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!