The Society is guided by a formal structure that ensures its smooth operation and continued success. Run by volunteers and supported by subscriptions and patron contributions, it maintains a strong foundation for its activities and events. This page outlines the Society’s governance, funding, and membership, highlighting the diverse and engaged community that underpins its work.
The Society is a Company limited by Guarantee (number 4322131, England and Wales) with statutory documents registered at Companies’ House. The Society is run by volunteers and obtains its income from subscriptions and contributions in various forms from our Patrons. These allow the Society to cover the basic costs of administration and support for its Award schemes for Dutch and related studies at various universities. Subscriptions have been held at modest levels for many years and provide access to the monthly e-news and bi-annual newsletters. Membership also gives access to unique events throughout the year for which separate charges are made though some are free.
The Society is sufficiently funded to allow it to continue with its regular activities for the immediate years ahead. The Society is run by a Council (Board of Directors) and supported in organising its events by an Events Committee. In addition, there is an Advisory Committee, chaired by the President with the Netherlands Ambassador to the United Kingdom as Vice-President, which meets once or twice a year. Members of this Committee are individuals distinguished in their various fields whose wide experience brings an outside and diverse outlook to the Society’s activities and operations.
Our individual membership at present amounts to some 500 of which approximately two thirds work and live within the M25 and the other third spread all over the UK, with a small number overseas. The profile of our membership is very diverse in terms of age, backgrounds and interests. Members join to cement links with their backgrounds and remain because of friendships made and the conviviality of the programme of events which aim to offer something of interest to most members, supported by our regular communications.