The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published its annual report for 2025, setting out a year of significant progress, change and renewal for the college as it focused on rebuilding confidence, strengthening governance and supporting physicians across the UK and internationally.
The report highlights a year of major leadership change at the RCP, including the election of Professor Mumtaz Patel as president, the appointment of Dr Diana Walford CBE as chair of the Board of Trustees, and of Jonathan Brüün as chief executive officer.
It also marks important progress in the college’s programme of governance renewal. For the first time, collegiate members were granted voting rights in elections for vice president and councillors, broadening participation in the RCP’s democratic processes and strengthening member engagement.
Throughout 2025, the RCP continued its work to support physicians, improve patient care and influence healthcare policy. The report highlights the success of the Medicine 2025 and Med+ conferences, an expansion of education and training programmes, continued growth in audit and accreditation activities, and a series of high-profile campaigning on issues affecting patients and physicians.
This included work on raising awareness of the impact of corridor care on patients and staff, ongoing calls for reform of medical training, and advocacy on prevention and health inequalities, while providing practical support for doctors through new resources on job planning, outpatient care and global health education.
The report also reflects the impact of the RCP’s next generation campaign, which placed resident and early-career doctors at the centre of discussions about workforce planning and the future of medical training.
Professor Mumtaz Patel, president of the RCP, said:
‘Over the past year, the RCP has taken important steps to strengthen trust, improve governance and deliver for members and fellows.
‘Following a challenging period, we have refocused on listening to our members and fellows, strengthening our governance and ensuring that the college remains a trusted and influential voice for physicians and patients.
‘Throughout 2025, we have worked hard to support physicians at every stage of their careers, championed improvements in patient care and continued to speak up on the issues that matter most to our profession, from workforce pressures and medical training to prevention and health inequalities.
‘While there is still more to do, the progress set out in this report provides a strong foundation for the future. As we deliver our new 2026–30 strategy, we will continue working with our members, fellows, staff and partners to strengthen standards, amplify the voice of physicians and help shape the future of medicine.’
Alongside its overview of activities during the year, the report sets out the RCP’s financial position. The college recorded a small surplus in 2025, reflecting careful financial management during a period of ongoing economic pressure.
Looking ahead, the report outlines the college’s focus on long-term sustainability and delivery of its new strategy for 2026–30. Built around four priorities – connection, standards, voice and renewal – the strategy will guide the RCP’s work as it continues to support members and fellows and shape the future of medicine.
The RCP thanks its members and fellows, officers, volunteers and staff for their commitment, expertise and contribution throughout 2025.