At the annual general meeting (AGM) of ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº fellows on 25 September, we presented a set of proposed changes for modernising election processes and subsequently opened an online ballot for all eligible fellows. The vote closed on 10 October, and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in this historic and important decision.
Results
After a process externally, and independently, managed by Civica, we are pleased to share the results of the ballot.
The results at a glance
- Proposal 1 (binding vote): Do you support widening voting rights to allow collegiate members* to vote in ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº councillor elections?
Proposal 1 was approved by 67.2% of voters. ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº bye-laws will be updated to allow collegiate members to vote in ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº councillor elections. (67.2% for, 32.8% against)
- Proposal 2 (binding vote): Do you support widening voting rights to allow collegiate members* to vote in ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº vice president elections?
Proposal 2 was approved by 62% of voters. ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº bye-laws will be updated to allow collegiate members to vote in ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº vice president elections. (62.0% for, 38.0% against)
- Proposal 3 (binding vote): Do you support removing ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Council’s responsibility to review nominated candidates’ CVs in the elections of vice presidents?
Proposal 3 was not approved by 52.8% of voters. ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Council will continue to review nominated candidates’ CVs for vice presidential elections. (47.2% for, 52.8% against)
- Proposal 4 (non-binding vote): Do you agree that the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº should explore amending the Medical Act 1860 and the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº royal charter?
Proposal 4 was approved by 75.5% of voters. ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Council and the Board of Trustees will now discuss next steps and explore amending the Medical Act 1860 to remove restrictions and extend voting rights for the election of the president. (75.5% for, 24.5% against)
The result of the vote gives the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº a clear mandate to move forward in modernising how the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº is governed.
The ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº will now update its bye-laws and allow collegiate members* to vote in elections for vice presidents and councillors – giving them a democratic voice in the leadership of their college for the first time.
The Board of Trustees and ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Council will explore potential amendments to the Medical Act 1860. They will confirm any next steps in widening the vote and removing current restrictions that limit how and when the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº president is elected.
Fellows should note that they will:
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have an opportunity for separate binding vote(s) on any specific proposed amendments to the 1860 Act, at a later date (recognising that ultimately, changes to legislation are a matter for parliament).
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continue to play a key part in shaping the college’s leadership through AGM and EGM votes. These changes do not alter the rights as fellows, instead, they expand democratic participation and ensure the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº reflects the diversity of its members.
* Collegiate members are subscribing members who have passed the MÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº(UK) exam OR are working in an NHS substantive consultant post OR are resident doctors enrolled in JÄÛ²ÝÓ°ÔºTB higher specialty training programmes (ST3+).
Listening to our members
Here at the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº, we are rightly proud of our heritage – rooted in the 1518 royal charter and shaped by subsequent acts of parliament and bye-laws – but as the world of medicine is continuously evolving, so must we. Earlier this year, we surveyed fellows and members on our proposals for constitutional reform.
Read the full results of our membership survey on constitutional reform
If you have any questions, please email membershipqueries@rcp.ac.uk.