The Board meeting was held on 14 December 2018 in Sydney, where a number of matters for Board consideration. The following is a summary of matters discussed or agreed.

Independent investigations

The Board resolved to release three Independent Reports commissioned by the College:

• a KordaMentha report into the 2018 election
• a Ferrier Hodgson report into the computer based exam failure
• a BDO report into the computer based exam failure

The KordaMentha and Ferrier Hodgson reports will be published early in the New Year, with an appropriate covering note, on our website.

The Board intends to release the BDO report once a third-party issue has been resolved.

AMC assessment

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) conducted an RACP mid-term assessment review on 26 and 27 November 2018. The College is awaiting the AMC formal report into the assessment review, but their verbal summation at the conclusion of the assessment visit was positive.

The assessment panel commented on the incredible depth of talent that RACP has within its education directorates and, across the College, the strong progress made against the AMC conditions and standards. The high quality and effort that went into developing the supporting information in preparation for the visit was noted.

The panel also commented on the number, seniority and high-quality of the Fellows and trainees who gave up their time to speak with the review committee. The AMC noted RACP’s ‘whole of College’ embrace of the importance of our education program.

Strategic planning

The RACP Three-Year Strategic Plan was released as promised prior to Christmas and the Board and staff are excited to share it with the Membership. 

Committees

An amendment to the New Zealand Committee By-law to expand on references to Tikanga Māori concepts and provide further detail and context in the development of cultural competency of Fellows, trainees and RACP staff was supported. This is in alignment with the College’s Indigenous Strategic Framework, and delegation was given to the New Zealand Committee to amend the Term of Reference of all of its Standing Committees.

The Board has approved a number of appointments to Board Committees. Thanks to all of those members that provided their time and expertise to allow our College and its core business to operate.

Professor Paul Colditz, President, Paediatrics & Child Health Division will be representing the College at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) annual conference in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and the Board will look forward to hearing his report upon his return.

Education Renewal

We are excited to support the Education Renewal Technology Program, which will progress from January. This system will deliver an improved experience to our trainees, supervisors and administrators through a best-in-class platform to support training, assessment and accreditation.

Media training

A number of media training sessions for DFaC Presidents or their nominated alternates have been conducted with eight Presidents or their nominees enrolling. This media training prepares participants to successfully interact with the media, practice interviewing and how to handle tough questions. The training will also provide guidance on College approval processes.

Media training opportunities will be provided in 2019. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email RACPBoard@racp.edu.au

Indigenous Strategic Framework

A Kaitohutohu Māori Resource providing advice, guidance and tautoko (support) with major College  events, and to assisting with implementing strategic initiatives effectively has been fully supported by the New Zealand Committee and the Board during the second year of implementation of the College’s Indigenous Strategic Framework.

RACP in Aotearoa/New Zealand acknowledges and supports the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) namely Partnership, Participation and Protection. Directors and our New Zealand cohort are looking forward to working alongside a Māori resource in this area of huge importance to New Zealanders.

Associate Professor Mark Lane
RACP President