Learn about the new PCHCF curriculum for advanced practitioners, participate in the GMC 2025 National Training Survey, and welcome Dr Thomas Bourke, our new Officer for Ireland. Discover the Welsh manifesto launch and the updated review of paediatric waiting times in Scotland. Stay informed and engaged with these updates to continue making a difference in the lives of children and families.
If you were one of the 2,000+ delegates joining our conference in Glasgow recently I hope you enjoyed the abundance of educational, networking and social opportunities. If you were not able to join us live, in person or remotely, you can still access videos of the plenary sessions and also a second parallel stream of presentations.
Amid the buzz and bustle of the “usual” conference activities, including workshops, breakfast and group meetings, I welcomed many future paediatricians at the medical students prize event and enjoyed the company of the senior members at their annual conference lunch; two valued and key groups of college membership. We held the inaugural trainees evening event, another really well attended reception which gave me an opportunity to meet trainees, and in particular discuss how to get the best out of scheduled teaching sessions.
The social diary was full as ever. Some people might not count a 5km run, cycle and yoga as social events, especially with the early morning starts, but the photos suggest that a fun time was had by all. The choir, held in the middle of every day, was also very popular. The BAPIO and conference dinners were both very well attended, and the calories ingested were quickly burnt off by some very enthusiastic dancing. If you want to catch up on some of the key highlights, you can see our daily roundups here: Day 1, Day 2 and finally Day 3.
The events team are already working towards the 2026 meeting, Birmingham 11-13 May 2026. Next year sees continuing 10th birthday celebrations for RCPCH &Us, the 30th birthday of RCPCH, 40th birthday of BPSU and incredibly the centenary of Archives. So, plenty to celebrate and look forward to. Please put the dates in your diary.
AGM 2025
There was a good turnout for the College's Annual General Meeting held in Glasgow. The AGM is a formal College process that gives members an opportunity to engage on College activities. There was a motion on re-appointing the College’s auditors, as well as a member-initiated motion relating to children's rights in Gaza. The member motion passed and you can see the full results on the website.
The College’s Board of Trustees have shared a statement in response to the member motion that can be found here.
This motion concerned a particularly sensitive issue, and I was pleased that discussion at the AGM was conducted in a thoughtful and respectful manner. It was clear in that discussion that both those in favour and those opposing the motion, were in support of the rights and wellbeing of children in Gaza and in the rest of the world. People are entitled to hold their own views. However, I have become aware of some disrespectful and unprofessional activity on social media directed towards members who opposed the motion. The College condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
#WDYCD4Y - Educational resources
Did you know the College has over 100 educational courses and digital resources to support your professional development? We offer 35+ live online courses covering everything from clinical expertise to leadership, safeguarding and exam preparation, each delivered by subject-matter experts and tailored to meet the needs of paediatricians at every stage of their careers.
This sits alongside a library of 40+ recorded webinars and 25+ on-demand digital resources whenever you need them. This is just one way the College continues to provide value to our members, helping you deliver exceptional care to the children and families you support.
Take a look at our RCPCH Learning page.
Our new curriculum for Advanced Practitioners in paediatrics
NHS England and the College have been working collaboratively to develop a multi-professional Paediatric and child health advanced practice area specific capability and curriculum framework (PCHCF). Our curricular framework builds on the principles of NHSE’s Multi-professional framework to ensure alignment with the refreshed capabilities outlined for 2025. It also integrates the scaffolding of the RCPCH Progress+ curriculum.
The framework outlines area specific capabilities and a curriculum addressing the full spectrum of paediatric health needs across infants, children, and young people. It supports a multi-professional approach for workforce development, ensuring alignment with population health demands, patient care priorities, and service delivery goals.
GMC 2025 National Training Survey
The GMC have launched their annual National Training Review survey. It provides the opportunity for doctors in training and their trainers to share their experience of medical education and training. The results play an important role in identifying what could be improved. Registration is open until Tuesday 29 April, please do share your thoughts.
Welcome Dr Thomas Bourke, our new Officer for Ireland
I’m delighted to announce that we have appointed a new Officer for Ireland. Dr Thomas Bourke took up the lead clinical advocate role in March and we look forward to working closely with him on Council and beyond. Find out more about our new clinical colleague.
Welsh Manifesto launch
RCPCH Wales launched their manifesto for the 2026 Welsh Senedd elections – just on time for party conference season. Not only are we attending the conferences, but we’ve also teamed up with the NHS Confederation and a range of health organisations to deliver fringe health sessions across the political spectrum.
An updated review of paediatric waiting times in Scotland
RCPCH Scotland produced a new briefing on acute and general paediatric waiting times targeted at the Scottish Government and Parliamentarians. This is a follow up to our Worried and Waiting report released one year ago. We are glad to see traction already with feedback from the Paediatric Advisor to Scottish Government sounding positive and media pick-up. We are also glad to see a minor reduction in waiting times – more needs to be done to improve equitable access, however.
Final chance to have your say on the NHS 10 Year Plan
RCPCH are continuing to advocate for children and young people to be front and centre in the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS in England. On our website you can see our briefings, organisational responses and workshop submissions. If you are based in England, there still time to give your views and make the case for children and young people, through the ‘priorities for change’ survey (closing 14 April).
Best wishes,
Steve
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