Each year, as part of the running of the RHS, at least three RHS Council members retire. The resulting vacancies are filled by election at the RHS Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The RHS Governance and People Committee leads the annual election process to the RHS Council. The Committee reviews the applications of all candidates who apply to stand with the support of the RHS Council and interviews a shortlist of candidates. Following a skills audit of current trustees, the Committee considers the skills and experience required and makes recommendations for selected candidates for election to the RHS Council.
In 2024, there were four nominated candidates for three vacancies and an election was held and managed independently by Civica Election Services. A total of 1,583 valid votes were cast by RHS members online and in person at the AGM.
The voting results, shared by Civica Election Services were as follows:
- Liz Nicholson: 1,289
- Nick Dunn: 1,229
- Ruth Willmott: 1,117
- Adrian Penrose: 683
Liz Nicholson is the Managing Director of Nicholsons, a consultancy and landscape contracting business engaged in diverse residential and commercial projects, in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. Nicholson is increasingly engaged in the Environmental sector and is also the Director of The Forest Canopy Foundation (FCF), which is a partnership of professionals from the forestry industry and is focused on increasing woodland creation at scale across England.
An experienced RHS show judge and active member of the RHS, Nicholson has been on various RHS Boards and committees since 2015 and has over the past three years collaborated with the RHS to develop the sustainability of RHS Shows. For the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Nicholsons Green Design Audit was used across the Show and Sanctuary gardens.
“I have developed a Green Design Audit with the RHS, and we have used it this year in the Chelsea showground ensuring a reduced carbon footprint and much greater emphasis on sustainability. I would like to join Council as I feel this work in sustainability is essential not only in our shows and gardens but also in the advice and support we give to our members,” explained Nicholson in her supporting statement.
Nicholson joins Nick Dunn and Ruth Willmott as a Ordinary Members of the RHS Council to serve alongside; Claire Austin, Sue Beesley, Prof Mick Crawley, Tazim Essani, Wesley Kerr, Tony Kirkham, Baroness Kate Lampard, Pamela Maynard, Dr David Rae, Darren Share, Prof Nicola Spence and Janet Walker.