The surgeons’ compass: RCS England publishes updated standards to promote respect for patients and colleagues

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) has published Good Surgical Practice 2025, setting the standards for delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality surgical care. Developed in close consultation with surgeons and patients, this updated guidance reflects the evolving challenges in surgery, including the rise of new technologies such as robotic surgery, the need for environmental sustainability, and the importance of fostering respectful, inclusive working cultures.

The new edition of Good Surgical Practice aligns with the principles of the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice and emphasises the profession's core values of patient safety, continuous development, and collaborative teamwork. It also serves as a pledge to uphold professionalism and shape a culture where every team member is valued and respected.

Good practice in surgery depends not only on the personal attributes of the surgeon, but also on effective teamworking and adequate resources and time. Employers also have a role in building a workplace that enables surgeons to achieve these standards.

The revised document places added emphasis on constructive working environments, expressing the profession’s commitment to eliminate discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation, as well as advancing equality of opportunity. It aims to ensure that surgeons are equipped to excel in today’s complex healthcare environment, and reconfirms the need for safety, honesty, and integrity when addressing challenges such as resource constraints or adverse outcomes.

Commenting on the latest guidance, Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) said:

"It is an immense privilege to be a surgeon. We transform lives, advance medical practice, and enjoy careers which are as interesting as they are rewarding. With that privilege comes enormous responsibility and an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for our patients.

"Good Surgical Practice reinforces this shared responsibility, reminding us that professionalism is not just about technical expertise but also about the way we treat one another. Each of us has a role in shaping a culture where every team member is treated with respect and supported to do their best work."

RCS England is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct and following the recent findings of the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery (WPSMS), as a professional body for surgeons, has been working to eradicate this behaviour across surgery and healthcare in general.

Commenting on updates to Good Surgical Practice which deal with sexual harassment and poor working behaviours directly, Professor Vivien Lees, Senior Vice President of RCS England and lead on sexual misconduct, added:

“While most surgeons uphold the highest standards and strive to create a positive working culture, the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery’s findings, as well as other high-profile examples of poor team behaviours and patient outcomes recently, serve as a stark reminder that there is still work to do. 

“We hope that surgeons will use this new guidance as a compass for their behaviour and professionalism, and that it sets the direction for workforce that delivers the best possible care for patients alongside a safe an enjoyable working environment that makes everyone feel welcome.”

Good Surgical Practice 2025 applies to surgeons of all grades and serves as a resource for assessing performance and maintaining standards. For patients, it provides transparency and reassurance about the care they can expect.

This 2025 edition replaces the 2014 version and is complemented by additional tools and guides available on the RCS England website to support its implementation.

ENDS

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Notes to editors:

1. Good Surgical Practice 2025 revises the previous edition which was published in 2014 and follows the revision of the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice that came into effect in 2024.
2. Good Surgical Practice 2025: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/standards-and-research/good-surgical-practice
3. General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice: https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/good-medical-practice
4. Good Surgical Practice is written for surgeons of any grade working within and/or outside NHS practice. 
5. It is not a statutory code or a regulatory document but rather seeks to exemplify the standards required of all doctors by the General Medical Council for surgery. 
6. The new edition will be supplemented with accompanying guides and implementation tools on the RCS England website, including advice and support for employers.
7. RCS England published a comprehensive new Code of Conduct last year, which all of its members, specified non-members in appointed or elected roles, and staff are expected to adhere to: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/about-the-rcs/code-of-conduct/?
8. WPSMS The Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery 2024 report: https://www.wpsms.org.uk/_files/ugd/db2313_6246937816244a589b4519284026586a.pdf
9. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients. 
10. For more information, please contact the RCS England press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056