What we do

Montage of RSGB HQ

The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) is the national membership organisation for amateur radio enthusiasts. The society was first founded in 1913 and incorporated in 1926.

The Society is dedicated to the development of the science and practice of amateur radio. It works to increase awareness and understanding of amateur radio and to make the hobby accessible to everyone.

Amateur radio licences were issued to the first UK radio amateurs in 1934. The RSGB represents the interests of UK licensed radio amateurs and is a not-for-profit organization that:

  • Promotes the general advancement of the science and practice of radio communication or other relevant subjects.
  • Facilitates the exchange of information and ideas on these subjects among its members.
  • Aims to obtain the maximum liberty of action consistent with safeguarding the interests of all concerned.

RSGB membership is open to all who have an interest in radio communications. Membership gives you a voice in how amateur radio is governed in the UK and the opportunity to influence the direction and policy of the RSGB. The RSGB is a membership-focused organization. The national governing body (The Board) is elected nationally. The regional governing body (The Regional Council) is elected on a regional basis. The day-to-day management of the society is under the control of a small team of full time employees who are based at the society’s head office in Bedford.

The RSGB publishes the monthly magazine Radio Communication (RadCom) but membership of the RSGB means much more than receiving RadCom each month.