Sustainability Scholar
- Status : One-year term (September 2025 to 2026)
- Salary : Voluntary (dedicated bursary of £800)
- Closing date : 12/09/2025
- Interview date : 22/09/2025
About the role
Higher Resident or SAS Psychiatrists are invited to apply for our Sustainability Scholars programme starting in September 2025. The scholar will work with the RCPsych Planetary Health and Sustainability Committee one day a week for a period of one year. Resident Doctors may wish to use their Professional Development Time (Special Interest Day) to undertake this work. SAS Psychiatrists should seek local support from the Trust SAS Lead or Tutor. The College's SAS Committee is also happy to provide support to SAS Scholars.
This is a programme that supports Resident Doctors and SAS Psychiatrists to develop their knowledge of the interface between planetary and mental health supporting development of skills in leadership, advocacy and supporting sustainable quality improvement.
Emphasis is placed on recognising the impacts of climate change, ecological degradation and interface with social justice while imagining ways to develop practical solutions to more adaptable, nature and prevention focused mental health services. Scholars get a dedicated study budget for the year.
Background
The RCPsych Sustainability Scholar Programme has been running for over six years and was previously known as the Green Scholarship Programme. Previous successful candidates have used their allocated “special interest” professional development time (one day per week), to sit on the RCPsych Planetary Health and Sustainability Committee and lead on projects for the College.
The areas on which previous scholars have focused have been varied, identifying opportunities to focus on College work, developing sustainable programmes locally, advocacy through presentations, and building relationships with organisations and colleagues working in the area.
These projects will be supported by an ?800 study budget that the scholar can use to develop a chosen project and attend relevant training or conferences.
To learn more about what the College is doing to combat the climate and ecological emergency please read our position statement: Our planet’s climate and ecological emergency.
Closing date: Friday 12 September @ midnight
Interview date: Week commencing 22 September
How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this post, please submit a CV and a covering letter demonstrating experience (one A4 side) to governance@rcpsych.ac.uk.
For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Theo Roberts, Membership and Governance Executive Officer.
Find out more in the full job description below: