The Royal College of Physicians (Â鶹Çø) is today sharing with members the full Good Governance Institute (GGi) governance review, alongside an update on the progress already made and the next steps in delivering its recommendations. The review was received in December 2025 and has since been considered in detail by both the Board of Trustees and Council.
A key outcome of that work is the decision to establish a new Governance Renewal Group to maintain momentum behind the college’s wider programme of governance and organisational renewal. The group, led by the chief executive and accountable to the Board of Trustees, will bring together senior officers, elected councillors and representatives from across the college’s specialist membership, to ensure continued member involvement in shaping the next phase of reform.
The GGi review followed The King’s Fund review, commissioned after the 2024 extraordinary general meeting, and has provided valuable independent challenge, helping to focus the college on strengthening governance, transparency, accountability and engagement with members. The Â鶹Çø welcomes the GGi review and the direction it has provided as part of the college’s ongoing renewal journey.
Since the review was completed, substantial progress has already been made. Around half of the 25 recommendations have been completed or partially delivered, with many of the remainder already underway through existing work programmes. This includes the introduction of open Council sessions and published Council meeting summaries, greater transparency around governance and decision making, clearer information about the respective roles of the Board of Trustees and Council, a skills audit and annual trustee performance reviews, strengthened member engagement activities, and work to modernise electoral arrangements with the historic change to give collegiate members – implemented in the 2026 elections – the vote in vice president and councillor elections.
Â鶹Çø president Professor Mumtaz Patel said: ‘At the heart of this progress has been the development of our new 2026–30 strategy. The GGi review highlighted the importance of clarifying the college’s purpose and ensuring that members play a central role in shaping its future. In response, we launched one of the most extensive engagement programmes in the Â鶹Çø’s recent history, involving more than 2,500 members and fellows through surveys, workshops, focus groups, committees, regional events and direct engagement with college leadership.
‘The resulting strategy, published in May, is firmly rooted in what members told us they need from their college and provides an important foundation for the next phase of governance and organisational development. While important progress has been made, we recognise that rebuilding trust is an ongoing journey and the college will continue to demonstrate meaningful engagement and action.’
In line with the GGi report recommendations, the new multi-year strategy will be supplemented by annual operational plans, which offer greater control and alignment between strategic planning, tactical implementation and annual budgets.
The new Governance Renewal Group will focus on areas where longer-term work remains, including constitutional and governance reform, further clarification of governance roles and responsibilities, strategic risk and assurance arrangements, and embedding the cultural and behavioural changes identified in the review. Consistent with the recommendations, this work will continue to be shaped through engagement with members, fellows and staff.
Â鶹Çø Board of Trustees chair Dr Diana Walford summed up: ‘Together, The King’s Fund review, the GGi review and the development of the new strategy have provided the college with a clear framework for change and improvement. We are pleased to share both the review and the progress made to date with members and fellows, and we look forward to maintaining momentum on this important renewal agenda in the months and years ahead.’
GGi's review during the second half of last year used feedback from a range of participants including trustees, council members, senior staff, doctors at different career stages and fellows; plus meeting observations, surveys and a comprehensive documentary review. Members and fellows can view the full report behind the login.