Read the highlights of key issues discussed at the RACP Board meeting on 19 July 2024.

We did the final round of interviews for our shortlisted CEO candidates and are delighted that our interim CEO Steffen Faurby has accepted the permanent role.

Under Steffen’s leadership the College has made great progress towards delivery of the many projects under its 2024 Operating Plan, including the digital transformation change in the RACP and the work towards AMC/MCNZ accreditation.

The Board noted the College’s Strategic Growth and Efficiency Plan Scoping Study which aims to identify ways for us to diversify our income base and to refine our operating model for full efficiencies in delivering outcomes for members.  

The Board discussed member recognition for contribution to supervision and College committees.

We approved the Technology Blueprint and Roadmap and delegations around negotiation and execution of the Phase One Discovery Work. This work has a focus on member experience, integrated processes and functions for staff and members and simplification of systems. We are delighted to announce that our interim CIO, David Bough has agreed to remain at the College until May next year to oversee the commencement of this work and completion of the TMP project.

The Board will shortly review its Risk Appetite Statement. We are looking at a more contemporary approach to risk, and an appetite that reflects the current position of the College and reflective of strategy. This enables Management to ensure decisions are aligned with the risk appetite statement in the delivery of our strategic objectives and operating plan. It also guides management in the appetite for the strategic changes needed to be made to the organisation.

We heard from our Chair of the College Council, Associate Professor Catherine O’Connor on what is now a regular agenda item to better hear our members voices.

We reviewed current income and expense results for year-to-date June 2024, with a refreshed reporting template that is more accessible following review from our Finance and Risk Management Committee. We also discussed the Annual External Report issues update and Specialist Training Program (STP) update; a survey will be circulated to relevant teams and members of our College to assess the effectiveness of the STP programs.

We also updated our Director Board Committee Appointments, adding Dr Chandran to the College Policy and Advocacy Council, Conjoint Professor Hamad to People, Culture and Remuneration Committee, Dr Tan to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee, and Professor Buckmaster to the College Education Committee. Professor Martin continues on the Finance and Risk Committee and People, Culture and Remuneration Committee, Rob Stewart on the People, Culture and Remuneration Committee, Norm Cockerell and Louise Cox on the Finance and Risk Committee, and Louise Cox on the Technology Committee.

The Board reviewed the Congress budget report for 2024 and the planning for Congress 2025; the move to two yearly Congress planning was supported.

We amalgamated the Gender Equity in Medicine Committee into the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Medicine Advisory Committee and suggested the Committee consider a name change to reflect the intersectionality aspects of diversity.

We spoke with Dr Dawn Adair, Māori Lead Fellow and Nicky McCurdy, Kaitohutohu Ahuera who provided an update on the initiatives undertaken by the Lead Fellow Māori and the Māori Health Registrars since the commencement of their roles. This included a summary of the roles and achievements and a reflection on challenges. We agreed to extend the funding of the program with as needed adjustment to the structure on the advice of the Māori Health Committee. 

The Board approved the list of pre-approved spokespeople in accordance with the new Media and External Communications Policy.

We also noted the Medical Board of Australia’s proposed new expedited pathway to fast-track eligible SIMGs into the Australian health system and RACP’s response to the revised registration standard.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for 16 August 2024.

Professor Jennifer Martin
Chair of the Board and RACP President