with particular reference to Education and Training
May 2008
Curriculum and delivery of training
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is committed to the importance of equal opportunities and antidiscriminatory practice. The promotion of anti-discriminatory practice is included in the Specialty Training Curriculum modules and in the professional elements of workplace-based assessments. All educational supervisors are required to attend equal opportunities training courses within their Deanery. The College aims to ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of gender, age, disability, marital status, race, religion or sexual orientation. The College complies with:
- The Sex Discrimination Act
- The Equal Pay Act
- The Disability Discrimination Act
- The Sexual Orientation Act
- The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations
- The Race Relations Act.
All Specialty Training Committee and Annual Review of Competence Progression panel members will be fully trained in equality and diversity issues and the Chair of the Specialty Education Advisory Committee will monitor compliance with the above policy.
Examinations and assessment
Candidates who present themselves for an examination are deemed to be suitably prepared for, and most importantly, capable of taking the examination. Candidates who are aware of exceptional adverse personal circumstances in advance of the examination, such as bereavement, temporary or permanent illness or injury, which they feel may affect their performance in the examination, are strongly advised not to present themselves for examination.
The College responds to requests on a case-by-case basis. With suitable notice we will normally make suitable arrangements, generally following professional advice (such as educational psychologist reports), or previous examples from undergraduate examinations, provided by the candidates. For example, the College may allow 25% extra time in written examinations for dyslexic candidates. The College may also allow candidates the use of computers to complete otherwise handwritten papers, colour filters to facilitate reading, and the use of specially adapted furniture and accommodation.
All candidates who require special arrangements must adhere to the points below. Candidates must note that upon receipt of insufficient evidence, special arrangements may not necessarily be granted.
In awarding special arrangements the Royal College aims to:
- Approve valid arrangements and access to written and clinical examinations.
- Give special consideration to candidates where specific circumstances have arisen at or near to the examination time which have not previously been highlighted.
- Ensure that no special arrangement gives an unfair advantage over another candidate
When submitting their application form all applicants must make it clear if special arrangements are needed in writing and attach this to the application form.
Supplementary evidence will be needed from the candidates such as:
- Doctor’s note
- Up-to-date literacy assessment
- A Statement of Special Educational Need
- A relevant diagnostic report regarding the learning disability
- Historical evidence of the disability
All special requirements will be considered by the Chairman of the Examination and Assessment Committee.