How the College is governed

Board of Trustees

This is the Royal College of Anaesthetists' governing body.

The Board meets four times a year to:

• to deliver the College Objects (as stated in our Royal Charter)
• set the College strategy, in consultation with Council and monitor progress towards this
• ensure the proper and effective management of the College’s finances and assets.

It can choose to delegate work and oversight for its charitable responsibilities the College’s boards, committees, staff and volunteers, as contained within the College’s Scheme of Delegation.

The Board of Trustees comprises:

• the President of the College who will act as Chair of the Board of Trustees;
• the two Vice-Presidents of the College; 
• the Treasurer of the College, as Chair of the Finance Committee;
• up to five Trustees elected by Council from amongst the elected Council Members; and
• up to three appointed lay members.

The following report to the Board of Trustees:

• Finance and Resources Board.
• Rump Audit Committee that is currently under review.
• Remuneration Committee.

Council

Whilst the Board of Trustees are charged with governance of the College, the College Council is responsible for the professional aspects of the specialty of anaesthesia as well as fulfilling formal and ceremonial matters. It sets and oversees strategic College policy in clinical and professional matters and responds to current issues affecting professional practice and standards.

Council meets six times a year and its full duties and responsibilities are set out in the College’s Charter and Ordinances and the College Regulations, including all terms of office and length of service.

Council comprises:

• twenty-four fellows and members elected to Council, comprising 20 consultant seats, two SAS seats and two anaesthetists in training seats
• fourteen co-opted members, including two additional anaesthetists in training representatives.

The Council is chaired by the College President.

There are three boards that report to Council. Click on the title of each board to view their terms of reference:

• Education, Training and Examinations Board
• Clinical Quality and Research Board
• Membership, Media and Development Board

The three devolved nations' boards also report to Council:

• Northern Irish
• Scottish
• Welsh.

College officers

The senior officers of the College are the President, two Vice-Presidents and the Chair of the Finance and Resources Board.

These three senior officers of the College are elected Council members and trustees of the College.

These officers are chosen by the 24 elected Council members, apart from the Chair of the Finance and Resources Board who is appointed by the College President.

College Executive Team

The day-to-day operation of the College is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer who is accountable to the President and the Board of Trustees. The College’s Executive Team and staff are accountable to the Chief Executive Officer.

Annual General Meetings

There is an Annual General Meeting of Fellows and Members. Meeting dates are advertised in advance on the College website.

Want to have your say in how the College is run?

Find out more about how you can get involved and vacancies at the college here.