RCPsych announces seven new Presidential Leads

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The Royal College of Psychiatrists has appointed seven Presidential Leads who will support President Professor Subodh Dave over the next three years.

The Presidential Leads will serve from 2026 to 2029, providing leadership, expertise and insight across a number of areas of work. Together, they bring a broad range of professional perspectives, experience and expertise from across psychiatry and the wider membership.

The appointments follow a strong response from members, involving a competitive recruitment process.

Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said,

“I am delighted to welcome our new Presidential Leads and grateful to everyone who expressed an interest in these roles. The strength of interest from members demonstrates the extraordinary expertise, passion and leadership that exists across our College.

“This team of exceptional clinicians and leaders will be pivotal in challenging established thinking and driving meaningful improvements in practice and policy. Together, we will give primacy to the clinical voice, empowering clinicians to implement evidence-based practice for the benefit of patients, families and communities across the UK.”

Meet the Presidential Leads

Dr Mihaela Bucur, Presidential Lead, Lifestyle Determinants, said:

“Lifestyle determinants such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, social connection and access to green space can make an important contribution to mental and physical health. I’m delighted to champion their greater integration into psychiatric practice, prevention and professional education.”

Dr Sarah Brown, Presidential Lead, Integrated Care, said:

“Integrated care is essential to meeting the complex needs of people experiencing mental illness. Better collaboration can improve patient experience, outcomes and access to joined-up support. I’m delighted to lead this important area – there is no health without mental health!”

Dr Jim Crabb, Presidential Lead, Work, Housing and Money, added:

“Meeting a person's basic needs is the foundation for good mental health. Over the next three years, I hope to strengthen the voice of psychiatry and help ensure that policies affecting housing, work and money are guided by evidence, compassion, opportunity and hope.”

Professor Helen Crimlisk, Presidential Lead, Applied Research, commented:

“I’m delighted to take on this role to help patients access research opportunities to test novel and innovative interventions. Through applied research and implementation science, we must ensure the evidence we generate translates into better outcomes for patients and communities.”

Dr Mayura Deshpande, Presidential Lead, Safer Services, said:

“ I am very pleased the College has prioritised safer services. We have an opportunity to define a truly evidence-based approach to safety, bringing together safety science, psychiatric expertise, and the experiences of patients and families. I look forward to working across the College and beyond to deliver that vision.”

Dr Eilis Kennedy, Presidential Lead, Early Life, commented:

“We are increasingly recognising the importance of early life health, from pre-conception to early childhood, for health and wellbeing throughout life. I am pleased the College has created this role and very much look forward to working together on this agenda.”

Professor Asif Zia, Presidential Lead, Clinical Effectiveness, said:

“Mental healthcare is evidence-based and guided by quality standards. As Clinical Effectiveness Lead, I want all patients, especially those with severe mental illness, to receive the most effective care possible. Relapse prevention, early detection and evidence-based treatment are possible, and can improve outcomes across services.”