Thank you so much, Jetblue.
The middle position is not labelled at all, whereas the On and Off positions are labelled (I and O respectively). This is the reason I'm confused by the behaviour of the RCD.
I'd made the (incorrect) assumption that the trip position would be the same as the Off position (as is the case with every MCB I've ever dealt with), and that this middle position was a fault.
I pushed the switch down to the Off position (for the umpteenth time) but I pressed it with much more force this time. Sure enough, it clicked into that position and remained there. Then flicked it up into the On position and everything is hunky-dory again.
I'd have felt like some tool had I not read your comment and called an electrician.