College Strategy 2026-2030
As the world's oldest surgical college, we have spent more than five centuries supporting excellence in surgery and dentistry. This strategy sets out how we will continue that work between 2026 and 2030, strengthening our support for members, expanding our impact, and helping ensure safer, better care for patients everywhere.
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Our Vision
Our vision for 2026-2030 is Safe Surgery Everywhere. It reflects our commitment to supporting surgeons and dental professionals, advancing standards, improving education and training, and ultimately helping patients receive safer, better care wherever they are.
By 2030, we will build on our established leadership across the UK, extend the reach and impact of our international partnerships, and continue to be recognised for educational excellence and innovation
Our Strategic Priorities
Our strategy is built around three priorities that will guide our work.
UK Surgical and Dental Excellence
We will strengthen our presence across the UK through regional engagement, local leadership, and closer connections with members wherever they work. We will champion professional standards, education, assessment and accreditation, while continuing to be a trusted voice influencing the future of surgery and dentistry.
By 2030, more surgeons and dental professionals will be choosing RCSEd as their professional home, accessing our education and support, and engaging with us in their local region and across the UK.
Global Surgical Impact Through Inclusive Partnerships
We will work with partners around the world to improve standards of care through collaboration, professional development and shared learning. Our approach will be based on long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen professional capability, improve patient safety and increase access to high-quality surgical and dental care.
By 2030, our partnerships will deliver demonstrable improvements in professional development, patient safety and access to care, supported by sustainable investment and shared accountability.
Future-Focused Education and Training
Education remains at the heart of what we do. We will continue to deliver high-quality education and assessment while evolving our offer to meet changing professional needs. This includes adapting to developments such as simulation, robotics, digital learning and artificial intelligence, while making training more accessible across the UK and internationally.
By 2030, we will have a refreshed and future-ready education portfolio, expanded digital and regional delivery, and clear evidence that RCSEd education continues to be recognised as the standard of excellence.
Building the Foundations for Success
To deliver these priorities, we will focus on three organisational enablers. These are the capabilities and foundations that will support everything we do.
People, Purpose, Impact
Our people and culture are central to achieving our ambitions. We will invest in our staff, volunteers and members, foster inclusive leadership, support wellbeing and strengthen engagement across our professional community.
Organisational Resilience: Operating as One
We will strengthen governance, improve how we use insight and data, build financial resilience and ensure the College is equipped to thrive in the long term through a sustainable operating model and estate.
Digital Ecosystem
We will modernise our systems, enhance digital services for members, expand digital education and strengthen our ability to use data and insight to support evidence-based decisions across the College.
Looking Ahead
This strategy provides a clear focus for the years ahead. It builds on more than 500 years of heritage while ensuring the College remains relevant, influential and impactful in a rapidly changing world.
Everything we do between now and 2030 will contribute towards a single ambition: Safe Surgery Everywhere.