The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is considering changes to how we work, including our election processes. To gather the views of our membership, we’ve launched the first in a series of surveys.
Who can vote in RCP elections?
Currently, only fellows can vote in elections. This includes voting for president, vice presidents and elected councillors. We are seeking feedback from our membership on whether this should change.
Our constitutional review membership survey on election and voting has now closed.
Who is eligible to complete this survey?
The survey was open to subscribing members and fellows of the RCP. Emeritus fellows, honorary fellows and members and non-subscribers were not eligible to complete the survey.
Physicians who are not currently members but would like to input into the constitutional review should consider becoming a member of the RCP, so they can also have a voice on any future changes. Become an RCP member.
Survey results
The RCP constitutional review survey has now closed. Summary of the results will be updated soon.
For reference, you can view the questions here (this is for information only).
Why is this important?
The RCP is over 500 years old and we are governed by our 1518 royal charter, national legislation (including the Medical Act 1860) and numerous bye-laws and regulations. We adhere to Charity Commission rules and regulations under UK charity law. The Board of Trustees is the RCP’s governing body and works closely with RCP Council, which leads on professional and medical matters.
The publication of The King’s Fund independent learning review in September 2024 pointed to the need for improvements in the RCP’s culture, governance, processes and the way in which we represent physicians of all generations. A constitutional and governance review group, chaired by the RCP registrar, has designed a set of questions around voting rights and elections to be put to the membership.
Once this survey closes, RCP Council will consider the results, and in September 2025, the annual general meeting (AGM) of fellows will be asked to vote on the final set of proposals. Where possible, new ways of working will be implemented from 2026. Any more significant changes, such as amending the Medical Act 1860, will take longer and require parliament to pass new legislation.
Please let us know what you think – your voice matters.