The mission of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is to develop and maintain high professional standards in specialist medical practice in order to achieve optimum patient care and to promote health nationally and internationally. Through its Faculties, Institutes and Committees, RCPI has responsibility for the postgraduate education and training of doctors across a broad range of training programmes.
Position Title: Chair, MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology Examinations Board
Affiliation: Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG), RCPI
Department/Function: Postgraduate Training and Education
Tenure of Office: Three years (renewable once)
Closing date: 21 July 2026 at 16:00
The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, RCPI, is the national professional and training body for Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Ireland, working to ensure the highest standards in women’s health. The Institute is accredited by the Medical Council of Ireland to deliver postgraduate specialist training and maintains high standards of education, training and professional practice in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
The objectives of the Institute are:
(i) To advance the science, art and practice of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
(ii) To promote excellence in education, study and research in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
(iii) To represent the specialty on national and international bodies relating to postgraduate medical education and training.
(iv) To advise statutory bodies on matters concerning Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
(v) To maintain registers of trainees, training posts and membership.
Role Overview
The Chair, MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology Examinations Board provides leadership and oversight, governance and academic oversight of the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology examinations.
The postholder acts on behalf of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in matters relating to assessment and examination standards.
Working closely with the Director of Education and Training, Institute Chair, Examinations Committee and RCPI Examinations Department, the Chair, MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology Examinations Board is responsible for ensuring that the examinations are valid, reliable, fair and aligned with the curriculum and standards required for postgraduate specialist training.
The postholder provides leadership in examination development, quality assurance, standard setting, examiner engagement and assessment strategy, safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology examinations. Additional duties may be undertaken as required, including delivery of the examinations overseas.
Reporting Relationships
- Reports to the Chair of the Institute of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
- Provides updates to the RCPI Examinations Committee
- Engages with the Education & Training Committee as required
- Is a member of the RCPI Examinations Committee and the Institute Education & Training Committee
- Chairs the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology Examinations Board
- Works closely with the Director of Education & Training, Institute Chair, Examinations Committee and RCPI Examinations Department
Key Responsibilities
Governance and Leadership
- Chair the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology Examinations Board and provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the examinations.
- Ensure compliance with RCPI governance frameworks, policies and examination regulations.
- Escalate significant examination issues, risks or concerns to the appropriate governance bodies and contribute to the Institute's assessment strategy.
Examination Development and Quality Assurance
- Provide academic oversight of all components of the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology examinations, ensuring alignment with the curriculum, learning outcomes and expected standards.
- Oversee the development, review, approval and standard setting of examination content, including question writing, blueprinting and assessment materials.
- Monitor examination performance, candidate outcomes and psychometric data to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness and consistency of assessments and to support continuous improvement.
Examination Delivery
- Work closely with the RCPI Examinations Department to ensure the effective, secure and high-quality delivery of examinations in Ireland and internationally, where required.
- Oversee the approval and sign-off of examination content and processes.
Examiners and Convenors
- Recommend the appointment of examination convenors, lead examiners and board members as appropriate.
- Support examiner recruitment, development, succession planning and the maintenance of consistent assessment standards.
Regulations, Appeals and Candidate Performance
- Review examination outcomes and candidate performance reports.
- Provide academic input into examination regulations and amendments and participate in the consideration of examination appeals and exceptional case reviews in accordance with RCPI policies.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with Institute Officers, Board members, examination convenors and RCPI staff on examination matters.
- Represent the Institute on examination-related matters and support communication regarding examination developments and standards.
Additional Responsibilities
- Undertake additional duties as required by the Institute and RCPI, including attendance at examination centres, meetings and other examination-related activities nationally and internationally.
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is an inclusive employer and in line with our policies you are invited to disclose any reasonable accommodations you require for applying, interviewing or working with RCPI. Please be assured this information will be treated as confidential and not used for the purpose of selection. If you have any queries, please contact Suzann Donnelly at [email protected].
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.
Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.
