We are delighted to share with you, ahead of the official announcement at our AGM, the results of our 2026 Trustee and Paramedic Council Elections.

13 Candidates were on the ballot for 4 trustee roles. The following candidates were elected:
- Giles Adams
- Ed Harry
- Benjamin Haselwood
- Jaqualine Lindridge

All four are incumbents and will continue into their second and last term of two years.

The trustee candidates were voted on by Congress members, using the Single Transferable Vote system, with second choice votes coming into play. Congress is the Board of Trustees and the Paramedic Council together. 

12 candidates stood for election across the 5 available Paramedic Council seats. The following candidates were elected:
- James Lindley – North West
- Simon Thompson – North East
- Kevin Cowan – Eastern
- Simon Tutt – South West
- David Davis – South East

Kevin Cowan is the incumbent for Eastern and will continue into his second and last term of two years. 

The Paramedic Council candidates were voted on by the full members within their regions, using the Single Transferable Vote system, with second choice votes coming into play. The North West election was uncontested.

All the candidates in the 2026 elections were very strong candidates, and the College is privileged and thankful for the time and commitment involved in putting themselves forward and their interest in supporting the work of the Royal College of Paramedics (RCoP). The College can only function effectively as the paramedic professional body because of the willingness of our members to get involved.  

All the successful candidates will commence their tenures at our Annual General Meeting which is taking place at our National Conference on 21st May in Newport. 

On 27th March 2026, coinciding with the Advanced Paramedic Practice Symposium event, the HCPC in collaboration with the general osteopathic council (GOsC) has published their “Shared Update on the Regulation of Advanced Levels of Practice (2026)”. 

This update clarifies the existing position on regulation of advanced levels of practice and reinforces how HCPC and GOsC registrants working at these levels can continue to meet their existing standards across a range of job titles, sectors and settings. 

Steph Tempest, Clinical Fellow at the HCPC leading this piece of work, has pre-recorded a presentation explaining how this links to Advanced Paramedic Practice. Click here to watch.

The key messages are: 
• All HCPC and GOsC registrants working at advanced levels are already fully regulated and must meet all regulatory standards which are relevant to their scope of practice. 
• Service user safety is a shared responsibility. Registrants, regulators, employers, professional bodies, unions and others play important and different roles in ensuring safety. 
• The HCPC and GOsC do not set or limit the scope of practice of registrants but it is essential for registrants to use their professional judgement to work within their scope to ensure they practise safely, lawfully and effectively. 

Ambulance Technician Emma Newbrooks and Duty Commander and Paramedic Peter Schmidt, both from EMAS’ Leicestershire A&E division, have starred in two new short films, aimed at showing secondary school pupils what a career in the ambulance service entails. 

Working in partnership with the Royal College of Paramedics and student careers destination platform Unifrog, used by 4,000 schools nationally, Emma and Peter bravely stepped in front of the camera to share their stories, insights and experiences, creating two visual testimonies about their different career journeys. 

Emma, a former Army Dog Handler, spoke of her desire to help people after leaving the military, using transferrable communication skills and bringing personal resilience to her role in the ambulance service. 

Peter provided guidance about the skills needed to succeed in the service, including empathy and understanding other people’s backgrounds and situations, improving communication with patients, and providing a high level of care in patients’ times of need.

Other colleagues from the Leicestershire A&E Division and Education teams also feature in the videos, creating a rich picture of a day in the life of the various roles available across NHS ambulance trusts. 

Andy Kirk, Assistant Director of Education and Organisational Development, who coordinated the project from the EMAS side, said “I’m really proud and grateful to all the colleagues who came forward to help make this project a reality. Emma and Peter represented themselves and EMAS to an extremely high standard.

“Over 2 million young people have access to Unifrog, and I have no doubt that EMAS’ input to these videos will create many aspiring ambulance staff in the near future.”

Kirsty Lowery-Richardson, Head of Education at the Royal College of Paramedics, said “We are hugely grateful to colleagues at EMAS and especially Emma and Peter for their brilliant contribution in bringing this work to life. We grasped the opportunity to work with Unifrog to promote the paramedic profession but could not do so without a practice partner. We are confident that these resources will help young people to better understand the contemporary paramedic role.”

Prince William, Patron of the Royal College of Paramedics featured in a special edition of BBC Radio 1's 'Life Hacks’ this week, where he discussed men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

Hosted by Greg James, the Prince of Wales was joined on the discussion panel by musician and mental health campaigner Professor Green, (Stephen Manderson) rapper Guvna B, Director of Clinical Services Allan Brownrigg from James’ Place Charity - one of The Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network’s partners - and a young man called Nathan, who has been supported by the charity in the past.

During the conversation, the Prince urged for more openness from male role models and spoke about the importance of pausing to understand emotional reactions. “We need more male role models out there, kind of talking about it and normalising it so that it becomes something that is second nature to all of us,” he said.

“Part of feeling comfortable talking about mental health is understanding it,” he continued. “And if you’ve got guys who have really gone about trying to really learn about what feelings are, why we feel like we do, what can we do about it? That’s part of the conversation, too.”

He added: “Not one person in this world has all the tools for every eventuality or mental state that is going to come across.

“I like to go around looking for new tools to put in my toolbox when I might need it and if we look at it like that, it does normalise the idea that the brain just needs sometimes a little bit of help. But we can’t expect to have all the answers ourselves.

“It’s OK to ask for support, ask a mate, reach out. That becomes just the normalisation process of what’s going on inside your head.”

The Prince also openly discussed his own mental health journey, making particular reference to when he was an air ambulance pilot with East Anglia’s Air Ambulance Service. 

He recalled: “We had busy jobs and you had people in, sadly, very difficult situations... and over time, I noticed my mental health really deteriorating and I hadn't really clocked onto it, because in that community, you try and make light of some of the moments just to keep, frankly, sane and keep going. So, it wasn't until I stepped away from it, on a longer break, that I looked at myself and went 'Oh my God, I'm carrying everyone's emotional baggage… I was taking snippets from each job I'd been on, each family member that had been distraught or whatever, and I was carrying that in myself and it was really weighing me down.”
Through his own personal experience, the Prince went on to explain how the nature of emergency service jobs can take its toll on people due to how emotionally and physically demanding the work can be.

He said: “That's why I've done a lot of work with the blue light community because I think that happens to a lot of them. It's not until you step away from it, either you retire or you have a break, which many of them don't get long enough breaks, that you are able to process what kind of attritional, mental, emotional experiences you're having each time… and you're carrying a bit of emotional baggage from each scene... and it just weighs you down. So, for me, coming away from the situation is really important…to be able to take stock of what you've just been through and what our brains are processing.”

As part of his ongoing work and commitment to improving mental health, the Prince’s Royal Foundation is contributing £1million to support the creation of a National Suicide Prevention Network, part of a broader effort to strengthen coordinated responses across the UK.

If you would like support or to talk to someone, then please go to:
The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) Crisis Line – Tel. 0300 373 0898 https://www.theasc.org.uk/crisis/ 

The Royal College of Paramedics was delighted to welcome Dr Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen and Dr Weerada Thayawiwat from Thailand’s Chulabhorn Royal Academy for a brief visit last month.

Both emergency medical doctors arrived in the UK following their participation in some international disaster management and emergency medical training in Croatia and Slovenia.

Whilst in the UK, RCoP’s Education Team was able to show them around the University of Huddersfield where our guests had the opportunity to watch several MSc learners undertake some simulation practice. They were also able to visit Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) where they met with colleagues to discuss EPRR and business continuity approaches.

Closer to home, Dr Phattharapornjaroen and Dr Thayawiwat were able to observe our Paramedic and Student Council meetings in progress, as well as a RCoP board meeting.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to YAS and the University of Huddersfield, especially Mark Gregson, Dave Green and Emma Cameron for assisting with arrangements.

Paramedicine in Thailand is a newly recognised healthcare profession, with less than 1500 paramedics currently serving a population of 70 million. It is hoped that within the next decade the paramedic workforce will grow to around 15,000. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, the Chulabhorn Royal Academy has sought the Royal College of Paramedics’ expertise and experience on growing Thailand’s paramedic profession which we have been pleased to assist with.

Head of Education at the Royal College of Paramedics, Kirsty Lowery-Richardson said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to introduce our visitors to colleagues from YAS and the University of Huddersfield and enable them to see firsthand the UK approaches to education and paramedic practice that we had been sharing with them. We are honoured to have the opportunity to work with the Chulabhorn Royal Academy and share our own lessons of the last 25 years whilst growing and developing the profession.”

We recognise that some members may have questions or concerns regarding the recent survey activity and wider commentary about advanced practice roles. We want to reassure you that this survey is exploratory in nature, and we are actively monitoring developments to ensure that advanced paramedic practice is accurately understood, fairly represented, and appropriately supported.

We are also aware of the tone of some discussions on social media, which at times have been unhelpful or disrespectful. While such commentary can be disheartening, it does not reflect the professionalism, skill, or value that paramedics bring to patient care every day.

The Royal College of Paramedics is clear that:
• Paramedics are an autonomous, regulated profession with a defined scope of practice
• Advanced practice builds upon paramedic foundations and is supported by robust education, governance, and professional standards
• The four pillars of advanced practice provide a well-established framework for safe, effective, and accountable clinical leadership and development
• Regulatory and professional conversations should recognise paramedic-specific expertise and training

Paramedics are not a substitute for doctors, nor are advanced roles intended to replace medical professionals. Rather, paramedics form an integral part of the multidisciplinary health and care workforce, contributing distinct skills and perspectives that complement those of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Our shared priority remains the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care through collaborative practice.

We will continue to engage constructively, and keep members informed where developments are relevant to our profession.

The Royal College of Paramedics congratulates those who have received awards in the Kings New Year’s Honours List:

• William Bellamy - Director of Ambulance and Transfer Services Isle of Man Ambulance Service - Kings Ambulance Medal (KAM)
• Dave Bywater - Consultant Paramedic Scottish Ambulance Service - Kings Ambulance Medal (KAM)
• Dr Alison Walker - Medical Director West Midlands Ambulance Service - Kings Ambulance Medal (KAM)
• Sigurd Haveland MBE - Chief Paramedic and Divisional Clinical Lead (Primary and Emergency Services) Gibraltar Health Authorities - Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
• Professor Suzanne Rastrick CBE - Chief Allied Health Professions Officer - Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Winter weather has arrived, and with it comes a surge in 999 calls from older and vulnerable people who have fallen and cannot get back up. This is why the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), speaking on behalf of all UK ambulance services, has joined forces with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) to issue important advice: know what to do if you fall, and take simple steps to stay steady on your feet.

Anna Parry, Managing Director of AACE, said: “Every winter we see thousands of older people who have fallen and struggled to get back up, often spending some time on the floor as a result. Many of these ‘long lies’ could be prevented. A mobile phone in your pocket, a pendant alarm around your neck or wrist, or practising how to get up from the floor while you’re well could make a real difference.”

One in three people over 65 who live at home will fall at least once this year; for those over 80 the risk rises 
to one in two. The key advice is:

• If you do fall – stay calm. Take a moment to check yourself before moving.
• If you can get up safely: roll onto your side, push up to hands and knees, shuffle to a sturdy chair or sofa, place one foot flat and slowly stand.
• If you cannot get up: use your phone or pendant alarm immediately, shout or bang to attract attention, keep warm, and move a little every half hour to protect circulation.

• Call 999 at once if you, or the person who has fallen:
o Cannot get up, even with help
o Is confused, not fully awake, drowsy or vomiting
o Has injured their head, neck, back or hip 
o Has severe bleeding

This advice is now available in a downloadable PDF that can be printed off by members of the public from here: https://aace.org.uk/news/winter-falls-advice/. 

For less urgent concerns after a fall, patients or their family or carers are being urged to call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk. Dr Ian Higginson, RCEM President, said: “Falls are a common reason that older people find themselves in emergency departments (ED), and can lead to significant injury, particularly when someone is frail. We know that older people will be worried that there are often very long waits in our departments, and that they are more likely than those who are younger to endure these waits. We worry that this will put them off calling an ambulance. No one wants to wait a long time in an ED corridor, especially due to something which can often be prevented. 

“We expect our departments to be extremely busy this winter. Be assured that despite the difficulties we face providing the service we would like for our patients, we will be open and there to look after you if you need help. We support this advice which could prevent the need for a stay in an A&E.” 

Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, President of the BGS, said: “A fall doesn’t have to mean the beginning of the end of independent living. Many older people recover quickly if they avoid a ‘long lie’ on the floor and get prompt help. Simple strength and balance exercises twice a week, good footwear, removing trip hazards in the home and a review with your GP can dramatically cut your risk.”

Top tips to prevent falls this winter
• Carry a mobile phone or wear a pendant alarm.
• Have a key-safe or give a spare key to someone trusted.
• Wear well-fitting slippers with grip.
• Keep paths clear of clutter and trailing wires.
• Stay active – even gentle movement helps.
• Eat regularly and keep hydrated and don’t drink too much alcohol, especially if you feel unsteady.
• Get your eyes and hearing checked.
• Never rush when standing up.

More help is available from NHS Inform (Prevent falls by identifying hazards at home | NHS inform), Age UK (0800 678 1602) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s free “Get Up and Go” guide.

The College of Paramedics welcomes the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) decision to launch a formal consultation on proposed changes to Sections 135 and 136 of the Mental Health Act. The announcement follows sustained advocacy from the College and other healthcare organisations, who raised serious concerns about the implications of the proposed legislation.

The Mental Health Bill is in its final stages in Parliament. The Bill included proposed amendments that would have required paramedics and other healthcare professionals to detain individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and remove them to a place of safety, powers that are currently held only by police constables. These changes, which relate to Section 135 (entry with warrant into private premises) and Section 136 (detention in public places), were due to be implemented without consultation with the professions expected to enact them.

The College maintained throughout that any legislative changes affecting paramedics and the patients they care for must be subject to proper consultation. Following campaign work from the College and partner organisations, Baroness Merron announced in the Commons on Monday 24 November that the government will now consult on the proposed amendments to Sections 135 and 136. The consultation will seek views on appropriate powers, responsibilities, and joint-working models to ensure that both healthcare professionals and police have the right tools to protect people in crisis from harming themselves or others.

Chief Executive Tracy Nicholls said:
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our members who took the time to share their experiences and insights throughout this process. Your voices have been instrumental in ensuring that the realities of frontline practice are fully understood. I would also like to thank Baroness Merron and the wider DHSC team for recognising the importance of a more comprehensive consultation. This decision will allow for a far more informed and collaborative approach.  One that supports our profession and, most importantly, safeguards the patients who find themselves in deeply vulnerable circumstances and rely on a skilled, compassionate team to help them through crisis.”

Earlier this year, the College gathered feedback from members and produced a detailed report outlining concerns regarding the proposed changes. This report was shared with DHSC policy advisers, MPs, and members of the House of Lords, ensuring that the voice of the profession was central in shaping the debate.

College of Paramedics Policy and Public Affairs Manager Mandy Powell said:
“This is a great result for the College and our members. It means that future government policy will be informed by the professional experience and expertise of paramedics. Sincere thanks to all our members who take part in our surveys and calls for evidence: this announcement demonstrates the power of our collective voice.”

Jo Mildenhall, Paramedic Psychological Health & Wellbeing Manager at the College said…
“This is an important step in ensuring both paramedics’ and patients’ voices are heard and their expertise recognised. I welcome this consultation as the right approach to a complex issue that demands thoughtful consideration. I look forward to the College’s active role in the scoping of the consultation and in shaping solutions.” 

The consultation will be led by the DHSC with input from the College and other key stakeholders. The College will continue to update members as further information becomes available and will provide opportunities for members to contribute to the consultation process.

We’re getting everything ready for a system upgrade ahead of the new year. As part of our system migration, the College of Paramedics website and app will be temporarily unavailable from the  8th December to the 12th December.

During this period, you won’t be able to log in or access any member services online. 

If you need support while the systems are offline, our team will still be here to help. You can reach us via:
 

For membership enquiries please contact; 
(01278) 420 014 
[email protected] 

For Fitness to Practice enquiries please contact (before any self-referrals to the HCPC); 

24 HOUR LEGAL HELPLINE: 
During Office Hours: 0203 3193700 / 07464549168 
Our of hours/ Emergency: 0800 0111001

For all other enquiries please contact; 
General enquiries: [email protected]  
Education enquiries: [email protected]
Education Conference enquiries: 07903027956 
Event enquiries: [email protected] 
Marketing enquiries: [email protected] 

Press Enquiries; 
Tel: (01278) 427 212  
[email protected]

Following the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) we held earlier this month in which members gave their overwhelming approval to apply for a name change on our Charter to ‘Royal College of Paramedics’, we now have great pleasure in announcing that His Majesty The King has granted permission for our name to be amended on the Royal Charter, and that from January 1, 2026, we will officially be known as The Royal College of Paramedics. Thank you to everyone involved who made this incredible honour possible and we look forward to celebrating our new name and our 25th anniversary with you next year.

Our members approve the change of name to Royal College of Paramedics, at a Extraordinary General Meeting and a vote of 97.24% in favour of the Special Resolution: 

That, having been granted permission by His Majesty The King, the title ‘Royal’ be added to the designation of the Chartered charity so as to be designated as ‘Royal College of Paramedics’, in substitution for and to the exclusion of the designation ‘College of Paramedics’, with effect from 1st January 2026, subject to such changes as the Privy Council may require. 

We want to thank all our members who voted as well as those who attended the EGM online. 

We received 2,552 votes with 97.24% voting in favour of the name change. 

The College will now apply to the Privy Council for our name to be amendment on the Royal Charter, making Royal College of Paramedics our legal name from the 1st January 2026, when we will also have legally and financially transferred from our current company limited by guarantee 05062387 (Registered charity no. 1164445) to the Chartered charity 1211180 (Registered company no. RC000940).  

In order to ensure we have the Charter amendment in time for this legal transition, we are focusing only on the name change at this stage. In the future we will approach the members and Privy Council to approve the adjustment of the post nominals and other changes that may be necessary, through an application for a full Supplemental Charter. 

Read about the benefits of being a Royal College here 

If you attended the EGM and/or voted remember to write it up for your portfolio as professional activities such as voting and attending meetings of your professional body contribute to your CPD. 

A recording of the EGM is available for members to view via the CPD Hub in the coming weeks.