About the Society

 

The Bhutan Society of the United Kingdom was founded on October 6th, 1992, inspired by the growing connections between the two countries. The Society held its inaugural meeting in London on Bhutan National Day, December 17th, 1992.

From an idea shared by a handful of founders, we have grown to a thriving community of some 500 members who value the links connecting Bhutan and the UK.

Our members range from professionals with interests including art, culture, environment, and Gross National Happiness; to those who have visited Bhutan and wish to maintain an association; to Bhutanese studying in the UK who are welcomed as honorary members.

The Society organises lectures and talks throughout the year. An annual dinner is held in the Autumn, which allows members to renew friendships and meet members, including some of the Bhutanese students resident in the UK.

The Society publishes a newsletter three times a year.

Aims of the Society

To encourage and promote knowledge and understanding of the Kingdom of Bhutan

To encourage cultural and educational links between the Kingdom of Bhutan and the United Kingdom

To promote and foster good relations between the Kingdom of Bhutan and the United Kingdom

Vision, Mission and Activities

Our Vision: The warmest friendship and cultural relations between the people of Bhutan and the UK.

Our Mission: To foster and strengthen relations between the UK and the Kingdom of Bhutan. This includes the cultural, educational and social life of Bhutan and the UK.

Our Activities:

We maintain an efficiently run membership organisation

We communicate developments within Bhutan and the UK of mutual interest to our members and stakeholders.

We organise cultural, educational and social events for our members.

We offer contacts and participation in the Society’s activities to Bhutanese who are in the UK to live, study, work and/or visit.

We cultivate and maintain connections with Bhutanese and UK individuals and organisations.

President and Vice-Presidents

  • Sir Simon Bowes Lyon KCVO

    President

  • Michael Rutland OBE

    Vice President

  • Andrew Sutton

    Vice President

Executive Committee

  • The Hon Deborah Keith

    Chairman
    Deborah has been Chairman of the Society since January 2025 following her role as Programme Secretary for two years. From 1983-1989 she lived and worked in Bhutan for the Department of Agriculture at Bondey Farm setting up a horticultural development project. She trained as a plant scientist and has worked throughout her career in global agribusiness and Research & Development. She is currently a non-executive director and chairman of various organisations.

  • Scott Steedman CBE

    Secretary

  • Chris Watt

    Treasurer

  • Sylvia Robert-Sargeant

    Newsletter Editor

  • Marion Young

    Membership

  • VACANCY

    Dinner Secretary and Events Group (Films)

  • Oliver Stogdon

    Website and Digital

  • VACANCY

    Programme Secretary

Policies and Constitution of the Society

  • Safeguarding

    The Society’s Safeguarding Policy can be found here.

  • Data Protection

    The Society’s Data Protection Policy can be found here.

  • Constitution

    For a copy of the constitution, would members please contact the Membership Secretary.