​The presidents of the three Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) which sets out how the colleges will continue to collaborate on key education, training and assessment activities through their working relationship known as the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.

These activities include the development and delivery of MRCP(UK) written examinations, international clinical examinations (known as PACES) and specialty certificate examinations (SCEs), the development and monitoring of training curricula through the JRCPTB, and continuing professional development (CPD).

Professor Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh said:

‘This renewal of our partnership brings great opportunities to enhance the services offered to trainees and their trainers and of course to all physicians as they plan and record their CPD. I am pleased to mark the extension of our collaboration in a 3 college initiative which has brought such benefits to date’.

Professor Andrew Goddard, President of the Royal College of Physicians of London, said:

'The close working of the 3 colleges is crucial to the success of each of us and this MoA is a strong and clear commitment by us all to each other. I am delighted that we have 'renewed our vows' to each other to improve training and support for physicians across the UK and globally’.

Professor Jackie Taylor, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, added:

‘The MoA between the Colleges marks a new chapter in the life of the Federation. It will provide a stable platform for collaboration and I believe it will re-energise our activities, allowing us to focus on what we do best- providing the highest standards of education, training and assessment. The MoA is a clear statement of our commitment to continue to work together’.

The MoA became effective as of 1 January 2019.

Keith Small

Contact: Keith Small k.small@rcpe.ac.uk 0131 247 3688