Following a strong endorsement from our membership, with 82.6 per cent of votes in favour, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has adopted an updated Constitution, designed to enhance financial and risk management and adapt to the complexities of modern governance.

These changes establish a skills-based, profession-led governance Board, while the Council will continue to manage core College functions. A two-thirds majority was required for the adoption of the new RACS Constitution.

Since its founding in 1927, RACS has led in shaping surgical standards, education, and professionalism across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. However, the existing structure had become less suited to contemporary needs.

The new Constitution introduces significant governance updates:

* Council's role remains unchanged: it continues to represent members and manage core College functions as their elected body.
* The President continues to lead the organisation.
*The governance Board strengthens Council’s leadership: it assumes fiduciary responsibilities related to finance, audit, risk, and high-level governance.
*The Board will be skills-based and profession-led: it will have a majority of Fellows, with representatives from both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
*The Chair of the Board will always be a Fellow: the President and Vice President can serve as Chair, provided they meet tenure requirements.
*Fellow Board Directors will be elected or appointed from Council, guided by a nominations committee considering prerequisite skills.

2024 RACS Council Elections

Nominations for the RACS Council elections open on Friday, 25 October, and close on Monday, 11 November 2024. The Council is the governing body of RACS, as defined by the Constitution, and it is a privilege to serve as a Councillor. Nominees should understand the commitments and responsibilities of the role, which now shifts towards strategic priorities and fellowship engagement. The legal and statutory duties of Company Directors will be managed by the new Board.

The adoption of these constitutional updates is a testament to the power of collaboration. It demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders across our network unite for a shared purpose. A strong College benefits all of us – members, patients, and the broader healthcare community.

Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative.

I feel a real sense of renewal and optimism as we close out the year and look towards 2025 and beyond. After a challenging 18 months for our College, green shoots of change are emerging.

 
Professor Owen Ung

Vice President
Chair Governance Committee
Chair International Engagement