Fostering Respect

RANZCOG supports the cultivation of respectful O&G workplaces and training environments, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination of any kind.

RANZCOG

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Updated
8 November 2022

CONTACT

Carly Moorfield
Trainee Support Liaison and Fostering Respect Project Lead
traineeliaison@ranzcog.edu.au

It is in everyone’s interest to foster a culture of respect in medical workplaces: teams perform better, individuals are empowered to do their best work and risks to patient safety are reduced.

RANZCOG supports the cultivation of respectful O&G workplaces and training environments, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination of any kind.

This stance aligns with our values of kindness, integrity and respect.”


FOSTERING RESPECT ACTION PLAN

Our Fostering Respect Action Plan outlines how the College will implement the 24 recommendations of the independent Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Advisory Working Group.

Nurse and doctor talking in hospital


Discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and harassment survey

In 2021 we conducted a member survey on the prevalence of discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and harassment (DBSH) in O&G.

Survey background

In 2021 we conducted an independent, confidential and anonymous survey of our members and trainees on bullying, harassment and discrimination by a professional colleague.

A similar survey was conducted in 2016, however this time we included Diplomates.

Since the 2016 survey, RANZCOG has launched a Code of Conduct, established the Training Support Unit and introduced a member support program through Converge International; read more on our Member Wellbeing page.

RANZCOG has also:

formed working groups for wellbeing, mentoring, and gender equity and diversity;

created workshops on wellbeing and respectful workplaces.

Independent survey provider

BPA Analytics was contracted to conduct this survey and collate the results. Funding was allocated from an external source. Members were not asked for personal or workplace details and all information will remain confidential and anonymous. RANZCOG received only de-identified, aggregated data. Please view BPA’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.


Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Advisory Working Group

In 2021 RANZCOG convened the independent BHD Advisory Working Group to inform our work in preventing mistreatment in O&G. The working group made 24 recommendations to the College Board, which the Board accepted.

Our Fostering Respect Action Plan (see above) outlines how we will implement the recommendations.

BHD Advisory Working Group background

The BHD Advisory Working Group provided recommendations to the Board on how RANZCOG could support and advocate for the prevention of mistreatment in O&G.

In preparing their report, the Advisory Working Group drew on the following research and consultation:

2021 RANZCOG Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination survey

submissions from RANZCOG members and trainees;

consultation with College committees.

Working group members

There were six members of the BHD Advisory Working Group:

Jane Bell, Chair (Australia)

Dr Helen Szoke AO, Deputy Chair (Australia)

Ria Earp (Aotearoa New Zealand)

Prof Maxine Morand (Australia)

Prof Ron Paterson ONZM (Aotearoa New Zealand)

Michael Gorton AM (Australia)


Confidential support for members

We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our members and trainees. If you have encountered discrimination, bullying or harassment in your workplace, we encourage you to seek confidential support.


Related news

President 17 June 2022
Statement on Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Advisory Working Group report
RANZCOG is now developing an action plan to guide future work to help hospitals provide safe and respectful workplaces.
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