RCoA Elections and Appointments

Current Roles & Leadership

National Training Lead, National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia (NIAA) – strategic oversight of academic development and well-being for anaesthetic research trainees across the UK.

Medical Lead for Anaesthesia, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges – shaping national educational policy and standards.

Speciality Lead for Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, West Midlands Research Delivery Network (NIHR) – embedded in national research delivery and implementation.

Clinical Director of Research & Academic Lead for Anaesthesia, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust – leading research strategy, postgraduate education, and workforce development.

Academic Lead, Stoke School of Anaesthesia, advancing regional training quality and academic engagement.

Director of Acute Care, Royal Wolverhampton Hospital & University of Wolverhampton.

Track Record in Education & Policy

First and corresponding author of national and international guidelines for ICM, showing my ability to translate evidence into practice.

I co-designed one of the university’s most successful postgraduate programmes at the University of Birmingham and mentored the largest successful cohort of post-doctoral fellows.

Developed nationally benchmarked curricula and frameworks for multidisciplinary teaching and professional development.

Authored national and international guidelines; contributed to policy shaping at the highest levels.

Commitment to People

Supervised numerous BSc, MSc, and PhD/MD students to high-impact publications, international presentations, and prestigious NIHR funding.

Mentor and collaborator for consultant colleagues, supporting career progression, research engagement, and work-life balance.

Regular participant in College ARCP meetings and Stroke School; Academic Representative since 2024.

Mission Statement

If elected, I will work to make the professional lives of both trainees and consultants easier by streamlining academic pathways, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, and ensuring that support structures are accessible, responsive, and fit for purpose.

The Challenges in Anaesthesia

Increasing workforce pressures and rising clinical demand.

Difficulty balancing service delivery with training, research, and personal well-being.

Risk of losing talented clinicians from both clinical and academic streams due to unsustainable workloads.

My Approach to Solutions

Advocate for protected time for education, research, and professional development.

Promote flexible, inclusive training models that reflect modern workforce realities.

Ensure College guidance is aligned with lived experience at the clinical front line.

Strengthen mentorship networks for both trainees and consultants.

Use national influence to integrate policy, funding, and delivery for maximum impact.

Academic & Research Excellence

PhD, University of Cambridge.

Over £9 million in competitive grant funding as Chief or Co-Investigator.

More than 155 publications (H-index 37). Chief Investigator for landmark trials including CATALYST and ERASER.

Recipient of national awards, including the Macintosh Chair and Research Impact Award.

Closing Statement

I am committed to shaping the future of anaesthesia so that its academic and clinical pathways remain robust, inclusive, and sustainable — enabling the next generation of clinicians and academics to thrive.

Unprecedented challenges face us. Patients encounter delays, clinicians wrestle with a fragmented health service, and persistent funding shortfalls make it difficult to provide the care we were trained to deliver. Yet, in my role as a paediatric and perioperative anaesthetist in a deprived part of Kent, I see every day how compassion, innovation, and teamwork can overcome adversity. Despite working in a trust ranked near the bottom of a ’league table,’ our perioperative teams achieve excellent patient feedback, reflecting resilience and a shared determination to provide the very best care. 

Alongside my clinical work, I have the privilege serving as patient information(PI) lead at the RCoA. I have channelled energy and passion into creating projects that bring the patient voice to the centre. Being an anaesthetist remains a privilege. The challenges we face are real, but they inspire me to keep striving for better—for our patients and colleagues, and the future of our profession. 

I’m passionate about bridging the paediatric–adult perioperative gap. The pressures highlighted in Lord Darzi’s report and the NHS 10year plan—long surgical waits and the push towards ’waiting well’—resonate deeply with my daily work. I anaesthetise infants and adults, lead paediatric preassessment, and deliver adult prehabilitation, giving me a unique perspective that I have translated into national initiatives such as updating ‘fitter better sooner’ and embarking on an equitable package for children. Having a neurodiverse son has also strengthened my drive to champion inclusion and reasonable adjustments. At Anaesthesia 2025, I shared this passion, emphasising that aged 0-99+, all patients deserve to be heard, valued, and cared for by anaesthetists empowered to deliver their best. 

My second passion is supporting colleagues. I developed the first-ever PI fellow role at the RCoA, opening doors for others to grow through national projects. I led the script for CPOC’s shared decision-making animation- Peter’s journey, collaborating with resident doctors—a reminder of how creativity flourishes when we work together. I contributed to the first national guidance on paediatric preassessment with the APAGBI and continue to modernise PI through lived experiences, developing resources on chronic fatigue and relaxation techniques. Mentorship is central: I support residents, SAS doctors, and consultants through initiatives like the associate principal-investigator scheme, helping them grow while addressing the educational and wellbeing pressures faced. 

Finally, I am committed to tackling health inequalities. Leading the college’s PI group, I ensure that projects reflect real patient voices. Inspired by my children, I created Dennis the Menace has an anaesthetic, weaving shared decision-making, perioperative anxiety, and waiting-well resources into modern PI. Teaching hypnosis and relaxation techniques, I have seen how small changes in communication can transform patient experience and reduce fear. 

I want to bring fresh perspectives, energy, and diversity to council. Recruitment, retention, and working conditions remain urgent challenges. We must continue to fight for our specialty, remove barriers, and support one another. It would be an honour to represent you and ensure that together we keep building a specialty we can all be proud of.

Who am I? I am lead consultant in pain medicine and neuromodulation at Mid & South Essex University Hospitals NHS since 1992. I am full time in pain medicine. I provide pain and neuromodulation services and am active in clinical research, advocacy, training and publishing. I gained FIPP (Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice) in 2002 and FFPMRCA in 2007. I have over 80 peer reviewed publications to my name. All within a busy NHS practice in a non-academic institution. I founded the Neuromodulation Society of UK and Ireland (NSUKI) in 2001 and served two three-year terms as President of International Neuromodulation Society from 2009 to 2015.  I served on INS board in one capacity or another for 20 years, President for 6 of those years. He co-chaired four biennial INS congresses from 2011 to 2017. I was on council of British Pain Society from 2004 to 2008.Important ongoing leadership and research roles include appropriate SCS selection consensus, national neuromodulation registry, SCS waveform research, definitions of persistent spinal pain syndromes, introducing a new therapy to NHS for low back pain with multifidus dysfunction. I serve on editorial board of Neuromodulation: Technology at the neural interface and do several peer reviews for a variety of journals a month. In 2024 I was awarded “Lifetime Achievement Award” by NSUKI. 

Why am I motivated to join the council of RCoA? Although there is a faculty of pain medicine, it remains important for RCoA to have an independent voice in pain and neuromodulation. Anaesthesia represents a broad church of inter-related disciplines. This is one of the reasons that it is so attractive as a career specialty. I have always resisted “Silo” education. Pain medicine is especially exposed to the radically different therapy approaches both within the discipline, anaesthesia generally and between Colleges. The arrival of credentialing will help. I am nearing the end of my career but believe that my 34 year experience at consultant level will bring value to council.

After completing my first term I realised that being an elected Council member enables one to contribute in a myriad of ways towards the profession, the College and the membership and I would like the opportunity to continue. 

I want to expand the wellbeing resources of the College based on emerging evidence of direct links between fatigue and patient safety incidents. In my current role as co-chair of SALG we are exploring ways of analysing patient safety incidents through the lens of human factors and [lack of] clinician well-being. 

We are awash with guidelines, many of which duplicate each other, plenty that have not been formally evaluated. The College could have a role in coordinating and rationalising those pertaining to our practice and this will enable us to provide evidence-based care more easily and thus improve patient outcomes and experience. 

I want to promote and benchmark excellence in anaesthesia by continuing to develop guidelines and standards, through involvement with external bodies such as NICE, HSSIB and my ongoing involvement with GPAS and ACSA. 

Provision of educational material is a core College role; I have been the topic advisor for the past 3 Winter Scientific symposia and SALG annual conferences and would like to continue in my involvement with producing podcasts on ethical issues. 

Most obstetric anaesthesia is delivered by non- obstetric anaesthetists and residents. It is vital that The College is represented at the highest level in provision of maternity services. During my first term on Council, I ensured that workforce planning included anaesthetists in maternity, [for the first time!], represented the College at the RCOG and ensured anaesthetic input into national committees such as the Maternity Incentive Scheme for trusts. I would like to continue to champion the role of anaesthetists during what is undeniably are turbulent times in maternity. 

The College is about to have a new home. I want to help ensure that home has the facilities that the membership want and need, whether it is library resources, a place to learn or a place to relax.  

I have come to realise that environmentally sensitive and good clinical practice are one and the same. At a recent conference the sustainability initiatives showcased were equally clinical quality improvement projects. We have introduced a mandatory field for patient safety projects at SALG meetings - the environmental impact [or lack of  of the project.

I want to continue to work to increase engagement with the membership: there are a multitude of ways members can become involved in college activities but I think we could make these more widely known. All our communications need to as clear and transparent as possible so that even if you are not there you will know what the College is discussing and planning. 

I think my track record is evidence that if you elect me to a 2nd term on College Council I will deliver on all the above.

It has been an honour to serve as a council member since March 2020, and I sincerely appreciate the trust and support you have extended to me during my tenure. Standing for re-election, I am motivated by a clear sense of purpose: to build on the progress we have achieved together and to continue strengthening the college. 

My medical career began in 1984. I am a consultant since 2010 at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry. Alongside clinical work, I have contributed extensively to education and training, having served as a college tutor for over seven years, FRCA examiner since 2016. I also served for nearly 15 years in the Indian Army, including more than seven years in high-altitude environments under extremely challenging conditions, which shaped my resilience and commitment to service. 

Within the College, I have been a trustee and served on MMD and ETE boards, ACSA, EDI, Patient’s voices committees. As the current chair of the Events and Professional Development Committee, I have endeavoured to embed equality, diversity and inclusion principles into programme planning and delivery, I also serve on the Investment Committee. These roles have given me insight into both the educational and governance functions of the College, as well as the importance of balancing professional development with fiscal responsibility. 

The College is currently in a state of flux, facing several critical transitions. These include the need to restructure our strategy and policies in line with the NHS 10-year plan amidst ongoing resource pressures, the appointment of a new Chief Executive, settling into and operating effectively from our new building, and managing the implications of changes to the FRCA examination structure. Furthermore, there is a potential for disruption to the council with the induction of several new members. Continuity and steady leadership will be vital to navigating these challenges effectively. My broad experience at the college will support strong discussion on key issues, help shape strategy and policy, and provide effective oversight. 

If re-elected, I will continue to listen to members, embrace diverse viewpoints, and ensure that the College’s decisions are transparent, accountable, and aligned with the best interests of our fellows, members and patients. My priorities will be to safeguard the College’s role in education and standards, support members through the pressures of clinical practice, and ensure that governance adapts wisely to the significant transitions ahead.

I am a Consultant Anaesthetist, Deputy Postgraduate Dean, and Foundation School Director with extensive experience in clinical care, education, and medical leadership. 

My career has been shaped by a commitment to supporting colleagues at all stages of training, delivering high-quality patient care, and shaping the future of anaesthesia through innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. 

My Priorities 

1. Championing Education & Training: Strengthen support for anaesthetists in training, ensuring fair assessments and access to high-quality learning opportunities. Advocate for protected training time and wellbeing initiatives to combat burnout. Build stronger bridges between foundation training, core anaesthesia, and higher specialty pathways to create seamless progression. As Foundation School Director, I have prioritised trainee wellbeing, creating Foundation Priority Programmes that connect trainees with hospitals in need — supporting both workforce capacity and personal development.

2. Supporting Colleagues at Every Stage:   Represent the needs of trainees, SAS doctors, and consultants, ensuring every voice is heard. Improve mentorship and career development opportunities for anaesthetists across the UK. Promote flexible training and working patterns that reflect modern workforce realities. 

3. Enhancing Patient Care:   Support innovation in perioperative medicine, critical care, and pain management. Promote research and evidence-based practice to maintain the UK’s world-leading standard in anaesthesia. 

4. Promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:   Continue addressing barriers in recruitment, assessment, and career progression. Foster a culture of belonging where every anaesthetist feels valued. Champion widening participation initiatives to broaden access to anaesthesia as a career. 

5. Building the Future Workforce:   Tackle workforce shortages through active advocacy with government and national bodies. Support international medical graduates and streamline pathways for integration into UK training. Work with stakeholders to ensure sustainable, long-term workforce planning that protects both patients and staff. 

Why Vote for Me

 Educational Leadership: As Deputy Postgraduate Dean and Foundation School Director, I understand the challenges trainees face and the importance of supportive, well-structured training environments. In addition, I recognise the vital role of SAS grade and Locally Employed (LED) doctors within our workforce. I understand their unique training needs and the importance of providing clear pathways for career progression and professional development. I am committed to championing their cause and ensuring their voices are represented in the policy-making processes of the RCoA, so that opportunities for growth and recognition are equitable across all groups of doctors. 

Clinical Excellence: As a Consultant Anaesthetist, I remain grounded in day-to-day NHS practice and the realities of delivering safe, effective care. 

Proven Advocacy: I have consistently championed the needs of doctors in training, prioritised wellbeing, and promoted inclusivity at every level. For example, I led and delivered a comprehensive project on the junior doctor workforce requirements within our trust. The findings directly informed recruitment decisions, resulting in enhanced winter ward staffing and improved service resilience. 

I am committed to listening, leading, and delivering change — for anaesthetists of all grades, for patients, and for the future of our profession.

In 2024, I secured my dream consultant job at the first go. 

After a decade of training, some years more meandering than others, I knew I’d earned my appointment. But I also felt very lucky, because the landscape of medical training has changed dramatically over the past ten years.  Consultants shoulder waiting lists with narrowing departmental budgets, whilst anaesthetists in training and those aspiring to enter the specialty are now confronted by increasingly unfavourable conditions, 

Inadequate training numbers. Diminishing assurances of consultant posts for those who have spent years working towards their CCT. Slashed budgets. All this against a background of workforce planning analysis that clearly demonstrates shortages in the numbers of senior anaesthetists, a situation made more confounding when one considers the number of doctors who cannot secure training jobs due to training ratios.  (CT1 Anaesthetics stood at a shocking 12.56 this year!)  

In short, anyone who looks at the state of play should be outraged by what current and future colleagues will need to overcome to say that they too secured their dream job at the first go. 

Having previously served as a co-opted trainee representative in 2022, I am standing again because I remain committed to the development of our specialty and to the wellbeing of those within it. I have a proven record of collaborative working within Council. As Co-Chair of the Anaesthetists in Training Committee, I represented my peers on the Education, Training and Examinations Board and the Recruitment Committee, where I challenged previous national recruitment shortcomings. Within the EDI Committee, I helped secure parity for adoptive, maternal, and extended paternal leave within the College’s membership fee policy.  Following the EGM, I contributed to initial work on Resolutions 5 and 6, pertaining to recruitment, an area that I am keen to revisit. 

Having completed my higher training and put down roots in the North West, I’ve seen how vital regional and grassroots voices are if the College wishes to remain agile and truly representative of its members. 

If elected to Council, my priorities will be focused on these areas: 

• Workforce. Anaesthetists of every stage must be supported. This means evolving training to meet diverse needs, enabling flexible progression, and supporting consultants and SAS anaesthetists in achieving sustainable job plans and meaningful opportunities for professional development.
• Recruitment. 2025’s competition ratios show that our specialty is as popular as ever, and despite ubiquitous messaging regarding a lack of physicians, there is no shortage of doctors wishing to train in anaesthesia... only a shortage of funded posts! Fighting for an expansion of training numbers must remain a key priority for the College. Furthermore, the MSRA as a recruitment tool remains wholly inadequate and we should critically re-evaluate its role in our specialty.
• Professional identity. Following the College’s post-EGM work and publication of the “Interim Scope of Practice 2024”, I am keen to contribute to the ongoing scope-defining work informed by the Leng Review regarding physician assistants in anaesthesia. 

I am ready to hit the ground running. Thank you.

I have worked in a DGH with regional and national specialist services since 1997. In that time, I have worked in roles that have involved delivering care to the best of my ability whilst being part of leadership teams. This has involved innovation and development of services , progress, education, mediation and crisis management (not an exhaustive list). Line managing non anaesthetists has given me a wider perspective of delivering healthcare service than I would otherwise have had. 

I thus feel that I am in a good position to support, deliver and scrutinise/ critically appraise when needed, the strategic aims of the RCoA. We face many challenges in the coming years and we must be agile to respond the changing environment in healthcare (a change from 2022). We must have a well trained workforce. Ensuring that the training programme and assessment processes deliver this workforce is a key function (including workforce planning). The wellbeing of this workforce is also of paramount importance. Mentorship and pastoral care is a vital function and we need to be innovative in the resources accessed to deliver this. However, whatever we advocate or do must be patient-centric; i.e. the patient must be the central focus of how we develop further as a specialty and how we interact with the hospital and healthcare system (e.g. the community) as a whole in a collegiate and multi-disciplinary manner to deliver the best care we can. There will need to be a degree of pragmatism. However we must be clear that pragmatism will not be conflated with lowering standards/quality of care. 

I will be committed to the delivery of this and the wider remit that the RCoA has. 

I have been a consultant in St Georges hospital in South London for 12 years, with clinical sessions in obstetric and general anaesthesia.  Originally from Northern Ireland, I completed the majority of my anaesthetic training in the West Midlands before moving to London as a less-than-full-time trainee and then my consultant appointment. 

I have post graduate certificates in Medical Education and Healthcare Leadership and have an active role in both education and leading on clinical standards in my department and lately in national roles.  In these roles I have seen the best of our college and profession: our excellent training and support for residents and each other, and our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  I have also seen where I think we can do better and that is why I am standing to be a member of the College Council. 

In the current environment, pressure on the NHS threatens to degrade training and compromise standards of patient safety. I will staunchly defend both using my experience of hospital leadership, my previous work on college committees and my work with other specialities and colleges to ensure anaesthetists are truly valued for what we do.  We need our college to advocate for us with medical directors, politicians and the public on our crucial role in patient safety across the whole hospital and specifically, of course, perioperative services.  We need to protect and promote our high standards and guard against changes in workload that could be a risk to wellbeing and patient safety. 

My clinical improvement experience includes: 

• Formerly department QuARC, NELA lead and ACSA lead through to accreditation (that was tough!)
• Associate medical director, responsible for audit and transformation.  
• Chair of RCoA QI Working Group for 7 years:  established RCoA Quality Network, with representation from every region in the UK. Collaborates on national quality projects and QI training and development of the 2021 curriculum assessment tools.
• Editor of the RCoA QI compendium, the 3rd iteration of the 'recipe book', contributions of over 100 anaesthetists on 136 quality standards covering anaesthesia, pain and intensive care.
• National NELA team for 9 years
• Member of RCoA Clinical Quality and Research Board for 7 years
• Member of HSRC and Centre for Research and Improvement Executive Management Boards.
• Since 2024, leading RCoA collaboration with The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute in Cambridge University: working with surgeons, emergency medicine and radiologists to improve the timely care for emergency surgery patients.  

Education experience includes: 

• Course lead for the RCoA Quality Improvement and Patient Safety study day for 4 years
• Teaching at Association of Anaesthetists, Obstetric Anaesthetist Association, Age Anaesthesia, Doctors Updates, Kings Fund, HQIP and even Association of Surgeons events
• Hosted 4 college fellowships in our department for residents taking OOPEs to lead college quality projects
• Teach patient safety and quality improvement for the Foundation programme, anaesthetic trainees and regional training days, and for several years at the RCoA College Tutors event
• Awarded the President's 25th Anniversary Trainers Award in 2018

Candidate Statement – Dr Magesh Jayabalan. Consultant Anaesthetist | Deputy Chair, RCoA Portfolio Pathway Executive Committee. 

Thank you very much for taking time to read my statement. I am standing for election to RCoA Council to safeguard the highest standards of anaesthetic practice while supporting members to deliver safe, sustainable care in today’s challenging NHS environment.

With over two decades’ experience across two healthcare systems, I bring clinical expertise, collaborative leadership, and governance skills grounded in everyday practice and focused on patient safety. I currently work as a Full time Consultant Anaesthetist, participating in oncall rota at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust. I also serve as Clinical Director for Medical Workforce development, Guardian of Safe Working Hours, Medical Examiner and Anaesthetic rota Coordinator and Workforce Lead. These roles have enabled me to lead recruitment and retention strategies, redesign rotas for resilience, embed exception reporting as a learning tool, reduce agency reliance, and strengthen safe staffing oversight. 

I am also an Educational Supervisor, Appraiser, Honorary Clinical Lecturer and Clinical Personal Tutor at Warwick and Buckingham Medical Schools. These responsibilities keep me closely connected to the needs of trainees and medical students. 

At National level, I am a Deputy Chair of the RCoA Portfolio Pathway Executive Committee (Formerly known as CESR / Equivalence committee) and a RCoA AAC panel assessor. I oversee Portfolio Assessment Groups, ensuring that routes to specialist registration remain rigorous, fair, and protective of patient safety. This combination of local leadership and national policy experience equips me to contribute meaningfully to the College’s work in education, examinations, clinical quality, research, and member engagement. 

If elected, my priorities are:

• Champion education and training – uphold transparent, fair standards in curriculum and assessment, and foster supportive learning environments for trainees, SAS doctors, and international graduates.
• Advance workforce wellbeing – use my experience in workforce strategy to promote retention, flexible careers, equity, and safer staffing through data driven design and culture change.
• Strengthen quality improvement and research – support accessible QI training and rapid spread of best practice across regions and devolved nations.
• Promote inclusivity and engagement – act as a visible, listening Council member, visiting hospitals of all sizes and ensuring all voices are respected, including consultants, SAS doctors, trainees, and IMGs. 

I understand the governance responsibilities of Council: acting collectively, promoting sustainability, managing resources prudently, declaring interests transparently, and respecting confidentiality. My ongoing MBA in Healthcare Management (completion Jan 2026) enhances my ability to scrutinise proposals, interpret data, and balance ambition with affordability. 

In my first year, I intend to deliver three practical actions with the support of other members:

1. Launch a member listening programme on exams, training capacity, and workforce pressures.
2. Propose a concise safe staffing and wellbeing toolkit using QI and rostering analytics.
3. Strengthen feedback loops from Council to members with brief, regular updates. 

It would be a privilege to serve on Council. I will bring energy, innovation, integrity and collaboration to advance the College’s strategic goals, support our members in RCoA, and improve care for our patients.

Standing for council has been a long-held desire of mine. It is an opportunity to repay, in a small way, some of the many benefits and opportunities that were given to me during my training and consultant working life, but also a chance to help influence and maintain the standards which are so important in our profession. 

I have worked as a consultant anaesthetist for twenty years in a central London tertiary-referral teaching hospital. However, through my work as an external assessor (ARCPs, consultant interviews), Training Programme Director (for ten years), examiner for the Primary FRCA (since 2014) and as a Regional Advisor, I am very aware of the diverse challenges and difficulties faced by departments across the country — their similarities and their differences, the good and the bad. 

The last few years have been extremely challenging for our profession: the COVID pandemic; unhappiness amongst resident doctors over matters relating to pay and working conditions and difficulties obtaining training posts when there are significant shortages of anaesthetists nationwide. Linked to this, there are widespread concerns over the use of non-medical anaesthesia associates, and how the College follows up the Leng Review recommendations. We are seeing increasing levels of burnout amongst colleagues at all levels of seniority; and, perhaps more controversially, uncertainty and lack of confidence amongst some members as to the effectiveness and roles of the statutory bodies, in particular the College and the GMC. We have all been affected by these events to some extent. 

I am an open, approachable and accommodating individual who will endeavour to work tirelessly towards better standards for residents, SAS and locally employed doctors, and consultants, as well as supporting the College’s work with the general public. Resident anaesthetists in particular need to feel that people are listening and engaging with their concerns over working conditions and work-life balance, but also to keep focus on the quality and relevance of the training they receive. Consultants and SAS doctors have many similar concerns over work-life balance, fairness and equity in job-planning, and feeling supported to build and strengthen their departments to deliver care optimally. There is also the fundamental importance of ensuring that we set and maintain appropriate standards for anaesthesia so that members of the public can go into any hospital in the country and have the confidence that they will be cared for with safety and dignity by our members. 

There are many challenges which are difficult to address with wide-ranging implications: for example, equality and diversity, flexible working, the impact of neurodiversity in the workplace and differential attainment in training and exams. As we develop our standards, it is vital that these are considered as an integral part of the process. 

The recent past has taught us that the future is never clear and it is never certain. It would be an honour to play a role in guiding and shaping the way that the college and the profession develops over the next decade and I would be grateful for your support.

I humbly put myself forward for the council board elections as an established anaesthetist who wishes to represent and support my professional colleagues through some very challenging times both within the NHS and anaesthesia itself as a medical specialty. I hope that everyone who has worked with me both now and in the past recognises my passion and commitment to teaching and training, not just in knowledge and technical skills, but also the deeper understanding of the systems and teams around us that help in the delivery of safe and effective patient care.  In my previous leadership and management roles at Health Education England, with Imperial College Hospitals and my own hospital the Royal Marsden, I have experienced the opportunities and frustrations of leading and delivering in postgraduate medical training and professional development. I hope to use these skills to support the college in delivering realistic and pragmatic approaches to some of these challenges. 

Anaesthesia associates' scope of practice, supervision and regulation should remain a key area for the College to lead on. A key area is supporting our resident doctors who are struggling to get national training numbers, as well as looking at the frequency and durations of rotations. There will be multiple views in how to address the issues discussed, but it is important to maintain our professional integrity, our safety first approach and continue to actively promote understanding of our profession with the wider general public. This ongoing battle to raise our profile as one of the largest medical specialties is critical to supporting the remit of the College.

I am standing for election as a Trainee Representative to the RCoA Council. As an ST4 Anaesthetic trainee and Academic Clinical Fellow, I bring experience across clinical practice, research, education, and trainee representation. I want to ensure trainees have a real voice in decisions that affect our training, working lives, and future careers. Our College committee must focus on the issues that matter most to us.

I know first-hand the challenges we face: workforce pressures, training bottlenecks, evolving service demands, the never-ending portfolio and uncertain job prospects at the end of training. I want to help ensure that trainees are supported, heard, equipped to thrive, and that our perspectives are considered in decisions about examinations, curriculum, workforce, and service delivery. 

I have never shied away from speaking up when I see something that needs addressing. I am willing to challenge ideas when necessary because often that is what is needed to get things done properly. 

I have extensive experience representing colleagues and advocating for change. Since 2019, I have served as a BMA Local Negotiating Committee representative across multiple trusts, from the North-East to Kent, Surrey, and now London. I’ve raised concerns and resolved issues around rota gaps, working conditions, contractual rights, pay discrepancies, locum rates, and the creation of special interest posts. I have also been a local Trainee Representative, working with consultants, training programme directors, medical education leads and management to address training, pastoral, and service issues. These experiences have taught me to listen to my colleagues, to represent diverse viewpoints, and work constructively with others to find solutions that can benefit us all. These are vital skills I would bring to the Council. 

As an Academic Clinical Fellow, I understand the pressures of balancing QI, research and teaching alongside our clinical work and portfolio demands. My qualifications and background in education, along with my pastoral and mentoring roles have given me a well-rounded perspective on what trainees want and need at every stage, from medical school to pre-CCT. 

If elected, I will listen and advocate tirelessly for trainees. I will champion trainee wellbeing, increasing training capacity and equality, promote improvements to the examination process and most of all, amplify your voices. I believe my strong record of advocacy and impact equips me well to serve all trainees effectively on Council. Ensuring that trainees are central to College decisions and that we are well-trained, supported, and valued is imperative.

I am an ST6 in the East of England with a strong background in representing my colleagues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was instrumental in setting up an anaesthetic representative group to improve morale and encourage liaison between consultants and residents at my local hospital. Following this, during my stage 2 training I served for as local representative for the anaesthetic & ICU departments. During this time my main achievements were the improvement of rest facilities for residents; and highlighting a challenging working environment in obstetrics, mediating between the residents, consultants and the obstetric department to improve relationships and patient care. 

I am currently a regional representative for the East of England, where I edit and write the quarterly newsletter “The Grade 1 View”. I attend regular meetings with the School of Anaesthesia on a range of topics including quality of training, advertisement of opportunities to residents, and organising regional events such as the annual Wellbeing Day and trainee forum. This has also led to representation at a national level including attending Shape of Training listening events and sitting on the Anaesthetists in Training Representative Group and the Anaesthetists in Training Committee. I also act as Regional Links Representative for the Association of Anaesthetists. Having spent a significant amount of time representing the views of residents at a regional and national level, I am excited to have an opportunity to represent the College to its members and to improve lines of communication between anaesthetists and the Council. 

I am passionate about wellbeing and how best we can support a career in anaesthesia despite the many challenges faced by the profession at a resident and consultant level. As a neurodivergent anaesthetist I have a particular interest in equality, diversity and inclusivity, and I bring a balanced view on how to support my colleagues to excel in their areas of strength while maintaining appropriate professional standards in all areas. I have therefore spent the last year setting up a Neurodiversity in Anaesthesia Hub to support residents and trainers in the East of England. The service provides information about neurodiversity, support for pursuing a diagnosis and a peer network of support as well as information for trainers to assist them in their role. This work has been presented nationally and has led to involvement with working groups at a national level and within the AAGBI. I would be delighted to build on this work with the Council to improve support for neurodivergent anaesthetists, with particular reference to support through training, examination and transitioning to a consultant career.

Having spent time out of training, I am mindful of the different pathways to a career in anaesthesia and want to be part of shaping the direction of the College to continue to support a wider, fairer anaesthetic workforce that is sustainable and enhances our working lives and the lives of patients. I am proud to be a member of the RCoA and I would be proud to represent you as a member of its Council.

I am standing for election to the RCoA Council because I want to ensure that anaesthetic training continues to inspire, support, and develop the next generation of anaesthetists — not just as clinicians, but as people. Our specialty demands knowledge, composure, and technical excellence, but sustaining that excellence requires a culture that prioritises wellbeing and fairness alongside clinical and academic achievement. 

As a current ST4 and Stage 2 Trainee Representative at University Hospitals Sussex, I’ve had the privilege of advocating for my peers and collaborating with College Tutors and departmental leaders to enhance trainee experience. This role has strengthened my belief that clear communication and genuine representation are essential to ensuring that local and national decisions reflect the real challenges and priorities of trainees. 

My motivation to serve on Council stems from a longstanding commitment to education and professional development. I currently sit on the RCoA Recruitment Committee as part of the MSRA Question Writing Group, contributing to the ongoing development of a fair and transparent selection process for aspiring anaesthetists. My focus on education began with a Medical Education Academic Foundation Programme and has continued through leadership and teaching roles — including serving as a University Honorary Teaching Fellow, co-organising the nationally attended Sussex FRCA Primary MCQ Course, delivering point-of-care ultrasound training, and teaching on SOE and novice programmes. Across these roles, I have consistently sought to create training opportunities that inspire, support, and challenge anaesthetists. As an Associate Principal Investigator for the Perioperative Quality Improvement Programme (PQIP), I have seen how trainee involvement can enhance patient outcomes and departmental culture. 

On Council, I aim to bring this blend of educational leadership, practical experience, and trainee advocacy to ensure training develops anaesthetists not only as clinicians, but as professionals supported to thrive. I am also passionate about modernising digital infrastructure — from improving the trainee portfolio to exploring how AI can be harnessed to streamline assessment, feedback, and learning. 

Having recently completed both the Primary and Final FRCA—and been honoured to receive the Nuffield Medal and a Final FRCA Chair’s Commendation—I understand how challenging yet rewarding these milestones can be. As the FRCA evolves, I want to ensure that changes are communicated clearly, resources remain accessible, and feedback is meaningful and supports learning. Crucially, our exams should uphold the highest standards of excellence while reflecting real-world anaesthetic practice, fostering confidence, fairness, and transparency. 

Above all, trainee wellbeing must remain central to the College’s work. Increasing service pressures, financial challenges, and recovery from the pandemic have tested morale across our profession. We need a College that actively promotes flexibility, mentorship, and psychological safety—recognising that a supported trainee is a better, safer doctor. 

If elected, I would bring enthusiasm and empathy to representing my peers. I will work to strengthen the connection between the College and trainees, advocate for fair and transparent exams, and ensure wellbeing remains at the heart of anaesthetic training. Together, we can make anaesthetic training a benchmark of excellence, innovation, and wellbeing—where every trainee can thrive.

I am an ST4 anaesthetist training in London, having previously worked in Yorkshire and the North West. I am standing for election to the Council because I believe passionately in maintaining the highest possible quality of anaesthetic training and in ensuring that every trainee feels valued, supported and inspired throughout their journey. 

Anaesthesia training in the UK is rightly regarded as one of the most rigorous and rewarding postgraduate programmes. However, as service demands increase and educational pressures evolve, we must protect and enhance the quality of our training. I want to ensure that anaesthetic training continues to deliver not only excellent clinicians but also compassionate, reflective, and confident professionals equipped for the modern NHS.

I have been fortunate to gain leadership and educational experience both within and beyond medicine. As an Honorary Professor in Medical Education at the University of Manchester, I have developed a deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and educational governance. Serving as a school governor at Trinity Academy in London has strengthened my appreciation for strategic oversight and accountability — skills that are directly transferable to the College Council. As a local trainee representative, I have advocated for colleagues on issues ranging from wellbeing and supervision to training opportunities and equitable access to teaching. These experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful progress comes from listening, collaboration, and transparency. 

This is an exciting time for the Royal College of Anaesthetists as we move to a new home. This transition provides an opportunity to shape how the College is perceived — not simply as an exam centre, but as a professional home for all anaesthetists, including those in training. I want to help ensure that trainees feel welcomed and engaged in the life of the College, with accessible opportunities to contribute to its activities, committees, and future direction. 

If elected, my priorities will be clear and focused:   

• Exam reform: ensuring that our examinations remain fair, transparent, and proportionate while continuing to uphold the highest professional standards.   
• Curriculum development: reviewing and refining the curriculum so that it remains fit for purpose, reflecting the realities of clinical practice and the evolving role of anaesthetists in perioperative medicine, critical care, and beyond.   
• Progression and reapplication: exploring whether the current requirement for reapplication to higher specialty training continues to serve trainees and the specialty effectively.   
• Educational value of training posts: advocating for training time that is genuinely educational rather than solely service-driven, ensuring that trainees have the protected learning and supervision they need to thrive. 

Anaesthetists in training are the future of our specialty. I would be honoured to represent their views and work collaboratively with the College to ensure our training environment remains world-class and inclusive, while strengthening the College’s role as a guardian of anaesthetic professional excellence.

We all know someone who took years to get an anaesthetics training number despite being a fantastic candidate, someone who was held back because of multiple exam attempts, or someone who has burnt out from juggling work, life and the never-ending portfolio game.  The system has let too many trainees down, and it needs to change from within. 

I'm Jackie, a CT3 Core Anaesthetics trainee with a Masters in Education and experience as a Stage 1 representative, where I advocated for improved rotas, exam-focused teaching and pushed for trainee prioritisation against AAs. 

I stand for RCoA Council AiT representative to champion the removal of systemic barriers that prevent doctors from entering, progressing and thriving in anaesthesia.  

What was once achievable - entering CT1 after FY2 - now has a 12:1 competition ratio. With 1,400 consultant vacancies today and a predicted 11,000 anaesthetist shortage by 2040, we are facing a recruitment and workforce crisis compounded by systemic barriers at every stage of training. Trainees deserve better, and I'm committed to driving change from within the RCoA Council. 

Vote for someone who'll fight to make training accessible, sustainable, and rewarding - as should be the standard, not the exception. 

My priorities as Council Member: 

Workforce expansion 

• Advocate for increased CT1, ST4, and consultant posts that match workforce needs
• Ensure application selection criteria prioritises candidate strengths and suitability over tick-box exercises 

Training flexibility

 Support competency-based progression, allowing early stage completion when training requirements are met

• Champion smarter rotation planning that minimises excessive inter-hospital distances and commute burden
• Advocate for formal inter- and intra-deanery rotation swap mechanisms
• Secure recognition of pre-anaesthetics or out-of-programme experience toward Stage 1, 2, and 3 progression requirements 

Learning and assessment 

• Ensure Primary and Final FRCA exams reflect contemporary practice and support rather than obstruct progression
• Establish standardised local and regional teaching frameworks to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching across all deaneries 

Wellbeing

• Champion timetabled EDT and protected teaching time for mandatory deanery and FRCA teaching
• Advocate for automatic approval of study leave costs for mandatory life support courses 

Scope of practice  

• Ensure trainee prioritisation and protection during implementation of the Leng review.

I co-founded and Chair Anaesthetists United and am standing for election to Council because of my concerns over workforce planning. 

Why I’m Standing 

The College must address the challenges arising from inadequate workforce planning. Thousands of doctors are eager for the opportunity to train in anaesthesia, yet training places and bottlenecks continue to cause a significant impact.  At the same time, uncertainty persists around the role of Anaesthesia Associates, who continue to take on doctors’ responsibilities despite recent recommendations for caution and clearer regulation. If elected, I will work to ensure the College provides a clear, rational, and independent voice that prioritises the needs of Anaesthetists in Training in all decisions on training and workforce development, while protecting the standards and future of our specialty 

My priorities include: 

• Championing trainee priorities in workforce planning
• Strengthening trainee wellbeing and career support
• Ensuring doctors are at the forefront of anaesthesia’s future
• Promoting transparency and accountability in College decision-making
• Supporting equitable academic and training opportunities across the UK 

Background and Experience 

As co-founder and Chair of Anaesthetists United, we secured the requisition of the 2023 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the RCoA , the largest member led engagement in the College’s history. The EGM fundamentally changed how the College engages with its members and reaffirmed the importance of transparency, consultation, and accountability. At the EGM, I presented and passed a motion on minimising rotational training with a significant majority. Our group also secured a pause on Anaesthesia Associate recruitment and has since engaged with the GMC, pursued judicial review over regulatory oversight, and worked with the media to ensure that doctors’ voices and patient safety remain central to College policy and public discussion. My commitment to representation began locally as the East Midlands Core Trainee Representative, where I ensured trainee concerns were raised and acted upon within the School, gaining experience in advocacy, negotiation, and collaboration. 

About Me

I am a LTFT ST4 Anaesthetic Registrar in the London School of Anaesthesia and a Clinical Research Fellow undertaking an MD (Res) at King’s College London in Cardiovascular Sciences. My research and clinical work continue to enhance my understanding of the challenges facing trainees, balancing training needs, academic development, and personal wellbeing. 

From regional representation to national leadership, my record shows that I am prepared to stand up for what is right and deliver tangible results for trainees. I would be honoured to continue that work on the RCoA Council and would greatly value your support and your vote.

ST5 LTFT anaesthetics trainee in Thames Valley. 

Anaesthesia continues to be a great career.  However, there remains room for improvement in an increasingly turbulent healthcare environment.  The standards that underpin our speciality need to be upheld, the training of the next generation of anaesthetists needs to be prioritised, and doctors need to be supported to progress at all stages of their career.  I believe the best future for anaesthesia is as a doctor-led and delivered speciality, by highly trained, happy, and healthy anaesthetists. 

My aim on council would be to champion the trainee voice to the best of my ability.  Some of my key priorities would include: 

• Exploring what the college can do to better support trainees stuck in bottlenecks, including when applying to anaesthetics training or looking for a consultant job post-CCT.  This could involve revising membership categories and better acknowledging experience gained outside formal training pathways.  Recruitment practices should be reviewed to ensure anaesthesia continues to attract the best, most committed candidates to the speciality.
• Pushing for ongoing implementation of the EGM resolutions, especially regarding AAs and minimising trainee rotation.  I would encourage the college to revert the role title to ‘physician assistant in anaesthesia’ as soon as possible, in line with the Leng Review, to improve clarity for patients.  I believe that further changes to the scope of practice or consideration of a new faculty for AAs should only occur with full consultation and agreement from physician members.
• Advocating for strengthened guidance on service provision to ICM and obstetrics by anaesthetists-in-training.  The impending creation of the College of ICM is a prime opportunity to realign resident on-call duties back towards anaesthesia, to improve trainee experience and ensure residents obtain the out-of-hours anaesthetics experience they need.
• Ensuring the new examination format remains sufficiently rigorous, whilst becoming more relevant to our day-to-day anaesthetic practice.  Trainees must not be disadvantaged by the changes to exams, or the relocation of the college building.
• Expanding the rest facilities requirements in GPAS, to prescribe a high standard of accommodation for all anaesthetists who undertake tiring out-of-hours work.  I would advocate for these standards to be rigorously assessed as part of the ACSA process, and to apply to all places where anaesthetists work. 

My previous roles include as a negotiator for the BMA RDC, where I helped secure £90 million of new investment into the resident doctor contract.  I have also worked as a clinical fellow at NHS England, ensuring anaesthetists featured as part of the 2023 delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services.  On the LNC at Milton Keynes University Hospital, I secured free accommodation for doctors between long shifts.  I have a track record of securing tangible improvements for doctors, and know how to leverage the different layers of our healthcare system to achieve meaningful change.  

It would be an honour to represent you on council.  Please do consider lending me your vote.

I am standing for election to the Council because I believe that representing trainees means more than simply listening and responding to feedback; it means being proactive in improving our training experience, wellbeing, and professional development. My goal is to ensure that training in anaesthesia remains rigorous, rewarding, and supportive, while creating a culture where everyone can thrive. 

I am an ST7 dual trainee in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine and currently hold the role of Chief Registrar at University College London Hospitals. I represent doctors in training at board level, lead projects to enhance education and wellbeing, and work closely with senior leaders to strengthen engagement between trainees and management. Through this and several previous representative roles, I have gained a deep appreciation of how local initiatives can drive national change when supported by the right structures.

Improving the working lives of resident doctors has been a defining theme throughout my career. As chair of the Resident Doctors Forum, I advocated for positive change and collaboration across specialties. I have developed guidance on wellbeing standards and supported the implementation of NHS England’s wellbeing directives. I have seen how communication, transparency, and recognition can transform culture. I believe the College is uniquely placed to champion these principles across the profession, and I would be honoured to help carry that forward as a member of Council. 

Shaping the future of education is incredibly important to me; I have a master’s in medical education and extensive experience in teaching, curriculum design, and assessment. I currently serve as the Digital Content Fellow for the Royal College of Anaesthetists, contributing to the development and curation of digital learning resources and the Learning Management System. I am also the Lifelong Learning Platform trainee representative for the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine. These experiences have strengthened my belief that the future of medical education lies in accessibility, innovation, and the intelligent use of digital tools that reflect how doctors in training actually learn. 

As the College evolves to meet the needs of a changing workforce, I believe it is vital that trainees are represented in every major discussion about our specialty’s future. With training places falling behind the growing demand for anaesthetists, many doctors are finding it increasingly difficult to progress, facing intense competition ratios and a lack of stability in their careers. Addressing these challenges must be a priority. 

I believe the College’s mission extends beyond training; it should inspire a sense of belonging and pride in our specialty. If elected, I would work to strengthen communication between trainees and Council, advocate for a culture that prioritises wellbeing and inclusivity, and ensure that education remains adaptable to the realities of modern clinical life. I am proud to be part of a specialty that leads innovation, and I am committed to helping shape its future. With collaboration, openness, and innovation, I believe we can continue to make anaesthesia training world-leading while ensuring that every anaesthetist in training feels heard, valued, and supported.

Dear Colleagues,

My name is Vikram, and I am an ST7 Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine trainee in the North West of England. Having trained in Oxford and undertaking speciality training in both West Yorkshire and the North West, and with experience working abroad as an intensivist, I have developed a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our speciality. I am applying to Council because I believe the RCoA's strength lies in its membership, and effective leadership requires representation that truly reflects the diverse experiences of anaesthetists across the UK. 

Anaesthesia is critical to the running of most hospitals, yet we are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis. The RCoA’s 2024 report predicts a shortfall of 11,000 anaesthetists by 2040 if urgent action is not taken. This isn't just a number; it translates to cancelled operations, stretched services, and by extension worse patient outcomes. I have personally seen this affect disproportionately more socially and economically deprived areas, and as a result leading to wider health inequalities. As trainees, we feel this pressure acutely, navigating a highly competitive entry process only to enter a system under immense strain. Couple this with uncertainty over exams and training pathways and we risk doing a disservice to our newest generation of anaesthetists who will soon form the cornerstone of our workforce. 

My experience as a dual trainee, working across a large and socially diverse geographic area gives me a unique perspective on the wider problems faced by our colleagues and our patients. I believe this perspective is vital for developing national policies that are robust, equitable, and effective on the ground. As a trainee representative, I would advocate for the future of the speciality by making sure the voices of all anaesthetists are heard, including the trainees of today who will be the specialists or consultants of tomorrow. If elected, my priorities will be the following: 

• Champion solutions to the workforce crisis, ensuring the College continues to advocate forcefully for increased training and consultant posts.
• Support all members, with a particular focus on the wellbeing and training needs of our more junior colleagues who are the future of our specialty.
• Promote the high-quality clinical and research work of the RCoA, reinforcing our role as national and international leaders in anaesthesia. 

I would be honoured to earn your trust and represent you on Council. Thank you for your consideration.

Background

My name is Aaliya Gilbert, and I am a CT2 core anaesthetist in North London, with special interests in neuroanaesthesia, trainee welfare and simulation. I graduated from Oxford in 2020 and completed foundation training in West London. I am standing for election because I would be honoured to make a positive impact within our speciality, upholding values of professionalism, kindness and accountability.

Experience

My experiences across leadership, advocacy and education have equipped me to represent trainees effectively and fairly. I am particularly proud of establishing the first Balint Group for anaesthetists and intensivists at Queen Square and UCLH; a confidential forum to reflect and metabolise the emotional impact of challenging cases, that won the Association of Anaesthetists Trainee Wellbeing Prize. Considering NAP7 findings on limited psychological support after cardiac arrests, and College’s welfare survey showing that 85% of trainees have high risk of burnout, I am passionate about promoting evidence-based solutions to protect psychological safety in trainees.

I have honed skills required to contribute as a collaborative committee member starting at university, where I served as Science & Technology Editor for The Oxford Student newspaper, president of multiple social balls, and PR and Outreach Officer for the PHEM and neurological societies. These experiences refined my teamwork, organisation, and ability to unify diverse perspectives — qualities I would bring to Council as an ambassador for the college. 

Through my teaching initiatives, including co-developing the national simulation ‘Modular Education Programme for Organ Donation (MEPOD)’ course with NHSBT and running weekly in-situ simulation, I have developed an appreciation for professional standards underpinning training which I would directly apply to the College’s educational mission.

Leading and presenting multiple audits, QIP and research projects has strengthened my ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate teams, and translate ideas into lasting improvements to patient safety, clinical standards and trainee wellbeing. I was fortunate enough to have photography exhibited at the Wellcome Collection promoting environmental awareness of animal products in medications, and would be committed to developing college policy on sustainable anaesthesia if elected.

Vision & Values

I would be proud to bring an early-career perspective to shaping policies on burnout prevention, training flexibility, retention, exam support and sustainability; acting as an active, adaptable and approachable voice for trainees at all levels, from all backgrounds.

I am deeply aligned with College’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and would ensure Council decisions reflect and involve those most affected by these issues. Having attended RCoA courses on non-technical skills, ethics and law, I am keen to develop complementary learning activities focusing on human factors and simulation-based education. I would work hard to champion reflective peer-support initiatives, such as Balint groups, with the long-term goal of embedding protected wellbeing time into the curriculum. 

Outside work, I enjoy obnoxious small-plate restaurants, architecture, being academic about coffee (Guatemalan ideally), Renaissance art and garage music. Though early in my anaesthetic journey, I would feel privileged to represent, listen and advocate within the College to drive meaningful change - approaching the role with dedication, versatility, and enthusiasm.

Hi! My name is Aayushi and I am standing as a candidate for election to the RCoA Council in the role of Anaesthetist in Training. I am currently working as an ST5 in North London. I believe every one of us deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered to shape the future of our specialty. My motivation is rooted in a commitment to ensuring the training environment we experience today continues to develop as one that fosters excellence, inclusivity, and wellbeing, while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional integrity.   

During my time in training, I have clearly appreciated the impact the work of the Council has on all aspects of our work, including training, examinations and recruitment. I have seen how national policy and College decisions directly influence our daily practice - from curriculum changes to wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for flexible training. Serving on Council would allow me to represent the diverse voices of trainees across the UK and ensure that the trainee perspective continues to inform every discussion about education, assessment, workforce, and sustainability. 

My experience has prepared me for this responsibility. I have served as a trainee representative on a local level, and also at a national level as part of the Anaesthesia Council for the Royal Society of Medicine. These roles have allowed me to appreciate the microscopic and macroscopic impact of strong representation. Locally, I worked collaboratively with colleagues, trainers, and administrators to address rota pressures, enhance induction, and improve feedback mechanisms. During my time at the RSM, I worked as a Trainee Representative on the development of a structured teaching programmes, generated hugely in response to feedback. I later held the role of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer on the RSM Anaesthesia Council. Through this role, I ran an EDI workshop in collaboration with the Association of Anaesthetists (AoA) and RCoA at the AoA Trainee Conference in 2022. The training I received for this will help me be better equipped at representing the diverse range of us that constitute Anaesthetists in Training. I hope to represent us with fairness, openness, and commitment. These roles have taught me how to balance local realities with national priorities and to advocate effectively through evidence, dialogue, and consensus-building. 

The RCoA’s Five Year Commitment resonates deeply with me. As a Council member, I would work to strengthen trainee engagement in College activities, promote transparency in decision-making, and advance EDI. I am particularly passionate about wellbeing and flexible working, recognising that a sustainable workforce is essential for excellent patient care. 

I bring a collaborative approach, a commitment to listening, and a readiness to work hard on behalf of my peers. I understand that this role carries both responsibility and opportunity. I am prepared to dedicate the necessary time and energy to this work. I would be honoured to serve on Council and to contribute to the College’s ongoing work to strengthen our profession and deliver the safest, highest-quality care for our patients.

Council comprises:

• 20 consultant members
• 2 SAS members
• 4 AiT members.
   

Read the role description to learn more about what's involved

If you have any questions about the process or your eligibility, please contact governance@rcoa.ac.uk - we’re happy to help.

Nominations for the Devolved Nation Board vacancies of the Royal College of Anaesthetists opened on 20 January 2025 and closed on Monday 10 February at 12 noon. Successful candidates will take up their position in 2025.

Joining the Devolved Nation Boards provides you with an excellent opportunity to contribute to your College, influence our professional policy, and represent our Members at all stages of their working lives.  

Scottish Board vacancies  

• Two consultant vacancies
• One anaesthetist in training vacancy

Term of office begins in June 2025.

Welsh Board vacancies 

• Two vacancies from the Hywel Dda Health Board. To be eligible for these vacancies you must be a consultant or Specialty, Associate Specialist and Specialist (SAS) Doctor working within this Health Board.

Term of office begins in March 2025.

Northern Irish Board vacancies

• Three consultant vacancies
• One SAS vacancy

Term of office begins in May 2025.

Information for those standing for the Scottish Board 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Daphne Varveris, Chair, to discuss the role further and gain insight into the experience of being on the Scottish Board. 

Information for those standing for the Welsh Board 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Simon Ford, Chair, to discuss the role further and gain insight into the experience of being on the Welsh Board.  

Information for those standing for the Northern Irish Board 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Will Donaldson, Chair, to discuss the role further and gain insight into the experience of being on the Northern Irish Board.  

For anyone applying, please also use our canvassing guidelines which set out the manner in which all candidates for College roles are required to conduct canvassing.   

Timetable  

• Monday 20 January 2025: Nominations opened

• Monday 10 February 2025: Nominations closed at 12 noon  

   

All candidates are requested to hold the Board dates for the Devolved Nation Board they are applying for. The dates are as follows: 

Scottish Board

• Tuesday 10 June 2025
• Tuesday 7 October 2025.

Welsh Board

• Tuesday 11 March 2025
• Tuesday 30 September 2025.

Northern Irish Board

• Thursday 22 May 2025
• Tuesday 21 October 2025.

Election to RCoA Council 2024: results announced  

Voting for election to the Council of the Royal College of Anaesthetists closed at 12 noon on Wednesday 4 December 2024. 

The College is pleased to confirm that the following candidates have been elected, with terms of office commencing in March 2025.  

Consultant vacancies (in alphabetical order, four to elect):  

• Dr Helgi JOHANNSSON, Imperial College Healthcare
• Dr Kirsty MACLENNAN, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Emily SIMPSON, Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford
• Dr Chris TILL, Blackpool Victoria Hospital 

SAS vacancy (one to elect)  

The College received one self-nomination for the SAS vacancy and therefore the election for the SAS vacancy was uncontested. We are pleased to confirm that Dr Kirstin May from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was duly elected.  
 
The ballot process was managed by Civica Election Services. The full results can be viewed here.