Elections hub
Over the coming months, you will have the opportunity to vote in key elections for your President, Vice Presidents, Council and FDS Board.
Your representatives play a vital role in shaping the leadership and direction of the College. Your participation is essential – by casting your vote, you ensure our leadership reflects the diversity, excellence and values that define your organisation.
Council and FDS Board elections
Voting is now open for Council and FDS Board. Eligible members will have received an email from our independent partners, Civica Election Services, containing a unique voting link. This link will take you to the CES voting platform, where you can cast your vote and view information about the candidates.
Voting will remain open until 9 April.
Council and Board members are your representatives. They shape the direction of the College and influence issues that matter to surgeons across the profession. By voting, you help ensure its leadership reflects what matters most to members.
Cast your vote in Council and FDS Board elections.
President election
Voting for our next RCS England President has now closed. Candidates for President are Council members nominated by their peers. The 2026 election marked a historic milestone: for the first time, you chose who leads, as we invited all members to vote for the next President.
The President leads the College on your behalf. They are your champion, chairing your Council and Trustee Board and shaping surgical standards and training. They are your representative with government, NHS leadership and the public.
This change, driven by member feedback and shaped by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC's independent review into diversity and inclusion, supports broader representation and a strengthening of your voice.
President election timeline
|
9 October 2025 |
Nominations from within Council open |
|
7 November 2025 |
Nominations from within Council close |
|
13 November 2025 |
Candidates announced |
|
1 December 2025 |
Voting opens |
|
10 February 2026 |
Voting closes |
|
12 February 2026 |
President is announced |
Council election timeline
|
7 January 2026 |
Member nominations open |
|
4 February 2026 |
Member nominations close |
|
19 February 2026 |
Voting opens |
|
9 April 2026 |
Voting closes |
|
16 April 2026 |
Council members are announced |
FDS Board election timeline
|
7 January 2026 |
Nominations open |
|
4 February 2026 |
Nominations close |
|
19 February 2026 |
Voting opens |
|
9 April 2026 |
Voting closes |
|
16 April 2026 |
Board members announced |
Vice Presidents election timeline
|
12 February 2026 |
Nominations from within Council open |
|
9 March 2026 |
Nominations from within Council close |
|
20 March 2026 |
Voting opens |
|
11 May 2026 |
Voting closes |
|
14 May 2026 |
Vice President is announced |
FAQs
President election
Who is eligible to vote?
Surgical fellows and members of RCS England, who are in good standing, are eligible to vote. This follows the same criteria as our Council elections, which are approved by the Privy Council. We are looking at expanding eligibility further as part of future Privy Council changes.
Who should I contact if I have questions or think I should have received an email?
If you have questions or believe you are eligible to vote and do not receive an email on 1 December 2025, please email chiefexecutive@rcseng.ac.uk for assistance.
How voting works
Eligible members will receive an email from our partner, Civica Election Services (CES), when voting opens on 1 December 2025. This email will include your unique voting link, which will direct you to the CES voting platform, where you’ll be able to cast your vote and see information about the candidates. Voting will remain open until 10 February 2026.
Can I change my vote after it has been submitted?
No, once your vote has been submitted, it cannot be changed.
Where can I find further information about the candidates?
Candidate statements are available on the Civica voting platform. Video statements will be available on 1 December 2025.
When does the new President take office?
The new President will be inducted at the Council meeting 9 July 2026. Their term is three years.
How is the voting process kept secure and confidential?
The voting process is entirely managed by Civica Election Services, an independent scrutineer. Details of your vote will not be shared with the College.
Council election
Who is eligible to nominate?
Surgical fellows and members of RCS England, who are in good standing, are eligible to submit themselves for nomination. Applications must be supported by three extant fellows.
For full eligibility, please see the information sheet on the Civica website.
Who should I contact if I have questions or think I should have received an email?
If you have questions or believe you are eligible to nominate and do not receive an email on 19 February, please email chiefexecutive@rcseng.ac.uk for assistance.
How does voting work?
Eligible members will receive an email from our partner, Civica Election Services (CES), when voting opens on 19 February. This email will include your unique voting link, which will direct you to the CES voting platform, where you’ll be able to cast your vote and see information about the candidates. Voting will remain open until 9 April 2026.
Can I change my vote after it has been submitted?
No, once your vote has been submitted, it cannot be changed.
Where can I find further information about the candidates?
Candidate statements are available on the Civica voting platform.
When do Council members take office and how long is the term?
The new Council members will be inducted at the Council meeting 9 July 2026. Their term is four years.
How is the voting process kept secure and confidential?
The voting process is entirely managed by Civica Election Services, an independent scrutineer. Details of your vote will not be shared with the College.
FDS Board election
Who is eligible to nominate?
Dental fellows and members of RCS England, who are in good standing, are eligible to submit themselves for nomination. Applications must be supported by three extant fellows or members or specialty members of the faculty.
For full eligibility, please see the information sheet on the Civica website.
Who should I contact if I have questions or think I should have received an email?
If you have questions or believe you are eligible to nominate and do not receive an email on 19 February, please email chiefexecutive@rcseng.ac.uk for assistance.
How does voting work?
Eligible members will receive an email from our partner, Civica Election Services (CES), when voting opens on 19 February 2026. This email will include your unique voting link, which will direct you to the CES voting platform, where you’ll be able to cast your vote and see information about the candidates. Voting will remain open until 9 April 2026.
Can I change my vote after it has been submitted?
No, once your vote has been submitted, it cannot be changed.
Where can I find further information about the candidates?
Candidate statements are available on the Civica voting platform.
When do FDS Board members take office and how long is the term?
The new FDS Board members will be admitted on 19 June 2026. Their term is six years.
How is the voting process kept secure and confidential?
The voting process is entirely managed by Civica Election Services, an independent scrutineer. Details of your vote will not be shared with the College.