The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is proposing the modernisation of its internal governance procedures. This should improve the support provided for Members/Fellows, ensure professional standards are upheld, improve the focus on education and training and promote patient safety. These changes mirror best practice as advocated and required by law in the Charity Governance Code, ensuring that the College is relevant, forward-looking and innovative while retaining its distinctive character and important historical traditions.
Background and Rationale for the Proposed Changes
As it is both a charity and a Royal Charter body, RCSEd’s governance structure is distinctive. Currently, the College Council serves as the trustee body responsible for the Charity’s governance, including professional, legal and financial responsibilities. However, this model has major disadvantages and does not meet modern charity best practice rules. This adds significant legal responsibilities and duties to Council Members, who are all active clinicians with busy professional and personal commitments.
To address these challenges and modernise its structures, the College Council initiated a comprehensive governance review. The Governance Review Steering Group, chaired by the then Honorary Secretary and now Vice-President Clare McNaught, analysed RCSEd’s current governance practices and blueprinted this against what was felt to be the best governance model. This model advocated separating the functions of financial and legal governance from that of professional representation. This should enhance the efficiency of decision-making while allowing the Council to focus on serving the professional needs of our members.
The Key Proposed College Governance Changes
Establishing a Separate Board of Trustees:
The introduction of a dedicated Board of Trustees is at the heart of the proposed governance updates. The Board will be responsible for the charity trustee role and focus on overseeing RCSEd’s operational management. This will free the College Council to concentrate on professional matters and strategic input. The Board of Trustees will have up to 13 members, including the College Office Bearers, Council Member representation, and four to five appointed non-clinical trustees. There will always be a majority of clinicians on this Board. The appointed trustees will contribute specialist skills in areas of finance, IT, audit, education and fund raising, enhancing the Board’s capacity to fulfil its governance role and allow compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements of a charity.
Updating Council Terms and Structure for Greater Member Engagement:
Council terms will shift from a maximum of two five-year terms to three three-year terms. There will be an increase in the number of elected Council Members. These changes should offer more opportunities for members to participate in College leadership roles, including standing for election to Council, and strengthening professional involvement.
Modernising College Laws and Simplifying Regulatory Processes:
Proposed amendments to RCSEd’s Royal Charter and Laws will streamline operations by moving certain responsibilities from the Laws into the College regulations. This development should improve RCSEd’s governance system, enhancing flexibility by allowing administrative adjustments without Privy Council recourse. These changes are in alignment to the governance changes that many other Royal Medical Colleges have already introduced. The proposed changes are designed to position RCSEd as a modern, effective and inclusive organisation, capable of meeting the evolving needs of our membership. Education, training, research, and international engagement will remain at the core of RCSEd’s work.
These proposed changes have the unanimous backing of the College Council. If these changes are agreed upon at the upcoming AGM, they will proceed to the Privy Council for final approval. Following their approval, implementation of this new Governance model should take place in 2025, led by Honorary Secretary Robin Paton.
We are confident that these governance changes will fortify RCSEd’s capacity to serve as an advocate for our members and a champion of surgical standards worldwide.
Professor Rowan Parks
President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Professor Robin Paton
Honorary Secretary of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The next Annual General Meeting of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh will take place in a hybrid format at 12.30pm on Friday 15 November 2024. All Fellows and Members who are eligible to attend will have received email updates including a 'save the date' email, the agenda and guidance on how to register for the meeting. The hybrid meeting format offers those unable to attend and fully participate in the AGM the ability to observe the proceedings online.