We are introducing a new corporate governance structure so that we can operate more effectively and provide a better service for our members.
This will lead to a series of major changes to reporting relationships and committees across the College, its Faculties and Institute.
This change programme, which will take three years to implement, will make RCPI a more effective, member-focused organisation with a renewed emphasis on our mission to train, educate and continuously develop doctors for current and future world health needs.
We will have enhanced financial, audit and risk management controls, more effective board and committee structures, and a revitalised focus on the needs of our Trainees, Members, Licentiates and Fellows.
Specific outcomes to expect include:
Governance is the process of decision making. We need to make sure we have the right people making the right decisions.
RCPI has been in operation for over 350 years, and during that time it has grown significantly in size and scope, particularly in the last ten years. The gradual, incremental expansion of the College has resulted in a number of issues such as fragmented services and committees with overlapping remits.
We need to change in order to be the best possible college we can be. After a process of internal reflection and review, which included advice from an external agency, we have commenced the process of overhauling our governance structure to deliver the standard of service our members deserve and ensure all of our activities and committees are aligned with our mission.
The three-year change programme will involve five key work streams:
This will include
New committees will be established to oversee areas that currently lack official oversight, including audit and governance.
Current committees will be reviewed and reformed to optimise clinicians’ time and ensure clear reporting relationships.
We will examine clinical roles and responsibilities across RCPI, including appointment processes. We will also ensure there is effective training and induction for all clinicians who take up roles within RCPI.
We will change the way we work internally in order to deliver a better service to Trainees, Members and Fellows, particularly in relation to postgraduate specialist training and professional issues.
It is important for our Trainees, Trainers, Members and Fellows to have easy access to RCPI so that we can support their training and professional development.
We are committed to increasing our physical presence on-the-ground at our training sites. We already have an office in Cork and Galway and will be opening offices in other training sites across Ireland in the months ahead.
All of the work carried out will involve input from Trainees, Members, Licentiates and Fellows, to ensure your needs are being met.
Updates will be regularly communicated on the progress of the programme.
Your feedback throughout the process is more than welcome.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on the Governance Implementation Programme.
The Governance Oversight Group held its first meeting on 8 December 2017.
Foundation Dean, Institute of Medicine appointed, 26 October 2018