In recent years the AGM has been included in RCPCH Conference. The AGM was always challenged by the time available in the conference schedule, and attendance was affected by members attending the huge variety of other sessions on offer at the same time as the AGM. The Board of Trustees have decided to instead move the meeting away from conference and to an online-only format. This is expected to improve the equity of accessibility for all who wish to attend the AGM.
Our aim is to increase member participation and engagement by removing barriers such as travel, cost and time, while maintaining the organisation’s commitment to transparency, accountability and democratic governance. The online-only format will be piloted for 2026 before a full evaluation and member engagement exercise of the impact before any decisions are made about future formats of AGMs.
Moving the AGM online will enable more members to attend, ask questions, and vote, regardless of location or personal circumstances. Governance arrangements, voting rights, quorum requirements and scrutiny processes will remain unchanged.
Joanne Shaw, Chair of Trustees at RCPCH, said:
Our AGM is one of the most important moments in our governance calendar, and this change is about enabling more members to take part meaningfully. An online-only format allows us to reach a wider and more diverse group of members, while preserving the same standards of accountability, openness, and democratic decision-making. We look forward to reporting to members on the issues that matter most to them on 2 June.
The online AGM from 10:00 to 12:00 on Tuesday 2 June will include live and written question submission, moderated discussion, formal voting processes and clear records of questions and responses. Members will be able to submit questions both in advance and during the meeting, and all substantive questions will be addressed, including after the event if time does not allow during the AGM itself.
Professor Steve Turner, President, RCPCH, added:
Our College is proud to be member-led and the annual AGM is part of that identity. We have made the decision based on the historically tight schedule for past AGMs, attendance trends and accessibility. Moves to online only formats by other Colleges have increased participation, and I think we should now also explore this in order to best support meaningful participation across our whole membership. Going online strengthens our ability to hear from more voices and ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to engage.
Independent moderation, clear participation guidance and post-AGM reporting will continue to support robust discussion and scrutiny. Further information, including detailed guidance on how to participate in the AGM on 2 June, submit questions and vote, will be shared with members in advance of the meeting. The new deadline for member motions is 24 March - see more about member motions.
If you have any questions about the AGM, please complete our form or email governance@rcpch.ac.uk.