England | RCPCH

Resource

Human rights of children in the social care system in England - consultation response

In September 2025, we responded to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry on the human rights of children in the social care system in England. Below is a short summary, with our full response available in the downloads section.

News

Paediatricians welcome the expansion of Martha’s Rule

4 September 2025

Martha’s Rule is a scheme that gives patients and their families the legal right to request an urgent second medical opinion if they feel their concerns are not being properly addressed.

News

RCPCH welcomes plans to ban sale of energy drinks for under-16s

3 September 2025

The government will consult on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England due to negative impacts on children's physical and mental health.

News

RCPCH responds to NHS England’s 10-point plan for resident doctors

3 September 2025

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have responded to NHS England’s publication of a 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives.

Volunteering opportunity

Theory exams - College role now open for application

Closing date

22 September 2025

We're seeking Deputy Angoff Panel Leads for each of our three theory exams: Foundation of Practice, Theory and Science and Applied Knowledge in Practice.

Examinations

Volunteering opportunity

Decreased consciousness guidelines working group - College role now open for application

Closing date

22 September 2025

RCPCH is planning an update of our clinical guidelines on the assessment and management of patients with decreased consciousness. We're seeking a Chair to lead the development and oversee a working group.

Neurology

Clinical guidelines and standards

Volunteering opportunity

Academic Training Committee - College roles now open for application

Closing date

22 September 2025

This UK-wide committee advises paediatricians undertaking an academic training programme, raises issues relating to academic training and sets standards for the provision of academic training in paediatrics. We're seeking regional representatives.

Academic medicine

Paediatric careers

Paediatric training

Document

Flexible working in paediatrics: Insights and data, legislation and guidance

Postgraduate doctors in training, consultants and SAS doctors in paediatrics often have flexible working patterns within the NHS. We present data since 2015, relevant UK legislation, guidance from the NHS and RCPCH and real-life experiences from members.

Paediatric careers

Workforce

Course

Grand Round webinars 2025-26

26 September 2025

Our fortnightly series of free webinars replicates the 'Grand Round' that takes place in many hospitals, bringing high-quality medical education to paediatricians and child health professionals across the UK. Each 60-minute webinar features expert-led presentations on clinical and professional paedi...

Continuing professional development

Public health

News

RCPCH welcomes rollout of RSV jab for premature babies

21 July 2025

UK Governments are rolling out drug nirsevimab from later this year to provide protection against RSV to around 7,000 high-risk infants and babies born before 32 weeks.