Job Description
Chief Executive The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Salary: £175,000 per annum Location: London
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is a leading professional membership body and registered charity, representing more than 24,000 paediatricians in the UK and worldwide. The College exists to support paediatricians and improve child health and wellbeing. It plays a significant role in influencing policy, advancing paediatric education and training, setting professional standards, and championing the voices and rights of children and young people. RCPCH has a track record of sustained impact through research, advocacy and global partnerships.The organisation is in the first phase of an ambitious 10-year strategy to support paediatricians and achieve better outcomes for children and young people.
RCPCH is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic and cultural leadership at a pivotal moment for the College, its members and for child health. This is an important appointment, leading a respected Royal Medical College with a clear public purpose, and which comes with significant national influence..
The Chief Executive Officer works in close partnership with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the President, and is responsible for strong organisational performance, exemplary governance and robust financial stewardship of the College’s approximately £20m annual income. The successful applicant will lead a multi-disciplinary workforce of around 180, providing high-quality, responsive services for members and effective delivery against strategic priorities.
The new Chief Executive Officer will lead the development of the next phase of the College Strategy with the members’ Council and the Board of Trustees, and will be responsible for translating it into impactful outcomes and sustained momentum. They will strengthen RCPCH’s profile and influence across the UK and internationally, developing trusted relationships with key stakeholders and partners. Under their leadership, the voices of children and young people will remain integral, informing both policy and practice as the College continues to innovate and lead.
We are looking for an exceptional leader with senior executive leadership experience gained in complex, regulated or mission-driven environments, such as healthcare, education, professional or membership bodies, or the wider public and charitable sectors. A strong track record in strategic delivery, culture development, and organisational leadership is essential, alongside deep capability in governance, risk and financial management.
This appointment requires a politically astute, inclusive and values-driven leader with strong personal credibility. Excellent judgement, clarity of communication and the ability to build confidence and trust at the highest levels will be critical. Above all, RCPCH seeks an individual motivated by the opportunity to deliver lasting change for children and young people.
For more information please click apply on website, and for a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson; Stephanie Crossland (stephanie.crossland@gatenbysanderson.com), Hilda Gjika (hilda.gjika@gatenbysanderson.com, or Michelle Atkinson (michelle.atkinson@gatenbysanderson.com).
Closing date: 5pm, Monday 23 February 2026