Physiology News Magazine
Building on strong foundations and celebrating our future
News and Views
Building on strong foundations and celebrating our future
News and Views
Dariel Burdass
Chief Executive, The Physiological Society
At the 2023 Member Forum, The Society shared the exciting news that it had applied for a Royal Charter during the CEO’s annual report to members.
Further information about what this would mean for The Society and next steps are outlined below.
Background
In 2020, during Professor Bridget Lumb’s tenure as President, the Board of Trustees approved the recommendation to pursue a Royal Charter for The Society, and seek approval for Royal status, thus enabling a name change to ‘Royal Physiological Society’. The Board considered that a future Royal Charter would recognise our organisation’s prestigious 140-year heritage and expertise within the field of physiology. It would also acknowledge our pre-eminent work in promoting the academic discipline of physiology: supporting those working in the field by organising world-class scientific conferences, offering grants for research and collaboration, and publishing the latest developments in our scientific journals.
However, along with the honour of receiving a Royal Charter comes a set of responsibilities, particularly regarding the Society’s obligation to serve the public benefit1 through our Purpose, which is to support and inspire our community to advance the physiological sciences. One way we do this is through highlighting the pivotal role that physiology research plays in addressing global challenges to a broader audience, including policymakers and funders.
Honorary Fellow of The Society, Professor David Paterson spearheaded the Royal Charter initiative during his role as President-elect and President (2019 – 2022), in collaboration with Society staff and legal counsel from the Society’s solicitors, BDB Pitmans.
What is a Royal Charter?
A Royal Charter is a formal document, granted by the Monarch, on the advice of the government. It is a legal instrument that bestows independent legal personality upon an organisation, defining its objectives, constitution, and powers to govern its own affairs.
Originally, a Royal Charter was a procedure by which the Crown could grant corporate personality to bodies of persons conducting activities for public or private benefit. The term ‘Royal Charter’ has since evolved into an honorary distinction. Today, it is bestowed upon eminent professional bodies or charitable organisations with a proven track record and sound financial standing, as assessed by the Privy Council.
Internationally recognised as a mark of quality, the Royal Charter is now selectively granted to organisations that excel in their respective fields and uphold certain criteria. Since the 1950s one of these criteria has been that the petitioner shall exist not solely to advance the interests of its members but also, and primarily, to advance the public interest.
Why is The Physiological Society petitioning for a Royal Charter?
There are a number of reasons and some of these are outlined below:
- Recognition of professional expertise
Obtaining a Royal Charter is a prestigious acknowledgment of the high level of expertise and professionalism within the organisation. It serves as validation of The Society’s dedication to advancing knowledge and excellence in the field of physiology, thereby enhancing its credibility, and standing among peers, stakeholders, and the broader community.
- Enhanced public trust and awareness
The prestigious status conferred by a Royal Charter can significantly enhance public trust and confidence in the Society and its members. It serves as a mark of quality and excellence, signalling to the public that The Society is a reputable and trustworthy authority in the field of physiology. This increased trust and awareness can lead to greater engagement, support, and participation from the public, stakeholders, and potential collaborators.
- Elevating the organisation’s and members’ profiles
The use of ‘Royal’ in the Society’s name can elevate its profile and visibility, both nationally and internationally. This heightened recognition can attract attention from key stakeholders, including policymakers, funding bodies, researchers, and media outlets, thereby enhancing opportunities for collaboration, networking, and advocacy. Additionally, individual members may benefit from the enhanced prestige associated with belonging to a Royal Society, which can facilitate career advancement, networking opportunities, and professional recognition.
- Strengthening the organisation’s brand and fostering aspiration
The attainment of a Royal Charter can strengthen the Society’s brand identity and positioning within the field of physiology. It communicates a sense of excellence, tradition, and authority, distinguishing The Society from its peers and competitors. This can inspire pride and loyalty among members, as well as attract new members who aspire to be associated with an esteemed and influential organisation. Furthermore, the Royal status can serve as a source of motivation and aspiration for current and future generations of physiologists, encouraging them to strive for excellence and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
Applying for a Royal Charter
The first stage of applying for a Royal Charter – and convincing the Privy Council it is in the public interest – is probably the most difficult part of the process.
The Society was required to demonstrate through an initial Royal Charter Memorandum and letters of support from other Royal Societies2 the following:
- our public benefit
- our proven track record of stability
- a constitution that ensures our proper governance
- representation of a unique area of professional expertise.
- no significant overlap with any other operational Chartered or non-Chartered bodies who participate in physiology (outlining how our members differ significantly in their expertise and area of practice from the members of these bodies).
As noted at the Member Forum in December 2023, The Society’s application for a Royal Charter3 has passed its first stage of approvals. This means that we can now proceed to a formal application to the Privy Council for a Royal Charter.
In preparation for this we have been working with BDB Pitmans to undertake the compulsory governance work of drafting the Constitution, which is comprised of the Royal Charter and the associated Bye-laws (approved by the Privy Council) and Regulations (approved by the Board).
Application for a Royal Charter – next steps
1.Coordinate with the Privy Council’s Office to Ensure Approval of the Draft Constitution:
Work through the Privy Council Office to ensure that the draft Constitution meets the requirements of the Privy Council and garners their approval.
2.Finalise and Formalise the Draft Royal Charter, Bye-laws, and Regulations:
Once consensus is reached on the content of the draft Royal Charter, Bye-laws, and Regulations, formalise these documents in an agreed-upon format.
3.Secure Approval from The Society for Constitutional Documents and Petition:
Obtain approval from The Society for the finalised constitutional documents and the formal petition to the Privy Council before submission.
4.Seek approval from The Society’s Voting Membership for Royal Charter Status:
Present the finalised petition and constitutional documents to The Society’s voting membership who would then need to pass a resolution to approve The Society’s reorganisation as a Royal Charter i.e. they would need to approve the petition and constitutional documents.
5.Application to use the word ‘Royal’
Apply to the Cabinet Office for the use of the word Royal in our name (the application is more likely to be successful now that the Privy Council has given its provisional agreement to the Royal Charter application). This will run concurrently with the application for Royal Charter.
Footnotes
1. The Society as a registered charity currently operates for the public benefit as set out in our charitable objects.
2. These included the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Biology, various funders, and both clinical and academic allied Physiology Societies.
3. A Royal Charter is an instrument of incorporation, granted by The Monarch, which confers independent legal personality on an organisation and defines its objectives, constitution, and powers to govern its own affairs.