College success

The Royal College of Psychiatrists scooped a host of awards at the annual ‘memcom’ UK membership sector awards ceremony.

Memcom 2022 - best equality, diversity or inclusion campaign

The annual event sees submissions being put forward for award categories by medical royal colleges, royal societies and a range of other membership organisations, such as trade unions.

At the event, held on 29 September, the RCPsych won more awards than any other healthcare sector organisation – and was narrowly behind the organisation winning most awards overall, the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The College won the award for the Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Campaign – following its high-profile work to tackle discrimination against Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, women, people who are LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities within the organisation and mental health services nationally.

The College also won the award for the Best Retention or Recruitment Strategy – after it managed to recruit 301 new examiners in 2021 and 2022 for its MRCPsych exam.

In addition, the College won Highly Commended for:

  • Best Member Support During COVID-19 During the Last 12-18 Months
  • Best Website or App
  • Best Member Event of The Year.

Overall, the College won two first-place awards and three second-place awards.

RCPsych Chief Executive Paul Rees MBE said:

“I’m delighted that we’ve been recognised at the ‘memcom’ membership awards for our vitally important work promoting equality, diversity and inclusion – and for our proactive strategy to recruit more examiners to our increasingly popular entrance MRCPsych exam into higher training in psychiatry.

“Receiving three Highly Commended awards for our work is the icing on the cake.

“We have an amazing College team, with our members and staff working together, to support people working in mental health services to deliver great patient care.

“And it’s great to see our work being recognised by people outside our organisation and sector.”

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