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

UK General Election 2024: Child health and the manifesto pledges from political parties

20 June 2024

Dr Mike McKean, Vice-President for Policy, outlines the child health focus points of the three largest parties’ (in England) 2024 manifesto pledges on child health and the NHS workforce. And notes that whatever the next government, RCPCH will work hard to put your voice at the centre.

Topic page

Air Pollution Companion

Welcome to the Air Pollution Companion – a ‘one stop shop’ to learn about air pollution and child health, and integrate it into your practice. This resource was developed by the Clean Air Fund Partnership team, which includes three Clinical Fellows working alongside RCPCH policy experts.

Basic page

UK General Election - Our Health Matters 2024

The General Election has prompted children and young people across the UK to identify their child health priorities for candidates and the new UK Government. This page has youth-led information to share with your groups of children and young people, which will help inspire the candidates to prio...

Engaging children and young people

RCPCH &Us

Public affairs and campaigning

News

Making child health a priority this Election - President’s update

7 June 2024

Steve reflects on his first ten weeks as RCPCH President, emphasises the importance of child health in the forthcoming General Election, updates us on new whooping cough resources and how you can get involved in the College's work.

Document

Our campaign for an RSV vaccination programme

Following our open letter signed by over 2,000 paediatricians and healthcare professionals, the UK government and devolved administrations have confirmed the delivery of two new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programmes, for older adults and during pregnancy for infant protection. Rea...

Public affairs and campaigning

News

Welcoming new members and looking ahead - President’s update

24 May 2024

Steve reflects on the recent Membership Ceremony in Manchester where members, fellows, family and friends gathered to celebrate new paediatricians. There is also information on all the ways to get involved at the College and an update on the recently announced UK General Election.

News

RCPCH responds to loss of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill

24 May 2024

It has been confirmed that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has not been included in ‘wash-up', the set of bills expedited through Parliament before the next general election.

News

20 Royal Colleges and professional bodies team up to improve child health outcomes in Wales

21 May 2024

The Welsh Royal Colleges Child Health Collaborative (WRCCHC) has written to the First Minister of Wales to ask how his government will improve child health and support the workforce that cares for them.

News

Paediatricians call for an end to unjust and dangerous smacking laws

17 April 2024

Children’s doctors in England and Northern Ireland are calling for equal protection for children and young people against physical assault, such as smacking, hitting, and slapping.

Resource

Equal protection from assault in England and Northern Ireland: Prohibiting physical punishment of all children

In England and Northern Ireland, children are the only group of people not fully protected in law from physical assault. Our recommendations demonstrate to Government policymakers both the practicalities of removing the 'reasonable punishment defence’ from law and the appropriate next steps to reduc...

Safeguarding

Child protection

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning