The Royal College of Physicians of London
Analysis
The Royal College of Physicians of London is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in July 1963, 63 years ago. Its declared purposes cover general charitable purposes, education/training, the advancement of health or saving of lives and disability, which this site groups under health and saving lives. It says it makes grants to individuals, provides human resources and provides buildings/facilities/open space.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Royal College of Physicians of London reported income of £46.3m and spending of £45.8m, spending 99% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £34.6m to £46.3m (+34%), an average of +7.5% a year. Over the whole period it spent 100% of the income it received.
Among 24,651 England and Wales charities whose main cause is health and saving lives and that reported income, The Royal College of Physicians of London sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Prostate Cancer UK (£45.5m), Clean Air Fund (£47.6m) and Friends of Benenden Hospital (£45.0m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 79%, trading 15% and investments 2.8%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £191k. Charitable activities took 85% of spending and raising funds 1.0%. Reserves of £16.9m would cover about 4 months of spending at that rate. It employed 431 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 0.4%
- Legacies 0.4%
- Charitable activities 79%
- Trading 15%
- Investments 2.8%
- Other 3.0%
In the charity's own words
The Charity plays a leading role in the delivery of high quality patient care, by high standards of medical practice and promoting clinical excellence. The Charity provides Physicians in the UK and overseas with education, training and support throughout their careers. The Charity also advises and works with Government, the public, patients and other professions to improve healthcare.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Prostate Cancer UK | London | £45.5m |
| Clean Air Fund | London | £47.6m |
| Friends of Benenden Hospital | Cranbrook | £45.0m |
| The Babraham Institute | Cambridge | £48.0m |