Working with the media

This page contains guidance on media engagement for RCPsych Members.

There may be occasions when, as a College expert, you are approached by the College media team and asked to contribute to, or support, College media activity. 

There may also be times when you are approached directly by the media for a comment or interview.  

If you are planning to engage with the media as a representative of the College (meaning the College will be referenced in your engagement), please follow the guidance below:  

• All media activity undertaken in your College role must be discussed in advance and led by the College media team. This includes interviews, comments, opinion pieces, podcasts, or any other media engagement. 
• If you are approached directly by the media for a comment or interview as a representative of the College, please forward the enquiry to press@rcpsych.ac.uk and ask the journalist or producer to contact the press office directly. The College media team will take responsibility for managing the request and advising on next steps. 
• If you are speaking in an independent clinical or professional capacity (not on behalf of the College), please be aware that you may still be identified by the media - journalist or producer - as a College spokesperson. It is therefore important to clearly request that you are named only in the capacity in which you are speaking. If they would like to name the College, this request needs to go to the College media team by email.