Fostering Respect

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

RANZCOG

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Updated
18 September 2023

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.

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 surveys

In August and September 2023, we conducted a member and trainee survey on the prevalence of discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and harassment (DBSH) in O&G. We will publish results of this survey on this webpage in October or November 2023.

Our 2023 survey follows on from our 2021 and 2016 surveys.


Independent survey provider

The College has contracted BPA Analytics to conduct its 2021 and 2023 surveys and collate the results. These surveys are confidential and anonymous; RANZCOG receives 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

Advocacy 31 July 2023
Fostering Respect update
RANZCOG has provided an update on its work to foster a better culture within O&G.
President 28 February 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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