Role of the President
This page explains the roles and responsibilities of the President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, currently Dr Lade Smith CBE.
The President sets the vision for the College and leads on driving improvements in access, experience and outcomes for people with mental illness in the UK and across the world.
The President also acts as the College’s principal spokesperson to external organisations, the media, and the public. They serve as the primary contact between the College and central government, which includes leading discussions with the NHS and the Department of Health to voice the College’s view on mental health care and psychiatry.
Additionally, the President also engages with the media by issuing statements and press releases on emerging issues relating to psychiatry. These communicate the College’s policy positions and aim to maintain a unified message to the public.
As President, they have the responsibility of chairing meetings of Council and the Board of Trustees, and ensuring that they follow the Charter, Bye-Laws, and regulations.
Each President of the College can serve for up to three years, and is potentially up for re-election each year.
The President appoints Presidential Leads to draw attention to areas that are considered priorities within the College. They advise the President and College Officers in all matters relating to a specific area of our work, as well as leading on the development and delivery of relevant projects.
Current President
Dr Lade Smith CBE was elected in 2023, and succeeded Dr Adrian James as the President of the College on 11 July that year, at our Annual General Meeting. She holds this role until June 2026.
Lade has appointed Presidential Leads for:
- global mental health strategy
- psychiatry and physical health
- women’s mental health
- equity and equality
- retention and wellbeing
- compassionate and relational care.