RRDCs (regional resident doctor committees) are the voice of resident doctors living and working in a region - they represent resident doctors locally, regionally and nationally and send representatives to the UK RDC (resident doctors committee).
We are the only national trade union or organisation that represents resident doctors to hold yearly national elections open to all members.
How to join your RRDC
There are many advantages to becoming involved in our committees. You can actively influence BMA policy-making and negotiations at regional level, represent your colleagues' voices and develop your leadership skills.
Every year, elections for the 13 RRDCs in England are held for their executive committee for a one-session term (12 months). Roles include, but are not limited to: chair, deputy chair, secretary, communications officer, LTFT forum rep and equalities officer. Of those elected, 42 will automatically get a seat on UKRDC.
The elections are run via the BMA online election system, usually after the August rotation, with results known in early September.
The 2025-26 elections are now in progress.
English regional elections 2025 to 2026
Elections are currently being held for seats to the RRDCs in England:
Nominations open: 12 noon Monday 11th August
Nominations close: 12 noon Friday 22nd August
Voting opens: 12 noon Tuesday 26th August
Voting closes: 12 noon Monday 8th September
Resident doctors* who are BMA members are eligible to stand and vote in this election exclusively in the region where they live or work. Some regions have specific rules about eligibility for designated roles. Please check the election information for your RRDC received by email at the start of the nomination period to make sure you meet the candidate eligibility criteria before nominating yourself.
*A resident doctor is defined as:
Doctors holding an appointment in a recognised training grade or who are within four calendar years of holding such an appointment and able to declare their intention of fulfilling such an appointment again. Any period of statutory leave is excluded when determining four calendar years.
Members are at the heart of the BMA. Our elected members, supported by expert staff, play an important part in all our work and have a vital role in representing doctors’ interests and ensuring their voices are heard. We particularly encourage nominations from women and other groups underrepresented in our structures.
Find out: What to expect as a committee member.
We provide a committee mentoring scheme to support the development of committee members in a medico-political environment by matching them with more experienced committee members based on their needs.
We have a range of learning and development opportunities available for elected members focusing on leadership and active bystander training, and as well as training for committee chairs and deputy chairs. There is also a package of online EDI training modules on topics such as inclusive leadership, understanding unconscious bias, and effective influencing at the BMA.
The BMA Family friendly fund provides care arrangements to allow committee and board members to participate fully in BMA activities.
The BMA is committed to ensuring our committees are diverse and representative. We encourage nominations from members who are underrepresented on our elected structures, including women, members from an ethnic minority background, LGBTQ+ members, and members who are disabled, neurodivergent or have a long-term condition.
To ensure you can participate in the correct election, please confirm your BMA account details are up to date.
If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]
Find your local RRDC
Log in to find your local RRDC.
Get in touch
If you would like to learn more about the RRDCs, please contact your regional secretariat to find out how to get involved. If you need further information or aren't sure which region you fall under, email us.
The BMA is working to meet the challenges that women face in the medical profession.
Stand for a BMA committee and be part of this change.
As of 18 September, all references to junior doctors in BMA communications have been changed to ‘resident doctors’.
Making up nearly 25% of all doctors in the UK, this cohort will now have a title that better reflects their huge range of skills and responsibilities.
Find out more about why junior doctors are now known as 'resident doctors'.