The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) was founded in 1952 and is the professional membership body within the UK for general practitioners, with over 50,000 members. Its purpose is to encourage, foster and maintain the highest possible standards in general medical practice.

The College supports GPs throughout their careers - from medical students who are considering general practice, through to training, qualified years and retirement. The College represents and supports GPs on important issues, for example licensing, training and clinical standards.

Despite any challenges which may arise, the College's aim and mission for its Members, Fellows, and all GPs, remains to support GPs as personal doctors at the heart of our Health Service, to ensure high standards of practice, and to contribute to the academic life of medicine.

The Planning & Resources Committee is responsible to the Trustee Board for overseeing the College’s financial planning and management of resources.

As a Lay Member of the Planning & Resources Committee, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Be a full and active member of the Committee, providing an external and independent viewpoint
• Implement the tasks which have been delegated to the Committee within the College’s Strategic Plan
• Act as required as a designated spokesperson for the Committee on relevant matters
• Represent the Committee on other College Committees, and / or at meetings with external organisations when necessary
• Take a pro-active interest in the work of the Committee and the College more widely

The RCGP is looking for someone with senior-level financial experience to become a Lay Member of its Planning & Resources Committee.

Applicants will bring expertise in finance, whether from a background as a Partner of an accounting firm, as a CFO or Finance Director, or as a consultant. A financial qualification is welcome but not required. Although previous experience of working in a non-executive capacity is not necessary, candidates will have operated at board level.

The successful candidate will be:

• Committed to the aims of the RCGP in ensuring delivery of the highest standards  of patient healthcare in the UK
• A committed and strong team-player, with proven examples of personal achievement
• A skilled communicator, with excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral
• Able to demonstrate independent judgement, and the ability to think analytically
• Innovative, with strategic planning skills and the ability to drive change
• Committed to the College’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Plan 2020-23

This role is unremunerated but all expenses incurred (travel, subsistence, hotel accommodation, taxis etc) are reimbursed, up to the College’s expenses limits and policy.

The Committee meets four times per year for a half day, with occasional business by email or teleconference between meetings. Occasionally, extraordinary meetings may also be called. Meetings are via zoom but there may be up to a maximum of one meeting per year in person. Meetings are currently held on Tuesday mornings and dates are planned two years in advance. Preparatory reading for meetings is required.

The appointment is for a three-year term, renewable once at the Board’s discretion.