Abstract
The College's governance review is progressing well with an interim report presented to the August General Council. As flagged previously the report will be released to the membership after its completion. All will be aware of the member surveys, though the response rate of less than 10% is in some ways troubling.
Members of the College have complained about their perceived isolation from the processes of “their College” and the review is essential as we try to restructure the College for the next generation. However, as any changes to the body structure will require a three-quarters majority, it is vital that as many members as possible actively engage with the process at their branch, faculty or section level. This is too important an opportunity to let slip. The College has, it is true, become larger and many feel too bureaucratic, yet at the same time, many members want us to represent the voice of psychiatrists and have an important presence in decisions affecting mental health issues in the broader community. Fixing the structural issues should allow progress down this path.
Simultaneously, the number and complexity of appeals is increasing. These encompass issues to do with education and training or the readmission of Fellows, usually due to boundary violations. The process whilst transparent is somewhat unwieldy and different approaches are being considered, one of which might involve a retired judge chairing a more permanent body.
Fellows will also be pleased to note that in response to suggestions from the Private Practitioners' Network, a members' directory and separate database will be established on the College website. This will hopefully be a useful adjunct for all.
