Dr Jenny Balfour-Paul liaison between the two levels. Professor Joanna Bullard The Council met, as usual, three Dan Casey times in 2017 and attendance Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB averaged 83% across all three Professor Sarah Metcalfe meetings. The Executive Committee, Professor Chris Philo which comprises the senior-most David Pyle 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 Dave 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 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 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 & 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

Over the coming years the Society’s future and that of geography. We will • Developing further our support for work will be guided by the 2017-2021 continue to support research and fieldwork and expeditions. strategy, whose aims are briefly set higher education, schools, fieldwork • Ensuring geography, and its research out on the inside front cover of this and expeditions, engaging the public and practitioner communities, features Annual Review. and policymakers, and professional prominently in the challenges-led, practitioners. Our audiences will In the past 23 years, with much support interdisciplinary, and industrial strategy continue to range from enthusiast to and advice from our communities, we agendas. professional and all career stages. have created a modern learned society • Enhancing our work in knowledge and professional body for geography Continuing advocacy to sustain exchange to UK policy. in the RGS-IBG, and an effective geography’s current position of champion for the discipline. Our ability strength at school and university is In the face of populism and the many to inspire young people and engage essential, as is doing all that we can to ‘geographical’ challenges society faces, adults in learning about our world help the government ensure a sufficient the strategy envisages a new series of is stronger than ever. The breadth number of well-trained specialist topical public discussions and briefings. of audiences and user numbers has geography teachers. A successful With more than 50% of Society events grown dramatically, and our reserves, completion and evaluation of the taking place outside London, it is timely revenues and facilities have been Society’s collaborative field research to rethink how we present the Society’s significantly enhanced. The strategy programme, Migrants on the margins UK offer. An integrated digital strategy, aims to build on this success. is a high priority too. starting with a new website, will be essential in making more of our work. A key challenge is to sustain in real terms Planned new developments include: The facilities will also receive attention, the current high level of Society income • Developing our work as a including a major appeal to conserve in a period of considerable political and professional body, including the south façade of Lowther Lodge. economic uncertainty. Our income accreditation, professional networking sources are discretionary; we do not And all the while we will also be and discussions, and geographical receive core government funding. seeking ways to sustain and improve skills and training. Thus, we must rely on our track record, our existing core activities to advance innovation and enterprise, and loyal • Working with schools on, and in, geographical science, including public supporters to fund our work across the areas of greatest need to enhance access to and interpretation of the UK and internationally. geography teaching. Collections. Retaining the Society’s strengths and • Widening diversity in the discipline broad balance in its work is vital to its across all sectors. Recognising excellence in 2017

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 Andrew Cliff Professor Ian Cook et al ‘for research excellence in spatial epidemiology’ ‘for excellence in the promotion and practice of public promotion since the foundation teaching and learning of geography in higher Busk Medal of the Society in 1830. education’ Professor David J A Evans The two Royal Medals (The Founder’s ‘for excellence and originality in the study of glacial Alfred Steers Dissertation Prize landscapes and processes and empowering the Alex Henry and Patron’s Medals) are among the next generation’ ‘for the undergraduate geography dissertation highest international accolades. They judged to be the best in 2016’ Cherry Kearton Medal & Award are awarded for ‘the encouragement Harry Hook Area Prize and promotion of geographical science ‘for original documentation of Africa through Dr Brendon Blue and discovery’. photography’ ‘for the best article in the journal by a new researcher’ Murchison Award In 2017 Her Majesty the Queen Professor Henry Wai-chung Yeung Geographical Award approved the award of the Royal ‘for pioneering publications in the field of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Medals as follows: globalisation’ ‘for inspiring generations of young people through challenging expeditions’ Back Award Founder’s Medal Professor Harriet Bulkeley Honorary Fellowship Sir ‘for contributions to the shaping of international David Riviere ‘for the enhancement and promotion of policy on climate change’ ‘in recognition of outstanding commitment and agricultural development in Asia and Africa’ contribution to the Society’ Cuthbert Peek Award Patron’s Medal Dr James Cheshire The Society further recognised excellence through the Lindsey Hilsum ‘for advancing geographical knowledge through Young Geographer of the Year Awards, the Rex Walford ‘for promoting the understanding of global the use of mappable Big Data’ Award to recognise newly qualified teachers, and the conflict and inequality’ Gill Memorial Award (two awards) Excellence Awards made to pupils who achieved the highest marks in GCSE, A Level and International Dr Sarah Mills Baccalaureate examinations in Geography. ‘for outstanding early career research in cultural geography’ Ness Award Professor Kathleen Jamie ‘for outstanding creative writing at the confluence of travel, nature and culture’ Ordnance Survey Awards (two awards) Claire Power and Paul Turner ‘for excellence in the promotion and practice of teaching and learning of geography in higher education’ This report summarises the Society’s charitable Acknowledgements activities and finances in 2017 in pursuit of its objective to ‘advance geographical science’. Front cover Annual International Conference © Rob Johns 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 during Explore weekend © Nico Wills and activities for the benefit of all our users and Researcher performing Q interview in Dhaka ©Chris Smith of geography. The full annual accounts and report Investigating glacial geomorphology in Iceland © Sasha Charles Enduring Eye in Edinburgh © Callum Bennetts /National Library of Scotland can be found on our website and that of the Page 3 Charity Commission. Rita Gardner © RGS-IBG Page 5 If you would like to receive a copy of this report in Knowledge exchange event © Debbie Castro PDF so that it can be read in larger print or using Page 8 Adobe Reader software, please visit Investigating Arctic glacial ecosystems © Dr Arwyn Edwards Page 11 W www.rgs.org/annualreview Teacher Training Scholarship residential fieldwork weekend © RGS-IBG Page14/15 Research and Higher Education Researchers recording results of a Q sort © Chris Smith Registered Charity 208791 Speaker at AC2017 © Panel 8 Fieldwork and Expeditions Geography Outdoors workshop © RGS-IBG Investigating lichen growth rate © Alex Ingle Education Young Geographer of the Year ©Howard Sayer Teacher Training Scholarship residential fieldwork weekend © RGS-IBG Page16/17 Policy, Governance and Fundraising David Wood © David Wood Michael Palin © Panel 8 Public Engagement Terraced housing in Liverpool, Britain from the Air © Webb Aviation Event audience © Panel 8 Collections and Enterprises Ondaatje Theatre © Panel 8 Enduring Eye in Edinburgh © Callum Bennetts /National Library of Scotland

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