IRC Chair and Committee appointments

Appointment process for International Representative Committee (IRC) Chairs and IRC Committee members 

• A new process for appointing IRC Chairs was introduced in 2025. 
• IRC Chairs are appointed through a formal, open, and transparent recruitment process and in line with the College Volunteer Management Policy.
• The College advertises the IRC Chair position directly to all active Fellows and Members in the respective country via email and on the RCOG website.
• The application process includes completion of an application form, which includes a declaration of interests, a supporting statement, and a CV. The application needs to be submitted by the agreed deadline within three weeks of the advertisement opening.
• Applicants are shortlisted based on an assessment of their skills and expertise against the person specification in the role description. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview with the Chief Executive, the Vice President for Global Health and the International Council Representative for the region.
• An induction meeting is arranged to support onboarding of the IRC Chair and covers RCOG strategy, College policies and processes. Regular meetings with the IRC Chair and Committee are held.
• The term of the appointment is three years.
  

Appointment process for IRC Committee members

• IRC Committee members are appointed through a formal, open, and transparent recruitment process and in line with the College Volunteer Management Policy.
• The appointment of Fellow and Member Committee positions is managed in collaboration between the College and the IRC Chair.
• The initial notification of appointments for Committee positions is announced on the RCOG website.
• Fellows and Members in IRC regions are contacted via email when Committee member roles are open. The application period is three weeks and may be extended.
• Applicants should complete the relevant online application form, upload a brief CV of no more than two sides of A4, and provide a supporting statement. The application needs to be submitted by the agreed deadline within three weeks of the advertisement opening.
• Applicants are shortlisted by the IRC Chair, Vice President for Global Health and the International Council Representative for the region, based on an assessment of their skills and expertise against the person specification in the role description. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview with the IRC Chair, the Vice President for Global Health and the International Council Representative for the region.
• The term of the appointment is three years.
• Some regions may have slight variations to the role description, and this is highlighted in the email to members in the region.

Election process for Fellow and Member IRC Committee Representatives

• In exceptional circumstances and with agreement by the College, IRC Committee positions can be managed via an election process.

IRC Chair eligibility criteria

Who is eligible to apply for an IRC Chair position?

• Fellows who are resident and working in the country of the IRC, active and up to date with fees and have completed one term on their respective IRC Committee are eligible to stand for Chair. However, in countries with fewer than 50 active Fellows and Members, (i) the requirement to have previously stood on the Committee does not apply and (ii) Members with more than five years post-MRCOG, as well as Fellows, may also stand.  All other eligibility criteria remain the same.
• Candidates should demonstrate experience of working successfully, at a high level, with central and local government agencies, O&G representative groups, and other relevant institutions. They should be able to demonstrate leadership and influencing skills and share the RCOG values and vision.

Term for IRC Chairs

• The term for an IRC Chair appointment is three years, and IRC Chairs cannot reapply for a second term. If there is a particular need, the original term may be extended for a period of one year at the request of the College and in agreement with the Chair.

Composition of an IRC 

• The IRC will convey members’ views and interests in front of College leadership and support communication between the College and its members.
• IRCs are made up of active Fellows and Members resident in a country. Each IRC should have a minimum of six appointed Committee members along with a Chair appointed via an open recruitment process managed by the College.
• Ideally, three Fellows, three Members and a Chair will form the Committee. Terms are for three years. IRCs may co-opt up to three RCOG Associates, non-RCOG Members and Trainees to the group.

Co-opted members

• Co-opted members may be Trainees, Associates or non-RCOG members. They are invited to participate in the committee but do not have voting rights related to the IRC activity. Their terms will also last for three years.

Who is authorised to hold office within an IRC?

• Active Fellows and Members who are up to date with their fees and are resident and working in their respective countries/zones. Honorary Fellows, Retired Fellows or Members, Trainees, Associates or non-members of the RCOG are not eligible to hold titles. Fellows and Members of the IRC are eligible for appointment for a total of two terms after which a break of one term is required.