A1.1.1     Pursuant to clause 3.2 of the RANZCOG Constitution and prior to 1 July 2016, the Board may admit as a Member persons who have met either of the following requirements:

A1.1.2     Pursuant to clause 3.2 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board will continue to recognise as a Member those persons who were admitted as a Member of the College prior to 1 July 2016.

 [Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2015]

A1.1.3     RANZCOG Members must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.2.1     Pursuant to clause 3.3 of the RANZCOG Constitution the Board may admit as a Fellow person who have met either of the following requirements:

A1.2.2     Applicants for elevation to Fellowship must complete all administrative requirements, including completion of relevant documents and payment of any necessary fees within six (6) months of the Fellowship elevation date or the date of the Board meeting at which their application for elevation to Fellowship is approved, whichever is the latter, or the offer of Fellowship will lapse and an additional application will need to be made.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2015]

A1.2.3     Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG) will be awarded for a period of three (3) years in the first instance and thereafter for periods of three (3) years pursuant to all relevant RANZCOG regulations.

A1.2.4     As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

A1.2.5     The annual subscription for a RANZCOG Fellow will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.2.6     Fellows identified as having 35 years or more continuous Fellowship with the College shall be awarded 35-Year Fellowship.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2020]

A1.2.7     While certified according to the requirements as prescribed by the College, a RANZCOG Fellow will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘FRANZCOG’.

A1.2.8     RANZCOG Fellows will receive electronic access to all College publications including resources offered through its eLearning platform.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.2.9     A RANZCOG Fellow shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.

A1.2.10  RANZCOG Fellows must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.2.11   RANZCOG Fellowship may also be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) regulations. RANZCOG Fellows are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.2.12     Regional Fellow

A1.3.1     Pursuant to clause 3.5 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board may confer Honorary Fellowship upon ‘obstetricians and gynaecologists of renown, distinguished members of the medical profession and other eminent persons, whether or not those eminent persons are members of the medical profession’.

A1.3.2     The College may confer Honorary Fellowship on an individual who is a member of the College in any category other than Fellow.

A1.3.3     Honorary Fellows shall have the same powers, privileges and liabilities as a Fellow, but shall not be required to:

A1.3.4     Honorary Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominal ‘FRANZCOG (Hon)’.

A1.3.5     Honorary Fellows will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.3.6     Honorary Fellows shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.3.7     Honorary Fellows must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.3.8     Membership as an Honorary Fellow may also be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) regulations. Honorary Fellows are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.4.1     ‘Retired Fellow’ is a subclass of FRANZCOG membership. A Retired Fellow is defined as a Fellow of the College who has completely and permanently retired from practice as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist and is no longer practising or registered as a medical practitioner in Australia or New Zealand.

A1.4.2     Where the Fellow continues to practice in another specialist field or remains registered as a medical practitioner in Australia or New Zealand, he/she will continue as a Fellow of the College and will not be exempt from any professional development requirements.

A1.4.3     A Fellow who meets the requirements of Regulation A1.3.1, wishing to be recognised as a Retired Fellow, must apply in writing to the College on the form prescribed by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.4.4     Pursuant to the RANZCOG Constitution, Retired Fellows shall be granted Fellowship for life and shall have the same powers, privileges and liabilities as a Fellow, but shall:

A1.4.5     A Retired Fellow will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘FRANZCOG (Ret)’.

A1.4.6     Any Retired Fellow who subsequently resumes practice or wishes to undertake any specialist obstetric or gynaecological work must advise the College forthwith and undertake such processional development activities as are deemed appropriate by the RANZCOG Board.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.4.7     Retired Fellows must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.5.1     Pursuant to clause 3.4 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board may admit as a Diplomate, persons who have met either of the following requirements:

A1.5.2     Admission to the College as a Diplomate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met.

A1.5.3     Certification as a Diplomate (DRANZCOG/DRANZCOG Advanced) will be awarded for a period of three (3) – five (5) years (adjusted to align with the period of the RACGP Quality Improvement and Continuing Professional Development (QI&CPD) Program and the ACRRM Professional Development Program (PDP). Recertification occurs every three (3) years thereafter pursuant to all relevant RANZCOG regulations.

A1.5.4     As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

A1.5.5     The annual subscription for a Diplomate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.5.6     A Diplomate will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘DRANZCOG’ or ‘DRANZCOG (Adv)’.

A1.5.7     Diplomates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.5.8     A Diplomate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.5.9     A Diplomate shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.

A1.5.10  Diplomates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.5.11    Diplomate membership may also be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) regulations. Diplomates are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.6.1     Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as an Associate Member any medical practitioner who holds a specialist qualification in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology that was not awarded by the College and who is practising unsupervised providing specialist women’s health services in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands or Timor Leste. Associate Members shall for the time being include, but not be limited to:

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee shall support the RANZCOG Board by considering applications for Associate Membership Australia and New Zealand. The Global Health Committee (GHC) shall support the RANZCOG Board by considering applications for Associate Membership Pacific.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A1.6.2     Admission to the College as an Associate Member is not complete until all administrative and other requirements set by the College have been met. This includes payment of all applicable fees. Applicants have two (2) months from the date of the offer of Associate Membership in which to pay the applicable fee(s). If this requirement is not met by that time, the offer of Associate Membership will lapse and the applicant must re-apply.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2015]

A1.6.3     Associate Members admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.3, who move outside of the Pacific Islands or other Countries and/or territories approved by the Board from time to time, for a period of not more than twelve (12) months shall be entitled to retain their membership of the College as an Associate Member resident and practising in a Pacific Island Country/Territory, subject to satisfactory completion of all continuing professional development and other administrative requirements. Associate Members admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.3 who work outside of the Pacific Islands or other Countries and/or Territories approved by the Board from time to time for more than 12 months will be advised of the intention to remove their membership of the College as an Associate Member admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.3 unless they are able to provide evidence that they have returned to a Pacific Island Country or other Country/Territory approved by the Board from time to time, or are able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for membership of the College under another category of membership and make application for that category pursuant to all terms and conditions relevant at the time.

A1.6.4     Continuing Professional Development Requirements for Associate Members

A1.6.5     As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.6.6      Annual Subscription Fee

A1.6.7      An Associate Member will be entitled to acknowledge their Associate Member status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.

A1.6.8     An Associate Member shall retain their status so long as they pay all applicable subscriptions and continue to fulfil all terms and conditions from time to time prescribed by the College, including participation in the relevant required continuing professional development in accordance with A1.6.4.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A1.6.9     Associate Members will receive access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.6.10   An Associate Member shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.6.11   Associate Members must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.6.12   Associate Members may also be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) regulations. Associate Members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

 [Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.7.1     Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board may admit as an Educational Affiliate:

A1.7.2     Admission to the College as an Educational Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met. Applicants have two (2) months from the date of the offer of membership in which to pay the required subscription fee(s). If this requirement is not met by that time, the offer of membership as an Educational Affiliate will lapse and the applicant must re-apply.

A1.7.3     An Educational Affiliate shall have the right to and shall be encouraged to participate in the College’s professional development activities, including attendance at the College’s Annual Scientific Meeting; however, unless specifically mandated by the RANZCOG Board for any of the groups defined in Regulation A1.7.1 above, shall not be required to participate in defined continuing professional development activities in order to retain their status as an Educational Affiliate.

A1.7.4     Unless required to undertake alternative, specific activities by the Board under Regulation A1.7.3 above, Educational Affiliates may apply to participate in the RANZCOG CPD program.

A1.7.5     As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A1.7.6     The annual subscription for an Educational Affiliate described under all of the classes nominated above will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.7.7     The fees payable for participation in the RANZCOG CPD program either as required under Regulation A1.7.3, or elected under Regulation A1.7.4 above, shall be as determined by the RANZCOG Board for that purpose from time to time.

A1.7.8     An Educational Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College.

A1.7.9     Educational Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.7.10   An Educational Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.7.11   An Educational Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.

A1.7.12   Educational Affiliates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.7.13   As members of the College, Educational Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by an Educational Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Professional Standards Committee (PSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the PSC.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.7.14   Membership may be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the PSC regulations. Educational Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.8.1     Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Certificant persons who have met the following requirements:

A1.8.2     Admission to the College as a Certificant is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met. [Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.8.3     Certification as a Certificant (CertWH) will be awarded for a period of three (3) – five (5) years (adjusted to align with the period of the RACGP Quality Improvement and Continuing Professional Development (QI&CPD) Program and the ACRRM Professional Development Program (PDP). Recertification occurs every three (3) years thereafter pursuant to all relevant RANZCOG regulations.

A1.8.4     As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.8.5     The annual subscription for a Certificant will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.8.6     A Certificant will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘CertWH’ while currently certified according to the requirements as prescribed by the College.

A1.8.7     Certificants will receive access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.8.8     A Certificant shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.8.9     A Certificant shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.

A1.8.10   Certificants must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct  and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.8.11    Certificant membership may also be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) regulations. Certificants are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.9.1     Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as an International Affiliate any registered medical practitioner who is working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology in countries other than Australia and New Zealand, and who is not a Fellow of the College and is not eligible for membership as an Associate Member as outlined in Regulation A1.6 or as an Educational Affiliate in Regulation A1.7 above.

A1.9.2     Admission to the College as an International Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met.

A1.9.3     As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.9.4     The annual subscription for an International Affiliate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.9.5     An International Affiliate will be entitled to acknowledge their Affiliate status on their Curriculum Vitae. The associated post nominal ‘ARANZCOG (Int)’ can be used while currently admitted as an International Affiliate according to the requirements as prescribed by the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.9.6     International Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.9.7     An International Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.9.8    An International Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.

A1.9.9      International Affiliates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct  and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.9.10   As members of the College, International Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by an International Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Professional Standards Committee (PSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the PSC.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.9.11   Membership may be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the PSC regulations. International Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

A1.9.12   Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may establish International Affiliate memberships with specific international O&G organisations where an MoU between RANZCOG and the corresponding O&G organisation has been signed.  Registered Medical Practitioners working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, who are members of an international O&G organisation with which RANZCOG has an MOU in place, will be eligible to apply for International Affiliate membership. Required evidence of registration status and fees will be determined by agreement with RANZCOG and the relevant international O&G organisation.

A1.9.12.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as an International Affiliate any registered medical practitioner working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology in accordance with the MoU between specific international O&G organisations and RANZCOG under A1.9.12.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.10.1   Members of The Prevocational Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of Australia and New Zealand (PVOGS) are afforded RANZCOG Prevocational Affiliate Membership Status, subject to additional provisions as listed below.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2018]

A1.10.2   Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Prevocational Affiliate, students studying medicine at universities in Australia and New Zealand and prevocational doctors resident and practising in Australia and New Zealand.

A1.10.3   Applicants must complete a declaration in support of their application confirming their eligibility status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2018]

A1.10.4   Admission to the College as a Prevocational Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met.

A1.10.5   As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.10.6   The annual subscription for a Prevocational Affiliate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.10.7   A Prevocational Affiliate will be entitled to acknowledge their Affiliate status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.

A1.10.8    Prevocational Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2018]

A1.10.9   A Prevocational Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings of the College.

A1.10.10 A Prevocational Affiliate shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.

A1.10.11 Prevocational Affiliates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.10.12 As members of the College, Prevocational Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by a Prevocational Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Professional Standards Committee (PSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the PSC.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.10.13 Membership may be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the PSC regulations. Prevocational Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.11.1    Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Trainee Affiliate, trainees who have been accepted to the FRANZCOG Training Program and have been entered onto the College Register of Trainees.

A1.11.2    As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.11.3    Annual training fees will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]

A1.11.4    FRANZCOG Trainees will be entitled to acknowledge their Trainee Affiliate status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.

A1.11.5    FRANZCOG Trainees will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources offered through its eLearning platform.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.11.6    A Trainee Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.11.7    A Trainee Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they remain in the FRANZCOG Training Program and continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including all training and administrative requirements.

A1.11.8  Trainee Affiliates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.11.9    Trainee removed from the FRANZCOG Training Program shall cease to be a Trainee Affiliate. Trainee Affiliate membership may also be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) regulations. Trainee Affiliates are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A1.12.1   Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Midwife Affiliate, midwives who hold general midwifery registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or a practising certificate with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, September 2017]

A1.12.2   Admission to the College as a Midwife Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met. Applicants have two (2) months from the date of the offer of Midwife Affiliate membership in which to pay the applicable fee(s). If this requirement is not met by that time, the offer of Midwife Affiliate membership will lapse, and the applicant must re-apply. The annual subscription for a Midwife Affiliate will be set by the College Board.

A1.12.3   As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.

A1.12.4  The annual subscription for a Midwife Affiliate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.

A1.12.5   A Midwife Affiliate will be entitled to acknowledge their Affiliate status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.

A1.12.6  Midwife Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]

A1.12.7   A Midwife Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.

A1.12.8  A Midwife Affiliate shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and  conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.

A1.12.9    Midwife Affiliates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.12.10 As members of the College, Midwife Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by a Midwife Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Professional Standards Committee (PSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the PSC.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A1.12.11 Membership may be terminated pursuant to clause 5 of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the PSC regulations. Midwife Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019]

A2.1.1     The College is committed to providing clear advice to its members and other individuals and organisations about those of its decisions that can reconsidered, reviewed, and formally appealed.

The Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of College Decisions Policy (Policy) provide avenues for an Applicant who has been adversely affected by a College decision and has legitimate grounds to dispute a decision of the College, can challenge these decisions.

There are three (3) phases where dispute to a decision can proceed:

The Reconsideration and Review Phase are internal review mechanisms that aim to resolve the matter within the College. The Appeal process involves external independent representatives and independent College Fellows that aim to provide resolution without having to result in legal procedures.

Both internal review and the Appeal process are subject to procedural fairness and not bound by the rules of evidence.

All proceedings and materials except where required by this Policy and law are kept confidential.

A2.2.1     The Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of Decisions Policy provide an avenue to resolve a dispute against College’s decisions. However, not all College decisions can be disputed.

Application submitted under this Policy will not be accepted where the Applicant seeks an exception from an approved policy or regulation. The Exceptional Circumstances and Special Consideration Policy must first be utilised where an individual believes there are exceptional circumstances that the College body when making its decision ought to consider. 

This Policy is not intended to provide an avenue for any person to contest results awarded, decisions of assessors taken in or about any assessment, allegations of poor training or supervision or general grievances.

A2.2.2     The College reserves the right to decline an application submitted under this Policy if an Applicant is unable to produce any reasonable or relevant evidence in support of the stated grounds on which the application is based.

A2.2.3     The College Chief Executive Officer has the discretion to allow the process to commence at the ‘Review’ phase or to proceed directly to Appeals where they are satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances that make it justifiable and appropriate to do so.

A2.3.1     Matters pertaining to disputed decisions should in the first instance be addressed to the Chairperson of the originating body for Reconsideration by the same committee or body which made the disputed decision.

A2.3.2     An application for Reconsideration must be made within thirty (30) calendar days upon receipt of the notification of the outcome/examination results.

A2.3.3     The Chairperson of the originating body will endeavour to provide an outcome within eight (8) weeks of receipt of the request for Reconsideration.

A2.3.4     Following the determination’s notification, the Applicant, must advise the College within fourteen (14) calendar days whether they wish to proceed with the ‘Review’ phase.

A2.4.1     Requests for review of a decision by the committee or body which has oversight of the disputed decision, or other body, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer, must be addressed in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within fourteen (14) calendar days from receipt of notification of Reconsideration outcomes.

A2.4.2     The Chief Executive Officer will refer the matter to a Review Panel constituted under the Policy.

A2.4.3     The College will endeavour to provide the Applicant with the outcome of the review by the Review Committee in writing within eight (8) weeks of the request, the document being subject to any obligations of privacy and confidentiality that may apply.

A2.4.4     Following receipt of the notification of the Review’s outcome, an Applicant, within fourteen (14) days, must write to the Chief Executive Officer that they wish to Appeal.

A2.5.1       An Applicant must inform the Chief Executive Officer of the intention to appeal in the first instance by email within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the outcome of the request.

Formal appeals must be lodged in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within two (2) months of the receipt of notice of the outcome of the Review.

A2.5.2       The Chief Executive Officer will convene an Appeals Committee under this Policy.

A2.5.3     The Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of the Appeals Committee, will notify the Applicant in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the appeal hearing.

A2.6.1      Amendments to this policy and the procedures shall be approved by the RANZCOG Board.

A2.7.1    The Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible for the implementation of the College’s Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of College Decisions Policy and their effectiveness pursuant to these regulations and any other relevant documents.

A3.1.1     The purpose of the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) is to promote accepted standards of practice and ethics by members of the College by considering matters that may relate to breaches of the RANZCOG Code of Conduct or related College objectives, including complaints received from College members against other College members and notifications from recognised authorities (including employers), but not including complaints received from members of the public in regard to the personal or professional conduct of a College member.

[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]

A3.1.2     The PSC will operate in accordance with processes outlined in its Terms of Reference and any other relevant RANZCOG regulations.

A3.2.1     Where a written complaint is received by the College against a member by another member of the College, the complaint may be referred in accordance with the processes outlined in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents.

A3.2.2     Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter(s) or conduct by a member that is considered to fall under the auspices of the PSC (including notifications from recognised authorities and employers), the matter may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in these regulations and any other relevant College documents.

A3.2.3  A complaint shall be considered in accordance with the processes outlined in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents if it relates to the professional or ethical standards of conduct of a member or relates to the conduct of a member which affects the honour, good reputation, interests, or work of the College.

A3.2.4  No complaint shall be considered unless it is in writing and includes the name and address of the person or persons making the complaint, or if referred under Regulation A3.2.2, in the name of the Chief Executive Officer.

A3.2.5      Receipt of a complaint shall be acknowledged by the Chief Executive Officer in writing.

A3.2.6     Pursuant to the above, any matter or complaint received by the Chief Executive Officer of the College, in consultation with the President, may be:

A3.2.7  Before referring a matter or complaint pursuant to Regulation A3.2.6, consideration of the matter by the Chief Executive Officer and the President should include consideration of the following:

A3.2.8     A complaint shall be dealt with, as far as possible, on a confidential basis and consistent with the protection afforded by the legal principle of qualified privilege. The College does not, however, guarantee anonymity of those making complaints.

A3.3.1     Upon referral of a matter or complaint pursuant to these regulations, the PSC shall decide whether, prima facie, there is a case to answer in respect of such matter or complaint.

A3.3.2     If it is decided that there is a prima facie case to answer, the PSC shall forward appropriate details of the matter or complaint to the member concerned. The member concerned shall be entitled to receive sufficient details of the nature and circumstances of the allegations in the matter or complaint as will allow the member to fully respond to the allegations and as the rules of natural justice may require.

A3.3.3     Any member who is the subject of any matter or complaint before the PSC shall, at least 14 days prior to the meeting of the PSC, at which any determination is to be made, be given written notice of:

A3.3.4     At the meeting of the PSC held to consider the matter, the member shall be given an opportunity to be heard, and the Committee shall give due consideration to any written or oral submissions made by the member. The member may be accompanied by another person, but shall not be entitled to have an advocate or be legally represented before the PSC, unless the Committee has given its prior consent.

A3.3.5     Any member of the PSC who was involved in the matter or complaint, or who had previously made a decision in relation to the matter or complaint, or who is a partner or has any other family or professional relationship or other conflict of interest, whether actual or perceived, with the member or complainant concerned, shall not participate in any consideration of the matter or complaint by the Committee. In such circumstances the President shall nominate a replacement for that member.

A3.3.6     Subject to Regulation A3.5.5 below, proceedings of the PSC shall be confidential, except for the reporting of progress, appropriate reporting to the parties involved, and reporting of the decision and reasons to the Board.

A3.3.7     The PSC is not bound by the rules of evidence and, subject to the rules of natural justice, may inform itself on any matter and in such manner as it thinks fit. Any information which is material to the allegations made in relation to the member shall be disclosed to the member, and the member shall be given sufficient opportunity to make submissions in relation to that information.

A3.3.8     The PSC shall be entitled to consider all relevant information which it thinks fit and may invite any person to appear before it or to provide information.

A3.3.9     The PSC shall conduct its affairs with as little formality as possible, but otherwise, subject to these regulations, shall have full power to regulate its conduct and operation, including convening and adjourning any meeting as it may require.

A3.3.10   In considering any matter or complaint, the PSC shall act as expeditiously as the circumstances permit.

A3.3.11   The PSC may make its own enquiries and seek legal or other professional advice in relation to any matter or complaint under consideration.

After consideration of a complaint or matter, the PSC may:

A3.4.1     take no action;

A3.4.2     dismiss the matter or complaint and exonerate the member;

A3.4.3     counsel the member and/or require the member to participate in any relevant College program or activity;

A3.4.4     censure the member;

A3.4.5     refer the matter or complaint to the Board for consideration (including suspension or termination of the membership, removal of subspecialty certification or other College award, or removal from the FRANZCOG Training Program);

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2017]

A3.4.6     refer the matter or complaint to an appropriate Authority.

[The PSC may decide to refer the matter or complaint to an appropriate Authority at any time after receipt of the matter or complaint.]

A3.5.1     The Board may consider any matter or complaint referred to it pursuant to the processes outlined in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents.

A3.5.2     The Board may appoint a subcommittee of the Board, comprising such members of the Board or other persons as it determines, to act on the Board’s behalf (and a reference to the Board herein shall include a reference to any such subcommittee).

A3.5.3     In considering any matter or complaint, the Board shall, as nearly as possible, observe the provisions for proceedings and procedures relating to the PSC and set out in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents (e.g. subclause 5.2.3 of the RANZCOG Constitution).

A3.5.4     Upon consideration of any matter or complaint, the Board may:

[The Board or any subcommittee may decide to refer the matter or complaint to an appropriate Authority at any time after receipt of the matter or complaint.]

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2017]

A3.5.5     As per subclause 5.4.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, in the event of the termination of the membership of a member, the member must, within 14 days of receipt of notice requiring the member to do so, return to the Chief Executive Officer their Certificate(s) of membership, and the member must not represent or hold himself or herself out to be a member of the College or use the post-nominals‘CertWH’, ‘DRANZCOG’, ‘MRANZCOG’ or ‘FRANZCOG’. In the event of the removal or suspension of any subspecialty certification, the member must not represent or hold himself or herself out to possess certification in the relevant subspecialty or continue to use the post-nominals associated with certification in the relevant subspecialty.

[Revised and Ratified by Special Resolution at the Annual General Meeting, November 2015]

A3.6.1     Following receipt of notification of any determination by the PSC or the Board in respect of any complaint or matter pursuant to these regulations, the Chief Executive Officer shall, as soon as possible, notify in writing the member concerned, the person initiating the complaint or matter and the College President of the determination and a summary of the reason(s) for the determination.

A3.6.2     Where a determination has been made by the PSC, the determination, together with a summary of the reason(s) for the determination, will be conveyed to the College Board (by e-mail in the first instance, followed by distribution in papers at the next scheduled meeting of that group).

A3.6.3     Where determinations made by the PSC or the Board have implications for College policies and/or processes that are the responsibility of any College Committee or other body, the determination in de- identified form and summary reasons may be conveyed to the Chair of any such relevant committee or body, as well as the Director/Manager of the College department responsible for the coordination of any such committee or body, with the advice that the determination may potentially be the subject of Appeal. The Chair of the PSC or other body may choose to share the determination and summary reasons for the decision with members of the relevant group(s) for the purposes of revising and improving relevant College policies and processes.

A3.6.4    As per subclause 5.4.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, in the event of the suspension or termination of the membership of a member, the Board may in its absolute discretion give notice or publish to the public generally or to any professional body or organisation or Authority the fact that the membership of any such person has been suspended or terminated. The Board may also communicate the removal of any subspecialty certification or other College award to any Authority in its absolute discretion or as required by any relevant law or College policy.

A3.6.5     Any member in respect of whom an adverse decision is made under these regulations may appeal the decision in accordance with the College’s Appeals Process.

A member who has had his or her membership suspended or terminated, or a subspecialty certification or other award removed through a decision pertaining to a matter considered by the PSC or the Board under these regulations may be reinstated as a member of the College, or have their subspecialty certification or other College award reinstated at the discretion of the Board, and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may, in its absolute discretion, determine, and in accordance with relevant provisions of the RANZCOG Constitution and any other relevant regulations.

Applications for reinstatement should be directed to the College President for consideration by the Board or a subcommittee appointed for that purpose.

In considering what, if any, action the PSC or the Board may recommend or take in relation to a matter or complaint against a member, both the Committee and the Board shall be entitled to consider any prior matter or complaint determined in relation to the member provided that the member is given sufficient opportunity to make submissions in relation to such information.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019 – Formation of Professional Standards Committee]

The Progression Review Committee (PRC) shall support the RANZCOG Board by considering matters relating to individuals who have invoked conditions described by College regulations that render them liable for removal from progression to an award of Fellowship of the College or post-Fellowship certification in a designated subspecialty.  Such matters will normally be referred to the PRC by a responsible College body which will have previously considered the matter prima facie for the existence of exceptional circumstances.

In the context of the functions of the PRC, individuals whose circumstances may be considered by the Committee include trainees working toward Fellowship of the RANZCOG through the FRANZCOG Training Program or Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) assessed as being ‘Partially Comparable’ or ‘Substantially Comparable’ to or ‘As Satisfactory As’, in Australia and New Zealand respectively, an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, or subspecialty trainees post-Fellowship working toward certification in a subspecialty.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2015]

A4.2.1     An individual shall be referred to the PRC where they have breached College regulation(s) or other conduct has occurred that has the consequence of removal from a pathway to Fellowship of the College or certification in a subspecialty, and where the responsible College body has determined prima facie, following consideration of any written submission from the individual concerned, that grounds for exceptional circumstances do not exist.

A4.2.2     The coordinator of the body responsible for making the prima facie determination referred to in Regulation A4.2.1 will notify the Chief Executive Officer in writing of the decision of the body in question through distribution of a copy of the correspondence to be forwarded to the individual advising of the decision.

Upon receipt of this correspondence the Chief Executive Officer shall arrange for a meeting of the PRC to be held pursuant to its Terms of Reference and, once determined, shall, with at least 21 days’ notice, advise the individual whose circumstances are to be the subject of consideration by the PRC and notify the Chair of the original decision making body of the following:

The individual and the Chair will be advised that in addition to those documents already submitted to the body responsible for making the prima facie determination, they may provide written submissions to the PRC. All written submissions and copies of any documents and records upon which they wish to rely must be lodged with the PRC not less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Additional information provided after that time will only be considered if the Chair of the PRC considers that the material is of significance to the matter being considered. In the case of further material from the original decision making body, the individual concerned will be provided with copies for review and comment as soon as reasonably practicable.

A4.2.3     At least seven (7) days prior to the meeting of the PRC, the Chief Executive Officer shall organise to have distributed to the Committee and the individual whose circumstances are being considered, any materials lodged by the individual or by the College body from which the matter was referred, and on which the PRC will rely for its considerations.

A4.2.4     At the meeting of the PRC held to consider the matter, the individual concerned shall be given an opportunity to be heard, and the Committee shall give due consideration to any written or oral submissions made by the individual. The individual may be accompanied by another person, but shall not be entitled to have an advocate or be legally represented before the PRC, unless the Committee, through the Chair, has given its prior consent.

A4.2.5     Proceedings of the PRC shall be kept confidential, except for the reporting of progress, appropriate reporting to the parties involved, and reporting of the decision and reasons to the RANZCOG Board.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A4.2.6     The PRC is not bound by the rules of evidence and, subject to the rules of natural justice and procedural fairness, may inform itself on any matter and in such manner as it thinks fit. Any information which is material to the matter under consideration shall be disclosed to the individual, and the individual shall be given sufficient opportunity to make submissions in relation to that information.

A4.2.7     The PRC shall be entitled to consider all relevant information which it thinks fit and may invite any person to appear before it or to provide information.

A4.2.8     The PRC shall conduct its affairs with as little formality as possible, but otherwise, subject to these regulations and relevant Terms of Reference, shall have full power to regulate its conduct and operation, including convening, adjourning and recording any meeting as it may require.

A4.2.9     In considering any matter referred to it, the PRC shall act as expeditiously as the circumstances permit and shall, as nearly as possible, observe the provisions for proceedings and procedures relating to the Committee and set out in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents.

A4.2.10   The PRC may make its own enquiries and seek legal or other professional advice in relation to any matter under consideration.

A4.3.1       The PRC may make one of the following recommendations to the Board:

A4.3.2     The recommendation to the Board must be accompanied by a document that summarises the matter(s) considered by the PRC and which outlines clearly the nature of the information on which the Committee based its deliberations, and the reasons for its recommendation.

A4.3.3     Upon ratification or rejection of the PRC’s recommendation by the Board, the PRC Chair will notify the individual in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the meeting of the PRC. The notification provided will be confined to a list of all persons present, an index of the documentation presented and report of the reasons for decision.  Such notification will include information on the individual’s right of appeal according to the College Appeals Processes.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A4.3.4     Where determinations made by the PRC or the Board in respect of matters considered under these regulations have implications for College policies and/or processes that are the responsibility of any College committee or other body, the determination in de-identified form and summary reasons may be conveyed to the Chair of any such relevant committee or body, as well as the Director/Manager of the College department responsible for the coordination of any such committee or body, with the advice that the determination may potentially be the subject of appeal. The Chair of the committee or other body may choose to share the determination and summary reasons for the decision with members of the relevant group(s) for the purposes of revising and improving relevant College policies and process

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A5.1.1     The Fellowship Review Committee (FRC) shall support the RANZCOG Board by:

A5.1.2     The procedures for FRC are outlined in the Fellowship Review Policy and Procedure.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

A5.2.1       Fellows wishing to make a submission must do so in writing addressed to the FRC Chair no later than 14 days prior to the FRC meeting.

A5.2.2       The FRC may make one of the following recommendations to the Board:

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

A5.2.3       The College Chief Executive Officer will notify the Fellow in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the meeting of the FRC. Such notification will include information on the applicant’s right of appeal according to the College appeals processes.

A5.3.1     Applicants wishing to make a submission to the Chair must do so in writing at least 14 days prior to a FRC meeting, through correspondence addressed to the Chair.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

A5.3.2     The FRC may make a decision as follows:

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

A5.3.3     Subsequent to Regulation A5.3.2, the FRC may make recommendations to the Board as follows:

A5.3.4     The Chief Executive Officer will notify the applicant in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the meeting. Such notification will include information on the applicant’s right of appeal.

A6.1.1       Failure of Associate Member Australia and Associate Member New Zealand to meet College CPD requirements.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A6.1.2     Notification process

A6.1.3       Review Proceedings

A6.2.1     Failure of Associate Members Pacific to meet College CPD requirements 

A6.2.2     Review Proceedings

A6.3.1     Medical practitioners whose membership as an Associate Member Pacific was removed pursuant to A6.2.2.2 may apply to the Global Health Committee for reinstatement as an Associate Member Pacific.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A6.3.2     Applications for reinstatement should be made in writing addressed to the Chair of the Global Health Committee no later than 14 days prior to a Committee meeting.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A6.3.3     The Global Health Committee Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the application and advise the practitioner of the date of the Global Health Committee meeting at which the application will be considered; and request payment of the administration fee.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A6.3.4     The Global Health Committee will make a recommendation to the Board regarding reinstatement of the applicant as an Associate Member Pacific, including the date on which the participation in the CPD Program commences.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A6.3.5     An administration fee, determined by the Board, will be charged for processing applications for reinstatement. Reinstatement will not occur while that fee remains outstanding.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

A7.1.1     Integrity is one of the organisational values under the RANZCOG Code of Conduct. RANZCOG regards plagiarism as a serious act of academic misconduct and a breach of its Code of Conduct.

A7.1.2     RANZCOG defines academic dishonesty, outlines the process for investigating claims, and potential outcomes in its Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure.

A7.2.1     Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure allows the investigation of allegations.

A7.2.2    All allegations will be investigated as per Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure. Following the investigation, a formal hearing will be held. The hearing allows RANZCOG to present the allegations of plagiarism and allow the concerned person a right to respond to all claims against them.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

A7.3.1     Where a person is found guilty of academic misconduct, they will be provided with the reasons for the findings and any corrective actions that may be required.

A7.3.2     Where a person has been found to have committed more than one act of academic misconduct, they will be referred to the Professional Standards Committee.

A8.1.1     Pursuant to clause 14 of the RANZCOG Constitution, in March 2014 the Board approved the establishment of the RANZCOG Foundation, to coordinate and oversee the College’s philanthropic activities. In 2018 the Foundation was renamed to the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation.

A8.1.2     The purpose of the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation is to raise funds for the College’s philanthropic activities and oversee the disbursement of these funds in accordance with established processes as set out in these regulations and relevant College policy.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2016]

A8.1.3     The RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation may, at its discretion, in accordance with any relevant RANZCOG policies, accept any gift, endowment or bequest made to the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation or the College either generally or for the purpose of any specific object, and carry out and administer as trustee any trusts attached to any such gift, endowment or bequest.

A8.2.1     The RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation shall support the RANZCOG Board by managing the activities of the Foundation.

A8.2.2     The RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation shall operate in accordance with processes outlined in its Terms of Reference and any other relevant RANZCOG regulations and policies.

A8.2.3     RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation Functions and Duties

A9.1.1     Where, on the winding-up or dissolution of the College, there is a surplus of assets after satisfying all the College’s liabilities and expenses, the surplus shall not be paid to or distributed amongst the members, but shall be given or transferred to some other charitable institution having similar objects to the College situate within Australia (to the extent assets are distributed within Australia) or New Zealand (to the extent assets are distributed within New Zealand) and which:

A9.1.2     That institution shall be determined by the Board prior to the dissolution of the College or failing such determination, by application to an appropriate Court.

A9.1.3   The Board shall:

A10.1.1     The election procedure for these appointments are managed in the policies, Election of RANZCOG President, Election of RANZCOG Board, and Election of RANZCOG Council. The objectives of these Regulations and policies are to ensure that the election of the President, Board of Directors, and Council conducted by RANZCOG, is open and transparent, comprehensive, and scrutinised, and is managed in accordance with these Regulations.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

A10.2.1     In accordance with RANZCOG Constitution clause 10.2, these Regulations and policies confirm the procedures and requirements involved in the election of the President of the RANZCOG. It details who is eligible to be elected as the RANZCOG President and also outlines the process for conducting the RANZCOG Presidential election.

A10.3.1     In accordance with RANZCOG Constitution clause 10.2, these Regulations and policies confirm the procedures and requirements involved in the election of members of the Board (with the exception of the positions of President, Diplomate Board Director and Independent Board Director) of RANZCOG. It details who is eligible to be elected as an Elected Director and Vice-President of the RANZCOG Board and outlines the process for conducting RANZCOG Board elections.

A10.3.2     These Regulations apply to voting members of the RANZCOG Council, pursuant to subclause Clause 9.1.1 (a) to (e) of the RANZCOG Constitution, and College staff who are responsible for managing the election process.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

A10.4.1     In accordance with RANZCOG Constitution clause 9.2, these Regulations and policies confirm the procedures and requirements involved in the election of RANZCOG Councillors. It details who is eligible to be elected as a RANZCOG Councillor and outlines the process for conducting Councillor elections.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.1.1       To apply for the FRANZCOG Training Program in Australia or New Zealand, medical practitioners must possess an approved Australian or New Zealand primary medical degree, or (for applicants in Australia) have successfully completed the requirements necessary to obtain the Australian Medical Council (AMC) certificate, or (for applicants in New Zealand) be a graduate in Medicine and Surgery of a Medical School recognised by the New Zealand Medical Council.

B1.1.2     Medical Registration and Visa Requirements

B1.2.1       Where these regulations relates to trainees who, pursuant to decisions of the RANZCOG Council and the RANZCOG Board, applied to the FRANZCOG Training Program for trainees, enrolled in and commenced the FRANZCOG Training Program during the period 1 December 2003 to 30 November 2013 inclusive

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.2.2       These regulations will take effect from 1 December 2013 and take precedence over those previously applicable to trainees who enrolled in and commenced the FRANZCOG Training Program during the period 1 December 2003 to 30 November 2013 inclusive, save where matters addressed by regulation(s) that were in operation prior to 1 December 2013 are not included, in which case those regulations previously in operation will continue to apply.

B1.2.3       New provisions in these regulations, that were not available in the regulations previously applicable to trainees who enrolled in and commenced the FRANZCOG Training Program during the period 1 December 2003 to 30 November 2013 inclusive may not be retrospectively accessed and/or applied by trainees.

B1.2.4       Words and phrases in these regulations have the same meaning as set out in the regulations for the FRANZCOG Training Program applying after 30 November 2013.

B1.3.1       For the purposes of enabling training to be credited to trainees on the basis of ‘weeks’ of satisfactory training as required under these regulations, rather than six-month blocks as has previously been the case for trainees in the FRANZCOG Training Program, the College will convert training credited as at 1 December 2013 to weeks on the basis of 46 weeks for each full year of credited training.

B1.3.2       Prior to 1 December 2013, the College will advise individual trainees enrolled in the FRANZCOG Training Program of the number of weeks of satisfactory training to be credited to them, as well as the expected date of completion of their training period to be covered by the Six-monthly Summative Assessment to be completed after 1 December 2013, noting that the maximum number of weeks of training able to be credited for a twelve month period pursuant to Regulation B1.9 is 46 weeks.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.3.3       Six-monthly Summative Assessment Reports for periods of training commenced on or after 1 December 2013 may not be assessed as ‘Borderline’.

Any Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report that is assessed as ‘Borderline’ for a period of training commenced prior to 1 December 2013 will revert to ‘Satisfactory’ should the next period of training assessed by a Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report be assessed as ‘Satisfactory’.

Any Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report that is assessed as ‘Borderline’ for a period of training commenced prior to 1 December 2013 will revert to ‘Not Satisfactory’ should the next period of training assessed by a Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report be assessed as ‘Not Satisfactory’.

B1.3.4       Any question of clarification or dispute relating to the circumstances of individual trainees in regard to training matters associated with transition to these regulations, will be considered in the first instance by the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee, pursuant to the College’s Exceptional Circumstances and Special Consideration Policy, and with reference to the Chair of the RANZCOG Training Accreditation Committee, should this be considered necessary. Any clarification or dispute with the application of these regulations should be notified within three (3) months of notification by the College of their effect or impact to trainees; after which, if no clarification or dispute is notified, the College determination or advice will be final and binding.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.3.5       Where a matter is unable to be resolved, it will be considered by a subcommittee of the College Training Accreditation Committee convened to oversee issues relating to the implementation of these regulations for trainees who have enrolled in and commenced the FRANZCOG Training Program prior to 1 December 2013. The Committee, to be known as the FRANZCOG Training Program Transition Committee, will be Chaired by the Immediate  Past President time-limited until 31 December 2014, and operate pursuant to Terms of Reference approved by the RANZCOG Board to consider matters raised by trainees or groups of trainees who consider they have been unfairly disadvantaged by circumstances arising from the implementation of the regulations contained herein, relative to those that governed their training prior to 1 December 2013.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.4.1       Applicants accepted to the FRANZCOG Training Program cannot commence training unless they have completed PGY2 or above and have obtained an accredited training position and prospective approval to undertake training in that position.

B1.4.2       Except as provided for elsewhere in College regulations, trainees will enter the FRANZCOG Training Program at Year 1 of Basic Training, which may be undertaken on a part-time continuous basis.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, December 2021]

B1.4.3       Trainees who have been selected for the FRANZCOG Training Program and have obtained an accredited first year training position may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for previous experience or training to be recognised toward the FRANZCOG training program.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, December 2021]

B1.4.4       Applications for RPL must be made prior to commencement of training to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Panel nominated by the Education Standards Committee in accordance with the College RPL policy.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, December 2021]

B1.5.1       Basic Training (formerly termed the Integrated Training Program; ITP) Trainees who have satisfactorily completed the requirements listed in Regulation B1.5.1.1 to B1.5.1.12 as applicable below will be deemed to have completed the Basic Training component of the FRANZCOG Training Program:

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.5.1.2    the prescribed Diagnostic Ultrasound In-Hospital Clinical Assessment modules for all trainees who commence training prior to 1 December 2016.;

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

B1.5.1.3    the FRANZCOG Written Examination;

B1.5.1.4    the FRANZCOG Oral Examination;

B1.5.1.5    summative assessment of procedural and surgical skills in those gynaecological and obstetric procedural and surgical skills required by the FRANZCOG Curriculum as part of Basic Training;

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.5.1.6       For trainees who commenced their training after 1 December, 2013, approval of a research study proposal or exemption on the basis of prior research or completion of research required as part of the Academic Stream of the FRANZCOG Training Program;

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.5.1.7     For trainees who commenced their training prior to 1 December, 2013 assessment of competence in those gynaecological and obstetric procedural and surgical skills required by the FRANZCOG Curriculum as part of Basic Training;

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.5.1.8      For trainees who commenced their training prior to 1 December, 2013, approval of a research study proposal or exemption on the basis of prior research; and

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.5.1.9       the following workshops and programs:

All of the abovementioned workshops may be approved as completed where evidence can be provided of satisfactory completion within 24 months of commencement of the training program.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2019]

B1.5.1.10  for trainees who commence the FRANZCOG Training Program on or after 1 December 2016, the RANZCOG CLIMATE Ultrasound Module; and

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2016]

B1.5.1.11  any other requirements as deemed necessary by RANZCOG.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2019]

B1.5.1.12  In the event that a trainee has met all the requirements listed in Regulation B1.5.1.1 to B1.5.1.11 above, except for submission of their final six-monthly summative assessment report for the Basic Training period, they may commence Advanced Training; however, no credit for any period of Advanced Training will be received until the Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report for the final period of Basic Training has been received and the period assessed as ‘Satisfactory’.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.5.2     Advanced Training (formerly termed Elective Training)

Trainees certified as having satisfactorily completed the Advanced Training component of the FRANZCOG Training Program will have satisfactorily completed:

B1.5.3     Trainees certified as having satisfactorily completed the FRANZCOG Training Program will have satisfactorily completed all requirements of Basic Training and Advanced Training as described in Regulations B1.5.1 to B1.5.2 above and shall be eligible for elevation to Fellowship of the RANZCOG (FRANZCOG).

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.6.1       For the purposes of this regulation, time in training will be considered as the aggregate of all time in the FRANZCOG Training Program other than time taken as approved extended OR approved research leave as part of the Academic Stream. Approved fractional training (i.e. FTE training undertaken on a part-time basis) will be considered pro rata.

For trainees who commenced their training from 1 December, 2013 Basic Training and all associated requirements under Regulation B1.5 must be completed within a maximum period of six (6) years of time in training from the date of commencement of Basic Training.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

For trainees who commenced their training prior to 1 December, 2013, Basic Training and all associated requirements under Regulation B1.5 must be completed within a maximum period of eight (8) calendar years from the date of commencement in the FRANZCOG Training Program.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.6.2       For the purposes of this regulation, time in training will be considered as all time on the FRANZCOG Training Program in Advanced Training, other than time taken as approved extended leave  OR approved research leave as part of the Academic Stream. Approved fractional training (i.e. FTE training undertaken on a part-time basis) will be considered pro rata.

For trainees who commenced their training from 1 December, 2013 Advanced Training and all associated requirements under Regulation B1.3.2 must be completed within a maximum period of three (3) years of time in training from the date of commencement of Advanced Training.

For trainees who commenced their training prior to 1 December, 2013, All requirements of the FRANZCOG Training Program (i.e. all requirements associated with both Basic and Advanced Training) must be completed within a maximum period of eleven (11) calendar years from the date of commencement in the FRANZCOG Training Program.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.6.3       Pursuant to Regulation B1.13, trainees may interrupt their FRANZCOG training to take extended leave  from the FRANZCOG Training Program for a maximum cumulative period of 156 weeks.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.6.4       Pursuant to RANZCOG Regulation B1.20 trainees undertaking the Academic Stream of the FRANZCOG Training Program may apply for a period of ‘Research Leave’ additional to any other leave allowable under these regulations in order to complete the PhD required under that training pathway.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.6.5     The determination of time in training and applicable FTE of a trainee shall be a matter for the State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee, having regard to the prospectively approved clinical training and the actual time spent in training by the trainee. The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.7.1     For Trainees Commencing from 1 December 2013

B1.7.2     Advanced Training prior to Basic Training for Trainees Commencing prior to 1 December 2013

All trainees in the FRANZCOG Training Program are required to sign the Trainee Statement of Understanding which advises them of their rights and responsibilities as a RANZCOG trainee on an annual basis. The Trainee Statement of Understanding will need to be submitted with the Prospective Approval. Where the Trainee Statement of Understanding is submitted after that time, no period of training undertaken prior to the submission will be credited.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, December 2021]

B1.9.1     All trainees, regardless of whether training full-time or part-time, must pay the full Annual Training Fee to the Finance Department at RANZCOG by 31 January of each year unless specifically designated elsewhere in these regulations or policies. Fees are managed by these Regulations and the Training and Associated Fees Policy.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.10.1   Trainees must submit an application for prospective approval of training to the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Office via the College’s online training platform not less than eight (8) weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant training period. Only training that has been prospectively approved by the relevant State and Territory/NZ Training Accreditation Committee Chair will be credited by the College.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.10.2   Where an application for prospective approval of training is submitted outside the timeframe referred to in Regulation B1.10.1, credit will only be given for training undertaken from the date on which prospective approval is granted by the Chair of the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.10.3   Trainees who have completed all requirements of Basic Training other than satisfactory completion of the FRANZCOG Written and/or Oral Examination, and any other stipulated assessment requirements, must remain on the Register of Trainees. Such trainees must also continue to occupy a prospectively approved training post under supervision (except if undertaking prospectively approved Extended Leave or Research Leave), and must pay the full applicable annual training fee and participate in standard formative and summative assessments, with any period of training assessed through a Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report as ‘Not Satisfactory’ during this time contributing to the maximum number of such assessments permitted under Regulation B3.1.1 during the course of training.

Trainees who do not satisfy the requirements described above will not be permitted to sit either the FRANZCOG Written or Oral examination, or undertake and/or complete any other requirements of the FRANZCOG Training Program.

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.11.1   Training will be assessed in a series of six (6) month training blocks, which are six-month periods defined on calendar dates by the College Training Accreditation Committee. Each six-month training block will involve the completion of a Three-monthly Formative Appraisal and a Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2014]

B1.11.2   A period of training will be credited to trainees only when:

B1.12.1   For trainees who commenced their training:

B1.12.2   For the purposes of credited training, the College defines fractional (part-time) training as training undertaken between 0.5 and full-time training (1.0) at the relevant site for the relevant period of training. Training will be credited based on the period of training (in calendar weeks) multiplied by the relevant time fraction.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, December 2021]

B1.12.3   Trainees undertaking fractional (part-time) training must also remain within the maximum limits for time in training allowed for completion of all requirements of the FRANZCOG Training Program and its Basic and Advanced components (Refer to Regulation B1.5.1, B1.5.2).

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.12.4      Credit will only be given for fractional (part-time) training per six month training block of not less than ten (10) weeks FTE, regardless of the number of training sites at which the period in question was obtained.

B1.13.1   Trainees are permitted up to two (2) weeks of leave per year for the purposes of studying for the FRANZCOG examinations or for recognised professional development. This study/professional development leave is recognised as part of active clinical service. Leave is managed by these Regulations and the Training Program Leave Policy. 

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.14.1   Trainees may interrupt their training to take extended leave from the training program for a maximum of 156 weeks cumulative. Trainee Extended leave is managed by these Regulations and the Training Program Leave Policy.  

[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.15.1   Trainees who resign from a training post prior to the completion of a prospectively approved period of training and completion of relevant assessments will be regarded as having resigned from the FRANZCOG Training Program, unless they have done so with the approval of the Chair of the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Training Committee.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.16.1   Trainees intending to transfer from Basic Training in an ITP in one training region to Basic Training in an ITP in another region or intending to undertake Advanced Training in another training region must first obtain prospective written approval from the Chairs of the two (2) relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committees. Prospective approval of training cannot be given unless this has occurred. Once transfer is approved, the trainee will be subject to the oversight and requirements of the new State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, December 2021]

B1.16.2   Basic trainees intending to transfer from their current ITP to another ITP within the same region must first obtain written approval from the ITP Coordinators of the two (2) ITPs and the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand TA Chair. Prospective approval of training cannot be given unless this has occurred.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.17.1   A period of training equivalent to at least 46 weeks FTE of full-time training must be spent outside the trainee’s primary institution. This period may be taken at any time during Basic Training following the satisfactory completion of 46 weeks of Basic Training and may be inclusive of the mandatory 23 weeks rural position/rotation (in accordance with Regulation B1.18.1). Where the primary institution has family planning services limited by religious affiliation, other training blocks must be at institutions without such limitations.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]

B1.18.1   Trainees must complete at least one prospectively approved period of rural training of at least 23 weeks FTE duration as part of their Basic Training. Trainees are not permitted to undertake rural training prior to satisfactory completion of 46 weeks of Basic Training.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.18.2   Training posts accepted as eligible for the completion of the rural training period described in Regulation B1.16.1 will be defined by the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.18.3   Requests from trainees for consideration of exemption from the rural rotation should be directed in the first instance to the Chair of the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee. Requests will require the approval of both the Chair of the relevant State and Territory or New Zealand Training Accreditation Committee and the Chair of the College Training Accreditation Committee.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.19.1.    Subject to prospective approval, research training in accredited research posts may be undertaken for the purposes of Advanced Training.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.20.1   A program that results in the awarding of FRANZCOG by RANZCOG and a PhD from an Australian or New Zealand University, or another University listed in the Times Higher Educational Supplement (THES) Top 400, will be available to trainees with a recognised intent of pursuing an academic career in obstetrics and gynaecology who are undertaking the FRANZCOG Training Program (the FRANZCOG Academic Stream).

B1.20.2   Save for specific matters outlined in this Regulation B1.20, trainees recognised as undertaking the FRANZCOG Academic Stream will be subject to all regulations, policies and procedures applicable to trainees enrolled in the FRANZCOG Training Program from 1 December 2013.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.20.3   Trainees may apply at any time from acceptance into the FRANZCOG Training Program to be recognised as undertaking the FRANZCOG Academic Stream. Such applications will be considered pursuant to the relevant College policy and/or relevant regulations.

B1.20.4   Trainees recognised as undertaking the FRANZCOG Academic Stream may be exempted from 46 weeks (one (1) year) of the Advanced Training component of the FRANZCOG Training Program by completion of a PhD awarded by an Australian or New Zealand University, or another University listed in the THES Top 400. For the purposes of these regulations, ‘completion’ refers to receipt by the

College of acceptable evidence that the PhD has been ‘passed’ and will be awarded without any further examination or academic requirements.

B1.20.5   A trainee recognised as undertaking the FRANZCOG Academic Stream who is undertaking approved Research Leave and not undertaking any training pursuant to Regulation B1.20.6 will be a registered trainee and for the period during which the Research Leave is being undertaken must pay 25% of the Annual Training Fee and submit an annual form for prospective approval of Research Leave. The annual form for prospective approval of Research Leave must be accompanied by written confirmation from their research supervisor of satisfactory progress and written confirmation of continuing enrolment in the PhD from the University.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.20.6   Basic Training during Research Leave

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.20.7   Completion of the prospectively approved PhD by a trainee recognised as undertaking the FRANZCOG Academic Stream will result in the trainee being credited with one year (46 weeks) of training time for the purposes of meeting the requirements of Advanced Training.

B1.20.8   Trainees who do not complete the requirements of the prospectively approved PhD will not receive the exemption from one (1) year of the Advanced Training component of the FRANZCOG Training Program referred to in Regulation B1.20.4 and may not undertake any component of Advanced Training until all requirements of Basic Training have been satisfactorily completed.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]

B1.20.9   Trainees who satisfactorily complete the prospectively approved PhD and gain credit for one (1) year of Advanced Training must then complete any remaining periods of Basic Training and Advanced Training, and all associated requirements, in order to be eligible for the award of FRANZCOG.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]

B1.20.10 For trainees commencing the FRANZCOG Training Program on or after 1 December 2014, following completion of the prospectively approved PhD and credit of one (1) year (46 weeks) of the required two (2) years (92 weeks) of Advanced Training, trainees must complete either one (1) year (46 weeks) of prospectively approved Advanced Training including the satisfactory completion of the Essential O&G Skills Advanced Training Modules or one (1) year of prospectively approved subspecialty training in a RANZCOG subspecialty training program and the Essential O&G Skills Advanced Training Module. Trainees in the FRANZCOG Training Program commencing the academic stream after 31 January 2025 must satisfactorily complete the Essential O&G Skills and the Medical Education Advanced Training Modules.

[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, December 2021]

B1.20.11 Satisfactory completion of the prospectively approved PhD by trainees who undertake the FRANZCOG Academic Stream will meet the requirements for completion of a Research Study normally expected of FRANZCOG trainees. Where a trainee undertakes the FRANZCOG Academic Stream, but does not satisfactorily complete the prospectively approved PhD in the required timeframe, the need for any further research-based requirement prior to the completion of the training program will be determined by the Research Assessment Subcommittee.

B1.21.1   Up to two (2) years (i.e. 92 weeks) of Advanced Training may be undertaken in a RANZCOG subspecialty training program.

B1.22.1   The Six-monthly Summative Assessment Report is the mechanism that deals with training performance, training/assessment requirements, and crediting of training time. Failure to meet training/assessment requirements by the deadline can impact training time credit. Such requirements include, but are not limited to: