Sustainability Scholars x 2
- Location : UK wide
- Status : One year, starting in October 2026
- Salary : Voluntary, with a dedicated bursary of £800
- Closing date : 25/09/2026
Overview of the role
Sustainability scholars are Higher Specialist Resident doctors or SAS doctors in psychiatry, who use their special interest day each week to work with the RCPsych Planetary Health and Sustainability Committee for a period of one year starting in October 2026.
This is a programme that supports resident and SAS doctors to develop their knowledge of the interface between planetary and mental health supporting development of skills in leadership, advocacy and delivering sustainable quality improvement.
Scholars will be expected to develop and pilot a practical project on a sustainable clinical transformation in their local area or join one of the PHSC workgroups to complete a specific piece of work. Scholars get a dedicated study budget for the year.
Key responsibilities
Contribute to the RCPsych Planetary Health and Sustainability Committee by participating in committee activities and supporting the College's sustainability agenda.
Lead and deliver a sustainability-focused project within mental health services.
Develop leadership skills in clinical sustainability through working with others on this project and being an advocate for the values of the PHSC.
Collaborate with stakeholders within the College, healthcare organisations, and external networks to ensure dissemination of lessons learned from the project carried out and to spread good practice.
Undertake professional development in planetary health through training, conferences, and project work, making effective use of the programme's study budget and dedicated development time.
How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this post, please submit a CV and a covering letter expressing your interest, relevant experience and how you would hope to use the role (one A4 side) to governance@rcpsych.ac.uk
For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Theo Roberts, Senior Governance Manager (theo.roberts@rcpsych.ac.uk)
Closing date: Friday 25 September
Interview date: w/c Monday 5 October via Microsoft Teams
Interviews are likely to be around 30 minutes and it is unlikely that we would be able to offer an alternative date (you can include this statement if necessary).
The College values a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, reflecting the population it serves.