The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) was founded in 1505 by Royal Charter granted by King James IV. From the discoveries of Simpson and Lister to modern-day pioneers of medicine and dentistry who are developing simulation, VR, and robotics, we have been driving innovation in medicine for five centuries – making it better for patients across the globe. 

As a charitable membership organisation, with just under 32,000 members worldwide, we pride ourselves in providing high-quality education, training, and professional standards assessment to for our family of members. 

We are headquartered in Edinburgh in our home at Surgeons’ Hall, the world-famous category A listed building designed by William Henry Playfair in 1832.  Our main Campus hosts a dedicated skills laboratory, the Surgeons' Hall Museums, the College Library and Archives, as well as function and meeting facilities. 

The College employs around 200 staff who are mostly based in Edinburgh, although we also have offices in Birmingham and Kuala Lumpur.  We also have a commercial arm, Surgeons Quarter Ltd, which, amongst other things, runs the Ten Hill Place hotel. 

You can find out more about the College here.

About the Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee

The Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee assists the Trustee Board in fulfilling its oversight and governance responsibilities in connection with its staff, remuneration, pensions and workplace culture activities.  It provides assurance to the Trustee Board on how the College meets required policies, standards, best practice and regulatory requirements in relation to its remit and duties.

The Committee is made up of clinician members of the College’s Trustee Board, with an external lay chair. It is supported by senior staff of the College, particularly the Head of HR and Learning. 

The main functions of the Committee are to:

• assist the Trustee Board in establishing and regularly reviewing the College values;
• provide assurance to the Trustee Board that the College is an inclusive employer of choice which provides a nurturing environment and ensures our staff feel valued and supported;
• monitor compliance with all legislation and charity guidance relevant to the remit of the Committee and provide assurance to Trustee Board on such matters; 
• consider and recommend to the Trustee Board the College’s remuneration and benefits strategy, ensuring co-ordination with Surgeons Quarter; and
• agree the College’s remuneration policy for all staff, ensuring co-ordination with Surgeons Quarter, and set the individual remuneration and employment packages of senior management staff of the College.

Selection Criteria

We are looking to appoint ONE lay member who has significant experience of senior leadership in HR, Employee relations, People or Workplace Culture, preferably in a large charity or higher education institution. 

We ask that Committee members: 

• Analyse papers and make decisions based on sound reasoning and precedent
• Offer a professional opinion and adopt a short, medium and long-term perspective to ensure ongoing growth and long-term sustainability as well as helping resolve immediate problems
• Collaborate with and respect the talents, views, and opinions of their fellow committee members as experienced people with broad career portfolios
• Exercise sound judgement and provide reasons to support it
• Show a willingness to participate actively in discussion with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Work collaboratively with the College’s executive team to establish and achieve shared goals.

Committee members are expected to abide by our values of Inclusivity, Integrity, Innovation, Respect and Professionalism. 

Time Commitment and Expenses

The Remuneration, People and Workplace Committee reports to the Trustee Board and meets four times a year during working hours.  Meetings are usually hybrid, with some members attending in person in the College and some attending online.

The successful candidate will need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings and responding to emails regarding committee work.

This position is voluntary, although reasonable expenses may be claimed in line with the RCSEd Travel Policy. 

Length of Term

The appointment is for three years.  Further re-appointment for a 1-year term may be possible, following re-application, in line with the terms of the committee’s remit.

What Will I Receive in Return? 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about people management and building excellent workplace culture.  We actively welcome candidates that can bring varied lived and professional experiences to broaden the interests and character of our committees and represent the diversity of our RCSEd community.  Being an active part of our committee network is a very rewarding role. While the roles are voluntary, the benefits include opportunities to:

• Gain or expand your committee experience – you don’t need to have committee experience, but it would be an advantage. 
• Make an active contribution to the work of RCSEd as a charity and to the strategic development of all aspects of our diverse organisation. 
• Work alongside people from a wide range of experience and backgrounds and to enhance teamwork and communication skills.
• Enhance your understanding of the medical profession and medical training, in the UK and internationally.

Appointment Process 

Candidates are asked to provide a cover letter and a CV (no more than 2 pages) outlining their experience and knowledge, their individual interest in the role and where they believe they can add value to the work of the Committee.  A panel will consider all applications and may shortlist candidates for a short interview over Microsoft Teams.   

Applications should be sent to Moira Britton m.britton@rcsed.ac.uk by Friday 13 June 2025.  

To understand more about the role and for an informal chat, please contact Mark Egan, Chief Executive Officer, at m.egan@rcsed.ac.uk.