Why 2025 is an exciting year to be an RSA Fellow

Growing micro-communities

Our micro-communities bring together groups of Fellows to connect more deeply around specific areas of interest, identity or geographic regions. One of the RSA’s most exciting initiatives this year is the expansion of thematic networks within the Fellowship. The thematic networks coming soon this year are:

• Architecture and urban planning
• Health and care
• Criminal justice

Why join a micro-community? 

• Connect with Fellows who share your interests internationally
• Discuss with others and stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in your field
• Collaborate and participate in exciting projects
• Ready to get involved? Chat, connect and collaborate on Circle (log in here using your My RSA credentials).

Thematic networks are designed to support projects, create spaces for ongoing learning, and help scale positive impact within targeted sectors. Fellows can join or even lead these groups, strengthening their influence and connections within the broader RSA community.

Co-working spaces

We're creating experiences in person too, providing Fellows with spaces to connect, collaborate, and share ideas locally and globally. In 2025, we’re expanding the number of co-working spaces to strengthen connections for Fellows. While RSA House remains a beloved hub, many of you expressed a desire for similar spaces closer to home. You asked, and we listened.

We’ve partnered with local organisations to establish co-working spaces across the UK, focusing on areas with active Fellow engagement. These hubs are designed to promote collaboration, host events, and provide inspiring environments for Fellows to gather.

To ensure these spaces continue to meet your needs, we’d love your feedback. The next time you visit, please check in by scanning the onsite QR code. Your input helps us maintain and expand these creative hubs, keeping them vibrant and impactful for our community.

More opportunities for mentoring and development

One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is the continued growth of the RSA’s Young Fellows Mentoring Programme. The results of our annual survey last year pinpointed mentoring as one of our Fellows’ key priorities. We heard you and we acted.

We launched our Young Fellows Mentoring Programme in October 2024, connecting Young Fellows with seasoned professionals. Since its launch, we have welcomed over 200 Fellows to the platform and counting. This intergenerational exchange promotes guidance, expertise, and inspiration, enabling personal and professional growth.

The success of the Young Fellows Mentoring Programme has led to numerous requests for more tailored mentoring opportunities - for example, to expand the age range for mentees beyond the Young Fellows bracket. We are currently working on phase two in 2025 to ensure we’re providing a platform that best fits our Fellows.

In the meantime, please continue engaging with the Fellowship on Circle, particularly in the Ask & Offer space, to find support or new connections. Our community is filled with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are always eager to help one another.

International expansion

The RSA Fellowship is becoming increasingly global, and in 2025 the RSA is hosting events in China, Canada, Japan, Italy, the US, Oceania and more. This international growth offers Fellows the chance to engage with a broader group of Fellows globally as well as make new connections in their local area. With more international events, partnerships, and collaborations like the bi-monthly Global Exchange, this is the year for Fellows to connect across borders, exchange insights, and work together on solutions that can have a truly global impact.  

Feedback from our Fellows

The RSA is incredibly important to our Fellows, and many have highlighted the strong appreciation they feel for the organisation. Recent survey responses included thoughtful and heartfelt comments about the value they see in being part of this community. One respondent shared how transformative the Fellowship has been, saying: “The RSA always provides me invaluable ideas to make changes, and I’m always thankful and honoured to be part of the Fellowship.”

Another highlighted the RSA’s dynamic role in addressing critical issues, noting: “It is an organisation with its finger on the pulse of the UK politically, culturally, socially, and creatively. It provides very useful and relevant perspectives and is active in engaging with the challenges facing our society.”

These testimonials reflect the RSA’s ability to inspire action and remain a vital force for positive change.

A year for connection and impact

In 2025, Fellows will have more opportunities than ever to be at the forefront of our transformative work. This year's expanded avenues for collaboration offer Fellows incredible potential to continue making a difference.

With new mentoring opportunities, growing micro-communities, and international expansion, this year is the perfect time to tap into the Fellowship's collective energy. Engage in groundbreaking projects and advance the RSA’s mission to create a better, more equitable world.

Every region has a Fellowship Engagement Manager who would be delighted to work with you. To get in touch with your local RSA representative, find them on Circle or email fellowship@rsa.org.uk for more information.