March 2025
The Board met face-to-face in Sydney on 25 February 2025. It was the first Board meeting where the approved Civility Statement was read out to Directors regarding the conduct of the meeting.
The Board approved the Implementation Plan to address the 18 recommendations outlined in the Review of Paediatric Clinical Examination in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Report. Key actions have been prioritised to improve safety, transparency and process changes in the 2025 Divisional Clinical Examinations; with broader reforms extending across all examinations in 2026. The Board resolved that management implement the reforms on the approved timelines to ensure effective coordination across countries, governance updates, policy development, system enhancements and stakeholder engagement. A summary of the Implementation Plan will be shared later this month.
The Board noted the status of the international strategy, which is in keeping with the College’s risk appetite in this area. The RACP will continue to cultivate existing international partnerships where they demonstrably support our organisational priorities and noted that the international perspective is canvassed as part of the annual strategic review cycle.
The Board noted the Board/Council Governance Advisory Group's work and approved their recommendations. These included the Raise and Report approach as the pathway for State and Territory Committees voice to College Council as well their support for the existing pathways for the specialty society voice to College Council. The Board approved the recommendation that the College Council Executive Committee be disestablished and the new Council to meet at least 6 times per year, effective from 30 May 2025.
In addition to the major governance reforms agreed by the Board in November and December 2024, the Board agreed on a number of the proposed governance reform changes to be taken to the members for consultation and review. The amendments, such as the introduction of a stronger skills-based approach to appointments to Board to seek to strengthen the governance of the College. We will undertake consultation in the near future to seek member feedback on the proposals. Once finalised, these proposed amendments to the Constitution will be taken to a forthcoming general meeting for member approval, which the Board is expecting will be at an extraordinary general meeting to be called later in 2025.
The Board accepted the management reports for the year end 31 December 2024 which detailed a net deficit of $0.1 million, (against a budgeted deficit of $12 million), a net asset position of $104 million and that the College has sufficient cash and other assets to pay its debts as and when they fall due. The Board also noted the internal audit update, annual risk management report and Specialist Training Program update.
The Board noted the report from the College Council.
The Board resolved to approve an Indigenous fee reimbursement initiative.
The next Board meeting is to be held on 24 March 2025 to approve end of financial year financial statements. The Board members will be present at the Specialty Society Forum on 28 March 2025.
Kind regards
Professor Jennifer Martin
Chair of the RACP Board and RACP President