As a wholly independent, non party-political body with charitable status, the RSE is a forum for informed debate on issues of national and international importance and draws upon the expertise of its multidisciplinary fellowship of men and women of international standing, to provide independent, expert advice to key decision making bodies, including Government and Parliament.

In addition to responding to Governmental and Parliamentary Inquiries, the Society also undertakes a number of independent inquiries on matters of importance to Scotland, or on which the Society can make a valuable contribution as a multidisciplinary body.