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Code of Conduct

Our comprehensive Code of Conduct applies to all members, specified non-members in appointed or elected roles, and RCS England staff. This Code ensures adherence to the highest standards of professional and ethical behaviour in alignment with Good Surgical Practice. This includes tackling sexual misconduct, as one of the actions we are taking to eradicate sexual misconduct in surgery. 
 
What you need to know:

  • Anyone not in good standing with the College, as defined in the Code of Conduct, will have their membership of the College or appointed/elected role withdrawn.  
  • Sexual misconduct, harassment and bullying are breaches of this Code. For these definitions, please see our Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Action Policy.
  • Any allegations of behaviour not adhering to this Code will be treated with the utmost seriousness, and all appropriate actions will be taken.
  • All members and specified non-members are expected to follow Good Surgical Practice. 

Read New Code of Conduct: tackling sexual misconduct in surgery written by Vivien Lees, RCS England Senior Vice-President and Lead for Tackling Sexual Misconduct in Surgery and Tim Mitchell, RCS England President.

This Code is a crucial step in our journey to eradicate sexual misconduct in surgery. It is an important disciplinary tool, but it also sends a clear signal of intent about the culture we aspire to in our profession. 

Anyone, including members of the public, can raise a concern about a member or specified non-member if they are in breach of the Code by emailing chiefexecutive@rcseng.ac.uk.

Where a concern or complaint relates to sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and/or bullying, our Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Action Policy now covers reporting mechanisms for these cases. 

Identifying and reporting sexual misconduct associated with the College

Our Code of Conduct is supported by our new Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Action Policy which aims to prevent such incidents. It defines the expectations of behaviour for staff, members and non-members in a College-appointed or elected role, including exam candidates, course participants, event attendees, and others attending College events, as well as outlining what the College can do to protect all those associated with it from these behaviours.

If you have a concern or complaint about an individual in one of the above positions or situations, you can now report this through the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form. To understand how reports of sexual misconduct will be processed, view the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Flowchart.

Advice and support: deciding to report sexual misconduct

If you experience sexual misconduct, it is likely to be a distressing and isolating experience and you might not know what to do next.

Sexual misconduct can take place when there are no other witnesses. This does not change the response you should receive. You will be believed and supported.

If you can, write down what happened as soon as you can. Include dates and the order that events took place, and how they made you feel. This will help you to remember the details. It’s important you speak to someone you trust, to get support and to decide what to do. This is often called a ‘disclosure’. 

When speaking with others, it’s important that you are given the time to clearly express: 

  • what you need, including support 
  • what you want to happen next 
  • what you expect them to do

You can also get advice and support from RCS England’s 24/7 Confidential Support and Advice Service, or the support services below: 

If you decide and are ready to make a report, you can do this through the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form. Our Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Action Policy provides further information about making a report. Every report will be taken seriously and there is no time limit – you can make a report at any time. 

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