[2][3] It is a membership-based vexillological organisation with over 400 members from all parts of the world, an adviser to the UK Parliamentary Flags and Heraldry Committee, and the provider of advice and information to individuals and organisations including UK Government departments, the BBC, ITN, and many publishers, museums and libraries.

[4] The Flag Institute became a charity in 2013, following a postal vote of its members, and is governed by a board of five elected Trustees, who are advised by the President and a number of appointed Officers.

It maintains the William Crampton Library, named in honour of its co-founder, and publishes a bi-annual journal, Flagmaster.

Previously the Union Flag had flown only when Parliament was in session, leaving the flagpole bare at other times.

[7] All Scottish flags must, by law, be authorised by Lord Lyon and recorded in the 'Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland' and he appointed the Flag Institute's Philip Tibbetts to the newly created role of Honorary Vexillologist to the Court of the Lord Lyon.