Retention Charter Domain 3

Continually promote the retention of psychiatrists through ‘stay conversations’ and proactive measures to help them achieve their career goals.

This section provides information about Domain 3 of the RCPsych's Retention Charter launched in autumn 2025.

For each domain there are overarching actions, a maturity matrix to assess what stage your organisation is at, recommendations for how to improve in each area, and good practice examples and links to further help.

Overarching aims for Domain 3

Action 3.1

Continually promote the retention of psychiatrists through ‘stay conversations’ and proactive measures to help them achieve their career goals. 

Action 3.2

Ensure provision of targeted support for staff groups who might experience difficulties planning or navigating their careers e.g. new parents, those returning after career breaks, independent sector psychiatrists, locum doctors, LE doctors/clinical fellows, less than full time psychiatrists, and those with carer responsibilities outside of work (this is not an exhaustive list).

Action 3.3

Provide access to retirement planning discussions at an early stage and support those retiring and returning to work.

Action 3.4

Have enabling conversations with psychiatrists considering leaving or who have decided to leave the organisation/profession, ensuring that they feel supported, and their decision is a considered, positive choice.