Royal College of Physicians
Chief Executive Officer
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is a world-renowned professional membership body for physicians, with around 40,000 members in the UK and globally, and a proud history dating back to 1518. Our activities focus on educating, improving and influencing for better health and care.
As the RCP looks to the future, we are seeking an inspirational Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the College remains a thriving and valued membership body. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the next chapter of our organisation, delivering a renewed strategy that enhances our influence, grows membership, and strengthens the College’s impact on physician training, health and care.
Accountable to the Board of Trustees, and collaborating with the elected President, the CEO will lead the RCP’s executive team, embedding a values-led culture of care, collaboration, and learning. They will ensure the effective delivery of the College’s strategic objectives, financial sustainability, and operational excellence, while building strong relationships with the membership and key stakeholders, including NHS leadership, policymakers, and fellow medical organisations.
The successful candidate will bring executive-level leadership experience within a complex organisation, such as a membership body, charity, healthcare, or public sector environment. They will have a proven track record in transformational change, strong financial and governance acumen, and the ability to influence at the highest levels. With exceptional communication and leadership skills, they will drive an inclusive culture that reflects the diversity of the medical profession and the patients we serve.
The RCP is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds. We are looking for a leader who is passionate about shaping the future of healthcare, engaging and empowering our members, and upholding the highest standards of excellence in everything we do.
Expected recruitment timeline
17 March 2025 – applications close
w/c 12 May 2025 – values panel interview (via Microsoft Teams)
20 May 2025 – RCP members panel interview (in person, London)
10 June 2025 – final panel interview (in-person, London)
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Royal College of Physicians on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference ZYFC. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 17th March 2025.
As the leading body for physicians in the UK and internationally, the RCP envisages a world in which everyone has the best possible health and healthcare.