Royal College of Physicians

There was a clear lack of accountability and due process. It was clear that all those who participated in the review, whatever their role, were keen to ensure learning from the events surrounding the EGM. [...] We did, however, identify that it may have been possible for the EGM to have been called sooner by following other aspects of relevant bye-laws. • More generally, there is a pervasive lack of trust and confidence in the College’s governance. [...] We strongly recommend that the College seeks external support to the president and chair of the College for a programme to help implement the desired changes identified in this review. [...] The threshold for a ‘good’ response rate to a survey depends on the type of survey and the context. [...] Several interviewees stated that responsibility for decision-making in relation to the organisation and running of the EGM was unclear. [...] We should be clearRoyal College of Physicians: Independent learning review 30 that we have no reason to doubt that participants have given us their genuine recollections – but there is disparity and contradiction between recollections. A Council meeting was held earlier on the day of the EGM. [...] In particular, a number of participants reported decision-making via WhatsApp groups, which was not transparent to those not involved in these groups.Royal College of Physicians: Independent learning review 34 Some participants expressed dissatisfaction with the governance arrangements for the Council, and in particular that Council business is confidential rather than transparent to Colle [...] Behaviours The majority of participants described concerns about behaviours on the part of a range of individuals in the College and in particular in and relating to the Council. [...] It is not clear whether the College has good arrangements in place to ensure the safeguarding and wellbeing of staff, officers or Council members. Although many participants described these issues with concern, few were able to say what, if any, action they had taken as a result. [...] The obvious place for both policy discussions and discussions on the public and private stance of the College to take place is the Council.