2026 RANZCP Board Appointed Director, Trainee

Interested in contributing to the future of psychiatry through RANZCP Board leadership?

The RANZCP welcomes nominations from Trainees for the Appointed Director, Trainee position on the RANZCP Board. The 1-year term will commence at the conclusion of the RANZCP’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 6 May 2026.

Nominations open Wednesday 18 March and close Monday 6 April at 5.00 pm AEST.

The Board plays a critical role in setting strategic direction for the College; overseeing governance, financial sustainability and risk; stewarding the organisation; safeguarding integrity and trust; and ensuring the College remains credible, independent, and responsive to its members and the communities it serves.

Serving on the RANZCP Board is both a privilege and a responsibility. Directors:

• prepare thoroughly and engage actively in Board deliberations
• contribute thoughtfully to complex and sometimes contested discussions
• uphold high standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism
• do not act as representatives or delegates of groups, regions, or interests.
• are required to act in the best interests of the College as a whole.

Directors also hold legal, financial, and fiduciary responsibilities, including responsibility for oversight of strategy, financial sustainability, governance, and risk. Robust, respectful discussion and diverse perspectives are expected and valued, alongside a shared commitment to effective decision-making and stewardship of the RANZCP.

This appointment takes place at an important moment in the RANZCP’s evolution. Guided by the Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the RANZCP is progressing significant reform across education and training, governance, digital systems, and organisational structures. The RANZCP is seeking a Director who is willing to sustain momentum where progress has been made, engage constructively with ongoing reform, and collaborate effectively with fellow Directors and the Executive to support a high-functioning, future-focused Board.

The Appointed Director, Trainee  

The Board consists of the President, President-Elect, five Elected Directors, and a Trainee Appointed Director. To fulfill Constitutional requirements, at least one Fellow from New Zealand must be a Director of the Board.

The Trainee Director position is made by appointment of the Board. The term is for a duration of one year, with an option for re-appointment for a further term.

Who can apply

The Trainee Director must:

• Be an Associate Member (Trainee) of the RANZCP.
• Meet the eligibility requirements for a Director under the Corporations Act 2001.
• Demonstrate understanding of director duties under the ACNC Act 2012 and Corporations Act 2001.
•  Have prior Board or committee governance experience, or a demonstrated understanding of the responsibilities and accountability of directors in a company or not-for-profit setting.

Trainees considering nomination are encouraged to reflect on:

• their readiness for Board governance-level decision-making
• their capacity to engage constructively with differing views
• their willingness to prioritise the long-term interests and sustainability of the College

Please start by reading the following documents:

• Trainee Director Position Description
• Board Regulations
• Board Election Regulations
• RANZCP Constitution
• Guidance - Role expectations of a RANZCP Director
• Disclosing and Managing Interests and Conflicts of Interest Policy

The FAQ page may also assist with any queries.

How to nominate

Nominations will open on Wednesday 18 March. To nominate, complete the Nomination Form [available on 18 March] and submit your application by 5.00 pm AEST Monday 6 April 2026.  

Your completed nomination form must be accompanied by:

• CV (no more than 2 pages, Arial 11 pt).
• Supporting Statement (up to 1200 words, Arial 11 pt) outlining:
  • Relevant skills and experience and any relevant applicability to the Board.
  • Your suitability for the position.
  • How you meet the expected skills of a Director.
  • The values you can add to the Board.
  • Any other relevant information in support of their candidacy.
• For privacy reasons, the CV and supporting statement must not include your date of birth and personal/referee details.
• Support by a Proposer and Seconder who are Fellows of the RANZCP.
• Completion of Disclosure Statement, disclosing any financial interests and conflicts of interest which may conflict, or be perceived to conflict, with your potential role as a Director of the College.

Appointment process 

A selection panel will consider the nominations received, hold interviews with candidates (this may require shortlisting) and undertake a confidential ballot to appoint a successful candidate – which is in line with established processes. 

Key dates