College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

About

The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH) previously FSRH, is a British professional membership body dedicated to improving the practice of sexual and reproductive healthcare, and is the voice for professionals working in this area. As a multi-disciplinary organisation, it sets clinical guidance and standards, provides training and lifelong education, and champions safe and effective sexual and reproductive healthcare across the life course for all. It represents over 14,000 healthcare professionals. The organisation believes that access to SRH is a fundamental right. They work together with members and partners to shape better sexual and reproductive healthcare for all. Their vision is of high-quality sexual and reproductive health at every stage of our lives. In 2024, the president is Dr Janet Barter; she succeeded Dr Asha Kasliwal in the post.

The National Association of Family Planning Doctors was established in the early 1970s, when approximately 1000 family planning clinics were handed over to the National Health Service (NHS) to be managed by the Local Area Health Authority Public Health departments. This left no medical body to represent doctors working in this field that could facilitate sharing of good practice and the development of standards, guidelines and training. In 1972, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) established the Joint Committee on Contraception (JCC) in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), which took over the FPA's training role. In 1974, the National Association of Family Planning Doctors (NAFPD) was formed to represent doctors working in the field and disseminate good practice. The first president of NAFPD was Professor Sir Stanley Clayton who was also President of the RCOG, which cemented the connection between what is now the Faculty and the RCOG. NAFPD published the first issue of what is now the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care C the following year in 1975. On 26 March 1993, the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare was set up as part of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and in 1997 the Clicinal Effectiveness Committee was established. The name of the Faculty changed to the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FRSH) in 2007. Lastly, the name changed to College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare in 2025. The College's works to advance medical knowledge and training in sexual and reproductive health care, as well as promoting high standards of professional practice in the area encourage improvements in quality and provide a voice for professionals involved in SRH. These underpin the main purpose of the organisation, to ensure that patients are safely and properly cared for.

CoSRH Membership is open to healthcare professionals who have passed their qualifications and maintain appropriate continuous professional development (CPD). It offers a range of membership options based on qualifications, professional interests, and career stages. The types of membership available are:

Diplomate Membership: Awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the CoSRH Diploma qualification. Diplomate members enjoy access to a benefits package that supports their ongoing professional development, including free recertification for maintaining their qualifications. This membership is ideal for healthcare professionals who are committed to advancing their skills in SRH. Associate Membership: Available to candidates who have completed one of the CoSRH's Letters of Competence (LoC) qualifications, such as LoC IUT or LoC SDI. Associate members gain access to a wide range of benefits that help them stay informed and continue developing their expertise in SRH. Membership of the CoSRH (MCSRH): Awarded to candidates who pass both Part I and Part II of the MCSRH examination, typically undertaken by Specialty Registrars in Community Sexual and Reproductive Health (CSRH). MCSRH members have access to a comprehensive package of resources and professional development opportunities that support them throughout their careers. Affiliate Membership: Open to anyone with an interest in sexual and reproductive health, Affiliate membership is not tied to any formal qualifications. Affiliate members gain access to a range of resources that help them stay informed and connected with the SRH community. Affiliate International Membership: Available to candidates who have completed the SRH International Programme. This membership is designed for international healthcare professionals who wish to stay engaged with SRH developments globally. CoSRH offers various CPD and training opportunities for international members. Retired Membership: Available to existing CoSRH Members, Diplomates, Associates, Affiliates, or Fellows who are retiring from all paid practice. Retired members retain access to a range of member benefits, including continued opportunities for engagement and networking within the SRH field. Members benefit from ongoing educational opportunities, access to the latest SRH resources, and the chance to network with other professionals in the field of sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.