The Guild of Examiners is a new strategic initiative aimed at uniting and supporting examiners and assessors through professional development, recognition, and engagement.
Building on RCSEd’s historic roots since 1505, the Guild seeks to maintain world-class examination standards and foster a sense of professionalism and community.
Latest updates, insights and stories from the Guild are shared through our biannual newsletter.
What is the Guild of Examiners
The Guild of Examiners supports and enhances the experience of those involved in RCSEd examinations. It provides a structured framework for engagement, development, and recognition.
The Guild's objectives include:
- Standardisation: Ensuring fairness and consistency in examinations.
- Professional Development: Offering training and links to career development.
- Recognition and Incentives: Providing awards and professional status enhancements.
- Community Engagement: Building a network for sharing best practices.
- Sustainability and Retention: Developing long-term recruitment and retention strategies.
Together, these pillars ensure a strong, sustainable, and collaborative examiner community that underpins RCSEd’s examination standards.
Guild of Examiners Newsletters
Read the newsletter issues below.
June 2026
Launched to coincide with Volunteers Week, this inaugural edition celebrates the contribution of our examiners and highlights key updates across examinations, quality assurance and delivery. This issue marks the beginning of a regular newsletter designed to keep examiners informed, connected and engaged with developments across RCSEd examinations.
Read here2026 Examinations Calendar
Newsletter Contributors
Mr John Hines
FRCSEd Dean for Examinations
Qualified from Liverpool Medical School in 1985 and trained in Liverpool, Birmingham and London. Became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1990 and (FRCS)Urology in 1998.
Mr Lasitha Samarakoon
Elected Council member/Deputy Chair SAS LED
Mr Lasitha Bhagya Samarakoon (BS BM (Col) MRCS (Edin. & Eng.) Mmed (NUH) ChM(UoE) FEBS(EBSQ) FRCSGlasg(Gen) FRCSEd(Gen)FFSTEd) graduated from the University of Colombo in 2010 with First-class honours. Subsequently, he completed general surgical residency training and obtained fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (RCSEd) in 2020.
Upcoming RCSEd Examinations
Surgical and Dental Exams
View the RCSEd exam calendar to explore our full range of surgical and dental exams.
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Why Get Involved in the Guild
The Guild of Examiners offers more than a professional framework. It is a community of practice designed to support and recognise your contribution.
By engaging with the Guild, you can:
- Connect with fellow examiners and assessors across disciplines
- Access professional development and training opportunities
- Be recognised for your contribution to RCSEd examinations
- Contribute to maintaining world-class assessment standards
- Take part in a growing and supportive professional community
The Guild strengthens the voice of examiners within RCSEd and ensures your expertise is supported and valued.
Examiner Vacancies
Support excellence in healthcare by applying for examiner vacancies at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. We are seeking experienced surgical and dental professionals to join our expert panels and help shape the next generation of practitioners.
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