We are pleased to announce that Professor Nandini Chakraborty has been elected as the next Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, after a ballot with a turnout of 21.1% and a total of 3,674 votes cast.
In a well contested election, involving five remarkable candidates, the breakdown of first preference votes saw Professor Chakraborty secure 34% (1,245) of the vote, with Dr Abdul Raoof receiving 23% (857), Dr Suhana Ahmed earning 17% (623), Dr Indira Vinjamuri getting 15% (550) and Dr Sunil Nodiyal receiving 11% (399).
The College uses the Single Transferable Vote System with multiple rounds where votes for eliminated candidates are re-cast according to the voter’s preference. In the final round and taking into account the additional preferences of those who had voted for the three eliminated candidates, Professor Chakraborty won 51.7% of the vote while Dr Abdul Raoof won 34.6% of the vote, an additional 13.7% of voters didn’t choose additional preferences.
The position of Dean is one of the most senior roles in the College and plays a significant part in our efforts to ensure our workforce meets the needs of communities across the UK.
The Dean also provides strategic leadership on psychiatric training and supports the development of a valued and sustainable workforce.
Professor Chakraborty will take up her post at the AGM on 16 June, succeeding Professor Subodh Dave who was elected the College’s next President in April.
Speaking after the result, the elected Dean Professor Nandini Chakraborty said:
“There are no words that can truly capture the moment you learn for the first time that the College membership has chosen you as the next Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The feeling of happiness, responsibility on your shoulders and the trust placed on your abilities to lead, are an indescribable combination of pride and humility.
“I thank everyone who has supported, encouraged, and stood by me in this journey. Most of all I want to thank Suhana, Raoof, Indira and Sunil for sharing this experience and hope that in future it will be something that always binds us together in working for education and training in psychiatry.
“Together we will work for psychiatry in the four nations of the UK and our wide international membership. Together we will weather challenges and bring changes for the better because we care for our colleagues and patients, for the coming generations of psychiatrists.
“The path ahead is challenging and inspiring at the same time. But together we will achieve. I believe in myself, and I believe in all of you.”
RCPsych President, Dr Lade Smith CBE, said:
“I am delighted for Professor Nandini Chakraborty and for the College. I know she will be a valued member of the team, representing psychiatrists and will be a positive voice in championing the future of psychiatry and supporting those aspiring to join our profession.
“I have no doubt she will ensure the College will continue to innovate in education, while upholding the highest standards in psychiatric training and helping to build a resilient and sustainable workforce.
“I would like to commend Dr Ahmed, Dr Nodiyal, Dr Raoof, and Dr Vinjamuri for running exceptional campaigns. Their commitment to the College and psychiatry is exemplary.”
RCPsych Chief Executive, Sonia Walter, said:
“A huge congratulations to Professor Nandini Chakraborty. As we work to better support our workforce, it is essential that we strengthen training, retain those already in the profession, and create clearer, more sustainable career pathways. I am delighted that Professor Chakraborty will play a key role in driving this forward and ensuring psychiatrists are supported at every stage of their careers.
“I have no doubt that she will be an exemplary Dean and a leading figure in our efforts to help psychiatrists thrive. I would also like to thank Dr Ahmed, Dr Nodiyal, Dr Raoof, and Dr Vinjamuri, their leadership, vision, and willingness to serve their profession remind me how fortunate we are to have such immense talent within our membership.”
Voting in the RCPsych Dean election opened on Wednesday 27 May and closed at midday on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896