Read the highlights of key issues discussed at the RACP Board meeting on 11 December 2020.
Strategic Plan 2021
The Board has released an updated Strategic Plan for the next 12 months that was developed in consultation with College Council. A longer 3 to 5-year plan will be developed during 2021 and more extensive consultation with members will be included in that process.
The College continues to increase the use of measurable outcomes in work plans to improve accountability for members.
Important progress is being made through implementing the Strategic Indigenous Framework, with a leading priority to increase the number of Indigenous trainees and Fellows.
With the IT Roadmap and Online Communities project, a more personalised digital service and more efficient way of connecting members is being developed.
Organisational values
After a highly consultative process with staff, Committees and members, organisational values have been developed. These will underpin how staff and members who are actively involved in College activities undertake our work.
Constitutional reform progress update
Consultation with members is continuing through 2021, in order to propose constitutional changes to members in 2022. The Constitutional review will also be discussed with the membership at the 2021 AGM. Some changes to the survey have been made in response to feedback from members and the Board.
Board Charter
The Board Charter (PDF) has been amended to address relevant Effective Governance recommendations.
Election process 2021
Two Member Director positions and the Aotearoa New Zealand President-Elect are due for election in 2021. The successful candidates will take-up their positions at the 2021 AGM in May. The 2021 AGM will be held as a hybrid face-to-face and virtual event for the ease of members who wish to attend. A pre- and live question and answer process will be available.
Committee survey — final results
The Board is aware that the large number of College Committees can add significantly to the complexity of the organisation and is seeking ways to maintain member engagement with the College while streamlining the Committee structures. A recent survey has provided valuable information about current issues and will be used to inform the review.
A number of issues will be considered including how committees and working parties manage their reporting, and consistency in the roles of different types of groups, for example a reference group as opposed to a working party.
The importance of Division and Faculty Councils and Chapter and Regional committees to support their members and deal with their specific issues was acknowledged, as was the importance of engaging with all College Bodies.
eG progress report #6
The Board is very pleased with the progress in implementing the Effective Governance recommendations and acknowledges the enormous contribution of staff. Ninety per cent of the eG recommendations have now been completed. The College will provide a program of work to complete the remaining outstanding recommendations and will maintain ongoing reporting to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) until finalisation.
Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation
The College has been re-accredited by the AMC for four years, an achievement we are very pleased with. The AMC particularly noted the College’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. There remain some outstanding issues, and significant elements of educational reform are continuing.
Trainees’ voice
The Chair welcomed Dr Aritra Ray, Aotearoa New Zealand representative from the College Trainees Committee to the meeting. Dr Ray expressed his thanks to the Board, staff and trainees on what has been a tumultuous yet successful year.
The trainees are particularly pleased to have the opportunity to progress through examinations, although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact delivery.
On behalf of the trainees, Dr Ray acknowledged that the College showed compassion and respect to others and unity in the face of crisis, key values of the College. Thanks were expressed to the Board for the actions that were taken for the trainees.
The Board thanked Dr Ray for attending and were pleased to hear that the College is moving in the right direction. The Board acknowledged that it is important to continually learn so improvements can be made in future years.
Awarding of The John Sands Medal and The College Medal for 2021
The Board expressed its congratulations to the medal recipients:
- Professor Gregory Crawford — John Sands Medal
- Professor Roderick Duncan McLeod — College Medal
Recipients of 2021 Fellowship Committee Medals
The Board expressed their congratulations to the award and medal recipients:
- Associate Professor Gregory Fox — RACP International Medal
- Dr Allan Kerrigan — RACP Medal for Clinical Services in Rural and Remote Areas
- Dr David Levitt — RACP Mentor of the Year Award
- Dr Davina Buntsma — RACP Trainee of the Year Award
In conclusion
The Board is deeply appreciative of the enormous efforts of many trainees, Fellows and staff who, despite the substantial disruptions of COVID-19, effectively delivered a range of important outcomes for our College, our members and the community.
In overcoming the disappointment of cancellations and adjustments that COVID-19 required, we have also experienced more rapid change and innovation. An example was the 2020 Online Congress Series which enabled the inclusion of targeted educational sessions on COVID-19 as the pandemic evolved and scientific evidence emerged.
The Board particularly acknowledged the expertise and generosity of the Community Board Directors, who bring vital expertise to the Board.
The Board remains sensitive to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for us all, especially frontline trainees and Fellows, and is committed to pursuing our longer-term strategic goals whilst making adjustments as necessary for the time being.