Sonia Walter

Sonia first joined RCPsych in 2000 as Assistant Conference Manager, before being promoted to Head of the Centre for Advanced Learning and Conferences (CALC). In this role she transformed the College’s flagship event from an Annual Conference for 700 delegates into an International Congress attracting over 3,400 delegates from more than 50 different countries.

Sonia was promoted again in 2019 to the role of Director of Professional Standards where she led RCPsych’s work across events, eLearning, training and workforce, examinations and International, Devolved Nations and Divisions. Under Sonia’s leadership the team secured 100% fill rates in training places in core psychiatry and developed innovative training programmes like the National Autism Training Programme, and the Public Mental Health Leadership Certificate.

Her exceptional leadership through the pandemic reduced disruption for members and ensured the successful digitisation of the MRCPsych examinations and events.

Reporting directly to Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Sonia is leading on the implementation of the RCPsych strategy to improve the working lives of psychiatrists and secure the best outcomes for people with mental illness and their families.