The College of Paramedics has now begun its journey to obtain Royal College status

There are many formalities to work through on this journey but we are confident in meeting all the criteria necessary to be granted Royal Charter status, which if awarded, would strengthen our professional voice and enhance the standing of the paramedic profession.

Stage 1 – Applying for a Royal Charter (the petition)

What is the Cost? 
It is free, the only cost involved is printing the Royal Charter at the end of the process, which is £5,000.

How long will it take?
Roughly a year from the date the letter of intent goes to the Privy Council Office.

What’s involved? 
• Step 1 - Write a ‘letter of intent’, which makes the case to the Privy Council office for permission to start the process of seeking incorporation by Royal Charter.

• Step 2 - Once the Privy Council office has taken a view, it will then reply to say that they are minded to allow the College to petition for a royal charter.

• Step 3 – The College can then draft the Royal Charter, bylaws, and the formal petition and send them to the privy council office.

• Step 4 - After receiving these documents the Privy Council Office will form a small committee to consider the petition, they will then agree whether the documents should be sent to the Privy Council Advisers. The second stage is for these advisers to formally respond to the Privy Council, saying yes, they are happy or no, they are not. The second meeting of the working party will then agree for the petition to be gazetted, upon which the petition will be placed in the London Gazette for eight weeks, when anybody in the world can object. 

• Step 5 - Once the eight week period is over, there will be a further meeting of the working party and then they will recommend to His Majesty that the great seal is applied, and from that moment onwards the College of Paramedics will have the charter.

• Step 6 – The College will be invited to collect the charter.

Tracy Nicholls FCPara, Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics said:
“We have heard your strong views about the College’s journey to becoming a Royal College, and the application for a Royal Charter is the first step on that journey. You told us that this would reflect the profession’s contribution to supporting the health and care of patients and would give you a huge sense of pride. We believe the time is now right to take that step, following the enormous contribution that paramedics have made in the pandemic and for the incredible compassion and care that has been shown, whatever your area of work. We will ensure regular communications with you and consult with you throughout.”

Tracy Nicholls FCPara 

 

Applying for a Royal Charter and being able to use the title ‘Royal College’ are separate processes. Titles are dealt with by the department for culture, media and sport, who can be approached after the Royal Charter and a Royal Patron has been obtained.