President's updates

Recent updates from Steve

News

A summer to reflect on our direction of travel - President's update

9 July 2026

Officers and senior staff are reflecting on the College strategy, as we look forward to publishing our next State of Child Health report. Steve also shares our podcast on the assessment review and our response to the Ockenden report, and celebrates our newest Members and Fellows.

Membership

News

Challenges and opportunities in the NHS – President’s update

18 June 2026

Steve explains how clinical leadership must be central in local and national decision-making across the NHS. He also updates on the Health Bill in England, the MenB vaccine for young people, our response to the forthcoming social media ban for children and our latest podcasts.

Health policy

Membership

News

Supporting children in a changing world – President’s update

2 June 2026

Child health has changed over the years, and today we have new priorities in public health, such as screen time, maternal and child vaccination, vaping and school attendance. Steve signposts to resources to help you tactfully support families on these issues.

Digital health

Public health

News

How you can shape the future of child's health - President's Update

22 May 2026

In this President's Update, Steve reflects on our annual Conference and anniversary celebrations. Plus, he introduces our new Paediatric Influencing Network and Strong Foundations campaign.

Digital health

Health policy

RCPCH Conference

News

Advocating for a better future for every child – President’s update

7 May 2026

Steve reflects on the journey to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill receiving Royal Assent, which marks a landmark step towards a smokefree generation. Plus, you can still sign up for next week's conference, virtually or in-person.

Health policy

Public affairs and campaigning

Smoking and vaping

News

Towards our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well - President's update

20 April 2026

In this President's update, Steve discusses the Global team's programmes to improve child health worldwide and welcomes our two new Vice Presidents.

Global child health

Membership

Public affairs and campaigning

Artwork of RCPCH with I inspire, I include, I influence, I innovate - pictures of healthcare staff, children and bright splashes

Meet the RCPCH team

We are governed by our Board of Trustees and Council, and our Senior Management Team leads about 170 friendly, committed staff members.

Our team

Blogs by other members

More blogs

Blog

15 July 2026

Introducing State of Child Health 2026 - President's update

This week, we launched our State of Child Health 2026 report, bringing together the latest evidence across 12 indicators of child health and wellbeing. Steve shares context behind previous editions, details of our 2026 publication, including headline recommendations and what this report means for me...

Montage of photos from RCPCH and paediatrics over the past 30 years, with 30 in boxes

Blog

26 June 2026

Your Paediatrics, Your Future: Advice to new paediatric professionals

To celebrate our 30th birthday, we asked members of the paediatric community to reflect on their experiences and share their stories, including one piece of advice they'd give to new paediatric professionals. Here's what they had to say...

Blog

17 June 2026

Professor David Harvey: a leader in neonatal medicine and LGBTQ+ rights

This Pride season, we are reflecting on the legacy of Professor David Harvey, a remarkable paediatrician and College member who contributed greatly to paediatrics and the LGBTQ+ community.

Blog

12 June 2026

Health Bill: Shaping NHS reform for children, young people and the paediatric workforce

Last week, MPs debated the UK Government’s new Health Bill, also known as the NHS Modernisation Bill. The proposed reforms represent a significant reshaping of how decisions are made, services are delivered, and patient voice is heard across the NHS.

Blog

2 June 2026

Your Paediatrics, Your Future: My name means hope

Dr Umit Gultekin recalls a moment in his career where he cared for a critically unwell child, and supported their family through a difficult decision about specialist care. Years later he saw the boy again, a moment that reminded him why he chose paediatrics.

Blog

30 April 2026

Optimising electronic prescribing and medicine administration (EPMA) systems – patient safety spotlight

Safe and effective dose management in EPMA systems varies significantly across the UK, posing a significant risk of harm to infants, children and young people. This blog summarises an RCPCH/NPPG Joint Medicines Committee position statement that outlines the key factors leading to variation in these ...