The aims of RCP's equality and diversity review were simple: to ensure that everyone who is or wants to be involved with the RCP has access to the same opportunities and the same, fair treatment.
We believe that the RCP will thrive by actively promoting inclusivity, with people of all backgrounds coming together and achieving success. So we did not limit the project to compliance with the law, or the nine protected characteristics, but set out to look at how the RCP can become a best practice organisation in the health sector.
The project was agreed by RCP Council, sponsored by our Registrar, and fully supported by our President and Chief Executive. The work was led by equality and diversity consultant Ben Summerskill, previously chief executive of Stonewall and commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Role
The project, which has provided us with useful information for the 2021-2024 RCP strategy, was responsible for:
- reviewing the RCP’s current level of performance on equality and diversity with regard to both its workforce and volunteers, including
- trustees
- elected college posts
- appointed college posts (eg junior officers, committee memberships or examiner/assessor posts).
- providing a report to the Board of Trustees and RCP Council outlining the findings.
- making recommendations for any improvements necessary, including in our equality and diversity monitoring and reporting.
Next steps
The RCP welcomed Ben Summerskill's report and undertook to address recommendations. A progress report was published in October 2021 and further updates will follow.
For more information
Read Ben Summerskill’s article for This Doctor Can on his ambitions for the project.
The project was coordinated by the Communications, Policy and Research directorate. The team is happy answer your questions: contact them via policy@rcplondon.ac.uk.
