Our Commitment to EDI
As one of the world’s oldest surgical bodies, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is committed to being an open, inclusive and welcoming membership organisation. We value the strength that comes from a diverse membership and workforce and recognise the importance of drawing on a wide range of experiences, perspectives and expertise.
We are committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion across our membership, workforce and activities. We recognise that more must be done to ensure that members, fellows, affiliates, volunteers, staff and visitors across the world feel respected, heard and supported, regardless of background, career stage or location.
By actively supporting, encouraging and celebrating diversity, we aim to better understand our members and fellows and the patients they serve. This inclusive approach is essential to enabling the College to fulfil its role in advancing high-quality, equitable surgical care worldwide.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion across the surgical profession. Our mission is to foster a culture that welcomes, supports and represents the rich diversity of our members, staff and the wider healthcare community.
Equity and diversity is not just a commitment— it is about living and breathing inclusion of all our people. Supporting the qualities of one another that make us different and those that bring something new to the table. We must listen, learn and act to encourage everyone to feel comfortable and confident as the person they truly are. We will only succeed in delivering the best in Patient Safety if our people reflect the world's complete diversity of individuals, beliefs and approaches to their life in and out of the workplace. Making a difference for all is Making it Inclusive for all.
Professor S Michael Griffin, Past President of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Our EDI Strategy
The College is currently developing a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to strengthen our commitment across all areas of our work.
We are opposed to all forms of prejudice and discrimination and are committed to treating everyone fairly and with respect, regardless of age, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, social class, disability or marital status.
As a College, we will continually review and improve our functions, policies and processes to advance equality and diversity and to support meaningful and lasting change across the surgical and dental professions.
We will do this by:
- Ensuring that RCSEd’s activities, policies and Code of Conduct are fair, inclusive and free from bias, and that no one is discriminated against, either directly or indirectly, on the basis of protected characteristics. We will also take positive action to support people from underrepresented groups.
- Encouraging and valuing a broad range of perspectives and experiences to strengthen understanding, decision making and outcomes across all areas of College activity.
- Setting, promoting and upholding clear standards for inclusion across the College, so that everyone feels they belong, are fully engaged and are able to thrive.
Patient Safety Group
The Patient Safety Group (PSG) exists to ensure that the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) core professional standards, training and educational activities are focused on continuously improving patient safety and reducing harm, while coordinating the College’s approach to this global health priority.
Explore hub
Equality & Diversity Vlogs
The Equality & Diversity vlogs show how the College is committed to becoming a fully inclusive organisation.
Watch here
Anti-Bullying and Undermining Campaign
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has launched a new anti-bullying and undermining campaign called #LetsRemoveIt, aimed across the whole health service. The College is committed to eradicating bullying and undermining from the surgical and dental professions.
Explore Hub
Sexual Misconduct in Surgery - Let's Remove It
This UK-wide campaign, launched by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, is designed to raise awareness of Sexual Harassment and encourage zero tolerance of sexual misconduct in healthcare. We ask clinicians to 'Call it Out' if they witness it.
Explore hub
RCSEd Wellbeing
During Wellbeing Week, engage in discussions and access resources related to wellbeing and patient safety, including webinars and podcasts. Additional external wellbeing resources are also available.
Learn more
Pregnancy and Surgery
Find essential information for pregnant women working in surgical environments, including guidance on managing radiation exposure, adjusting work schedules, and taking necessary time off. It also addresses common challenges during pregnancy, maternity leave entitlements, and where to seek support while balancing a surgical career.
Learn more
Less Than Full-Time Training
Find details on how surgeons can opt for LTFT training to better manage personal commitments and facilitate a healthier work-life balance. The page also highlights available options for academic trainees and their eligibility to apply for LTFT training.
Learn more
Parental Leave Resources for Trainees
Explore our Parental Leave Resources for Trainees, designed for those thinking about or have already started planning for a family. The RCSEd Trainees' Committee has created a guide to help you navigate essential paperwork and forms. This resource covers maternity leave, shared parental leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, and returning to work.
Learn more
Returning to Training
The Returning to Training page offers guidance for surgeons re-entering training after an absence, emphasising the importance of planning ahead to reduce stress. It also highlights key advice and practical tips to ensure a smooth transition back to clinical practice.
Learn more