The GMC will start the recruitment process for his successor in September this year
Professor Colin Melville has announced his plan to retire as the Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards at the General Medical Council (GMC) next summer.
Professor Melville joined the GMC in 2017, transitioning from his role as head of Lancaster Medical School.
Before that, he held senior leadership roles at Warwick Medical School, Hull York Medical School, and North Yorkshire East Coast Foundation School.
Professor Melville said: “It has been a difficult decision to leave the GMC, which is a fantastic organisation with so many wonderful colleagues.
“I have had the privilege of overseeing some exciting changes to education and standards, but I believe now is the right for me to step back from a full-time executive role.
“And, of course, I am looking forward to doing some different things and having more time for family and friends.”
A registered doctor and former consultant in intensive care medicine, Professor Melville began his clinical career in 1983.
He was awarded Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Medical Educators in 2018 and became an Honorary Professor in Medical Education at Manchester University. In 2022, he was also appointed Visiting Professor at Anglia Ruskin University.
Professor Melville will retire at the end of June 2025 and the recruitment process for his successor will commence in September, with the position being advertised across the UK through an open campaign.
During his time at the GMC, Professor Melville has overseen the introduction of the Medical Licensing Assessment. He has been instrumental in the regulator’s work to address unfairness in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, and played a key role in ensuring education and training was maintained during the pandemic.
Charlie Massey, Chief Executive and Registrar of the GMC, said: “While at the GMC Colin has provided strong leadership and strategic direction, and worked tirelessly to oversee an ambitious programme of work that has contributed to real change for the benefit of patients and doctors.
“We are hugely grateful for all that he has achieved, and will be sorry to see him leave.”
