• Enable the advancement of knowledge through the initiation and the support of challenging expeditions around the world. To achieve this mission The SES will:
  
• Ensure the provision of experienced and professional exploration leadership in support of scientific research and conservation projects.
  
• Enhance the professional development and leadership potential of participants through their involvement in practical exploration and research.
  
• Ensure all projects aim to leave a legacy of benefit to the community

• Initiate and support challenging, interesting and varied self-funding expeditions each year, comprising of scientists and specialists, fee-paying participants, in country experts and professional staff.
  
• The spread of expeditions, within the criteria of the Mission Statement, will cover different subjects, varied terrain and a combination of scientific research and conservation objectives requiring a wide range of skills and fitness levels from the participants.

• All expedition members either have, or will be provided with, appropriate training and will be assigned specific roles within the team.
  
• Where possible, one expedition per year will be a larger, ongoing 'flagship' expedition.
  
• Through an exciting programme of expeditions, supported by well prepared and timely expedition reports, The SES will continue to be recognised as a leading organisation for excellence in science, conservation and exploration.

SES Council Members
Ruth Cartwright FRGS; Dr John Davies MB ChB DRCOG DTM&H MSc (Med Sci Travel Medicine) MFTM RCPS (Glasgow) FRGS; Barbara Jeffrey; Mike Laird FRGS, PIOR, DipCll; Barry Moss FRGS;

Co-opted Council Members
Jane Davis FRGS; Deanne Mahony BSocSC, HDE; Cmdr Christopher Mahony;

Honorary Vice Presidents
Phyllis Angliss; Wendy Bentall FLS; Sir Ranulph Fiennes Bt OBE; Philip Harrison FRGS; Ambassador Eric Hotung CBE, Richard Snailham MA, FRGS; Elodie Sandford

The SES is affiliated with SES Jersey and SES Bahamas

Executive Secretary
Lucy Thompson

Overseas Representations
Econ Yolima Cipagauta (Latin America), Captain John Hinchliffe (Myanmar), John Edwards (India), Professor Terbish (Mongolia), Ato Solomon (Ethiopia)