Research organisations, higher education institutions and overseas Learned Societies Individuals who have an interest in the aims of the Academy, but who are not members of a constituent Learned Society may be invited to become Associate members. The presiding body of the Academy is its Council. Council members are the Trustees of the Academy. Council is composed of the Academy's President, a Secretary and a Treasurer and fifteen members elected from two electoral colleges, nine by the Committee of Learned Societies and six by the Committee of Academicians. The Chair of the Council is elected by its members.
Council meets at least annually.
Most of the business is conducted by standing committees, including Finance and Development, Public Education, Membership Services, and External Affairs. A joint Nominations Committee of Academicians and Learned Societies, chaired by the President, evaluates nominations for Academicians and make recommendations to Council. A Foresight Forum, bringing together the Committees of Academicians and Learned Societies, is responsible for advising Council on policy and ensuring that the policies of the Academy reflect the inclusive nature of the social sciences and the importance of practitioner perspectives. The Academy is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and is applying for registration as a charity. Academicians Academicians are entitled to add the letters 'AcSS' after their name.