The college was founded almost 500 years ago and we are proud guardians of that special heritage. Our historical mission of ensuring that medicine is practised to the highest standards remains almost entirely unchanged. However, this must be applied in the context of 21st century healthcare. Our strategic framework will ensure that we remain central to providing the best health services in the modern world.
Mission
We will be relentless in our pursuit of improvements in healthcare and the health of the population. We will achieve this by enhancing and harnessing the skills, knowledge and leadership of physicians in setting challenging standards and encouraging positive change based on sound evidence.
Vision
The principles of the quality improvement spiral will be embedded in all aspects of our work.
Key objectives
In support of this core aspiration we will deliver seven priority objectives in collaboration with our partner faculties and specialist societies and increasingly through our strengthened regional structures.
- Championing the values of the medical profession
We will promote the underlying principles of medical professionalism and leadership, providing physicians with the values, knowledge and skills required for modern medical practice.
- Promoting patient-centred care
We will ensure that the views and needs of patients, carers and the public are at the core of our work within the college and contribute centrally to our policies.
- Influencing the healthcare agenda
We will represent the members and fellows of the college through the development of policies in key areas of healthcare and will seek improvements by directly engaging with Government, Departments of Health, NHS, European Union, public and other key individuals and organisations.
- Improving standards in clinical practice
We will set, measure and evaluate quality standards in clinical care and enhance our advisory support services to healthcare organisations. We will develop innovative approaches to service delivery for the benefit of patients.
- Supporting physicians through education and training
We will support physicians from registration through retirement with excellent programmes of education, assessment, training and development.
- Supporting international activity
We will provide targeted support for our members and extend our influence internationally by providing educational services and activities in collaboration with appropriate international organisations.
- Ensuring college performance
We will be a high-performing membership organisation with charitable status that provides an exemplary standard of service to its members and fellows and is able to support the achievement of all college objectives.