Registrar election 2025

Here you can find out about the six candidates standing for election to become College Registrar, as well as how to watch our online hustings event, and how to vote in the election itself.

Professor Owen Bowden-Jones elected as next Registrar

3 April 2025: Professor Owen Bowden-Jones has been elected the next Registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists – in a ballot which saw a turnout of 19.4% (3,303 votes) – in an election which had six impressive contenders.

This section will be updated shortly in light of Professor Bowden-Jones' election.

Candidates for Registrar

Dr Anis Ahmed
Read Dr A. Ahmed's full statement

Dr Anis Ahmed

"Drawing on leadership roles in RCPsych's Volunteering and International Psychiatry Special Interest Group (VIpSIG), Diaspora Groups, the Forensic Faculty, and the Special Committee for Human Rights, I am dedicated to transforming workforce wellbeing and member support. I will drive innovation, elevate psychiatrist profiles, and advance impactful mental health advocacy."

Dr Rais Irfan Ahmed
Read Dr R.I. Ahmed's full statement

Dr Rais Irfan Ahmed

"Dear RCPsych Members,I am committed to strengthening medical leadership so frontline clinicians can put patients first. The College must take a more assertive approach in advocating for system-wide solutions, ensuring clinicians have the support, resources, and influence needed to drive meaningful change and improve patient care." 
Dr Fabida Aria
Read Dr Aria's full statement

Dr Fabida Aria

"Together with you, as registrar, I would love to take the college to the greatest heights and enable best outcomes for people across the world. I will do this by valuing members to achieve their full potential and I have a track record of successful leadership and enabling positive change."
Dr Jeya Balakrishna
Read Dr Balakrishna's full statement

Dr Jeya Balakrishna

"Connections and conversations matter – we learn together, support one another, and carry people with us. A Ministry of Defence psychiatrist with 37 years’ experience in NHS and independent services, I will prioritise supporting psychiatrists to thrive, reinforcing our leadership in Psychological Medicine, and inclusive decision-making to shape our profession’s future."
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones
Read Professor Bowden-Jones' full statement

Professor Owen Bowden-Jones

"Professor Owen Bowden-Jones is a clinician, researcher, government adviser and public communicator. His roles include Consultant in Addiction Psychiatry, Honorary Professor, Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and President of a national academic society. Owen has spent his career championing co-produced, evidence-based mental health care."
Dr Mayura Deshpande
Read Dr Deshpande's full statement

Dr Mayura Deshpande

"Challenges to quality, safety and professional autonomy in psychiatry are high, and belief in evidence-based psychiatry has been eroded. I am standing for Registrar because have substantial experience of working with governments, influencing policy and promoting evidence-based psychiatry, and will champion our profession, our members, our patients and their families."