The Society is directed by a Council of Management, comprising Trustees, Officers, and Council Members elected by the membership.
Trustees bear legal responsibility for the Society under the Friendly Societies Act 1974 and oversee its governance and regulatory compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Former Professor of Robotics at Middlesex University and President of the Cybernetics Society from 1999 to 2020. A Freeman of the City of London and recipient of the Institute of Physics Public Awareness of Physics Award. Known to millions as a judge on BBC's Robot Wars and technical presenter on Techno Games, he has brought cybernetics and robotics to a broad public audience while maintaining deep academic engagement across the discipline.
Artist and writer, and the daughter of Stafford Beer, the founder of management cybernetics. Co-author with Dr Allenna Leonard of a graphic work contextualising Beer's Viable System Model and broader contributions to cybernetic science. Vanilla bridges the creative and scientific dimensions of cybernetics, carrying forward a remarkable family legacy in the discipline.
A longstanding pillar of the Cybernetics Society, having served as Treasurer for a decade before retiring from that office. Author of research in cybernetic prediction and systems approaches, Bill brings deep institutional knowledge and continuity to the Society's governance as a Trustee.
Officers are responsible for the day-to-day direction and administration of the Society, leading its strategic development and ensuring the smooth running of its affairs.
Professor of Information Management at Loughborough Business School, where he directs the Centre for Information Management. His research spans the digital economy, information systems, organisational change, and the attention economy. He has held visiting positions at institutions in Ireland, Spain, and beyond, and has extensive experience advising government agencies and major enterprises on digital transformation.
A systems practitioner and member of the Institution of Royal Engineers, Peter brings practical experience in applying cybernetic principles to organisational and community challenges. He leads the Society's digital transformation and infrastructure modernisation.
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at UWE Bristol, with research interests in generative art, evolutionary computing, and creative applications of artificial intelligence. A Fellow of the Cybernetics Society, Steve manages the Society's finances and ensures sound stewardship of its resources.
The Society's Secretary, responsible for governance administration, meeting coordination, and maintaining the formal records of Council business.
Council Members contribute to the Society's strategic direction, programme development, and community engagement across a range of disciplines and perspectives.
Management consultant, visiting professor at UCL, and the Society's immediate Past President (2020-2024). Author of works on quality management, intelligent organisation, and the application of the Viable System Model. John organises the annual Cybernetics Conversation at Loughborough and brings extensive practical experience in applying cybernetics to organisational design.
Former Secretary of the Cybernetics Society for over two decades, David is one of the most experienced figures in the Society's governance. His contributions to the continuity and institutional memory of CybSoc are extensive.
Bringing fresh perspectives to the Council, Omar contributes to the Society's engagement with emerging applications of cybernetics.
Contributing to the Society's programme development and community engagement activities.
Supporting the Society's outreach and events coordination.
Contributing to the Society's strategic initiatives and member engagement.
An engineering professional bringing industry experience in systems engineering and complex project management to the Council.
Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Brighton and editor of the Society's open-access journal, Enacting Cybernetics. Awarded the Heinz von Foerster Award by the American Society for Cybernetics in 2014, his research bridges cybernetics, systemic design, and architectural theory. Ben studied at Cambridge and the Bartlett (UCL) under the supervision of Ranulph Glanville.
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in cybernetics and thinking systemically. Annual subscription from £30.
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