Introduction of the new appointment process for IRC Chairs

A new process for appointing IRC Chairs will be introduced in 2025.  

• IRC Chairs will be appointed through a formal, open and transparent recruitment process and in line with the College Volunteer Management Policy. 
• The College will advertise the IRC Chair position directly to all active Fellows and Members in the respective country via email and on the RCOG website.
• The application will include completion of an application form which includes a declaration of interests and a supporting statement as well as a CV. The application needs to be submitted by the agreed deadline within three weeks of the advertisement opening.
• Applicants will be shortlisted based on an assessment of their skills and expertise against the person specification and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview with the Chief Executive and the Senior Vice President for Global Health.
• An induction meeting will be arranged to support on-boarding RCOG strategy, College policies and processes. Regular meetings with the IRC Chair and Committee will be arranged.
• The term of the appointment is three years.
• The election of Fellow and Member Committee positions will be managed by the IRCs with the initial notification of elections for committee positions issued by the College and then managed locally from that point on by the IRC Chair.

Interview dates for the above positions will be:

• Malaysia: Friday 30 May 2025, 11am-1pm UK time/6pm-8pm Malaysian time
• Jordan: Monday 2 June 2025, 8am-10am UK time/10am-12pm Jordan time
• Saudi Arabia: Thursday 5 June 2025, 1pm-3pm UK time/3pm-5pm Saudi Arabian time

IRC Chair eligibility criteria

Who is eligible to apply for an IRC Chair position?

Fellows who are resident and working in the country of the IRC, active and up-to-date with fees and have completed one term on their respective IRC Committee are eligible to stand for Chair. However, in countries which have fewer than 50 active Fellows and Members, (i) the requirement to have previously stood on the Committee does not apply and (ii) Members with more than five years post-MRCOG, as well as Fellows, may also stand, but all other provisions relating to eligibility remain the same.

Candidates should show experience of working successfully, at a high level, with central and local government agencies, O&G representative groups and other relevant institutions. They should be able to demonstrate leadership and influencing skills and share the RCOG values and vision.

Term for IRC Chairs

The term for IRC Chair appointment is three years and IRC Chairs cannot reapply for a second term. If there is a particular need, the original term may be extended for a period of one year at the request of College and agreement with the Chair.

Composition of an IRC

The IRC will convey members’ views and interests in front of College leadership and support communication between the College and its members.

IRCs are made up of active Fellows and Members resident in a country. Each IRC should have a minimum of six elected or appointed Committee members along with a Chair appointed via an open recruitment process managed by the College. Ideally, three Fellows, three Members and a Chair will form the Committee. Terms are for three years. IRCs may co-opt up to three RCOG Associates, non-RCOG Members and Trainees to the group.

IRC Committee Fellow and Member Representative elections and appointments

Each individual IRC can decide if they wish to hold an election for Fellow and Member Representative positions or an appointment process, both will be managed locally by the IRC Chair with support from the College. 

Co-opted members

Co-opted members may be Trainees, Associates or non-RCOG members. They are invited to participate in the committee, but will not be able to nominate/second for posts or cast votes during elections. Their terms will also last for three years.

Who is authorised to hold office within an IRC?

Active Fellows and Members who are up-to-date with their fees and are a resident and working in their respective countries/zones. Honorary Fellows, Retired Fellows or Members, Trainees, Associates or non-members of the RCOG are not eligible to hold titles.

Who is eligible for re-election or appointment?

Fellows and Members of the IRC are eligible for re-election or appointment for a total of two terms after which a break of one term is required before standing again for election. 

Election process for Fellow and Member Representatives

If the IRC wishes to follow an election process to select the Fellow and Member Representatives, they must ensure that all elections be open and have transparent processes that are accessible to all active Fellows and Members with up-to-date subscriptions. 

1. IRC notifies the College a minimum of three months in advance of their proposed election timeline.
2. At the start of the nomination process the College will inform all Fellows and Members via email of the nomination process to take place.
3. This should include links to:
   1. IRC Fellow/Member nomination form
   2. Fellow/Member election process overview
   3. Election regulations
4. Closing date to be three weeks following despatch of nomination forms.
5. Send completed nomination forms to the IRC Chair.
6. The College will check the eligibility of each nominee to verify they are active Fellows or Members who are up-to-date with their fees and are a resident and working in their respective countries/zones.
7. After the closing date, if more nominations are received than there are vacancies a ballot will take place.
8. A short summary of all candidates should be available on the form so members can familiarise themselves with potential candidates. Canvassing is not allowed.
9. Closing date for the ballot to be three weeks following despatch of papers.
10. Ballot forms must be completed by the individual to whom it was sent. Ballot forms or links must not be forwarded to another person.
11. Only eligible members can vote. Any improperly or incorrectly filled in ballot shall be declared to be invalid.
12. Votes are tallied. The IRC Chair will inform the College of the results.
13. The College will contact the successful candidates and send out a notifying email.
14. If the candidate accepts their role, email notifications will be sent out to all Fellows and Members in the country.

Who is eligible to cast votes during IRC elections for Fellow and Member Representatives?

Active Fellows and Members who are up-to-date with their fees and are a resident of their respective countries, zones. Honorary Fellows, Retired Fellows or Members, Trainees, Associates or non-members of the RCOG are not eligible to vote.

Who can propose or second during IRC elections for Fellow and Member Representatives?

Active Fellows and Members who are up-to-date with their fees and are resident and working in their respective countries/zones. Honorary Fellows, Retired Fellows or Members, Trainees, Associates or non-members of the RCOG are not eligible to second.

Fellow representatives

Fellow representatives should be proposed and seconded by an active Fellow. Fellows who are proposing/seconding do not need to be currently on the Committee. Each Fellow can nominate or second a maximum number that is equal to the number of vacancies.

Member representatives

Member representatives should be proposed and seconded by an active Member. Members who are proposing/seconding do not need to be currently on the Committee. Each Members can nominate or second a maximum number that is equal to the number of vacancies.

What is an eligible vote?

Only active Fellows and Members who are resident of the country of vote are eligible to cast a ballot. Ballots must be cast individually, without compromise of voter anonymity. Ballot forms must be filled out appropriately, detailing membership number. Ballot forms or links must not be shared or forwarded to another person. Irregularly cast ballots will not be accepted.

Canvassing

Canvassing for votes is not allowed. Candidate information as provided with the nomination is presented on the ballot form. No other representations are allowed.

Grounds of disqualification from elections

Disrespectful and defamatory behaviour against other contenders.

Disrespectful treatment of others on the basis of race, sexuality, gender or religion. Canvassing for votes.

Removal from the membership register due to non-payment, malpractice or other reason

Appointment process for Fellow and Member Representative positions 

If the IRC Chair wishes to follow an appointment process for the selection of new committee positions, it will be managed locally by the IRC Chair and should follow the process outlined below. The timetable for the appointment process should be agreed with the College at least three months in advance. 

1. Fellow and Member Representatives will be appointed through a formal, open and transparent recruitment process and in line with the College Volunteer Management Policy.
2. Applicants will complete an application form which includes a declaration of interests and a supporting statement as well as a CV.  The application should be submitted by the agreed deadline.
3. Applicants will be shortlisted by the IRC Chair and designated committee members based on an assessment of their skills and expertise against the person specification.
4. The College will check the eligibility of each shortlisted candidate to verify they are active Fellows or Members who are up-to-date with their fees and are a resident and working in their respective countries/zones.
5. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview with the IRC Chair and the RCOG International Council Representative.
6. The College will send an email to all Fellows and Members in the country/zone to announce the outcome.
7. The term of the appointment is three years.