Public affairs and campaigning

Using members' on-the-ground experience, we engage with Government, MPs, Peers, their staff, the civil service and wider stakeholders to make the case for policies that will improve children and young people's health outcomes

News

We paediatricians are lifelong learners – President’s update

3 March 2025

When Steve joins events around the country, he’s reminded that coming together as communities of child health professionals is so important – for friendship as well as education. And, the College has been doing lots around public affairs on equal protection for children from assault, supervised toot...

Document

Our campaign to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault

Children in England and Northern Ireland are the only people in the UK not full protected in law from assault. Learn about our campaign to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence from law in England and Northern Ireland to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault.

Public affairs and campaigning

Child protection

Physical abuse

News

Paediatricians welcome the return of Tobacco & Vapes Bill

5 November 2024

The UK Government has re-introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to phase out smoking, restrict youth access to vaping, and expand smoke-free areas.

News

RCPCH responds to Care Quality Commission State of Care Report

25 October 2024

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) State of Care report is its annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England. Today’s report (25 October) outlines major challenges for children’s health and wellbeing across several key areas that the College has itself repeatedly highlighted.

News

RCPCH responds to launch of engagement exercise on 10 Year Health Plan

21 October 2024

The UK government has launched a major public engagement initiative to help shape the NHS 10-year plan. This follows the Darzi Review which laid bare the challenges for child health services and the state of children's health and wellbeing.

News

RCPCH responds to Children’s Commissioner’s report on waiting times for neurodevelopmental conditions

18 October 2024

This report, using the Children’s Commissioner’s legislative powers, provides new insights into waiting times for children with neurodevelopmental conditions in community health and mental health services in England.

Resource

RCPCH submission of evidence to independent investigation of NHS performance

In August 2024, we submitted evidence to Lord Darzi's independent investigation of the NHS. The review has a focus on assessing patient access to healthcare, the quality of healthcare being provided and the overall performance of the health system. The review team requested that evidence submiss...

Health policy

Society

Public affairs and campaigning

NHS plan

News

Raising the healthiest generation of children ever - President’s update

19 July 2024

Steve shares his reflections on the recent King’s Speech, and how the College will support the new government to deliver on its promises to children and young people. There's also a link to our new podcast on measles, and a chance to nominate colleagues who have made an outstanding contribution to c...

News

Following on from the UK General Election - President's update

15 July 2024

We want the new Government to take bold action on child poverty, health inequalities, equal protection and air pollution. We'll work with you, our members, to influence all MPs on our priorities, including support for the paediatric workforce. Steve outlines the College's plans.

News

A major change in UK politics - President’s update

5 July 2024

Steve reflects on the UK General Election and highlights key Labour party manifesto commitments relating to child health. He also congratulates Dr Hilary Cass on her peerage, and there are chances for you to get involved in two important College surveys.