{"id":51101,"date":"2026-10-21T10:00:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T09:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rsgb.org\/main\/?p=51101"},"modified":"2026-10-20T10:00:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T09:00:36","slug":"november-2026-strategic-priorities-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rsgb.org\/main\/blog\/news\/rsgb-notices\/2026\/10\/21\/november-2026-strategic-priorities-update\/","title":{"rendered":"November 2026 \u2013 Strategic priorities update"},"content":{"rendered":"

Virtual engagement: making it work for every radio amateur<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"word<\/p>\n

The RSGB is working to develop strategic topics that can focus effort, encourage innovation and drive meaningful change across amateur radio. Virtual Engagement is a key aspect of that strategy because it affects how people discover the hobby, learn new skills, access expertise and remain connected to the wider community.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A changing pattern of participation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It is not simply a question of adopting new technology; it is about designing participation around the varied needs of today\u2019s and tomorrow\u2019s radio amateurs. Some prefer a structured explanation, others a practical demonstration, discussion with peers or the freedom to explore at their own pace. The online world has evolved accordingly: web pages have moved beyond static reference material while forums, video platforms and online communities now provide searchable stores of shared experience. In a technical hobby such as amateur radio, continuing access to historical data, previous discussions and practical knowledge is particularly valuable. It helps people to solve problems, to understand how ideas and equipment have developed and to build confidently on the experience of those who came before them.<\/h4>\n

Engagement preferences are becoming just as varied as learning styles. Many radio amateurs value the friendship, practical help and shared experience of meeting face to face at a local club. Others need, or simply prefer, to participate virtually because of distance, mobility, work, caring responsibilities or convenience. For some, an online event may be their first contact with organised amateur radio; for others it may be the only realistic way to remain involved.<\/h4>\n

The strategic challenge is therefore not to choose between virtual activity and the traditional club model but to connect national and local provision so that members can participate in the ways that suit them and move easily between online and in-person experiences.<\/h4>\n

The RSGB can add value by connecting these elements, helping clubs avoid duplicated effort and making good material easier to discover long after its original publication. There are already useful examples within UK amateur radio, including several services delivered by the RSGB. The successful Tonight@8 series<\/strong><\/a> shows the value of combining a scheduled shared experience with long-term access: talks are streamed live on the RSGB YouTube<\/strong><\/a> and BATC channels<\/strong><\/a>, viewers can ask questions online, and recordings remain available afterwards as a substantial, searchable archive covering operating, construction, propagation, satellites, licensing and many other subjects.<\/h4>\n

The Society\u2019s web pages provide another important layer, bringing together band plans<\/strong><\/a>, licensing<\/strong> <\/a>and EMF guidance<\/strong><\/a>, propagation<\/strong> <\/a>information and tools<\/strong><\/a>, technical topics, training resources<\/strong><\/a>, practical skills videos<\/strong><\/a>, Convention lectures<\/strong><\/a>, forums and support for getting started <\/a><\/strong>and progressing after an exam. These services already form much of the foundation for a broader virtual engagement strategy.<\/h4>\n

Designing engagement, not simply broadcasting<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Virtual sessions are the most visible starting point but their value depends on design. A long presentation delivered to silent viewers can feel remote; a shorter technical briefing, practical demonstration or question-led discussion gives participants a reason to contribute. Simple features such as questions submitted in advance, live polls, moderated chat and a clear follow-up route can turn an online audience into a community. Recording sessions extends their usefulness, especially when recordings are indexed, described clearly and linked to supporting notes. This creates a growing technical library rather than a collection of isolated videos while captions and straightforward platforms can make participation more accessible.<\/h4>\n

Supporting the journey after the exams<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Newly licensed amateurs should be a particular priority as the RSGB Board<\/strong><\/a> Chair and Director Graham Smith, G4NMD mentioned in his August strategy update<\/strong><\/a>. Passing an examination is an achievement, but it does not automatically provide the confidence to make a first contact, choose equipment, join a net or visit a club. Virtual engagement can bridge that gap through post-exam welcome webinars, beginner-friendly online nets, short first-steps videos<\/strong><\/a> and access to mentors. These early touchpoints can help newcomers feel recognised and supported before uncertainty becomes disengagement. A joined-up pathway could begin with online training, continue through a national welcome and practical resources and then introduce local clubs, special interest groups and on-air activities.<\/h4>\n

A flexible future for amateur radio<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Virtual engagement is not a substitute for club rooms, rallies, field days or conversations at the shack door. It is a means of extending them: making expertise available beyond geography, allowing participation around modern lives and preserving knowledge for future use. The next steps should combine immediate, practical progress with a clear longer-term direction. Success will not be measured simply by views or registrations but by whether people can find the information they need, gain confidence, make contacts, share knowledge and remain involved. By delivering visible early benefits while building a coherent virtual engagement pathway, the RSGB can strengthen both the national Society and the local club for the future.<\/h4>\n

Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB<\/strong><\/h4>\n

RSGB Board Director<\/strong><\/h4>\n

strategy@rsgb.org.uk<\/strong><\/h4>\n