Volunteering with us

Our members share their professional expertise with RCPCH every day - helping to improve the lives of paediatricians and child health, and gaining valuable experiences. We have a wide range of roles for members, and in turn offer you support from our friendly staff teams, training and recognition.

Why volunteer with us

Volunteering is vital to our College’s work, with over 3,000 members contributing annually. By getting involved, you’ll shape paediatrics, support future generations, influence healthcare, and gain leadership, networks, and invaluable professional and personal growth.

What's on offer

From trainees to consultants or equivalents there’s a role for everyone at RCPCH. With flexible opportunities across committees and advisory groups, you can contribute your expertise, shape paediatrics and represent members wherever you are, whatever your availability.

Support we offer

We’ll support you to succeed with mentoring, expert guidance, flexible working and practical resources, plus opportunities to build leadership skills, expand networks and influence child health beyond your Trust. You won’t be doing it alone.

How to volunteer

Getting started is easy! Our volunteering opportunities include exams, education, research, global work and more, with flexible ways to contribute at every stage.

Many of our roles are open on an ongoing basis. Applications for Officers, committee members and some other roles are open over four-week periods.

Search all open opportunities

View the Officer, committee and other roles (open until 27 October, 12:00)

Volunteering with RCPCH has given me purpose beyond patient care. It’s a chance to collaborate, influence national policy and support the future of paediatrics. You can do it - and should.

Kay Tyerman, RCPCH Officer for Workforce Planning

See or download our 'Volunteering with RCPCH' brochure

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I have enjoyed learning from the other Trustees, especially those from backgrounds other than medicine. I found being the Trustee lead for the EDI workstream especially rewarding.

Bhanu Williams, RCPCH Assistant Registrar and former Member Trustee

Our core values

I include, I influence, I innovate, I inspire. These are our core values, and we're committed to stewarding a positive culture where members and volunteers are encouraged and supported.

Read our booklet, 'Our core values'

Our code of conduct

All volunteers must agree to respect and uphold our charitable vision, mission, goals and values. Our code of conduct outlines expectations, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality and complaints.

Read our code of conduct

Employer support

The NHS, Chief Medical Officers and GMC have written to all UK NHS Trusts to strongly encourage support for health professionals doing voluntary work with Colleges, such as the flexible use of supporting professional activities (SPAs).

Download the letter (PDF)

Latest news and blogs about volunteering

See all news and blogs about volunteering

Princess Royal meets young people to talk about RCPCH &Us on their 10th birthday

Announcement

29 July 2025

The Princess Royal visits the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to celebrate 10th milestone birthday

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited RCPCH headquarters in London on 24 July to join the 10th birthday celebrations of their children, young people and families network of the College known as RCPCH &Us.

Announcement

20 June 2025

Our new Global Officer, Dr Arvind Shah

Dr Arvind Shah (pictured) has been newly appointed as our Global Officer, working closely with the staff team and clinical volunteers to help deliver our global child health programmes. Arvind replaces Dr Sue Broster.

Photo of Dr Thomas Bourke at work in a hospital ward

Announcement

25 March 2025

Dr Thomas Bourke is the new RCPCH Officer for Ireland

Dr Bourke begins his role this month and joins the College Council in May 2025. He looks forward to advocating for the needs and rights of all children and young people in Ireland.

Search our opportunities

So if you're inspired to get involved, take a look at our open opportunities. Whatever your career stage, wherever you live, there's sure to be a role for you.

Search all open opportunities