Overview

With a mission to improve patient care, advance medical education and influence healthcare policy, the RCP plays a vital role in representing doctors and addressing contemporary challenges in medicine. Operating with an annual budget of £40 million, the RCP has its headquarters in London and Liverpool and smaller regional offices supporting its global membership.

The incoming Chair will have the task of overseeing the RCP’s governance at a pivotal moment in driving forward a range of modernisation initiatives whilst maintaining its rich traditions. This assignment took on greater significance given the need for the Chair to guide the implementation of governance reforms based on The King’s Fund independent learning review, which highlighted several cultural and governance challenges facing the organisation.

Our Approach

In response to the mandate of securing a new Chair of the Trustee Board, we conducted a focused and dynamic eight-week campaign to identify suitable candidates. Our strategy combined targeted marketing, effective promotion as well as strategic networking to reach a diverse pool of candidates with the expertise and background required to take on this pivotal role.

Outcomes

The search culminated in the appointment of Dr Diana Walford CBE. Dr Walford is a distinguished leader in healthcare, public health and higher education. She has held senior positions across the NHS, the civil service and academia, including roles as principal of Mansfield College Oxford, director of the Public Health Laboratory Service and deputy chief medical officer for England.

Impact

This appointment went a long way in strengthening the College’s governance capacity and ensuring the college remains at the forefront of medical education and professional development. The RCP have noted that Dr Walford will be instrumental in guiding them through an important period of change -  “As we work to reconnect with our members, strengthen our role in improving healthcare delivery and undertake constitutional reform to modernise the college, her expertise and vision will be invaluable.”