Professor Subodh Dave elected as next RCPsych President

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Professor Subodh Dave has been elected as the next President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, following a ballot with a turnout of 36.8%, and an unprecedented total of 6,466 votes cast, during the four-week voting period.

In an election which had three impressive candidates, the breakdown of first preference votes saw Professor Robert Howard secure 40.8% (2,639) of the vote, with Professor Subodh Dave receiving 40.7% (2,633) and Dr Regi Alexander receiving 18.5% (1,194).

When Dr Regi Alexander was no longer in contention and the second preferences of those who placed him as their first choice were included in a second round, Professor Subodh Dave won 47.23% (3,054) of votes, while Professor Robert Howard won 46.13% (2,983) votes. An additional 6.63% (429) of members who voted for Dr Regi Alexander did not express a second preference candidate.

The position of President is the most senior member role in the College, with a national and international leadership role in psychiatry.

The President-elect will take up his new role at the AGM on 16 June, becoming the 19^th President of RCPsych, succeeding Dr Lade Smith CBE when she demits her office, having served a full three-year term.

Professor Subodh Dave has been the Dean of RCPsych since 2021. He is a Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist at Derbyshire HFT, and a Professor at the University of Greater Manchester. He holds leadership positions in healthcare, community transformation initiatives and medical education with internationally recognised innovative training programmes, culminating in recognition as a rising star in the HSJ list of most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in healthcare. He is an accomplished marathoner and Trustee of Doctors in Distress, where he champions suicide prevention in health care providers.

Speaking after the result, President-elect Professor Subodh Dave, said:

“I would like to thank the members for electing me as the next RCPsych President. Firstly, I want to thank everyone who participated in the vote. Democracy is a fundamental pillar for a professional organisation like ours, and I want to pay tribute to Rob and Regi for putting themselves forward and for running a spirited and principled campaign.

“As I take on the role of President-elect, I also want to thank Lade for her wise, courageous and determined leadership through what has been a tumultuous period for psychiatry and for healthcare, not just in the UK but across the world.

“It is now my task to build upon these foundations to deliver true power to the voice of our membership as everyday clinicians.

“As Dean, I drew a straight line between the College’s education and training offer and patient outcomes.

“As President, I will draw a straight line between the College’s role in setting standards, in bringing science, research evidence and public policy together meaningfully, to improve patient outcomes and to make psychiatry a fulfilling profession for all psychiatrists.

“I look forward to working with the membership to translate these ideas to action over the coming three years.”

RCPsych President, Dr Lade Smith CBE, said:

“I am delighted for Subodh and for the College. At a time of significant pressure being placed on psychiatrists, it is vital that our profession’s voice continues to be heard.

“I am certain Professor Subodh Dave will be an exceptional and inspiring leader, helping to drive forward positive, lasting change for psychiatry and for the patients we serve, building on and enhancing the College’s influence.

“I would also like to sincerely thank Rob and Regi for running such outstanding campaigns.

“They have both made an important contribution to this election with the turnout reflecting how much they have helped to engage the membership. I wish them every success for the future and with all the work they do.”

RCPsych Chief Executive, Sonia Walter, said:

“Very many congratulations to Professor Subodh Dave on being elected as the 19^th President of the College.

“I have no doubt Subodh will be a strong and influential voice for RCPsych as we continue to raise standards in psychiatry and mental healthcare in the UK and internationally.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with Subodh to strengthen our support for the membership and champion excellence across the profession.

“I would also like to commend Professor Rob Howard and Dr Regi Alexander for running such impressive and inspiring campaigns. I am personally very grateful for their commitment to the College and the profession.”

Voting in the RCPsych Presidential election opened on Wednesday 18 March and closed at midday on Wednesday 15 April 2026.