Vacancies for Regional and Devolved Nation Directors

Regional Directors lead our local engagement with fellows, members, surgical professionals, and key regional stakeholders. They build relationships, gather local insight on issues affecting surgery, and work with us to support surgeons at every stage of their careers.

Become a Regional Director to shape patient care, influence the future of surgery in your region, and strengthen the collective voice of surgeons through national leadership.

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Eligibility

To apply for the Regional Director role, you must:

  • be a fellow of RCS England, or a fellow of another surgical Royal College of Great Britain and Ireland (successful applicants will be expected to transfer their fellowship on appointment);
  • be a surgeon currently employed in the NHS within the regions specified; 
  • be in good standing with your employer and the General Medical Council, with no formal investigations into your professional practice or conduct; 
  • demonstrate leadership within the surgical profession; 
  • have written support from your chief executive officer or medical director confirming that your employing trust supports your application and that sufficient time is available within your job plan (we recommend a minimum of one programmed activity).

We will provide an induction and support for successful applicants. All travel expenses associated with the role will be covered by the College.  

This role is suitable for job sharing, and we welcome joint applications.

What’s involved

As a Regional Director, you will play a strategic leadership role within your region. Your responsibilities include:

  • Working closely with our Outreach Team to support local engagement activities for fellows, members, and key stakeholders.
  • Chairing meetings of the Regional Board, typically two to three times a year, and ensuring effective two-way communication between your region and the College.
  • Attending at least three of four Regional Committee meetings each year, with at least one held in person in Manchester or London.
  • Gathering feedback from surgeons, surgical tutors, regional specialty professional advisers, and heads of schools of surgery, reporting key issues to the College.
  • Engaging with surgical training, workforce challenges, and service change discussions at a regional level and providing feedback.
  • Supporting surgical tutor recruitment and attending appointment panels within your region.
  • Representing the College at regional events, Presidential Visits, and outreach activities.
  • Attending the annual Regional Representatives Conference, usually held in mid-November in Manchester or London.
  • Submit written Regional Director reports ahead of Regional Committee meetings.
  • Participating in induction and annual review meetings with the Vice President of the College. 

Benefits of the role

Taking on the Regional Director role is a significant opportunity to contribute to the surgical profession while developing your own leadership journey. Benefits include:

  • Professional recognition: Strengthening your profile as a respected leader in surgery and surgical education.
  • Career development: Gaining senior-level experience relevant to national leadership, education, and policy roles.
  • Influence: Shaping how we support surgeons, surgical services, and training at a regional and national level.
  • Networking: Building strong connections with regional and national surgical leaders, stakeholders, and College teams.

Terms of post

The appointment is for a three-year term, with the possibility of a two-year extension subject to mutual agreement and satisfactory annual reviews. Towards the end of your term, you will support identifying potential successors.

You will work closely with and be supported by our Outreach Team alongside the Regional Committee and Vice President.

We recommend a minimum of one professional activity, taking roughly four hours per week, though this may change depending on the specific activities.

How to apply

The College currently has the following Regional Director vacancies:

  • Regional Director, North West (Eastern Sector)

Applications are assessed through a competitive interview process, which is held virtually. Interviews are overseen by the College and the Vice President. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to give a brief presentation outlining how they would deliver the core functions in the job description within their region or nation.

Please review the supporting application documents:

Applications close on Thursday 21 June 2026.

If you are passionate about supporting surgeons, influencing policy, and shaping the future of surgical care in your region, we strongly encourage you to apply when opportunities open.

If you have questions about the role or would like to discuss it further, please contact OutreachNorth@rcseng.ac.uk.

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