Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
As one of the world’s oldest surgical bodies, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) strives to be an engaged and welcoming organisation. We fundamentally benefit from having an active and diverse membership and are extremely fortunate to be able to draw upon a broad range of experiences, opinions, and expertise.
However, we appreciate that more must be done to ensure our Members and Fellows across the world feel that their professional opinion is always valued and acted upon regardless of their background, career stage, or physical location. We must do more to support, encourage, and celebrate diversity so that we have a deeper understanding of our Members and Fellows and the patients they serve. Indeed, such active participation is essential for the College to be able to fully play our part in advancing surgical care throughout the world.
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.
The College is currently developing its new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
The College is opposed to all forms of prejudice and believes everyone should be treated fairly regardless of their age, race and ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, social class, disability, marital status.
As a College, we will continually evaluate how we can improve our own functions and processes to achieve greater equality and diversity within our College and ensure positive change within the surgical and dental professions.
We will do this by:
- Ensuring that RCSEd’s range of activities and code of conduct are fair and free from bias and that no one is discriminated against treatment, either directly or indirectly, based on their protected characteristics. We will also practice positive action to support the advancement of people from underrepresented groups.
- Ensuring we have a broad range of perspectives from a multitude of backgrounds in order to improve our understanding and decision making in all aspects of College activity.
- Setting and working to uphold standards for inclusion within the functions and duties of the College to ensure everyone feels they they belong, are fully engaged and can thrive within College.
