The Faculty of Clinical Informatics has officially decided to close down and transfer its assets and members to the British Computer Society (BCS). This marks the final step in the Faculty’s journey, which was initially established to serve as the professional membership body for clinical informaticians in the UK.
Following the decision, the BCS will establish a new community group to welcome FCI members who choose to join. According to an update from the FCI, 154 members voted in favor of the motion to close down the Faculty, with 66 votes considered invalid. This means that out of the 745 FCI members entitled to vote, only 88 valid votes were cast, representing 11% of the total membership.
The update also mentioned that work with the BCS to finalize offers to FCI members and establish the Clinical Informatics Community Group is nearly finished. Additionally, a mapping process for Fellows and an approach to the BCS Registration & Standards Committee are set for final approval.
The decision to close down the FCI comes after the organization’s failure to secure expected grant funding from NHS England, coupled with an extensive hiring spree that depleted reserves. This resulted in a discord between executive staff and elected members, ultimately leading to the Faculty’s demise.
