Diversity and inclusion at the College
Our commitment to diversity
At the Royal College of Surgeons of England, we believe we are only as good as the people we hire. We know that our employees come from all walks of life, and with that come different perspectives.
Diversity, inclusion and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.
"It takes all kinds of people to build a community. Joining ours means contributing to a culture of respect, innovation, and collaboration. You can do this by having your say and helping shape our staff networks, staff club, and staff council. I would encourage anyone to come and be part of our team, which is dedicated to shaping the future of surgery. Your unique strengths are not only welcomed but vital to our shared success."
— Corriene Bailey Bearfield, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager
Our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is evident through the active engagement of our employees in the Staff Council, where their voices play a crucial role in shaping an optimal work life for everyone within the College. Additionally, our staff networks cultivate a strong sense of belonging, while social clubs create a vibrant community spirit. We actively encourage our team members to openly share their professional and personal experiences, contributing to the evolution of our mindset and organisational culture.
Our built environment further reflects the College commitment to fostering inclusivity. The design of our building takes into account the needs of neurodivergent individuals and ensures accessibility for all. This includes sensory-friendly design elements, quiet spaces, clear signage, tactile indicators, ramps, lifts, and wide doorways to accommodate mobility aids. Additionally, lighting, acoustics, and colour schemes have been carefully chosen to create a comfortable and inclusive environment for all occupants.
We firmly believe that embracing diversity goes beyond a moral obligation; it inspires individual and collective growth. Our dedication to this ensures that our profession and the College lead the way in advancing patient care for future generations. However, we recognise that achieving this goal demands a collective effort. That is why we are looking for individuals like you. Your unique talents and diverse experiences, acquired through life and work, are invaluable contributions that will enhance and complement our existing team. Join us on this journey towards building a more inclusive and pioneering future in healthcare.
Disability confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer.
We believe a diverse and inclusive workforce is a moral imperative and a source of strength, innovation, and success. We are dedicated to creating an environment that welcomes and supports individuals with long-term health conditions and disabilities. This includes those with visible and invisible disabilities, as well as those who may be in the process of developing a disability.
By being a Disability Confident Committed employer – level 1, we aim to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive. We view our commitment to disability inclusion as essential to our journey toward creating a more equitable, diverse, and innovative workforce.
Learn more about what it means to be a Disability Confident employer and how we can support you.
Access to work
We see Access to Work as a vital partner in our journey toward creating a workplace where every individual can contribute to the College's success, regardless of their abilities.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a programme in the United Kingdom that provides support and guidance to individuals with disabilities or health conditions to help them secure and maintain employment.
The support you get will depend on your needs.
- Personalised support: Access to Work aims to provide tailored support that helps individuals overcome barriers in the workplace. This can involve adjustments to the physical environment, assistive technology, or other accommodations
- Travel support: The programme may assist with travel-related costs, such as commuting to work or attending job interviews, especially if the disability or health condition makes travel more challenging
- Support workers: Access to Work may fund support workers, sign language interpreters, or other professionals to assist individuals in their job roles
- Mental health support: The programme also offers support for individuals with mental health conditions, which can include counselling or other services to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace
Eligibility: Access to Work is available to individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions that affect their ability to work.
How do you apply?
Individuals need to apply for Access to Work through the Department for Work and Pensions. An assessment is typically conducted to determine the specific needs of the individual. This assessment helps in developing a personalised support plan that the College will look to accommodate.
Neurodiversity
Read our Neurodiversity Guide
Reasonable adjustments
It is the College’s duty to make reasonable adjustments when a person with a disability or need is at a disadvantage. In our efforts to be a supportive and inclusive employer, the College has developed a reasonable adjustments form to support prospective employees when applying to the College.
Read our Reasonable Adjustments Guide for further information.