Our work to improve workplace behaviours by addressing undermining and bullying behaviour.
Undermining in obstetrics and gynaecology
Undermining and bullying behaviour has long been recognised as a problem for trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G), as shown by repeated General Medical Council (GMC) trainee surveys. O&G trainees report more undermining behaviour than any other medical specialty, which is a matter of concern.
The RCOG is committed to improving the workplace for the benefit of both staff and the women and families we care for. Read the RCOG and RCM joint statement on bullying and undermining in the workplace.
eLearning resource
The practical, interactive and free-to-access eLearning resource on improving workplace behaviour aims to raise awareness of undermining and bullying in the workplace and illustrate ways to tackle the problem.
RCOG Workplace Behaviours Advisor
In 2013, we appointed Dr Joanna Mountfield FRCOG as the College’s first Workplace Behaviours Advisor – the first medical royal college to make such an appointment.
Our current Workplace Behaviours Advisor is Dr Ellen Knox, who is leading on our strategy to address undermining behaviours in O&G.
Workplace Behaviour Champions
There’s a Workplace Behaviour Champion in every school/deanery to help take forward our work to address undermining and bullying in the workplace.
The Champions are primarily a resource for trainees who want independent advice about any unacceptable behaviour they’re experiencing.
We hope trainees who are experiencing undermining will feel able to approach the Champions early, so we can identify and address issues as soon as possible.
If trainees work in the same unit as their local Champion and find external support more appropriate, they can contact Champions from neighbouring schools/deaneries.
See contact details for the Workplace Behaviour Champions
Other useful resources
- The RCOG Trainees’ Committee has developed advice for trainees on dealing with undermining in the workplace
- The GMC has published Building A Supportive Environment: A Review to Tackle Undermining and Bullying in Medical Education and Training, which outlines the findings from a series of undermining and bullying check visits to O&G and surgical units across the UK
- The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has launched an online resource to tackle bullying and undermining
- The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has produced Creating Supportive Environments to combat undermining.