The Value of Joining Council: Insights from Vice President Anna Paisley

When I first considered applying for Council, I did so as a busy NHS consultant surgeon who cared deeply about patient safety, surgical training, and the future culture of our profession. Like many surgeons, I had spent years benefiting from the opportunities the College provides as a trainee, educator, and Fellow. I had reached a point where I wanted to contribute more directly to shaping its future.

I initially wondered whether I really had the time, experience, or expertise to serve on Council. What our College needs most are committed individuals who care about surgery, education, standards, and the wellbeing of colleagues and patients. Council benefits enormously from having members with different backgrounds, specialties, career paths, and perspectives.

On joining Council I quickly learned that the role is both far more interesting and far more impactful than I had anticipated. Council is not simply about governance or attending meetings. It is an opportunity to influence real change, be that in surgical education, patient safety, trainee support, global partnerships, professional standards, digital learning, or advocacy for our profession.

One of the greatest privileges has been working alongside passionate colleagues and exceptional College staff who are genuinely committed to improving surgery worldwide. I have had the opportunity to chair the Patient Safety Group, contribute to the development of online education and digital strategy, support trainee and student initiatives, and help shape discussions around professionalism, wellbeing, and the future surgical workforce. Seeing ideas develop into tangible programmes that support surgeons and improve patient care has been enormously rewarding.

Another highlight has been meeting so many people. Through Council, I have met Fellows and Members from across the UK and internationally, each bringing different experiences and insights. These conversations constantly remind me of the strength and diversity of our profession and the importance of ensuring the College reflects the members it serves.

Importantly, Council is not reserved for a particular “type” of surgeon. The College needs voices from district general hospitals and major centres; from trainers and researchers; from established leaders and emerging ones; from all specialties, backgrounds, and career stages. Diversity of experience and thought makes better decisions and a stronger College.

If you care about the future of surgery and want to help shape it rather than simply observe it, I strongly encourage you to consider applying for Council. Your perspective, experience, and enthusiasm may be exactly what our College needs next. You may discover, as I have, that it becomes one of the most fulfilling parts of your surgical career.