Presidential election in 2026 and amendments to College Ordinances
A new President Elect: election coming in early 2026
Our President plays a central role in leading the College. They help shape our strategic direction, champion pathology across the UK and internationally, and make sure members’ views are represented at the highest levels.
With the next election approaching, we are inviting Fellows to consider standing and encouraging everyone eligible to vote to take part.
President Elect election timetable 2026
The timetable is now confirmed:
- Nominations open: 16 January (third Friday in January)
- Nominations close: 6 February (first Friday in February)
- Voting opens: 20 February (third Friday in February)
- Voting closes: 20 March (third Friday in March)
- Election result: 27 March (fourth Friday in March).
After nominations close, the Governance and Nominations Committee will carry out due diligence and then ratify the nominations. Both steps can be completed by email, keeping the process straightforward and accessible.
How nominations and voting will work
The nomination process, and any ballot that follows, will be run on the College’s behalf by Civica Election Services. They will email all Fellows with nomination guidance. Information will also be available on the College website and shared through our social media channels.
Please note, under the College’s Ordinances, the next President cannot be from the same specialty as the current President. This means that Fellows in chemical pathology or clinical biochemistry are not eligible to stand on this occasion.
When the President Elect takes office
The President Elect will become President at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 November.
What changed in the College Ordinances – and why
The amendments approved at the AGM on 12 November 2025 follow our 2024 governance review, which looked at how we can keep our governance structures current, practical and supported by the right expertise.These updates are deliberately small, but they matter. They reflect how the College works today and give us a little more flexibility for the future.
Key updates include the following.
Removal of the Assistant Registrar role
References to the Assistant Registrar have been removed. The position is now designated as a Vice President, so this change simplifies the Ordinances and aligns them with current practice.
Updated Vice President structure
The Ordinances now state that the College will normally elect 4 Vice Presidents. The Board may also choose to elect a fifth Vice President if it is in the College’s best interests; for example, to fill a skills gap or bring in specific experience.
Clearer definitions of cellular and non-cellular pathology
New definitions set out which specialties fall within cellular pathology and which are considered non-cellular pathology. This is important because the presidency alternates between these broad disciplines, helping ensure balanced representation across the profession.
A small number of related cross-references and procedural clauses were also tidied up. This includes clearer wording on interim Honorary Officer appointments if unexpected vacancies arise.
Next steps
We are now seeking the Privy Council’s formal consent so the amendments can come fully into effect. Once approval is received, the updated Ordinances will be published on the College website and shared through our usual member communications.
In the meantime, please look out for the nominations announcement. Consider whether you might stand and, most importantly, take part in the vote. A strong turnout helps ensure our next President has a clear mandate from across the Fellowship.
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