Lay Chair and Lay Trusteesopen

Deadline for applications: 2nd August 2026

We are delighted to be supporting The Royal College of Pathologists a Lay Chair and Lay Trustees who can bring independent perspectives, strategic insight and constructive challenge to their governance.

About The Royal College of Pathologists

The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation dedicated to advancing the science and practice of pathology. The College sets standards in training, assessment, professional development and clinical practice, and promotes excellence in diagnostics and patient care in the UK and internationally.

The College plays a key role in supporting high standards in pathology services and improving patient care. Through education, professional standards, examinations, workforce advice and public engagement, the College contributes to healthcare policy and practice across the UK and internationally.

The College’s Trustee Board provides strategic oversight, ensures effective governance, and supports delivery of the College’s charitable objectives. The Trustee Board comprises the President, four Vice Presidents, Registrar, Treasurer, the chairs of the regional councils for each of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland and currently three Lay Trustees. 

About the Opportunities

We are seeking a new Lay Chair and two Lay Trustees to join the Board of Trustees. In additional to the core competencies required for these roles and outlined in the About the Lay Chair and About the Lay Trustees section, we are seeking the following expertise to support The College’s development: 

• Finance and commercial – to support the long-term sustainability of the College.
• Digital and technology – to support the ongoing delivery of our IT project and help us scope further opportunities to modernise.
• Fundraising – particularly experience in corporate fundraising.
• Customer Insights – to support us to deliver the best service to our members and fellows.

About the Lay Chair

The Chair of the Trustee Board is the senior lay governance office-holder of the College and provides leadership to the Trustee Board in ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight and organisational performance.​​​​​​

The Chair works closely with the President, Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to support delivery of the College’s charitable objectives, while maintaining appropriate independence and accountability on behalf of the Board.

In addition to the responsibilities of all trustees, the Chair of the Trustee Board is expected to:

• Chair Trustee Board meetings effectively and impartially
• Support the development and effectiveness of the Board and its committees
• Ensure appropriate standards of governance and trustee conduct
• Facilitate constructive challenge and inclusive participation in Board discussions
• Support effective succession planning and trustee development
  work closely with the President and Chief Executive in supporting delivery of strategy
• Oversee, with appropriate colleagues, appraisal and performance review processes where applicable
• Support effective management of conflicts of interest and governance risk
• Ensure the Board maintains appropriate oversight of finance, risk, compliance and organisational performance

For more information about this role and to review the person specification, please download the Candidate Information Pack via the links on this page. 

About the Lay Trustees

Lay Trustees are full members of the Trustee Board and bring independent external perspective, constructive challenge and strategic insight to the governance of the College.

Lay Trustees contribute to the development of College strategy, support effective governance and decision-making, and help ensure that the College acts in the public interest and delivers against its charitable objectives.

The College particularly welcomes applicants with experience in areas such as fundraising & income generation, finance, digital transformation, customer & stakeholder insight, and communications.

Lay Trustees are not expected to have prior knowledge of pathology, but should demonstrate curiosity, sound judgement, strategic thinking and a willingness to engage with complex professional issues.

​​​​For more information about this role and to review the person specification, please download the Candidate Information Pack via the links on this page. 

How to Apply

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Inclusive Boards on behalf of The College. If you wish to apply for these positions, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 02/08/2026:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements; 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role for which you’re applying and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed;
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent

​​​​​Please consider filling out our diversity monitoring form. The information provided to us is confidential, stored securely and separately from your application, and is only used to ensure we are meeting our obligations for equal opportunities under the Equality Act 2010.

To find out more, request support when applying, or have an informal confidential discussion before applying, please get in touch with one of our consultants by emailing RCPath@inclusiveboards.co.uk or calling 0207 267 8369.

 

Apply now