Members' eNewsletters

Our two eNewsletters contain all the latest goings-on from across the College, including stories from our Faculties, Divisions and Devolved Nations, as well as College initiatives such as CCQI, NCCMH and more.

The main eNewsletter goes out on the last Thursday of every month, while the shorter Members' update goes out on the second Thursday.

November 2024 update

New autism patient resource

We’ve launched a new autism patient information resource this week. The resource explains what autism is, how it’s diagnosed and what support is available for autistic people.

Hundreds join us for World Menopause Day

The College's first ever online event dedicated to menopause was a huge success with hundreds joining worldwide and 90% saying it will change their clinical practice.

Drug and drink deaths in Scotland warning

Increased spending to reduce drink and drug deaths in Scotland has not helped make hoped for improvements and a fresh approach is needed, auditors have warned.

Engaging locally in England

The English Divisions have been meeting with local NHS Integrated Care boards (ICBs) this year, as part of a new initiative.

NHS England National Electronic Patient Record Survey

Take part in the second ever national EPR usability survey which benchmarks user satisfaction with electronic patient record systems across the NHS.

Submit ideas for BJPsych International blog

BJPsych International is looking for new submissions to its long-running blog series, Muses - which aims to highlight international artists in low-and-middle income countries.

Accreditation committee call out

The College's Centre for Quality Improvement is looking for members interested in joining their Accreditation Committees and driving service improvements nationally.

Seeking six scholars

The College is recruiting six Presidential Scholars to support the Presidential leads in their specific areas of work.

RCPsych Awards 2024

Who won Psychiatrist of the Year, who was our Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and who triumphed in the 16 other categories? Find out here!

Past eNewsletters and updates

Lade’s blog

In her October blog post Lade talks about the autumn Budget, our influencing work, protecting the mental health of sanctuary seekers and more.

Our response to the Budget

Mental health services must receive a fair share of the boost to NHS funding set out in this week's Budget.

Consultation on the NHS's 10-year plan in England

Help us shape our response to the Government consultation on its 10 Year Health Plan for England.

Assisted dying survey – complete by 4 November

Share your views on assisted dying – our survey for members in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies ends soon.

President’s lecture on cannabis

Book your place at the next President’s lecture in December, at which Professor Owen Bowden-Jones will be giving an exclusive insight into his new report on co-occuring substance use and mental illness.

Call to reduce inequalities in Wales

RCPsych Wales has joined calls for the Welsh government to reduce the impact of poverty and inequalities, with Wales having the highest poverty rate among the four UK nations.

Updated patient information on long-acting injectable (depot) antipsychotics

The College has updated its patient information resource on long-acting injectable antipsychotics (also known as depot medication).

Demand, Capacity and Flow QI Collaborative – Wave 2

Following a successful first cohort of the Demand, Capacity and Flow (DCF) Collaborative, the NCCMH is recruiting to a second wave, launching in January 2025.

Equity Champions Network

During 2024 we’ve been recruiting individuals with a passion for helping us drive change through our UK-wide Equity Champion Network.

Black History Month 2024

Catch up with our Black History Month podcast about one psychiatrist’s journey from Ghana to working in the NHS, and all the ways we’ve celebrated Black History Month in October.

RCPsych Awards 2024

Reserve your place to watch next week’s RCPsych Awards ceremony live online - our glittering event is taking place at 7 November, from 2-4.30pm.

World Mental Health Day 2024

Catch up with our special interview with the College’s Presidential lead for Global Mental Health Strategy. Professor Mohammed Al-Uzri, and see how else we’re marking World Mental Health Day today.

Influencing the NHS Long Term Plan

Engagement on the NHS 10-year plan has begun and will continue into early next year – read an update on how the College will contribute to the plan.

Assisted Dying debate

The Guardian’s health policy editor Denis Campbell is chairing our special debate for members on Assisted Dying next Tuesday. Find out more and sign up.

Scottish locum costs soar

The cost of bringing in locum psychiatrists on emergency contracts to treat mental health patients in Scotland has soared - according to new figures from BBC Scotland and The Guardian.

Black History Month

There’s still time to sign up for this afternoon’s free member webinar ‘I see you – leading cultural change in healthcare.’ Find out about the event and other ways we’re marking Black History Month

New Equity Champion network up and running

Following a College-wide recruitment process, we were delighted to hold an induction session last month to welcome our new RCPsych Equity Champions.

Observing Yom Kippur and Dussehra

The College marks many religious festivals throughout the year and soon it will be Yom Kippur and Dussehra.

New partner network in England

The College and the NHS Confederation have set up a new network to improve the way we support and gather insights from mental health members on the 42 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Supporting people with OCD

Next week is OCD Awareness Week – you can help your patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by sharing our OCD information resources.

Lade’s blog

In her September blog post, Lade discusses the challenges faced by mental health services in England due to underfunding. and what the College is doing to bring about change.

College response to Lord Darzi’s review

Read the College’s response to Lord Darzi’s report setting out the results of his investigation of the National Health Service in England.

Debate on assisted dying – book now

Members are invited to watch an international panel of speakers lead a debate on assisted dying and assisted suicide, in the first of a special series of President’s events..

Tackling Racism in the Workplace learning materials

Access new learning materials to help your organisation act against racism and tackle racism in the workplace.

RCPsych Awards 2024 shortlists revealed

The shortlists for this year’s RCPsych Awards have been announced, with winners due to be revealed at our Awards Ceremony on 7 November.

Become a College External Advisor

Do you want to play a role in the externality of ARCP panels and interview panels, ensuring objectivity is represented?

Demand, Capacity and Flow

Read more about the Demand, Capacity and Flow QI Collaborative, run by NCCMH, which aims to support mental health services across the UK to improve the demand, capacity and flow of their services.

Want to be a part of the 2025 International Congress?

Find out more about the submission process for RCPsych International Congress 2025, taking place next June in Wales. You have just one month left to submit.

Members debate on assisted dying

Next month the College will be holding a debate on assisted dying and assisted suicide, as the first of a series of special President’s events for members.

COVID inquiry: Academy of Royal Colleges is core participant

This week the UK Covid-19 Inquiry began evidential hearings for its third module, which is examining the impact of pandemic on healthcare systems and staff.

Suicide rate increase in Scotland

Suicide prevention and ensuring people in crisis can access the help they need is vital to stemming the rise in suicide rates, Scotland’s suicide lead has said.

College backs climate call

We’re backing a UK Health Alliance Climate Change report calling for the Government to change and improve the country’s energy system.

Impact of exercise on mental health

Read the NCCMH’s new report on the impact of physical activity on treatment outcomes for people using NHS Talking Therapies services in England.

Apply for Fellowship

There’s just a few days left to apply for Fellowship at the College. Fellowships are awarded as a mark of distinction and recognition of contribution to psychiatry.

Lade's blog

In Lade’s August blog post, she reflects on the racism, discrimination, and Islamophobia that contributed to the recent civil unrest in the UK. She comments on the actions that need to be taken to help tackle discrimination and shares details of relevant College resources for members.

Spotlight Audit in Memory Assessment Services

The National Audit of Dementia has published their second report on memory assessment services. The report examines waiting times, access to assessments, and treatment and post-diagnostic support for people with dementia in memory assessment services.

Colleges unite in Northern Ireland following race riots

RCPsych in Northern Ireland has signed a joint statement with other Royal Colleges standing against racism following the recent race riots.

Inviting applications to Eating Disorder Credential

We’re inviting higher trainees, consultants and SAS doctors to apply for a new Eating Disorder Credential.

Catch up with Congress 2024 and join the mailing list for 2025

If you missed International Congress this year, find out how you can catch up with the great talks that happened and how you can ensure that you don’t miss Congress next year.

Support following patient suicide

If you’ve been affected by patient suicide find out about the peer support group that you can attend that’s been organised by the Psychiatrists' Support Service.

How we celebrated South Asian History Month

Read the great blog post written by our Presidential Leads for Equity and catch up with all the things we did to celebrate South Asian History Month.

Help your organisation reach Net Zero

We’ve just released an eLearning module that’s free for everyone involved in providing mental health care which will help your organisation reach Net Zero.

Apply for Fellowship

There’s less than three weeks left to apply for Fellowship at the College. Fellowships are awarded as a mark of distinction and recognition of contribution to psychiatry.

Lade's blog

In Lade's July blog post, she reflects on the contents of the King's Speech, the implications for psychiatry in England, and the College's response.

RCPsych in Wales welcomes new chair

Professor Alka Ahuja MBE has become the new chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales and a vice president of RCPsych.

Last chance to complete our members survey

There are just hours left to complete our membership survey and help us understand what members want from the College.

College calls for ADHD investment

The College called for investment to expand ADHD services this week after a BBC investigation showed nearly 200,000 adults are waiting to receive an ADHD assessment.

Call for Sustainability Scholars

The College is now recruiting Higher Trainees in psychiatry to become Sustainability Scholars.

Fellowship nominations now open

The College is inviting nominations for Fellowship until 15 September 2024. This is awarded as a mark of distinction and recognition of contribution to psychiatry.

Recruiting Equity Champions

Find out what Equity Champion roles are still available and how you can apply to become one.

Tackling racism in the workplace: a year on

Twelve months after the launch of our Act Against Racism campaign and the launch of our Act Against Racism campaign, what progress has been made?

Chief Executive's blog: South Asian History Month 2024

In her most recent blog post for staff, the College’s Chief Executive Sonia Walter reflected earlier this month on South Asian History Month.

Physician Associates: Interim guidance

The College has published interim guidance on Physician Associates working in mental health.

Working with the new government

Following last week’s general election, the College is engaging with key ministers and officials.

Meeting with Medical Directors

Last Friday RCPsych Officers hosted a special event with Medical Directors from across England to discuss the key challenges faced by leaders in psychiatry

Seeking assessors for Lampard Inquiry

The Lampard Inquiry is looking for psychiatrists to work as assessors, as they investigate mental health in-patient deaths in Essex.

Hear from the new Northern Ireland chair

The new chair of RCPsych Northern Ireland and Vice President of the College, Dr Julie Anderson, has spoken about her priorities for the coming months.

Complete the membership survey

If you fill in our short membership survey you can help shape member experience at the College, and you could win a ticket to International Congress 2025.

New Equity Champions appointed

Find out who our first Equity champions are – and whether there’s still the chance to apply for a role in your area.

Chief Executive's blog

Sonia Walter, RCPsych Chief Executive, reflects on ways to prevent doctors from dying by suicide in light of Dr Ananta Dave's recent report on the subject.

President's blog – June 2024

Lade looks back at an exciting Congress which featured Dr Hilary Cass giving her first ever keynote. She also reflects on Pride month and the importance of continuing to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ members, staff and patients.

Help us improve the member experience

College CEO Sonia Walter announced the launch of a new membership survey at Congress last week. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and tell us how we can best represent and support you.

College response to election manifestos

Ahead of the General Election, President Dr Lade Smith CBE has commented on the manifestos issued by the major UK political parties and what this means for mental health care in the NHS.

Top psychiatrists recognised by the King

The recently published King’s Birthday Honours list recognised two psychiatrists as well as many others for their contribution to mental health.

RCPsych Awards – one day left to nominate!

Nominations have been extended for our yearly RCPsych Awards. The deadline for nominations is now 5pm BST on 28 June.

Become an Equity Champion

The College is recruiting Equity Champions to work with divisions, faculties and devolved nations to help deliver the College’s Fairness for all strategy aimed at improving equity for all. Applications close on 1 July.

Recording packages for Congress

Over 2,600 College members attended Congress last week in Edinburgh. If you were unable to make it, you’ll soon be able to purchase a recording package of most of the sessions.

Celebrating Pride

The College has been celebrating Pride month in various ways including recording a video with a member who talks about the importance of role models.

Northern Ireland perinatal campaigner recognised with MBE

A leading Northern Ireland campaigner in perinatal mental health has been recognised for their work with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Chief Executive's blog

Sonia Walter, RCPsych Chief Executive, reflects on this year’s International Congress in Edinburgh and takes a look at the innovations that were introduced.

Election update: voting rights for patients

With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, we have joined forces with Rethink Mental Illness to remind people of the voting rights of hospital inpatients.

International Congress 2024

An exceptional programme of talks plus wellbeing sessions, highland dancing lessons, and stand-up comedy – just a taste of Congress 2024 in Edinburgh next week.

RCPsych Awards deadline extended

We have extended the deadline for the RCPsych Awards until 28 June to give members the most time possible to nominate this year’s heroes of psychiatry.

High-level appointment

NHS England has appointed Dr Adrian James, former RCPsych President, as the first ever National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity.

How prevalent is autism in doctors?

The College has agreed to support a survey to assess the prevalence of autism and autistic traits of doctors in the UK.

Sculpture exhibition

An exhibition of sculptures that investigates how emotions, feelings and motivations can be exposed by art is on display at the College in London until mid-July.

Chief Executive's blog

As a regular feature of the members’ eNewsletters, we’re sharing the College CEO Sonia Walter’s blog posts for RCPsych staff. In her most recent posts, Sonia talks about the upcoming general election and the start of Pride month.

President's blog – May 2024

In her May blog post, Lade makes an impassioned call for more acceptance and support for people with severe mental illness, emphasising: 'Urgent change is needed'.

Join our election manifesto campaign

Read our election manifesto, information about patient voting rights and guidelines on influencing activity in our 2024 General Election campaign hub.

The College’s Annual General Meeting

Members, Affiliates and Associates are invited to attend the College’s Annual General Meeting on 18 June in person at Edinburgh International Conference Centre or online.

Could you be an RCPsych Equity Champion?

The College is now recruiting Equity Champions to work with divisions, faculties and devolved nations to help deliver the College’s Fairness for all strategy aimed at improving equity in mental health.

NCCMH welcomes new sign ups to tackle health inequalities

A groundbreaking collaborative that uses QI and co-production to help mental health organisations tackle health inequalities across England is inviting new organisations to join for wave 3.

Smoking and mental health: a framework for action in Wales

The RCPsych Wales and the Public Mental Health Implementation Centre have developed a report and framework for action on smoking and mental health in Wales.

RCPsych Awards – last chance to nominate

Have you submitted your nominations for this year’s RCPsych Awards? There’s just hours left to highlight the amazing work of your colleagues, trainees or mentors.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

Earlier this month we used Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with serious mental illnesses.

College welcomes Commonwealth fellows

The College welcomed Commonwealth fellows to our head office recently  as part of our commitment to learning and sharing best practice in the UK and internationally.

And finally...

As a new feature of the members’ eNewsletter, we’re sharing the College CEO Sonia Walter’s blog posts with staff. In her recent posts, Sonia talks about the College’s motto ‘Let Wisdom Guide’ and reflects on the American Psychiatric Association’s annual conference.

Scotland call for ring-fenced funding to combat drugs deaths

The chair of Addictions Psychiatry in Scotland is calling for ring-fenced funding to tackle the harm caused by illegal drugs in Scotland.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week activities 2024

Find out what the College did to mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and World Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day on 1 May.

Collaborate to conquer inequity

Join the third wave of the Advancing Mental Health Equity Collaborative, supporting frontline teams, middle management and leadership to address local mental health inequities.

Delivering true health equity

Dr Amrit Sachar, one of the College’s Presidential Leads for Equity and Equality, has co-written a powerful blog post about what’s needed to deliver true equity in healthcare.

President's blog – April 2024

In her April 2024 blog post Lade discusses the pressures on our members' own mental health, stigma and the PM's recent comments about ‘sick note culture’.

Our detailed response to Cass Report

Read the College’s detailed response to the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, chaired by Dr Hilary Cass OBE.

Dismissing the seriousness of mental illness

We felt it was important to publicly respond with our disappointment at the recent language used by the Government around mental health and sick leave.

Agency locums not the solution, says RCPsych in Scotland

Spending money on agency locums is ‘a massively expensive patch-up job that doesn’t fix the problem’ says RCPsych Scotland after 50% rise in workforce costs.

Public Mental Health Leadership Course launched

After many months of hard work and preparation, we’re delighted to have launched the registration for our Public Mental Health Leadership Certification Course.

International Congress 2024 in Edinburgh

If you missed the early bird deadline don’t worry, you can still book for this fantastic event at our standard rate – find out how.

Winning RCPsych award a ‘wonderful experience’

Last year’s RCPsych Psychiatrist of the Year is urging members to nominate colleagues and teams for the RCPsych Awards.

RCPsych Invited Review Service

Read up on the College’s Invited Review Service (IRS), which is designed to support both NHS and independent mental health services.

And finally...

As a new feature of the members’ eNewsletter, we’re sharing the College CEO Sonia Walter’s blog posts with staff. In her latest post, Sonia looks forward to this year's International Congress.

Election results out

The latest set of College election results were published today (11 April). Find out who was elected to each position, including the new chair of RCPsych in Wales.

Cass Review response

The College has provided an initial response to the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, chaired by Dr Hilary Cass.

Mental Health Bill update

RCPsych President Dr Lade Smith CBE has commented on the publication of the Government's response to the Joint Committee report on the Mental Health Bill.

International Congress 2024

We’re delighted so many of you have already purchased your ticket for this year’s International Congress in Edinburgh. If you missed the early bird deadline don’t worry, there’s still places available. You have until the end of May to book at our standard rate.

This year’s Congress will feature over 60 cutting-edge sessions with keynotes from 16 world-renowned speakers, including Dr Hilary Cass.

RCPsych resource on stopping antidepressants updated

We've updated one of our most popular patient information resources on stopping antidepressants, which is endorsed by the RCGP, the RPS and the CMHP.

RCPsych welcomes new cross-sector ADHD taskforce

The College welcomed the news from NHS England of a new ADHD taskforce and supports the ambition to better understand the challenges for people living with ADHD.

St Matthews Healthcare launch Act Against Racism initiative

Another organisation has signed up to our Act Against Racism campaign – St Matthews Healthcare have launched their own initiative which builds on the College's guidance.

President's blog post on Physician Associates

In her latest blog post Lade discusses what the College is doing to address member concerns about Physician Associates.

Launch of RCPsych Awards nominations

Nominations open today for the 2024 RCPsych Awards – which mark the highest level of achievement in psychiatry.

Advancing Mental Health Equity Collaborative

Mental health provider organisations can now apply to be part of the RCPsych’s third wave of the AMHE Collaborative.

Question Time with the Officers #7

In our March 2024 QT we answer your questions on:

  • Physician Associates
  • the Valdo Calocane case
  • rising demand for ADHD services
  • the College’s position statement on supporting transgender people
  • Act Against Racism guidance
  • education study budgets
  • and more.

International Congress 2024: Last chance to secure early bird rates

You have until the end of the day today to register and receive discounted rates for this year’s Congress in Edinburgh.

Special article: ‘Severe mental illness and the perimenopause’

A BJPsych Bulletin article discusses the physical and psychological symptoms caused by the hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause.

High demand and financial pressures putting strain on MH workforce in Scotland

The annual workforce census produced by the College shows vacant psychiatry posts continue to rise year-on-year.

Vote in RCPsych elections

Voting is now open for elections across a number of Faculties, Divisions, Devolved Nations, Special Interest Groups and the Psychiatric Trainees’ Committee. All voting will close at midday on 10 April.

Submit your applications for the 2024 Clinical Impact Awards

Applications for the Clinical Impact Awards opened last week and will close at 5pm on 15 April 2024 – read our guidance to help support you with your Clinical Impact Award application.

RCPsych publishes new guidance on staying safe online

We’ve produced new guidance to help members stay safe when using social media channels. This is supplementary to our existing social media policy.

International Women’s Day 2024

Catch up with all the activities at the College as we celebrated this year's International Women's Day.

Voting now open in College elections

Voting opened yesterday (13 March) for elections across a number of Faculties, Divisions, Devolved Nations, Special Interest Groups and the Psychiatric Trainees’ Committee.

Census highlights consultant vacancies

The College has published the latest workforce census results, revealing a worrying trend of growing consultant vacancies in the sector.

RCPsych in Scotland Chair on C4 News

“Mental health waits are costing lives in Scotland” was the main message behind a special Channel Four News report, broadcast last week.

College appoints new Chief Examiner

The College is delighted to announce that Dr Vivek Agarwal will become our new Chief Examiner, when he takes over from Dr Ian Hall in June.

Retired member is now uni's oldest graduate

A retired psychiatrist has become Kingston University’s oldest graduate after gaining a Masters in Modern European Philosophy, aged 95.

President's blog

In her latest President's blog post Lade calls for the restoration of continuity of care across our mental health services.

Eating Disorders Week

Our story about child and adolescent eating disorders services have never achieving NHS waiting time targets hit the headlines.

International Women's Day

Join us for a discussion about what more we could do with data to help us improve mental health care for women and girls.

Question Time with the Officers

In this month’s QT we answer your questions on:

  • what the College is doing to address reductions in funding for mental health services
  • the importance of family and improving the prognosis of mental illness gender services and gender dysphoria
  • supporting the BMJ’s call for government to declare a national health and care emergency
  • the possibility of introducing a Fellowship exam
  • our position on the doctors’ strike
  • affiliate voting rights
  • the cost of holding AGMs and EGMs in 2022 regarding affiliate voting rights
  • and more.

Get the best rate for this year's International Congress

You’ve got just a month left to secure your early bird ticket to the 2024 RCPsych International Congress. Find out how you can save up to £100 and attend our award-winning event.

Understanding intellectual disability and mental health information

We are asking our members to complete a five-minute survey to help us understand what information resources people with intellectual disabilities and their carers find helpful.

Join Q&A webinar on the expansion of the AMHE QI Collaborative

We’ve improved our offer to organisations who sign up to the latest wave of the Advancing Mental Health Equity (AMHE) Quality Improvement (QI) Collaborative – find out how.

Design your own RCPsych Scotland tartan and leave a mark on our history

A unique competition has been launched for Scottish members, asking them to design their own tartan – to mark the 30th anniversary of RCPsych in Scotland.

College welcomes return to power-sharing government in NI

RCPsych NI chair Dr Richard Wilson has spoken of his hopes for the future in Northern Ireland following the momentous restoration of power-sharing at Stormont.

College’s call for investment is front page news

The College used Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to highlight a 50% rise in referrals of young people to mental health crisis teams – and the story made big headlines.

Find out how you can help your organisation act against racism

Fifteen organisations have signed up to adopt the 15 actions in our Tackling Racism in the Workplace guidance – find out how your organisation can do the same.

Physician Associates update

The College is undertaking a comprehensive review of the role of Physician Associates within the multi-disciplinary team.

Advancing Mental Health Equity QI Collaborative to go live in March

Use Quality Improvement techniques to address systemic mental health inequalities – the new wave of the AMHE QI collaborative launches next month and you can be part of it.

Members – make sure you are vaccinated for measles

The College is supporting a call from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges encouraging members to ensure they are vaccinated for measles.

Standing for a College position – closing 9 February

Listen to a first-hand account from a member who has held a College position, and find out how you can apply to do the same. Don’t delay, apply today!

Other news

Psychiatrist Support Service (PSS)

The Psychiatrists' Support Service (PSS) provides free, rapid, high quality peer support by telephone to psychiatrists of all grades who may be experiencing personal or work-related difficulties.
Find out more about the PSS
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