About our Mission

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care.

2015-2019 strategic priorities

The RCS has three strategic priorities which underpin the College’s vision of Advancing Surgical Care. Over the next four years our activities and resources will be focused on delivering the following strategic aims:

1. Advance standards and reduce the variability of patient outcomes
2. Attract, educate, develop and support high-quality surgeons
3. Influence and shape future health policy and practice to advance standards of surgical care

We are looking forward to working with you to build the future of the surgical profession, and improve the delivery of surgical care.

What we do

• Supervise training of surgeons in approved posts
• Provide educational and practical workshops for surgeons and other medical professionals at all stages of their careers
• Examine trainees to ensure the highest professional standards
• Promote and support surgical research in the UK
• Support audit and evaluation of clinical effectiveness
• Provide support and advice for surgeons in all stages of their careers
• Provide a mechanism whereby trusts can seek independent advice
• House a current and historical information resource centre for surgeons in the library and museums
• Act as an advisory body to the Department of Health, health authorities, trusts, hospitals and other professional bodies
• Collaborate with other medical and academic organisations in the UK and worldwide
• Seek to convey the importance of, and provide support for, good, effective communication and interpersonal relationships between patients and surgeons

What we don't do

• Register or license surgeons to practise nor have responsibility for disciplinary actions; this is the responsibility of the General Medical Council (GMC)
• Process complaints from patients; this is another responsibility of the GMC or a function of individual hospitals
• Recommend individual surgeons to patients or offer patients medical advice; the College recommends that patients always seek referral through general practitioners.