New Code of Conduct: tackling sexual misconduct in surgery

Last September, the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery published a landmark report detailing the devastating scale and impact of sexual misconduct in surgery.

The findings were shocking, exposing behaviours which have gone unchallenged for far too long. Breaking the Silence was our profession’s #MeToo moment.  

The data showed that nearly a third of women respondents had been sexually assaulted by a colleague, with a smaller proportion of men also victims. Even more disturbingly, some respondents reported rape in workplace settings. Yet, 71% of those who experienced sexual misconduct did not report it, ‘fearing retaliation, career damage, not being believed and fearing nothing would be done’.

Our new Code of Conduct

Following a recent discussion of the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s Council, we are introducing a new Code of Conduct. This framework sets out the expected behaviour of members, non-members in appointed or elected roles, and our staff. This includes tackling sexual misconduct.  

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the College, as defined in the Code of Conduct, will have their membership of the College or appointed/elected role withdrawn.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.
• 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.

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.  

All members, volunteers and staff should review the Code of Conduct and become familiar with the contents. It's important that every individual who represents our College is aware of their obligations under this Code; we each play an important role in upholding these values and standards as a member of the surgical community.

Taking action

RCS England has not shied away from these disturbing truths. Instead, we have taken action to improve our own policies and working practices while supporting the Working Party and the wider health system in implementing meaningful change.

There is still much work to do. In particular, the Working Party has identified the need to improve reporting processes and support victims and bystanders in feeling safe and confident about reporting misconduct. In October, we will host a meeting of the Working Party on ‘supporting and reporting’ to enhance systems for raising concerns.

We know that most of the workforce will have witnessed sexual misconduct, and many will have experienced it. Your support in challenging unacceptable behaviour and changing our profession is vital.  

Finally, to those perpetrating sexual harassment or assault please know this:  

No matter how technically competent or senior you are, if you abuse the trust placed in you as a surgeon, you will have no place in our College.  

Vivien Lees, RCS England Senior Vice-President and Lead for Tackling Sexual Misconduct in Surgery
Tim Mitchell, RCS England President