The RACP has announced the departure of its CEO and a major spending program that will see it plunge into the red for at least the next four years, in its most significant shake-up in recent memory.
It is unclear what, if any, connection exists between the surprise announcements – posted within quick succession on the RACP website late last week – although college president Dr Jacqueline Small has declared the reform package is “unaffected” by the hunt for a new boss.
The college’s post offers few particulars, noting only that current CEO Lee Whitney resigned “after forming the view that the agenda of the RACP would be best addressed by a CEO with a specific focus on governance reform”.
![](https://thelimbic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lee-whitney.jpg)
Lee Whitney
Mr Whitney, a former Chartered Accountants ANZ executive who joined the college last November, will serve in the role until Friday, 19 April.
“The president and the board has thanked Mr Whitney for coming to his decision quickly and for his actions in progressing several major projects particularly those required to transform technology platforms and digital member engagement,” it goes on to say (link here).
“The Board has commenced actions to seek an interim CEO. Mr Whitney will work closely with the board and senior team over the coming weeks to minimise disruption to the college and its current transformation processes.”
“The RACP Board reiterates its commitment to improvements in training and education, governance, and member experience. Health equity, workforce and wellbeing are key college focus areas.”
RACP unveils major spending program
Dr Jacqueline Small’s president’s message on Friday had more details about the planned transformation, which would see significant upgrades to the college’s IT and training infrastructure.
Major projects underway this year include:
- Renewal of the advanced training curriculum to meet AMC requirements
- A new training management platform
- A new member relationship management platform aimed at delivering a more personalised, proactive, supportive service offering to members based on more sophisticated data collection and personalisation
Coupled with broader program of technology investment, the overhaul is expected to cost millions of dollars, although the college said it had not “projected an all-up cost”.
“Trying to do so over a five-year timespan would not provide an accurate picture, as costs and the macro-economic environment can change significantly during that period,” it said in an FAQ.