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What does Equality, Diversity and Inclusion mean?

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What does Equality, Diversity and Inclusion mean?

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Diversity: Every trainee is different and has something unique to offer
Equality: Every trainee should have equal access to training opportunities and career advancement regardless of their background
Inclusion: An environment where all trainees are actively included and valued for their different perspectives

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Speak up and embrace your individuality!

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Speak up and embrace your individuality!

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Every workplace has a hierarchy. Whether you are a trainee, a colleague, or a boss (or all three!), the hierarchy can influence everything from everyday working practices to relational...

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Doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds

Women in unrepresented fields

Doctors returning after extended leave

LGBTQ+ doctors

Doctors with diabilities and neurodiversity

Doctors with caring responsibilities

Doctors facing financial difficulty

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Everyone has the right to work and train in an environment which is fair, free from discrimination and where they’re respected and valued. Bias does not just affect individuals, it impacts teamwork, collaboration, and communication. It also affects how doctors develop and improve their practice. Healthcare professionals must know how such behaviours impact others inside and outside the team. Healthcare organisations across the UK must have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, discrimination, bullying or harassment. Trainees who experience discrimination should be signposted to appropriate support and advice, without fear of adverse consequences. Moreover, leaders must be satisfied that any discriminatory or bullying behaviour or harassment has been adequately addressed.

Key Results from the 2023 GMC National Trainee survey:

When asked if they experienced discriminatory behaviours, 35% of O&G trainees said they experienced micro-aggressions, negative comments or oppressive body language from colleagues.

When asked whether they felt confident about reporting discrimination where they work without fear of adverse consequences, nearly 1/4 of O&G trainees (24%) disagreed or strongly disagreed with this statement.

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As a school, we are committed to incorporating an ED&I policy to support trainees in day-to-day work when dealing with colleagues and patients. Please see the RCOG Equality and Diversity Policy for more information.

We intend to run an ED&I-related survey amongst trainees to better understand doctors’ experiences. This data will aid in informing us of areas for improvement and focus on targets to eliminate discrimination, disadvantage and unfairness within the O&G Training Programme.

Watch this space!

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Introduce yourself to everyone on a 1st name basis

Be kind and acknowledge if you have made mistakes (Civility saves lives!) (https://www.rcog.org.uk/careers-and-training/starting-your-og-career/workforce/improving-workplace-behaviours/workplace-behaviour-toolkit/)

Training sessions to help doctors understand the impact of unprofessional behaviours on patient safety (https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-hub/speaking-up/respect-protects)

Look internally to build up your confidence and consider coaching and mentoring (https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/support-now/looking-after-you-confidential-coaching-and-support-for-the-primary-care-workforce/looking-after-you-too/)

If you are in a senior position and you see your juniors being subjected to unprofessional behaviour, be their advocate if they don’t feel confident to speak up!

Consult with your local Occupational Health Department

Check out LSSOG’s Wellbeing toolkit for more resources

Training needs:

Educational supervisors training on how best to offer feedback and supervision on an individual basis

College tutors to check in with trainees who are struggling to provide early support

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GMC-Racism in the Workplace

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The British International Doctors’ Association (BIDA) was established in the United Kingdom with the sole objective of promoting equality and fairness for all doctors and dentists working in the UK. BIDA’s mission is to achieve equal treatment of all doctors and dentists based on their competence and merit irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, country of origin or school of graduation.