The College has since its inception, and previously as the Royal Medico-Psychological Association, been concerned with the freedom of the individual and the importance of preserving the individual's rights. The College has been instrumental in helping to bring about the policy of open doors in psychiatric hospitals.

1. The recent development and diversification of assessment and intervention techniques together with the strengthening of the professional identity of disciplines allied to child psychiatry has resulted in changes in working arrangements in Child Guidance settings. A recent informal survey suggests that this has led to ambiguities in the role of the child psychiatrist, which are eroding the service provided to patients as well as their Job satisfaction.

The joint Liaison Committee of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of General Practitioners has recently agreed to guidelines dealing with the experience that would be desirable for a general practitioner trainee occupying a post in psychiatry. The draft Guidelines have now been accepted by the Councils of both Colleges and are commended to all those concerned with the psychiatric education of vocational trainees in general practice.