Today, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) publishes it's refreshed Strategy for 2025–2030, marking the start of our next chapter defined by ambition, inclusion, and global connection.
At a time when women’s health and rights continue to face both profound challenges and unprecedented opportunities, the RCOG’s refreshed strategy sets out a clear and confident vision: to be a thriving home for the obstetrics and gynaecology profession, a global force for progress and a powerful advocate for the wellbeing and rights of women and girls everywhere.
At the heart of this vision are the College’s Members and Fellows – a global community of experts, educators and advocates whose work and dedication fuels the College’s global mission of improving the health of women and girls. Clinical leaders from across the O&G field have shaped this strategy, ensuring it reflects the priorities and realities of the profession worldwide.
Equally, recognising the changing landscape of service delivery both in the UK and globally, the College will continue to make wellbeing a priority for its Members. The future must be one where healthcare professionals are supported, valued and empowered.
The College enters this new strategic period following five years of remarkable growth, innovation, and meaningful impact. Membership has expanded to more than 18,000 professionals across over 100 countries – representing a 20% increase since 2020 – strengthening the College’s reach and influence and ensuring that more clinicians globally benefit from our resources, training, and support.
Education and training remain central to the College’s mission. Over the last five years we’ve delivered new curricula, innovative training programmes and expanded examination capacity, helping healthcare professionals across the globe to improve standards of care.
Beyond education, the RCOG has made significant strides in advocacy and policy, championing women’s health rights and access to high-quality care. Including campaigning successfully for the decriminalisation of abortion in England and Wales and urging the UK Government to tackle the gynaecology waiting list crisis and ensure services are properly resourced.
The College has also expanded global training programmes to strengthen healthcare skills in underserved communities around the world.
Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “This refreshed strategy reinforces the College’s role as a thriving, supportive and inclusive home for all who work in obstetrics and gynaecology. Only through our members expertise and dedication can we achieve our global mission of improving the health of women and girls. Over the next five years, the College will continue to innovate its membership offer, strengthen clinical standards, and drive improvements in care for women and girls. As healthcare evolves, the College will keep advocating for our profession and the patients we serve.”
Kate Lancaster, CEO of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “I’m incredibly proud of where the College stands today - a truly global leader in women’s health, powered by the dedication and expertise of our global membership, our clinical volunteers and dedicated staff. Our strength lies in our ability to bring people together, uniting professionals and organisations across the women’s health landscape to drive meaningful change. This refreshed strategy builds on that success, setting out our ambition to deepen our global influence, strengthen collaboration, and continue improving outcomes for women and girls everywhere.”
Jane Plumb, Chair of the RCOG’s Women’s Network said: “I’m proud that the Women’s Network contributed to this strategy. It makes clear that women and people using obstetric and gynaecology services must remain at the heart of the College’s work. Good care starts with listening – to women and people, their families and those with lived experience. When their voices guide decisions, services can be safe, respectful and truly meet people’s needs. We look forward to helping turn this strategy into action over the coming years.”
Baroness Blackstone, Chair of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “As the RCOG approaches its centenary, our refreshed strategy focuses clearly on what the College does best: setting the highest professional standards, driving excellence in education and training, and influencing change to improve women’s health worldwide. By investing in people, knowledge and innovation, we can transform both the future of our specialty and the lives of women and girls across the globe.”