The Society functions through its Council which is elected every year at AGM. The Council meets every month to transact the business of the Society including organisation of events, election of new members, discussion of policy and planning matters (including agreeing the submission of observations to statutory bodies) and any other matters arising. Generally speaking, the activities of the Society can be divided into:

1. Publication of the Annual Journal
2. Holding of Lectures – a Spring and Autumn series of lectures is held, with usually three lectures in each series.
3. Excursions – throughout the summer months, the Society organises trips to places of historical and archaeological interest in the County and further afield.
4. Representations – the Society monitors planning and development matters and other developments which might impact on the heritage of the County. In some cases, the Society is consulted by statutory and other bodies for its views. Where deemed desirable, the Society makes submissions to relevant bodies on these issues (including the submission of observations to local authorities on planning applications).