The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) works to improve women’s healthcare across the world. We’re committed to developing the accessibility and quality of education, training and assessments for doctors wishing to specialise in O&G.
Founded in 1929, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has been transforming women’s healthcare for 90 years. We’re recognised nationally and overseas as a leader in women’s healthcare, enabling us to build incredible international partnerships. With this network and expertise, we’re working to advance the science and practice of O&G.
Today, we have over 17,500 members worldwide. These healthcare professionals can access our support throughout each stage of their career. We encourage all our members to pursue lifelong learning and development, offering cutting-edge training programmes and courses.
Strategy and annual reports
- Read our strategic plan, which sets out our key objectives and strategic goals.
- Read our annual reports and reviews.
Our work
To successfully raise the profile of women’s healthcare and raise the standards of professional practice globally, the RCOG work to:
Push for a commitment to excellence in all O&G practices
To achieve this, we:
- Publish clinical guidelines that set standards for high-quality women's healthcare, including national clinical guidelines through the NICE-funded National Guideline Alliance
- Develop education, training and exam programmes for doctors wishing to specialise in O&G
- Provide a continuing professional development (CPD) programme for qualified O&G clinicians. Our CPD scheme offers practical courses and access to educational conferences to ensure their skills remain up to date
- Publish statements and reports on issues of public importance relevant to O&G
Shape health policies through campaigns and consultation
We do this by:
- Advising the government and other public bodies on healthcare matters relating to O&G
- Contributing to policy development as it affects the O&G profession, the health service and wider women's health concerns
Encourage academic work in O&G
This is done through our:
- Promotion of academic work in O&G, ensuring continued improvement in the services our members offer to women
- Publication of statements and reports on issues of public importance relevant to O&G
Strengthen the national and global O&G network
We are able to do this by:
- Supporting other organisations with similar objectives to the College, including specialist societies
- Working with international partners to improve sexual and reproductive health care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, through our global health strategy
Help women and girls access accurate information about their health
To achieve this, we:
- Publish patient information leaflets which explain medical conditions and care options. We offer this information for free, using lay terms and accessible language
- Work with the RCOG Women's Network to ensure women's views on the care they receive are at the heart of everything we do.
