The Collegiate Trainees Committee (CTC) of the Royal College of Psychiatrists was founded in 1976 following an initiative of the then President, Professor Andrew Sims. It represents trainees from both the United Kingdom and also Ireland. Members are elected to a two year term of office by trainees in each of thirteen constituencies, with elections held in half of these in any given year. This session describes in detail the history, development, structure, role and functions of the CTC with special emphasis on the successes and the challenges encountered over the years. The factors crucial to the viability and strength of the CTC will be critically analysed and discussed, and comparisons will be drawn with national trainee associations elsewhere in Europe.