Fellowship FAQs

Got a question about Fellowship? You're in the right place.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch with our team and we'll be happy to help.

Fellowship application process

Can I apply for Fellowship?

To become a Fellow, all we ask is that you:

• Are 18 or over.
• Support our vision and values.
• Share our commitment to social change.

The RSA is a values-based organisation. We are open, optimistic, courageous, enabling, and rigorous. We welcome all those aligned with our values as outlined in the Fellowship Charter, and who share our vision of a world that is resilient, rebalanced and regenerative, enabling everybody to fulfil their potential.

To join our community, please submit a short online application. You can begin your application on our website today.

Do I have to be invited to join?

No. People apply to become Fellows in several ways including independently completing an application on our website, being nominated by an RSA Fellow, staff, or partner organisation. 

Everyone completes the same online form whether they have been nominated or not. All applications are treated in the same way, and must comply with the same eligibility criteria.

How long does the application process take?  

The application form should take no more than 10–15 minutes to complete. 

Your completed application is then reviewed by our admissions panel, and we will get back to you within 12 days of submission. 

Once your application has been approved will we process your payment information and confirm your Fellowship status. 

If you begin the application form but do not complete it, we will touch base with you periodically to help or provide a reminder. If it is not completed within two months your application will be closed. Should you require an application extension, please let us know.

How likely is it that I will be accepted?

Our ethos is inclusive, and we welcome all who are aligned with the RSA's vision and share in our values. We rarely reject applicants, but it is important that you confirm the alignment of your values in your application.

Do I have to apply online?

Our standard application is online. However, if you have accessibility requirements or are unable to apply online, please get in touch. We would be delighted to support you with your application. You can apply online below should you not require any support.

Life Fellowship

I’m interested in Life Fellowship

Our Life Fellowship option lets you become a Fellow for life with a one-time subscription. The standard price is £3,900, which is reduced to £2,340 for those who have been Fellows for at least 10 consecutive years or are aged 65 and over. If you would like to pursue Life Fellowship, please select this option on the application form.

Do I need references to join?

You do not need to provide references as part of your application. However, if we have any concerns or need further verification, we will be in touch to request a reference. If we do contact your referee, they will be asked a couple of questions based on how they know you and whether they consider you to have a commitment to positive social change. This will be stored securely on our database as part of your application.

Can I rejoin Fellowship?

Yes, we would love to welcome you back to the Fellowship. Please send the Fellowship Team an email telling us you wish to rejoin, and they will provide you with a link to update your details. We do not require rejoining Fellows to pay the £75 registration fee.

Cost of Fellowship and payment

How much is Fellowship?

All Fellows pay an annual charitable subscription of £198. Most Fellows with UK bank accounts choose to pay by Direct Debit in monthly instalments of £16.50 at no extra cost.

There's also a one-off registration fee of £75 to help cover the set-up of your Fellowship.

For those applying from outside the UK, you can pay in instalments via Credit/Debit Card by contacting the Fellowship team.

When do you have to provide payment to become a Fellow?

You will be asked to provide payment details on your application form. However, payment is only processed after your application has been reviewed and approved by our admissions panel. If your application is not approved, your card details will be securely destroyed.

Can I pay by Direct Debit?

Direct Debit is the most cost-efficient way of making payment. There is also the opportunity to pay monthly or quarterly. If you would like to switch to Direct Debit, please contact the Fellowship Services team by email or call 0207 451 6939 and we will set this up for you. If you are not yet a Fellow, you will be given the opportunity to set up a Direct Debit when you apply.

I cannot afford my Fellowship subscription; do you have any financial support?

We understand that an annual payment may not be affordable for all. You can pay your subscription monthly (£16.50) or quarterly (£49.50) to help spread the cost of Fellowship through a Direct Debit from a UK bank account.

We do have a limited bursary fund to make the Fellowship more accessible. Should you wish to apply for a 25% or 50% bursary, please contact [email protected].

What are your bank details?

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, please email [email protected] to request our bank details.

Who do I address cheques to?

Please address cheques to RSA No. 1 Account. Please write your Fellowship number on the reverse of the cheque, and post it to: Freepost THE RSA

Please do not include any other address information (eg our street address) on the envelope as this may cause your cheque to be delayed.

Gift Aid

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a government initiative that allows charities to reclaim tax from HMRC for donations made by UK taxpayers. This means that we can claim back from HMRC 25p of every £1 of your Fellowship subscription, at no extra cost to you.

Can I Gift Aid my Fellowship?

Gift Aid is a crucial way for our Fellows to increase the value of their charitable subscription and provide further support to the RSA. If you are eligible, you will be provided with the option to Gift Aid your subscription when you apply.

Am I eligible for Gift Aid?

To be eligible, you must be a UK taxpayer and pay an amount of UK income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that the RSA and any other charities and CASCs that you donate to reclaim on your subscriptions and donations in the tax year.

If you would like more information about Gift Aid and the RSA, please do get in touch at [email protected] and a member of our team will be in touch.

Donations

I’d like to make a donation to the RSA

Please see our donations page for a list of the ways in which you can donate to the RSA. Your support makes a real difference and enables the RSA to deliver positive social change globally.

Current Fellows

I’ve lost my Fellowship card

Please let the Fellowship team know that you need a replacement card and we will arrange for a replacement to be sent to you as soon as possible. You can still visit RSA House in the meantime, just remember to make yourself known to reception when you arrive.

I've forgotten my MyRSA / Circle password

Request a password reset on the My RSA sign-in page. This will generate an email with further instructions about how to change your password.

How do I log in and use Circle?

Once you are logged into MyRSA then you will be able to access Circle by clicking on the “Chat, Connect and Collaborate” icon on the right-hand side. Once logged in, if you need more information then please go to Circle's help section. If you need any further assistance, then please contact the Fellowship team.

I'm a Fellow and I don’t seem to be receiving communications from the RSA

As a Fellow, you should be receiving regular communications from us by email. Please check your spam filters to ensure our emails are not being diverted. You should also log in to My RSA to check that your personal details are up to date. If you are still experiencing problems, please contact us.

I’d like to change my address and/or update my personal details

Please log in to My RSA and go to the “My Account” section to update your details or send an email to the Fellowship team with your updated information.

I’ve paid but I’ve received a renewal letter or email from you

Sometimes these letters cross as we arrange for them to be sent out ten days in advance. Please contact the Fellowship team if you’re concerned that we have received your payment, and if we have, please disregard the renewal letter.

How do I renew my Fellowship?

The Fellowship Services team will contact you in advance of your renewal date to let you know how you can renew. You can contact the Fellowship Services team at [email protected] or by calling 0207 451 6939 if you need any help with your renewal.

RSA Certificates and Diplomas

The RSA no longer supplies certificates or diplomas. Your Fellowship card and welcome pack confirm your Fellowship status, and you are welcome to use the postnominal FRSA as you wish.

You are more than welcome to use the RSA logo, please click here for more details.

Can you confirm if someone is a Fellow?

Please email your request to [email protected] and we can confirm whether someone is a Fellow. However, we are unable to provide any further personal information about our Fellows to non-Fellows.

I’ve seen someone misusing FRSA

Please send any information to [email protected] and we will pass the details on to our Governance Manager to follow up on.

Is the RSA still an examination body?

The RSA ceased being an examinations body some time ago, but you should be able to get the information you're looking for from our successors, OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA examinations). You can contact OCR through the following routes:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 01223 553 311
• Address: 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU

Fellow grants

How can I apply for Catalyst Funding?

You can find out more about applying for Catalyst funding, including the application form, on the Catalyst support page.

RSA Journal

Can I get hold of previous editions of the RSA Journal?

Absolutely. Please send an email to the Fellowship team who will endeavour to send you a hard copy. All previous editions can also be found online.

What is your publishing schedule and how many issues are published per year?

The RSA Journal is a quarterly publication.

My Journal hasn’t arrived

We can usually arrange for a replacement copy of the latest Journal to be sent out to you, however, all copies of the Journal are available online.

Accessibility and RSA House

I am a new Fellow - can I use the House facilities straight away?

As a Fellow you will receive a membership card which allows you to tap in when you arrive at The House. Until you receive your card or even whilst you are awaiting confirmation of your Fellowship you can still visit the House and manually sign in at reception.

Can I have a tour of the House?

Absolutely, we would be more than happy to give you a tour of RSA House and answer any Fellowship questions you may have. Simply fill out our online form requesting a date/time that works for you and our team will get back to you to confirm.

I’m disabled and/or have access requirements

If you have any access requirements, please let the RSA know. RSA House is accessible for those with mobility issues via lifts and has step-free access into the House as well. Our Durham Street Auditorium is fitted with an induction loop. If you have any additional questions, do contact either the Fellowship team or the House team.

What is the charity status of the RSA and its affiliates?

The RSA is a registered charity in England and Wales (charity number 212424) and in Scotland (charity number SC037784). We also have two affiliate organisations in the United States, RSA US, and Australia, RSA Oceania. Both affiliates are registered as separate entities in their respective jurisdictions.

RSA US is a 501(c)(3) registered charity in the United States under “Fellows of the RSA in the United States” (EIN: 23-2647480). Outside of the UK, it has the largest concentration of Fellows and has onboarding ambassadors in nine key cities, including Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and New York City, and hosts local events for US-based Fellows.

RSA Oceania is registered charity in Australia under “RSA ANZ Limited” (ABN: 57621002257). It supports Fellows in Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia (excluding Hawaii).

What is the RSA’s company address?

The RSA’s and its subsidiaries’ registered address is: 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6EZ.

I have a question about the history of the RSA or something in the RSA Archives

The RSA Archive preserves historical records relating to the RSA's activities and administration and makes them available for research.

The archives date from the foundation of the Society in 1754 and provide a wealth of information about its history. They include minutes, correspondence, reports, drawings, prints, photographs and other printed and visual material. Find out more about the RSA archive.