RCOG Handbook for International Representative Committees and Liaison Groups October 2014

2

RCOG President, Mr David Richmond FRCOG, with members of the AICC World Congress organising committee, Hyderabad, March 2014.

3

IRC – International Representative Committee LG – Liaison Group

Contents

Introduction 5

The Global Health Strategy 6

The Global Health Unit and governance structure 7

The role of the Global Health Unit & International Council Representatives 8

IRC and LG governance structure 9

Expectations of IRCs and LGs 11

The IRC election process 12

IRC/LG budget and funding 13

IRC/LG projects and activities 14

RCOG Global Health Toolkits 15

The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) 16

IRC support for UK volunteers 17

Facilitating payment of membership subscriptions 17

Advocacy 18

RCOG policy statements & UN Days 19

Development and Fundraising & RCOG Endorsement Policy 20

Education, training and professional development 21

Keeping in touch with the RCOG 23

How to become involved in RCOG work 24

RCOG contact details 25

Useful resources 26

Appendices Appendix 1: The RCOG global health committee structure 30 Appendix 2: IRC/LG Terms of Reference 31 Appendix 3: IRC/LG annual report form template 33 Appendix 4: IRC/LG detailed project funding application form template 34 Appendix 5: Annual proposed activity plan template 36 Appendix 6: RCOG educational tools & CPD 37 Appendix 7: RCOG Membership categories 38 Appendix 8: Top tips for UK visa application 39

4

5

Introduction Paul Fogarty MD FRCOG Senior Vice President, Global Health The RCOG’s International Representative Committees and Liaison Groups are our eyes and ears for women’s health issues around the world. Forty- five percent of our Fellows and Members are based overseas and maintaining links with and ensuring relevance to the day-to-day work of these Fellows and Members is as relevant now as in the 1930s when the first Reference Committees and Regional Councils were formed to advise College Council on local matters. By the time Representative Committees succeeded these during the 1980s, the role had expanded to include tasks reflecting the interests of the country concerned but undertaken on the College’s behalf. Then in 2003, the nature of our engagement with our Fellows and Members overseas evolved further, when members of the Iraqi diaspora in the UK set up the first Liaison Group to support Fellows and Members struggling in political upheavals in Iraq. The Iraq Liaison Group was so successful that the College set about supporting the work of other diaspora groups based in the UK.

In 2014, Professor Janice Rymer was tasked by the Global Health Board to review the workings, activities and governance of the International Representative Committees (IRCs) and the Liaison Groups (LGs). This handbook sets out the outcomes of that review and to reframe the nature of our relationships with both groups for the next part of the twenty-first century. Modern communication and technology offers an incredible opportunity for the RCOG to expand its reach in women’s health care globally – to promote our gold standard training, our standards and guidelines and the principles of our approach to women’s health care. This is very much a two way experience and the College is keen to learn from the immense diversity of activities undertaken by our Fellows and Members overseas and the IRCs and LGs are at the heart of this effort.

This new Handbook aims to put the activities and role of the IRCs and LGs on an equal footing and to build a more reciprocal and mutually supportive relationship between them and the College. We hope the handbook simplifies and sets out clearer expectations for IRCs and LGs. We have relaxed the bureaucracy associated with IRCs and hope this will make it easier for IRCs to be flexible to their local country needs and conditions. We also want to make it easier for individual or small groups of Fellows and Members to work with and get support from the College. We have given clearer guidance and more specific ideas for how IRCs, LGs and the College can work together. We hope this approach will encourage peer learning between IRCs, LGs and the College and enhance communication and relevance between the College, all internationally-based Fellows and Members and the broader global O & G community.

Whilst we are printing and distributing some hard copies of this first edition of the Handbook, we intend that the Handbook should be a living document and we will be updating it annually on the website. We appreciate that the changes ask IRCs and LGs to work in a slightly different way and that there may be questions. We want to work through these with you so please do not hesitate to contact the Global Health Unit on any issues relating to the handbook or IRCs and LGs. Please also give us feedback on the Handbook so that we can ensure that it is relevant and useful for IRCs, LGs and all those supporting the College’s global health priority.

6

The Global Health Strategy

In October 2013, the College launched its Global Health Strategy at the House of Lords. The Strategy set some broad themes for the College’s global health work 2013-2017, including:

• Improving the breadth and depth of the College’s partnerships with others working in the

global arena (NGOs, other Colleges, local O&G societies etc);

• Increasing the GH Faculty of those Fellows and Members interested and engaged in supporting the College’s global health work;

• Prioritising global health activities in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In March 2014, the GHU and GH Board confirmed five Global Health Strategic Priorities linking from the Global Health Strategy:

1. To engage IRCs, LGs and M/Fs (in the UK and internationally) with the GH Strategy

2. To work with O&G societies, associated organisations, NGOs (non-government organisations) and Royal Colleges to champion women's health internationally

3. To promote volunteering amongst the RCOG Membership and to work with partners to facilitate international placements and training

4. To develop and pilot toolkits (and other educational materials/courses) which market and promote RCOG's standards, educational and guidelines expertise in different contexts on a commercial or philanthropic basis

5. To ensure that the GH governance structure is 'fit' to deliver the GH strategy

Read the Strategy on the RCOG website http://www.rcog.org.uk/globalhealthstrategy

7

The Global Health Unit and governance structure

‘Our goal is to raise awareness around the world of what the College has to offer in terms of improving care quality and life chances for women and newborns’ – RCOG Global Health Strategy, 2013. In 2012, the RCOG reviewed its international work and recognised that there was enormous enthusiasm and encouragement to further broaden the College’s global health remit. The review recommended that, to reflect a greater focus on the maternal and newborn health challenges facing less developed countries, the existing International Office be restructured as a Global Health Unit (GHU) and Board supported by appropriate Committees. The Global Health Unit works with the Senior Vice President Global Health, who chairs the Global Health Board, which is itself supported by three Global Health Committees (see Appendix 1 on page 30). The Senior Vice President is supported by:

• Five International Council Representatives elected (for 3 year periods) to RCOG Council with responsibility for defined areas of the world.

• The Gulf Ambassador to act as the trusted face of the College and to focus coordination of contacts and activity across the Gulf region.

Contact details for the Council Representatives and the Gulf Champion can be found on page 26.

GLOBAL EDUCATION DIRECTORATE Executive Director: Dr Michael Murphy

Global Health Unit Director: Rachel Cooper

Executive PA, Global Education: Sakinah Takeram

Global Projects Administrator: Elizabeth Rafii-Tabar

GHU Manager: Binta Patel

Senior Vice President, Global Health Paul Fogarty MD FRCOG

International Council Representatives: America, Australasia & Pacific Rim Europe and Central Asia North Africa & Middle East South Asia Sub-Saharan Africa

Gulf Ambassador:

Mr Hassan Shehata FRCOG

8

• To coordinate progress on the GH Strategy Implementation Framework

• To promote effective communication and dialogue with International Representative Committees, Liaison Groups and the international membership

• To coordinate in-country health needs assessments and assess project proposals

• To manage the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme and support volunteers overseas

• To engage with stakeholders and manage partnerships and collaborations

• To establish a global knowledge base

• To conduct research and gather data to support the strategy

• To work with Development Department to develop suitable projects for donors/funders

• To work with the Marketing Department to develop business/investment cases

• To scan the horizon for opportunities relevant to global health

The role of the Global Health Unit

The role of the International Council Representatives

• To act as the RCOG’s ‘ears’ with the region on core College business

relating to exams, membership, guidelines, standards, conferences and courses

• To encourage Fellows/Members in the region to engage and contribute to all areas of College activities – especially relating to implementation of the global health strategy

• To sit on and contribute to the Global Health Board and relevant other RCOG Committees

• To participate in virtual Global Health Unit/International Representative Committee/ Liaison Group meetings (at least annually)

• To act as a conduit between the RCOG and Fellows/Members in the region, including informing and distributing the Council précis, gathering feedback and representing views to the SVP, Global Health Board and Council meetings

• To act as RCOG’s advocate for women’s health and rights across the region

• To facilitate in the development of any specific projects in the region.

9

International Representative Committee/Liaison Group governance and structure The College’s internationally-based members – and especially its network of International Representative Committees and Liaison Groups – are crucial to successful delivery of the College’s ambitions for global women’s health. The IRCs/LGs are the best possible ambassadors for the standards the College promotes but also ideal partners for local O&G organisations and practitioners etc.

The main role of the IRCs and LGs is to promote the College’s core products (exams, guidelines, courses, curricula etc) locally. But beyond this, we expect the IRCs and LGs (and all FMTs) to encourage, contribute and support local O&G organisations and practitioners as they strive to deliver the highest possible standards in women’s healthcare, within their available resources. How IRCs and LGs do this will differ according to local circumstances, history, opportunities and challenges.

The College recognises that Fellows and Members give up their own time to work on behalf of the College and wants to make the IRCs/LGs as flexible and responsive as possible. One size does not fit all. To reflect this we want to encourage different models of working with the international membership. The underlying principles for this approach are:

More interaction between IRCs/LGs and the College and with non-Member O&Gs;

Mutual support between IRCs/LGs and the College in the promotion of the College’s core products and development and implementation of global health focused projects;

Less bureaucracy between IRCs/LGs and the College;

More outcome-focused between IRCs/LGs and the College.

The structure of the IRCs and LGs In line with these principles there are no strict requirements for the structure, size or constitution of IRCs or LGs and we encourage IRCs and LGs to establish structures that work for them. So IRCs and LGs may be:

• Formal committees with competitive elections representing large numbers of Fellows and Members;

• Informal committees representing small numbers of Fellows and Members;

• Small groups of Fellows and Members scattered across a country or a region (e.g. neighbouring South Africa) but coming together to focus, advocate or drive change on a particular issue;

• Diaspora Fellows and Members in the UK working directly with an IRC in-country;

• Diaspora Fellows and Members in the UK working with non-Members in-country.

10

Where appropriate and there are sufficient numbers, the committee/group may wish to appoint, from amongst its elected membership, the members to fulfil the following designated roles:

Alternatively, an IRC/LG may wish to consider co-opting or making honorary appointments to maximise capacity and support, for example:

• Appointing a trainee to take responsibility for local communication, the use of social media etc.;

• Appointing a local practicing or newly retired accountant/financial advisor to act as honorary Treasurer;

• Appointing suitably qualified non-clinicians to provide administrative or event organisation support;

• Including associates or affiliates – especially in countries where there are few Members/Fellows;

• Co-option of a representative from the local O&G society and/or the local SRH organisation to promote cooperation/collaboration and reciprocally beneficial arrangements.

International Representative Committee or Liaison Group

Secretarial support

Postgraduate education and

training

Treasurer

Development of continuing medical

education (CME) and/or continuing professional

development (CPD)

11

Expectations of IRCs/LGs Whilst allowing for different structures, the College has certain core expectations of IRCs and LGs in terms of governance, communication and collaboration.

Governance:

• IRCs/LGs should be inclusive and representative – of all Fellows, Members and Trainees and all branches of the local profession (eg. those based in university, public, military settings etc).

• IRCs/LGs should be transparent and accountable – for their elections, spending and activities to the relevant IRC/LG, all Fellows, Members and Trainees associated with their country and to the College membership more generally. GHU should be informed of all appointments. IRC/LG Chair appointments will be ratified by the Global Health Board.

• IRCs/LGs should provide an annual report (see Appendix 3 on page 33) and information on local projects/activities etc.

Communication and meetings:

• IRCs/LGs should be in regular contact with the College, particularly through the relevant International Council Representative and the GHU.

• Meetings can take place either via Skype or other suitable device and minutes of the meeting should be made available to all Fellows and Members and those associated with the country. Meeting minutes should be copied to GHU.

• GHU will arrange at least six monthly Skype/virtual country-focused meetings with IRCs/LGs and the relevant International Council Representative.

• To promote maximum engagement, in-country face-to-face meetings should rotate around the country. Face-to-face meetings with the College will take place on an ad hoc basis during visits and where appropriate at RCOG World Congresses. The likely next face-to-face meeting with all IRCs/LGs will be during the Birmingham World Congress in June 2016.

• GHU will facilitate publication of relevant IRC/LG related activity on the RCOG website.

Collaboration:

• IRCs/LGs should work closely with local O&G societies and related organisations (national and regional networks and other international societies and organisations eg. SASUOG/FOGSI/WACS/ACOG/SOGC/RANZCOG/SAFOG/AFOG/FIGO, Ministries of Health etc). IRCs/LGs could consider hosting an RCOG-event during the local O&G society meeting and/or opening admission to the annual reception/dinner to non-members (subject to an appropriate fee).

• IRCs/LGs should consider how best they might contribute to improvements in local maternal/newborn health. The College realises that many Fellows and Members contribute to philanthropic activity and wishes to promote this activity more and, where appropriate, to add value to this activity, through College engagement in projects, activities etc.

12

The IRC election process

The IRC/LG review supported the College intention to relax the bureaucratic arrangements for IRCs/LGs. The new election process acknowledges that IRCs/LGs know their constituency and circumstances best and it is intended to give more formally constituted IRCs/LGs greater ownership of the electoral process. Several IRCs/LGs have already successfully used this new process but we acknowledge that the changes are significant and that there may be teething problems and GHU is ready to help individual IRCs/LGs work through the changes and the local application. Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

The Committee have powers to co-opt any person useful for a period of up to three years, but the numbers shall not usually exceed two such persons at any time. Co-opted members will not have any voting rights.

When a vacancy occurs for either the Chair or for a member of the Committee, the current IRC Chair obtains full list of Fellows/Members database from RCOG and circulates by email to those who have emails and by post for those who do not. Depending on the vacancy use the correct form (Form A for Members of the Committee and Form B for the Chairman) for nominations. The closing date should be two weeks following despatch.

After the closing date, if more nominations are received than there are vacancies than an election should take place. Ballot papers with details of the nominees to be circulated by the Chair to Fellows/Members in the country. Closing date should be two weeks following despatch of papers.

If there is a tie, the IRC should discuss nominations with the GHU Office.

Once an overall winner has been identified then inform the GHU office, who will arrange for official letters from the Senior Vice President to be issued and ratification by GHB.

13

IRC/LG Budget and funding The College’s Global Health strategic priorities for the next 3-5 years (see page 6) place increasing emphasis on activities that directly champion and support global women’s health and have discernible and attributable outcome measures. GHU is looking for IRCs to play a more active role in supporting the training, education and development needs of all in-country trainees and the local O&G profession and in furthering the broader aspirations and activities of the College in-country (including through local advocacy and relationship building). The College’s educational and training resources and courses should be used for the benefit of all O&G professionals (and not only existing M/Fs or those applying for Membership). Funding for IRCs/LGs will therefore be activity rather than numerically or geographically based (as previously). Global Health Unit has a generic budget to support activity undertaken by IRCs/LGs. Requests for funding will be considered at any point in the year but in November/December IRCs/LGs will be invited to submit a proposed annual plan of activity (see page 14) to aid planning. Until funding is agreed, IRCs/LGs should not assume that any activity they have planned will be automatically financed by the RCOG. Decisions on funding for projects will be made using these criteria:

• Links to the Global Health strategic priorities; • Likely outcomes and improvements to women’s health; • Activities developed collaboratively and supported by International Council Representatives

and both IRCs and LGs; • Activities developed and supported by other local partners – eg. NGOs, local O&G societies,

local Ministries of Health etc; • Activities that demonstrate greatest awareness of local women’s health needs.

Turn to Appendix 4 on page 34 for a template detailed project funding application form

IRC Budget Form example: Page 1 Page 2

14

Turn to Appendix 5 on page 36 for a template proposed activity plan. This should be submitted to the RCOG in conjunction with the detailed individual project Budget Form.

IRCs/LGs Projects and activities

The RCOG would like to encourage International Representative Committees, Liaison Groups and individual RCOG Fellows/Members to inform Global Health Unit about any projects or activities that they are involved with in an under resourced country. The RCOG wants to build up a database of all activities being undertaken by individuals or as part of a charity/NGO so that the College has a better ‘map’ and understanding of who is doing what, where, duplication is reduced and the College can consider whether/how it may add value.

Examples of what the Global Health Unit of the RCOG will and will not fund

Projects should be identified with clear, measurable, sustainable outcomes to be eligible for funding by GHU. For example, running a training course for doctors or health workers from another, poorly –resourced country to improve their knowledge and skills to provide better health care would be an appropriate project for GHU to fund. Activities which have no specific outcome, such as administrative support that is not directly related to any one project or activity are less likely to be approved for funding. Here is an example of a Proposed Activity Plan which includes activities appropriate for GHU funding:

NB These are examples only and not genuine quotations.

20XX

15

RCOG Global Health Toolkits

In 2013, the RCOG began development of the Global Health Toolkits. The Toolkits were developed to help the RCOG respond constructively to the requests it receives from different countries for assistance and support. There are seven Toolkits altogether covering:

Guideline development and adaptation

Health and training needs assessment

Service review and audit

Curriculum design

Developing a sub-specialty training programme

Establishing a training centre for courses

Examination preparation

The purpose of the toolkits is to help institutions or individuals assess local needs, problems and issues and to identify solutions and develop appropriate resources in response. The toolkits give a step-by-step ‘how to’ guide to help institutions work through a particular area of work linked to education, training and development in maternal health care. The toolkits are not intended to be prescriptive and can be taken and used either in their entirety or just for one or two sections so organisations using them may choose to work through a particular toolkit methodically or to pick and choose specific tools relevant to a local context or problem. They can be used to work through a small specific issue or as a launch pad to further activity and either independently from the RCOG or using the College in a consultancy role (either on a philanthropic or charged basis). In certain circumstances, the GHU may be able to arrange for RCOG Faculty to work through a particular toolkit in partnership with local Faculty. The needs-assessment toolkit is particularly vital and should enable those seeking to partner with the RCOG to carry out a detailed analysis which captures the specific needs of women and service providers and begins to identify appropriate solutions. The toolkits have been through a robust quality assurance process within the College and now we want to pilot them in the field to ensure they are fit for purpose in a global health context. IRC/LG assistance in piloting the toolkits would be of great value and we would encourage them to view the toolkits on the website and to contact GHU if they are interested or can suggest institutions or organisations who may be interested in piloting any of the toolkits. The toolkits are living documents so will be reviewed, adapted and improved to reflect learning from experience. In addition, we are considering writing further toolkits and would be interested to know whether there are any subjects that IRCs/LGs feel would be appropriate. Please let us know at: globalhealthinfo@rcog.org.uk

16

Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme MTI gives trainees around the world access to the NHS by way of a paid two-year training placement at a UK hospital. Doctors are expected to sit for the Part 2 MRCOG whilst on programme; the pass rate is very high among MTI trainees compared with doctors overseas. They return home after two years having benefitted from the evidence-based, multi-disciplinary system of the NHS.

Timeline of application process

Criteria

• The trainee must hold their Part 1 MRCOG (or hold exemption from it) but not their Part 2 MRCOG. • They must have at least four years of postgraduate experience which has been assessed and approved

by the RCOG Examinations Department. • We will not accept applications from those with more than 10 years postgraduate experience. This

scheme is not suitable for those doctors working without supervision. • The trainee must take an IELTS test and achieve the following score:

7.5 overall score with no less than 7.0 in any one of the four categories. • The trainee should have no rights of work or residence in the UK/EU/EEA. • The trainee must have been in continuous medical practice for three of the past five years including all of

the last 12 months. • Doctors who have previously attempted and failed the GMC PLAB test are not eligible to apply.

For more information email MTI@rcog.org.uk

Mid-November – end of January Applications are completed online by candidates and references completed online by their referees. The trainee must arrange an appointment with the Chairman of their local IRC for a face-to-face interview where possible. The IRC Chairman is then asked to submit the report from this interview directly to the RCOG.

February

MTI Assessment Panel will meet to review all eligible applications. The applications of those that score most highly will be sent to hospitals with vacancies. Those who pass the assessment but for whom there is no vacancy will be offered a place on the waiting list until August.

March

Hospitals will review the application sent to them and if they approve, arrange a telephone/Skype interview with a proposed trainee.

April - July

If the trainee is successful, the RCOG will help them to obtain GMC registration. The RCOG sponsors the doctor for registration to exempt them from the GMC’s ‘PLAB test’. Once registration has been obtained, the hospital will apply for a COS (Certificate of Sponsorship) from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC). The COS is then used by the trainee to obtain a Tier 5 (sponsored) visa to come to the UK for two years.

August/September

When new doctors arrive in the UK, they are invited to attend an Induction Programme at the RCOG.

17

IRC/LG support for the MTI scheme

IRCs and LGs are fundamental to the success and development of the MTI scheme. They can support the scheme by:

• Circulating information to promote the scheme among their networks and to local trainees • Providing support and guidance on the criteria of the scheme • (IRCs only) Interviewing candidates and submitting an interview form for a candidate’s application.

Forms can be submitted directly to mti@rcog.org.uk • (LGs only) Offering support to MTI trainees whilst in the UK • Encouraging returned MTI trainees to be involved in IRC/LG activity • Providing feedback from returned trainees to the RCOG • Using their networks and links to seek out UK placements in hospitals • Signposting candidates to useful information regarding the IELTS test • Writing references

IRC/LG Support for UK-based volunteers Many doctors choose to undertake work overseas with the RCOG. This can be in a range of ways; on a formal Fellowship organised by the RCOG, taking time out of work to volunteer on a long-term placement in a low-resource country, helping deliver a revision course or Life Saving Skills course over a few days. We ask that IRCs and LGs support volunteers by helping to identify local mentors and links/contacts to help facilitate the volunteer placement. Your knowledge of the local setting is invaluable to the experience of the volunteer and their local understanding.

Facilitating payment of membership subscriptions/exam fees We are aware that some of you and your members may have difficulty in transferring money electronically to the RCOG in order to pay for membership subscriptions or examination fees. We can explore the possibility of using banks that have a branch both in your country and the UK to facilitate payment should you know of any difficulties. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Member Records Administrator, Sandra Silvera on ssilvera@rcog.org.uk.

18

Advocacy

As a global women’s health organisation, the RCOG is in a unique position to advocate for improvements to global women’s health. Approximately 5000 of our members live outside of the UK so we are sensitive to the fact that doctors face local issues and challenges on a daily basis. Our role in advocating for women is not necessarily a political one however we can support our members by providing guidance on best practice to provide the highest standard of care to women within the society in which they live. The RCOG also has a role to play in partnering with general advocacy organisations which helps to raise awareness of key issues affecting women’s right to health. As RCOG representatives outside of the UK, your input into our advocacy work is very important. You can help to spread awareness to membership in your country of our campaigns but you can also play a vital role in informing the RCOG about the local situation in your country.

Raising awareness The UN has a selection of ‘awareness days’ some of which we choose to mark at the RCOG as they relate directly to women’s health. You can view a list of relevant UN/awareness days on page 19. If you are marking a particular UN day in your country, please let us know. Here are some specific examples of recent days that the RCOG has celebrated.

International Women’s Day, 8th March Themes at the RCOG:

2013 – Forced marriage

2014 – Human rights in women’s health (see the toolkit below)

2015 - Gender-based violence

The Human Rights Toolkit

The Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights Committee (WSRR) of FIGO (International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) devised a toolkit for health professionals worldwide to use to improve their daily health care of women by taking into consideration the human rights of their patients. The RCOG actively encourages doctors around the world to use this toolkit in their daily work. It will provide a vital resource to health professionals globally to raise the standard of health care given to women and to advocate for their rights as patients to be respected. We urge representatives of the RCOG internationally, to view the toolkit and to suggest how the College can continue to roll the toolkit out to local members (and non-members).

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

The RCOG also marks particular awareness ‘days’ appropriate to women’s health such as the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on 23rd May. By showing our support to these causes the College can give its members and external parties a key message about the direction of the future of women’s health.

To access the human rights toolkit, visit: http://www.glowm.com/intergrating_checklist

To find out more about the RCOG’s End Fistula campaign, please visit: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/global-network/global-health-news/international-day-to-end-fistula-2014/

19

RCOG policy statements

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) In 2014 RCOG in conjunction with other Royal Colleges, UK government and NGO agencies produced a document “Tackling FGM in the UK” which includes recommendations for identifying, recording and reporting of FGM. The paper calls for health and social care agencies, the Department of Education and the police to integrate FGM prevention into national and local strategy for safeguarding children from FGM abuse.

• FGM is child abuse and the practice goes against a girl/woman’s human rights.

• Early intervention is key to ensuring that girls are protected from harm.

• The RCOG does not support the medicalisation of the practice and calls upon all healthcare professionals and those in training, in the UK and internationally, to heed its clinical guidelines.

• The RCOG believes that ritual cutting is an unacceptable practice and all healthcare professionals should prevent rather than be complicit in FGM.

RCOG President, David Richmond has written to all IRCs to give an overview of the RCOG’s position on FGM and developments to UK government policy.

Gender Selection • Abortions that are carried out on grounds of gender alone are discriminatory. Prenatal sex selection

has been condemned but it is still practised in countries where there is a preference for male children.

• There may be some rare instances when they are requested (e.g. if there is a family history of chromosomal defects) and healthcare professionals must be aware of the ethical and moral issues when they counsel women.

• Similarly, the increasing availability of non-invasive prenatal testing raises the possibility of gender selection. Healthcare professionals should be made aware of this development.

Forced marriage

• Forced marriage is a violation of women’s rights and is akin to modern slavery. • It is a complex issue that is linked to other social problems such as domestic and/or sexual

violence, psychological abuse and teenage pregnancy. • Healthcare professionals should counsel women and their families against the practice and focus

on the long-term harm for the mother and her baby. It requires multidisciplinary working with other health and social care professionals.

UN Days 6 February International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 8 March International Women’s Day 7 April World Health Day 23 May International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 11 October International Day of the Girl Child 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 10 December Human Rights Day

Read the recommendations aimed at the professionals who can bring about the changes needed in the UK to help eradicate FGM https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/update-on-progress-towards-meeting-the-recommendations-of-the-intercollegiate-report-on-tackling-fgm/

20

Development and fundraising

The Development Department was set up under the Chief Executive’s Office in January 2013. The aim is to establish the philanthropic face of the College through raising funds, including legacies, for UK based revenue and capital projects and for the College’s philanthropic Global Health work in developing countries. The current team consists of the Development Director, Ann Tate and the Development Co-ordinator Nia Sheppard. Ann and Nia work closely with all departments within the College who are looking for funding for a specific College agreed project. They aim to help shape the project from a donor’s point of view to make it acceptable for funding and to research and then approach potential donors. Ann and Nia handle the relationship building with donors including facilitating meetings with senior members of the College. They hold and update the fundraising database for the College. A small number of fundraising events are planned throughout the year for anyone to support the College and these are administered by the Development Department. The team ensures that the College meets its obligations as a charity and operates within Charity Law and the Institute of Fundraising’s Code of Practice.

RCOG Endorsement Policy In general, the RCOG does not endorse policies or documents that have been developed without its participation. However, the RCOG is flexible and in rare cases will make an exception. Our endorsement gives a document or policy the same status as an RCOG document or policy, so is granted only with the approval of RCOG Council. Collaborations A large part of RCOG’s work is in collaboration with other bodies. In these the RCOG will need to reach agreement on conditions and processes at the start of each project. Such collaborations (which might include joint meetings) cannot be assumed, and must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the relevant person or department within the College. Reproducing or translating RCOG-copyrighted material All materials (journals, guidelines, working party reports, eLearning, electronic documents) published by the RCOG are copyright protected. RCOG may charge a fee if you wish to reproduce or translate our material. Use of the RCOG logo by third parties RCOG places strict control on use of the RCOG logo by third parties. RCOG will usually grant permission to use the logo only for official RCOG business or where the RCOG has participated in an event or publication where use of the logo is specifically agreed and we have issued a licence. For more detailed information on the above and other permissions please check out the RCOG website. https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/about-us/policies/rights-permissions/

21

Education, training and professional development

The College aims to improve women's health care and the clinical practice of O&G both in the UK and across the world. Providing education, training, assessment and professional development is one of the main ways we work to achieve this aim. – RCOG website ‘Education and Exams’

MRCOG Examinations The College aims to improve women's health care and the clinical practice of O&G both in the UK and across the world. Providing education, training, assessment and professional development is one of the main ways we work to achieve this aim. Please refer to the RCOG website which provides detailed information on everything you need to know about the MRCOG’s exams. https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/mrcog-exams/

Membership exam (MRCOG) The Membership exam (MRCOG) is intended for people who wish to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G). Passing the MRCOG grants you membership of the RCOG. The MRCOG is a two-part exam:

• The Part 1 MRCOG is a written exam in the basic and clinical sciences relevant to O&G. It can be taken any time after graduation from a medical degree. Specialty trainees in the UK must pass the Part 1 MRCOG before progressing from ST2 to ST3.

• The Part 2 MRCOG consists of a written and an oral exam that assess the application of knowledge.

Contact us For enquiries about MRCOG examination, please email: examsadmin@rcog.org.uk or call +44 20 7772 6210. Become an MRCOG Examination and Education Centre The RCOG membership exam (MRCOG) is recognised internationally and is in high demand throughout the world. We are committed to developing new MRCOG Examination and Education centres around the world to help support our work to improve women's health care and enhance the practice of O&G around the world. Our 3-stage RCOG Educational Excellence Programme (REEP) sets out how we could work with you to develop a centre in your own country or region. Find out more about becoming an MRCOG Examination Education Centre. https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/about-us/get-involved-with-our-work/set-up-an-mrcog-examination-and-education-centre/

Educational tools

The College has developed a range of educational and training tools and packages for doctors at all stages of their careers. These range from webinars and online learning platforms such as StratOG, to journals. International trainees and members can make use of the wide variety of products available. Turn to Appendix 6 on page 37 for a list of tools and links to view them on the RCOG website.

22

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Continuing professional development (CPD) is any learning outside of undergraduate education or postgraduate training that helps you maintain and improve your performance, with the ultimate aim of improving patient care. CPD covers the development of your knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours across all areas of your professional practice. It includes both formal and informal learning activities. For access to CPD programmes to circulate to your networks, turn to Appendix 6 on page 37.

RCOG Fellowship and Membership categories

The College's membership categories allow all those working in the field of O&G, worldwide, to have a formal link with the College.

• Honorary Fellows • Fellows ad eundem • Fellows honoris causa • Fellows • Associates • Affiliates

For an overview of each category, please turn to Appendix 7 on page 38.

RCOG Meetings and Franchised Courses Postgraduate meetings The RCOG organises postgraduate meetings, courses and conferences for trainees, consultants and all other healthcare providers with an interest in the O&G specialty. Details of these events can be found on the listing below http://www.rcog.org.uk/events Franchised courses Individuals and organisations wishing to hold RCOG-branded courses can apply to the RCOG for permission to do so. There is an application pack available from the RCOG Meetings Department for those interested. Once completed, the application to hold an RCOG-approved course will be assessed by the Meetings department, with appropriate input from other RCOG departments as necessary. For further information please check out the website: http://www.rcog.org.uk/events/franchising/franchising-policy

Developing a global health faculty

In order to run courses internationally, the College relies on a dedicated faculty to lead teaching programmes and facilitate training. IRCs and LGs can help to build up the faculty for both RCOG led programmes of training and locally developed courses to improve health care for women by training a range of different health workers. Please raise awareness of the College’s need for local faculty on the ground to run courses and training among your networks to help us to build our bank of trainers.

Contact us If you have any queries, please contact: franchising@rcog.org.uk or call +44 20 7772 6460.

23

Keeping in touch with the RCOG

Almost half of the RCOG’s membership resides outside of the UK. It is therefore vital that the College maintains regular contact with all of our international membership to keep them informed of latest developments in women’s health care in the UK but also to highlight the work taking place all over the world. It is important to maintain an international perspective to the communications that come from the RCOG to its membership and IRCs/LGs can play a key role in informing the College of the activity and developments in women’s health care in other countries. The RCOG has several different publications which it uses to communicate with its membership.

O&G Magazine The re-branded Membership Matters publishes four times a year and focuses on key clinical issues and comment from leading figures within the RCOG. There is also scope to include internationally-focused articles and IRCs/LGs are encouraged to liaise with GHU on potential items for future editions.

International News International news publishes twice a year. The editions are themed to focus on a particular geographic region or issue in women’s health (e.g. obstetric fistula). The aim of this publication is to put an informal spotlight on a particular area and highlight projects taking place to make improvements to women’s health globally.

BJOG BJOG is an editorially independent publication owned by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). The Journal publishes original, peer-reviewed work in all areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, including contraception, urogynaecology, fertility, oncology and clinical practice.

TOG This is a journal for continuing professional development from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. With its mixture of high-quality, peer reviewed articles, The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (TOG) is an ideal resource for continuing professional development in women’s health. Contributing to RCOG publications We welcome contributions from international Members to all RCOG publications. Contributions from IRCs/LGs increase the inclusivity of all of our international members and equally ensure that our UK membership is kept informed of developments around the world. O&G Magazine: to contribute to this publication please send details of your proposal to globalhealthinfo@rcog.org.uk for it to be reviewed by the O&G Editorial Board for possible inclusion. International News: We welcome your contributions to IN, in terms of articles and for future theme ideas. Please send any ideas to Lizzie Rafii-Tabar, erafii-tabar@rcog.org.uk BJOG: Information for prospective authors can be found by visiting, http://www.bjog.org/view/0/index.html TOG: To submit a proposal to TOG please visit, http://www.rcog.org.uk/what-we-do/publishing/tog/author-instructions

24

How to become involved in RCOG work

IRCs and LGs are vital to progress the work of the RCOG. There are many different ways that IRCs/LGs as a whole, or as individual Members, can become involved in RCOG work. What is key for the College is for IRCs and LGs to work cohesively together to increase the effectiveness and quality of global health projects.

Here are some examples of how IRCs/LGs can become more involved:

Mentoring UK volunteers whilst they work in your

country.

Submitting research papers

for TOG and BJOG.

Encouraging trainee doctors to apply for the

MTI scheme.

Sending us potential

collaborative project

proposals.

Describing your philanthropic

work and identify how RCOG may

be able to

Engaging with International

Council Representatives.

Telling us what women’s health

related issues are priorities for your

countries.

Telling us how other diaspora are developing

health services in your country.

Applying for the Sims Black Prize.

(See RCOG contacts on page

26).

Consider allocating specific roles within your

Committee or Group.

25

RCOG Contact Details

Paul Fogarty Senior Vice President, Global Health pfogarty@rcog.org.uk Michael Murphy Executive Director, Global Education mmurphy@rcog.org.uk

Global Health Unit Rachel Cooper Director, Global Health Unit rcooper@rcog.org.uk Binta Patel Manager, Global Health Unit bpatel@rcog.org.uk Sakinah Takeram Executive PA stakeram@rcog.org.uk Elizabeth Rafii-Tabar Global Projects Administrator erafii-tabar@rcog.org.uk

International Council Representatives Professor Linda Cardozo Europe & Central Asia linda@lindacardozo.co.uk Professor Janice Rymer Australasia, America & Pacific Rim janice.rymer@kcl.ac.uk Dr Alison Wright South Asia Alison.wright15@nhs.net Professor Justin Konje Sub-Saharan Africa jck4@le.ac.uk Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe North Africa & Middle East fionnuala.mcauliffe@ucd.ie

RCOG Gulf Ambassador Mr Hassan Shehata FRCOG hshehata@rcog.org.uk

Awards (including Sims Black) Beverley Willie Administrator, Quality & Knowledge bwillie@rcog.org.uk

Development Ann Tate Director atate@rcog.org.uk Nia Sheppard Development Co-ordinator nsheppard@rcog.org.uk

Examinations Chris Chivers Assessment Lead cchivers@rcog.org.uk Examinations enquiries eadmin@rcog.org.uk

Finance Sandra Tetsola Director stetsola@rcog.org.uk

Marketing & Franchised Courses Nigel Moore Director nmore@rcog.org.uk Rakhi Shah Senior Marketing Dev. Manager rshah@rcog.org.uk

Meetings Lynn Whitley Director lwhitley@rcog.org.uk Jessica Letters Meetings Manager jletters@rcog.org.uk

Membership Victoria Bytel Director vbytel@rcog.org.uk Andrea Gale Member Records Manager agale@rcog.org.uk Sandra Silvera Member Records Administrator ssilvera@rcog.org.uk

26

Useful resources

Core guidance from UN/WHO to implement health care systems for women, children and newborns Advocacy checklist http://www.path.org/publications/files/APP_advocacy_toolkit.pdf This checklist provides information about life-saving priority commodities such as accessing and barriers to maternal, child, and newborn health and contraceptive commodities.

WHO Surgical Safety Checklist http://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/ss_checklist/en/ The WHO Safe Surgery Saves Lives initiative was to reduce the number of surgical deaths across the world. The Checklist is neither a regulatory device nor a component of official policy; it is intended as a tool for use by clinicians interested in improving the safety of their operations and reducing unnecessary surgical deaths and complications.

Education and training materials

Healthcare Information for All http://www.hifa2015.org/ Healthcare providers can only function effectively if their own basic professional needs are met. These needs are summarised as:

• Skills • Equipment • Structural support • Medicine • Incentives • Communication facilities

The HIFA campaign focuses on the Information needs of healthcare providers. HIFA is continually seeking to promote and strengthen links with initiatives that address these needs, as well as those that address broader issues of health, human rights and international development.

Medical Aid Films http://medicalaidfilms.org/ MAF aims to save the lives of vulnerable women and children in developing countries by providing innovative training and education through films.

27

Useful Websites

The Global Library of Women’s Medicine (GLOWM) http://www.glowm.com/ This site provides medical professionals worldwide with a vast range of expert, peer reviewed resources and training material in women's medicine. It covers • Textbooks • Video films • Masterclass Lectures • Diagnostic Atlases • Skills training videos • Tutorials & E-learning tools • Wall Charts • Community Healthcare Workers' Guidance • Patient information leaflets • The Human Rights Toolkit

THET http://www.thet.org/ THET is a specialist global health organisation that educates, trains and supports health workers through partnerships, strengthening health systems and enabling people in low and middle income countries to access essential healthcare. Healthcare UK https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/healthcare-uk Healthcare UK help UK healthcare providers to do more business overseas. They do this by promoting the UK healthcare sector to overseas markets and supporting healthcare partnerships between the UK and overseas healthcare providers. Healthcare UK is part of the Department of Health and the UK Trade & Investment.

28

29

Appendices

Appendix 1: The RCOG global health committee structure 30

Appendix 2: IRC/LG Terms of Reference 31

Appendix 3: IRC/LG annual report form template 33

Appendix 4: IRC/LG detailed project funding application form template 34

Appendix 5: Annual proposed activity plan template 36

Appendix 6: RCOG educational tools & CPD 37

Appendix 7: RCOG Membership categories 38

Appendix 8: Top tips for UK visa application 39

30

Appendix 1

The global health committee structure

GLOBAL HEALTH BOARD

Remit: Strategic oversight focused on medium/long term (2-5 yr) alignment with College and GH strategy and objectives; provision of strategic and policy direction/geographical priorities; ‘entry point’ for all new project/activity proposals and project reviews/lesson-learning; decommissioning activity.

GLOBAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE

Remit: Further work up of ‘agreed’ project/activity areas; confirmation of project leader and onward referral to appropriate committee.

GLOBAL PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

COMMITTEE

Remit: Detailed project work up, design, implementation and monitoring.

GLOBAL PLACEMENT COMMITTEE

Remit: Management and development of MTI and volunteering schemes; negotiation of MoUs.

INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE/LIAISON GROUP CHAIRS

Remit: strategic relationship with IRCs, LGs including structure, organisation and financing.

Project development process:

Project proposals once approved by the Global Health board are passed to Global Project Development Committee. It is then passed to Global Project Implementation Committee to implement and deliver the project.

31

Appendix 2

IRC/LG Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference of RCOG International Representative Committees Report to: The relevant RCOG International Council Representative and Global Health Board (Chaired by the Senior Vice President Global Health)

Objectives • To work with local O&G societies, associated organisations, NGOs and UK-based Liaison Groups and in conjunction

with RCOG to champion women’s health locally, including drawing upon local expertise and experience to advise the RCOG GHU on how to make an effective contribution to improving sexual and reproductive health care, and in particular to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity

• To help pilot and scale up work that positively impacts women’s health (eg. including potential grant applications, fundraising etc)

• To facilitate regional co-operation which harnesses local experience and resources in areas of good practice

• To raise awareness locally of what the RCOG has to offer in a global arena and assist in marketing the College’s expertise.

Working with International Council Representatives To maintain a regular and informed dialogue with the relevant International Council Representative on all issues relating to the governance, funding and activities of the IRC.

Working with Liaison Groups • To work in conjunction with relevant UK-based Liaison Groups at all times:

- Keeping LGs informed of all prospective and current activity, including events, visits, projects and wherever possible developing and implementing activities alongside UK-based Liaison Groups.

Engagement with RCOG Fellows/Members To advise RCOG on:

• the barriers to local Fellows’ and Members’ engagement with the College and how these may be overcome

• the needs local Fellows/Members have of the RCOG

Engagement with Non-Fellows/Members • To advise the RCOG on how best to engage with O&G health professionals locally.

• To promote RCOG Associate benefits and membership within their local O&G and related societies

Volunteering • To advise RCOG on potential opportunities for the exchange of skilled personnel and training programmes

• To identify suitable mentors for RCOG volunteers either from within the IRC or Associate membership.

Training in the UK • To interview trainees for the MTI scheme

• To promote the MTI scheme among colleagues

Advocacy • To integrate UK and international advocacy, recognising that UK domestic issues often resonate international

issues e.g. on - FGM - Human rights awareness in women’s health - Selective female feticide/abortions - Domestic violence.

• To raise awareness and encourage in-country activity (with local members and O&G societies) of RCOG advocacy-campaigns, in particular around UN Days.

• To tell the College of particular local awareness campaigns or significant local social/health issues.

• To lobby national governments, health ministries, regulatory bodies and associated organisations to influence and educate on the problems and solutions to maternal mortality.

32

Terms of Reference of RCOG Liaison Groups

Report to: The relevant RCOG International Council Representative and Global Health Board (Chaired by the Senior Vice President Global Health)

Objectives • To work with RCOG International Representative Committees, local O&G societies, associated organisations, NGOs

and in conjunction with RCOG to champion women’s health in-country, including drawing upon diaspora expertise and experience in the UK to advise the RCOG GHU on how to make an effective contribution to improving sexual and reproductive health care, and in particular to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

• To help pilot and scale up work that positively impacts women’s health (e.g. including potential grant applications, fundraising etc)

• To facilitate regional co-operation which harnesses local experience and resources in areas of good practice.

• To raise awareness in-country of what the RCOG has to offer in a global arena and to assist in marketing the College’s expertise.

Working with International Representative Committees

• To work in conjunction with relevant International Representative Committees at all times: - Keeping IRCs informed of all prospective and current activity, including events, visits, projects

Engagement with RCOG Fellows/Members To advise RCOG on:

• the barriers to local Fellows’ and Members’ engagement with the College and how these may be overcome

• the needs local Fellows/Members have of the RCOG

Engagement with Non-Fellows/Members

• To advise the RCOG on how best to engage with O&G health professionals in-country.

• To promote RCOG Associate benefits and membership in-country.

Volunteering

• To advise RCOG on potential opportunities for the exchange of skilled personnel and training programmes

• To identify suitable mentors for RCOG volunteers.

Training in the UK

• To promote the MTI scheme among colleagues both in the UK and in-country.

Advocacy

• To help integrate UK and international advocacy, recognising that UK domestic issues often resonate international issues e.g. on - FGM - Human rights awareness in women’s health - Selective female feticide/abortions - Domestic violence

• To raise awareness and encourage in-country activity (with local members and O&G societies) of RCOG advocacy-campaigns, in particular around UN Days.

• To tell the College of particular local awareness campaigns or significant social/health issues

• To help lobby national governments, health ministries, regulatory bodies and associated organisations to influence and educate on the problems and solutions to maternal mortality.

33

Appendix 3

IRC/LG annual report form template IRCs and LGs as part of their Terms of Reference should prepare an annual report on the activities and work undertaken during the year. Please use this annual report form.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

ANNUAL REPORT of Activities for............ IRC/LG FOR 20XX Date Type of Activity

Details of the Activity and how this aligns with the Global Health Strategy

Add rows if necessary

34

Appendix 4

IRC/LG detailed project funding application form template

Application from RCOG International Representative Committee/Liaison Group For funding of planned activities – 2015

IRC/LG Chair’s Name:

Activity Title:

SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL

Summarise in no more than 100 words: • Purpose of the activity

• Intended audience

• Benefit to women and their families

When and where will the activity(ies) take place? (List dates and all locations, where known)

List information on any key local partners/organisations that may be involved in the planning, delivery and marketing of the activity. (Include any organisations that could potentially contribute to improving outcomes, add value and bring additional resources).

Resources: Describe the number and type of personnel required to carry out the activity. (What resources, if any, you will require from the RCOG?)

RESULTS/IMPACT Please list outcomes expected from this activity and how will this be measured?

35

Income and Expenditure planning:

INCOME FORECAST (Please set out in the table any local funding or income to be raised. If relevant, include income from charging delegate fees).

Activity Cost in £

Notes

EXPENDITURE (Please list costs for the activity (outline all costs, including hire of hall, faculty travel, refreshments etc).

Activity Cost in £

Total Funding requested from the RCOG

Notes

36

Appendix 5

Annual proposed activity plan template

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecoloigsts

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES & PLANS FOR 2015 Type of Activity

How does this align with the Global Health Strategy

Date(s)

Estimated cost in £

Details of any other financial assistance (e.g. via sponsorship or from other charities)

TOTAL Claim from RCOG

for 2015:

37

Appendix 6

RCOG educational tools & CPD (Continuous Professional Development)

The RCOG provides many educational tools for doctors at all stages of their career, from trainees to consultants.

Doctors in training

Trainee Resources and Support on the RCOG website includes a wealth of products and services that doctors undergoing training can access. You can view the resources page: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/resources--support-for-trainees/

This includes:

StratOG This is the RCOG’s online learning resource. eTutorials are available for all registered Fellows, Members and Trainees. To find out more visit, http://www.rcog.org.uk/stratog

RCOG Guidelines The RCOG produces quality guidelines in obstetrics and gynaecology called Green Top Guidelines. You can view them on the College website here: http://www.rcog.org.uk/guidelines Alternatively, the guidelines are available on our new Guidelines app for iOS phones for £4.99. Visit the iTunes website to learn more: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rcog-guidelines/id586596025?mt=8

eFM Electronic Fetal Monitoring is a web-based resource hosted by the RCOG and RCM to teach all aspects of intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring. Find out more about this resource by visiting: http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/electronic-fetal-monitoring/

Enhanced Revision Programme (ERP) This programme is mapped to the syllabus of the Part 2 MRCOG exam. It guides candidates through key themes that provide an insight into clinical practice in the UK to improve their chance of success. It uses an integrated learning approach using a blend of different tools and materials, including:

• Series of online lectures for pre-, during and post-learning • Weekly 1-hour virtual classroom sessions with a UK moderator (up to 10 candidates per

class) • Regular homework assignments and individual feedback from the moderator • Concludes with a 3-day Part 2 MRCOG revision course at your local centre • Supporting materials including StratOG, booklist and TOG articles

www.rcog.org.uk/erp

CPD The RCOG recommends that doctors anywhere practising mainly in the area of O&G or its subspecialties, in a non-training post, participate in the RCOG CPD programme. If you practise in a narrow field, you may prefer to select another CPD programme that most reflects your practice. http://www.rcog.org.uk/our-profession/cpd-programme/introduction-cpd

38

Appendix 7

RCOG Membership categories

The College's membership categories allow all those working in the field of O&G, worldwide, to have a formal link with the College.

Please see each category below to read a summary: Honorary Fellows Distinguished people outside the medical profession who are elected by the Council. Honorary Fellows may use the designatory letters FRCOG. Fellows ad eundem Awarded to people who are not members of the College and who have contributed to the advancement of the science or practice of O&G whom Council considers have furthered the interests of the specialty. Fellows ad eundem are entitled to use the designatory letters FRCOG. Fellow honoris causa Awarded to people who are not members of the College and who can demonstrate: the highest level of dedication and achievement in clinical care, or the highest level of support to the development of women's healthcare services, or the highest level of work/support for the RCOG. Fellows honoris causa are entitled to use the designatory letters FRCOG. Fellows The award of the Fellowship is not merely a reflection of a time interval since passing the Membership exam; it also implies a continued contribution to the specialty and maintenance of standards and practice. It is a mark of senior status and not a recognition of completion of training. Fellows are elected each year from the Membership and should normally have been members for at least 12 years and have made a significant contribution to O&G through research, teaching or publications. Fellows are entitled to use the designatory letters FRCOG. Associates Medical practitioners worldwide who are working in the field of women's health care but who do not hold the MRCOG and who wish to be linked with, and support, the activities of the RCOG. Applicants must have a medical degree. This category applies only to those medically qualified applicants who are not eligible for any other category of College membership. No individual who has been removed from the Register of Fellows and Members or deprived of membership privileges, for whatever reason, shall be eligible to apply. Affiliates Those working for the benefit of women's health care who wish to be linked with the activities of the RCOG but do not hold a medical degree. While not an exhaustive list, this category includes:

• embryologists • assistant practitioners and perioperative care workers • ultrasonographers • members of specialist societies (e.g. British Fertility Society, British Menopause Society, etc.) • scientists and research academics • midwives • nurses

To find how to apply or be considered for any of these membership categories please visit the RCOG website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/about-us/membership/

39

Appendix 8

Top Tips for UK Visa Application 1 Apply in VERY GOOD time. The UK visa process is increasingly centralised, with 3/4 centres

across the whole of Africa. So - even if it is possible to submit an application in e.g. Freetown or Kathmandu, the decision may be made in Accra or Delhi. This all takes time. The processing time guidelines should be treated as an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM. The visa process brings in lots of money - but the visa staff don't care whether an applicant gets to the meeting/exam/conference/workshop they want to travel for.

2 The BURDEN OF PROOF is on the applicant. The visa staff will be working to very tight

'productivity' goals. They will be expected to process x number of applications in an hour and won't know who RCOG are. They will make no assumptions and decide on what they have in front of them - quickly. It's the applicants' responsibility to make the visa staff's job easy.

3 Provide MORE NOT LESS information. You cannot provide too much supporting

documentation. It's intrusive and offensive but, particularly for first time applicants, there needs to be lots of evidence linking the applicant (and his/her family) to the country of residence - even if that means providing pay slips, house deeds, school fee receipts, marriage certificates etc.

4 Provide ORIGINALS NOT COPIES. If original documentation is requested it must be provided.

Copies are worth nothing. Trust visa staff to take copies themselves and return originals. 5 Be HONEST. The visa process (and biometric records) are increasingly linked to police,

criminal record, social security and NHS records in the UK. So if an applicant has had any problem in the past (even many years previously and however minor), visa staff will discover. Forgetting or denying it will be perceived as an indication of dishonesty - and a reason for refusal.

6 Be VERY CAREFUL. Don't sign an application (eg. that an assistant has completed) without

checking it very carefully. Careless mistakes or inconsistencies (e.g. in dates of birth or between applications) will be noticed - and can provide a very easy and quick refusal.

7 There are NO SECOND CHANCES. There is no mechanism to overturn a refusal. So if an

applicant has been refused, he/she will need to reapply (ie.re-start the process and pay a new fee etc). And if there is any question of (perceived) dishonesty, an applicant will be precluded from reapplying for 10 years. That can be career limiting!

8. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Knowing the 'right people', thinking you're 'different' or don't

have to comply with rules, will make things worse not better.