Read the highlights of key issues discussed at the RACP Board meeting on 10 July 2020.

Constitutional reform process

The Board discussed the process for constitutional reform, developed from the Effective Governance recommendations and the outcomes from the Redfern joint meeting.

It was noted that at least 75% of voting members are required to support a special resolution for constitutional change. Members were mindful of the importance of consulting with members, enabling them to have a say on how they would like the College to look in future.

Committee structure review

This is a major topic and we were advised of 3 main areas for consideration:

1. The Board retains collective responsibility for decision making and that Directors remain responsible for power delegated to committees and working groups as if it had been exercised by the Directors themselves.


2. The College may be over-governing some College Bodies. For example, are minutes necessary or would action outcomes be sufficient?


3. The Board has requested further information to enable informed decisions in relation to Committees.

We must have a clear line of sight for all committees.

The reporting structure and role of College Council requires consideration, and it was noted that the College had previously aimed to reduce the number of College committees.

Effective Governance Progress Report #3

The College is progressing well. It was noted that there have been considerable achievements since the last report.

There are 179 recommendations and 428 tasks for implementation. All projects are on schedule.

There are 46% of projects in progress, 23% not yet commenced and 30% complete.

Some key achievements:

• The Annual General Meeting was effectively undertaken on 4 May 2020.
• The Board meetings have continued to improve.
• 85% of meeting content is forward focused.
• The 2020 Director induction was solid and rigorous.
• The committee review has commenced.
• Director skill and experience and professional development have been completed.
• The Policy Framework was established.
• The Risk Policy and Risk Framework were approved.
• Constitution review project scope approved, with a project plan for delivery in May 2022.

Computer-based Testing preferred suppliers

The Board was advised that Elumina was selected as the preferred supplier to provide packages one and two, being platform and venues. ACER was selected to provide separate package three which involved psychometric work. The contract term is three years with two of one-year extensions.

From a trainee perspective, two exams a year and a trial exam being available will enable trainees to benefit from computer-based testing and should be well received.

Financial reporting update

Actual income is down from projected figures, with the May 2020 results impacted by $2.1 million as a result of the cancellation of the exams and RACP Congress.

This has been partially offset by the Australian Government’s Job Keeper payment, resulting in income for the year down $1.3 million. Travel and meeting costs are lower than budget along with other expenses, resulting in a net surplus of $1.6 million as compared to a budget deficit of $2.6 million.

The College is in a surplus position and this position is anticipated to continue in the June 2020 accounts.

Fee collections for 2020 are now 5 to 6 months overdue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has exercised discretion and deferred normal fee collection and membership cancellation.

The normal fee collection process will commence in July 2020 and members with outstanding fees will receive polite reminders that their membership is due to be rescinded if outstanding fees are not paid. 

The College does have a hardship clause and income related discounts and their availability will be publicised in all fees correspondence.

Indigenous Strategic Framework reporting

This is the second year of annual reporting on the Indigenous Strategic Framework, and we acknowledged the leadership of the Indigenous committees and comments on the plans.

We will undertake a culture competency assessment, which will provide a baseline of where we are as an organisation, and then look at potential improvements.