TV Regulations
Section A: GovernanceSection A – Governance
A1 Categories of Membership
A1.1 Member
A1.1.1 Pursuant to clause 3.2 of the RANZCOG Constitution and prior to 1 July 2016, the Board may admit as a Member persons who have met either of the following requirements:A1.1.1.1 Trainees who have completed all requirements of the Basic Training component of the FRANZCOG Training Program, including any associated administrative requirements.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]
A1.1.1.2 International Medical Graduates who have satisfied such requirements as prescribed by the Board, including any associated administrative requirements.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2015]
A1.1.2 Pursuant to clause 3.2 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board will continue to recognise as a Member those persons who were admitted as a Member of the College prior to 1 July 2016.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2015]
A1.1.3 RANZCOG Members must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.2 Fellow
A1.2.1 Pursuant to clause 3.3 of the RANZCOG Constitution the Board may admit as a Fellow person who have met either of the following requirements:
A1.2.1.1 Trainees who have completed all requirements of the Basic and Advanced Training components of the FRANZCOG Training Program, including any associated administrative requirements.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2020]
A1.2.1.2 International Medical Graduates who have completed the requirements for Fellowship of the RANZCOG (FRANZCOG) as specified by the Board, including any associated administrative requirements.
A1.2.2 Applicants for elevation to Fellowship must complete all administrative requirements, including completion of relevant documents and payment of any necessary fees within six (6) months of the Fellowship elevation date or the date of the Board meeting at which their application for elevation to Fellowship is approved, whichever is the latter, or the offer of Fellowship will lapse and an additional application will need to be made.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2015]
A1.2.3 Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG) will be awarded pursuant to all relevant RANZCOG regulations.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.2.4 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
A1.2.5 The annual subscription for a RANZCOG Fellow will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.2.6 Fellows identified as having 35 years or more continuous Fellowship with the College shall be awarded 35-Year Fellowship.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2020]
A1.2.7 While certified according to the requirements as prescribed by the College, a RANZCOG Fellow will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘FRANZCOG’.
A1.2.8 TV Fellows will receive electronic access to all College publications including resources offered through its eLearning platform.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]
A1.2.9 A RANZCOG Fellowship shall be for an initial period of one year and the Board shall renew membership from time to time for further period of one year provided that Fellows continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee and compliance with continuing professional development requirements.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.2.10 TV Fellows must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.2.11TV Fellowship may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 respectively of the RANZCOG Constitution and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) regulations. RANZCOG Fellows are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.2.12 Regional Fellow
A1.2.12.1 A Regional Fellow is any RANZCOG Fellow whose primary place of work is located in a regional, rural and/or remote area classification as defined by the Australian Government Department of Health’s current Health Workforce Locator classification system (based on data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics).
Regional, rural and/or remote area classification via the Health Workforce Locator classification system = MMM2-7.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.3 Honorary Fellow
A1.3.1 Pursuant to clause 3.7 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board may confer Honorary Fellowship upon ‘obstetricians and gynaecologists of renown, distinguished members of the medical profession and other eminent persons, whether or not those eminent persons are members of the medical profession’.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.3.2 The College may confer Honorary Fellowship on an individual who is a member of the College in any category other than Fellow.
A1.3.3 Honorary Fellows shall have the same powers, privileges and liabilities as a Fellow, but shall not be required to:
- pay any entrance fee or annual subscription
- satisfy the College’s professional development requirements
A1.3.4 Honorary Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominal ‘FRANZCOG (Hon)’.
A1.3.5 Honorary Fellows will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]
A1.3.6 Honorary Fellows shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.3.7 Honorary Fellows must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.3.8 Membership as an Honorary Fellow may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) regulations. Honorary Fellows are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.4 Retired Fellow
A1.4.1 ‘Retired Fellow’ is a subclass of FRANZCOG membership. A Retired Fellow is defined as a Fellow of the College who has completely and permanently retired from practice as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist and is no longer practising nor registered as a medical practitioner in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.4.2 If a Fellow practices in another specialist field and remains registered as a medical practitioner in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, they will continue as a Fellow of the College and will not be exempt from any regulatory continuing professional development requirements.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.4.3 A Fellow who meets the requirements of Regulation A1.4.1, wishing to be recognised as a Retired Fellow, must apply in writing to the College on the form prescribed by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.4.4 Pursuant to the RANZCOG Constitution, Retired Fellows shall be granted Fellowship for life and shall have the same powers, privileges and liabilities as a Fellow, but shall:
- be exempt from any professional development requirements; and
- not be subject to any College policy, procedure or regulation which the Board prescribes is, in full or in part, only applicable to a particular class of Fellows.
A1.4.5 A Retired Fellow will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘FRANZCOG (Ret)’.
A1.4.6 Any Retired Fellow who subsequently resumes practice or wishes to undertake any specialist obstetric or gynaecological work must advise the College forthwith and undertake such professional development activities as are deemed appropriate by the RANZCOG Board.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.4.7 Retired Fellows must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.5 Diplomate
A1.5.1 On and from 12 February 2024, the Board may not admit any further medical practitioners as a Diplomate. This regulation does not affect the continuing rights of Diplomates admitted before 12 February 2024.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.5.2 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
A1.5.3 The annual subscription for a Diplomate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.5.4 A Diplomate will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘DRANZCOG’ or ‘DRANZCOG (Adv)’.
A1.5.5 Diplomates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]
A1.5.6 A Diplomate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.5.7 A Diplomate shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee and compliance with continuing professional development requirements.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.5.8 Diplomates must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.5.9 Diplomate membership may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) regulations. Diplomates are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.5.10 Retired Diplomate
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.5.10.1 A Retired Diplomate is defined as a Diplomate Member of RANZCOG who has completely and permanently retired from all clinical practice and is no longer practising or registered as a medical practitioner.
A1.5.10.2 Where the Diplomate Member continues to practice in another specialist field or remains registered as a medical practitioner in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, they will continue as a Diplomate Member of the College and will not be exempt from any professional development requirements as per F3 of this regulation.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.5.10.3 Pursuant to the RANZCOG Constitution 3.4.3, Retired Diplomates will be granted Diplomate Membership for life and will have the same powers, privileges and liabilities as a Diplomate Member, but will:
- be exempt from any professional development requirements; and
- not be subject to any RANZCOG policy, procedure or regulation which the Board prescribes is, in full or in part, only applicable to a particular class of Diplomates.
A1.5.10.4 A Retired Diplomate will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on their Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘DRANZCOG (Ret)’.
A1.5.10.5 Any Retired Diplomate who subsequently resumes active practice must advise the College forthwith and undertake such professional development activities as per F3 of this regulation.
A1.5.10.6 Retired Diplomates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
A1.6 Affiliate Member
A1.6.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as an Affiliate Member (which does not confer Educational Affiliateship, International Affiliateship, Prevocational Affiliateship, Trainee Affiliateship or CPD Affiliateship)any medical practitioner who holds a specialist qualification in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology that was not awarded by the College and who is practising unsupervised providing specialist women’s health services in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific Islands or Timor-Leste. Affiliate Members shall for the time being include, but not be limited to:
A1.6.1.1 Affiliate Member Australia – suitably qualified medical practitioners, who hold qualifications not awarded by the College and who have been recognised as a specialist by the Health Insurance Commission;
A1.6.1.2 Affiliate Member Aotearoa New Zealand – suitably qualified medical practitioners, who were not trained in Australia or New Zealand and who are registered within a vocational scope of practice by the Medical Council of New Zealand;
A1.6.1.3 Affiliate Member Pacific – suitably qualified medical practitioners resident in and working in the Pacific Islands or other Countries and/or Territories approved by the Board from time to time, who hold a specialist qualification not awarded by the College and/or who are recognised as a specialist by the medical authority in their Country of practice.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2024]
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee shall support the RANZCOG Board by considering applications for Affiliate Membership Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The Global Health Committee (GHC) shall support the RANZCOG Board by considering applications for Affiliate Membership Pacific.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.2 Admission to the College as an Affiliate Member is not complete until all administrative and other requirements set by the College have been met. This includes payment of all applicable fees. Applicants have two (2) months from the date of the offer of Affiliate Membership in which to pay the applicable fee(s). If this requirement is not met by that time, the offer of Affiliate Membership will lapse and the applicant must re-apply.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.3 Affiliate Members admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.3, who move outside of the Pacific Islands or other Countries and/or territories approved by the Board from time to time for professional development purposes, for a period of not more than two (2) years and/or at the discretion of the Global Health Committee, shall be entitled to retain their membership of the College as an Affiliate Member resident and practising in a Pacific Island Country/Territory, subject to satisfactory completion of all continuing professional development and other administrative requirements.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2024]
A1.6.3.1 Affiliate Members admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.3 who work outside of the Pacific Islands or other Countries and/or Territories approved by the Board from time to time and that do not meet the criteria under A1.6.3 will be advised of the intention to remove their membership of the College as an Affiliate Member admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.3 unless they are able to provide evidence that they have returned to a Pacific Island Country or other Country/Territory approved by the Board from time to time, or are able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for membership of the College under another category of membership and make application for that category pursuant to all terms and conditions relevant at the time.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2024]
A1.6.4 Continuing Professional Development Requirements for Affiliate Members
A1.6.4.1 The College requires Affiliate Members who are practicing in Australia or New Zealand in accordance with A1.6.1.1 and A1.6.1.2, to participate in and satisfactorily complete such continuing professional development activities as that required of a RANZCOG Fellow in active clinical practice that the College may approve for that purpose from time to time.
A1.6.4.2 The College requires Affiliate Members who are practising in the Pacific Islands or other Countries/Territories in accordance with A1.6.1.3, to participate in and satisfactorily complete such continuing professional development activities as defined by the Global Health Committee (GHC).
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.5 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]
A1.6.6 Annual Subscription Fee
A1.6.6.1 The annual subscription for an Affiliate Member admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.1 or A1.6.1.2 will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.6.6.2 No annual subscription fee will be payable by Affiliate Members admitted under Regulation A1.6.1.3.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.7 An Affiliate Member will be entitled to acknowledge their Affiliate Member status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.
A1.6.8 An Affiliate Member shall retain their status so long as they pay all applicable subscriptions and continue to fulfil all terms and conditions from time to time prescribed by the College, including participation in the relevant required continuing professional development in accordance with A1.6.4.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.9 Affiliate Members will receive access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.10 An Affiliate Member shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.11 Affiliate Members must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.6.12 Affiliate Members may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) regulations. Affiliate Members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.7 Educational Affiliate
A1.7.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board may admit as an Educational Affiliate (which does not confer Affiliate Membership, International Affiliateship, Prevocational Affiliateship, Trainee Affiliateship, Midwife Affiliateship or CPD Affiliateship):
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.7.1.1 any registered medical practitioner who is working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology or more broadly in women’s health in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand and who is not a Fellow of the College and is not eligible for membership as an Affiliate Member as outlined in Regulation A1.6 above. This shall for the time being include, but not be limited to:
- medical practitioners whose qualifications, training and experience have been assessed by the College as sufficient to enable them to practise safely with supervision in a specific position of workforce shortage in Australia;
- suitably qualified medical practitioners, who were not trained in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand and who are registered within a provisional vocational scope of practice (supervision or assessment) by the Medical Council of New Zealand;
- medical practitioners, who were not trained in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand and who have been assessed as either partially or substantially comparable to an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand-trained specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology or RANZCOG-trained subspecialist; Or
- medical practitioner who has been assessed by the relevant Subspecialty Committee and approved to work to a limited scope of practice.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.7.1.2 medical practitioners who are Fellows of other Australasian medical colleges and whose practice is principally in the area of women’s health;
A1.7.1.3 public hospital Career Medical Officers who practice principally in the area of women’s health.
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee shall support the RANZCOG Board by considering applications for Educational Affiliate membership (non-SIMG).
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]
A1.7.2 Admission to the College as an Educational Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met. Applicants have two (2) months from the date of the offer of membership in which to pay the required subscription fee(s). If this requirement is not met by that time, the offer of membership as an Educational Affiliate will lapse and the applicant must re-apply.
A1.7.3 Unless specifically mandated by the RANZCOG Board for any of the groups defined in Regulation A1.7.1 an Educational Affiliate will not be required to participate in defined continuing professional development activities in order to retain their status as an Educational Affiliate. They will be encouraged to participate in the College’s professional development activities, including attendance at the College’s Annual Scientific Meeting.
For those defined in A1.7.1, they will have to participate in continuing professional development as required by the RANZCOG Board or CPD Committee.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.7.4 Unless required to undertake alternative, specific activities by the Board under Regulation A1.7.3 above, Educational Affiliates may apply to participate in the RANZCOG CPD program.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.7.5 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]
A1.7.6 The annual subscription for an Educational Affiliate described under all of the classes nominated above will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.7.7 The fees payable for participation in the RANZCOG CPD program either as required under Regulation A1.7.3, or elected under Regulation A1.7.4 above, shall be as determined by the RANZCOG Board for that purpose from time to time.
A1.7.8 An Educational Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College.
A1.7.9 Educational Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]
A1.7.10 An Educational Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.7.11 An Educational Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.
A1.7.12 Educational Affiliates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.7.13 As members of the College, Educational Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by an Educational Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the EPSC.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.7.14 Membership may be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the EPSC regulations. Educational Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.8 Certificant
A1.8.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1.5 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Certificant persons who have met the following requirements:
A1.8.1.1 joined the Certificate of Women’s Health (CWH) Training Program and have satisfactorily completed all the requirements of the CWH Training Program, including any associated administrative requirements.
A1.8.2 Admission to the College as a Certificant is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met. [Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.8.3 Certification as a Certificant (ARANZCOG (Cert)) will be awarded by the College. Certificants must maintain ongoing continuing professional development requirements pursuant to all relevant RANZCOG regulations.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.8.4 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]
A1.8.5 The annual subscription for a Certificant will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.8.6 A Certificant will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘ARANZCOG (Cert)’ while currently certified according to the requirements as prescribed by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.8.7 Certificants will receive access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023
A1.8.8 A Certificant shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.8.9 A Certificant shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.
A1.8.10 Certificants must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020}
A1.8.11 Certificant membership may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) regulations. Certificants are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.9 International Affiliate
A1.9.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as an International Affiliate (which does not confer Affiliate Membership, Educational Affiliateship, Prevocational Affilateship, Trainee Affiliateship, Midwife Affiliateship or CPD Affiliateship) any registered medical practitioner who is working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology in countries other than Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and who is not a Fellow of the College and is not eligible for membership as an Affiliate Member as outlined in Regulation A1.6 or as an Educational Affiliate in Regulation A1.7 above.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.9.2 Admission to the College as an International Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met.
A1.9.3 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]
A1.9.4 The annual subscription for an International Affiliate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.9.5 An International Affiliate will be entitled to acknowledge their Affiliate status on their Curriculum Vitae. The associated post nominal ‘Int. Aff. RANZCOG’ can be used while currently admitted as an International Affiliate according to the requirements as prescribed by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023]
A1.9.6 International Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.9.7 An International Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.9.8 An International Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.
A1.9.9 International Affiliates must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.9.10 As members of the College, International Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the TV Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by an International Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the EPSC.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.9.11 Membership may be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the EPSC regulations. International Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.9.12 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may establish International Affiliate memberships with specific international O&G organisations where an MoU between RANZCOG and the corresponding O&G organisation has been signed. Registered Medical Practitioners working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, who are members of an international O&G organisation with which RANZCOG has an MOU in place, will be eligible to apply for International Affiliate membership. Required evidence of registration status and fees will be determined by agreement with RANZCOG and the relevant international O&G organisation.
A1.9.12.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as an International Affiliate any registered medical practitioner working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology in accordance with the MoU between specific international O&G organisations and RANZCOG under A1.9.12.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]
A1.10 Prevocational Affiliate – RANZCOG and PVOGS
A1.10.1 Members of The Prevocational Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of Australia and New Zealand (PVOGS) are afforded RANZCOG Prevocational Affiliate Membership Status (which does not confer Affiliate Membership, Educational Affiliateship, International Affiliateship, Trainee Affiliateship, Midwife Affiliateship or CPD Affiliateship), subject to additional provisions as listed below.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.10.2 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Prevocational Affiliate, students studying medicine at universities in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and prevocational doctors resident and practising in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
A1.10.3 Applicants must complete a declaration in support of their application confirming their eligibility status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2018]
A1.10.4 Admission to the College as a Prevocational Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met.
A1.10.5 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]
A1.10.6 The annual subscription for a Prevocational Affiliate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.10.7 A Prevocational Affiliate will be entitled to acknowledge their Affiliate status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.
A1.10.8 Prevocational Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2018]
A1.10.9 A Prevocational Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings of the College.
A1.10.10 A Prevocational Affiliate shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.
A1.10.11 Prevocational Affiliates must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.10.12 As members of the College, Prevocational Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the TV Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by a Prevocational Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the EPSC.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.10.13 Membership may be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the EPSC regulations. Prevocational Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2024]
A1.11 Trainee Affiliate
A1.11.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Trainee Affiliate, trainees who have been accepted to the FRANZCOG Training Program and have been entered onto the College Register of Trainees.
A1.11.2 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]
A1.11.3 Annual training fees will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2017]
A1.11.4 FRANZCOG Trainees will be entitled to acknowledge their Trainee Affiliate status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.
A1.11.5 FRANZCOG Trainees will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources offered through its eLearning platform.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]
A1.11.6 A Trainee Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.11.7 A Trainee Affiliate shall retain their status so long as they remain in the FRANZCOG Training Program and continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including all training and administrative requirements.
A1.11.8 Trainee Affiliates must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.11.9 Trainee removed from the FRANZCOG Training Program shall cease to be a Trainee Affiliate. Trainee Affiliate membership may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) regulations. Trainee Affiliates are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2024]
A1.12 Midwife Affiliate
A1.12.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit as a Midwife Affiliate (which does not confer Affiliate Membership, Educational Affiliateship, International Affiliateship, Prevocational Affiliateship, Trainee Affiliateship or CPD Affiliateship), midwives who hold general midwifery registration with the Nursing and
Midwifery Board of Australia or a practising certificate with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.12.2 Admission to the College as a Midwife Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met. Applicants have two (2) months from the date of the offer of Midwife Affiliate membership in which to pay the applicable fee(s). If this requirement is not met by that time, the offer of Midwife Affiliate membership will lapse, and the applicant must re-apply. The annual subscription for a Midwife Affiliate will be set by the College Board.
A1.12.3 As per its Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
A1.12.4 The annual subscription for a Midwife Affiliate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.12.5 A Midwife Affiliate will be entitled to acknowledge their Affiliate status on his/her Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.
A1.12.6 Midwife Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2023]
A1.12.7 A Midwife Affiliate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.12.8 A Midwife Affiliate shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee.
A1.12.9 Midwife Affiliates must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.12.10 As members of the College, Midwife Affiliates are expected to display standards of practice and ethics as outlined in the TV Code of Conduct and similar documents. Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by a Midwife Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the EPSC.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A1.12.11 Membership may be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the EPSC regulations. Midwife Affiliate members are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.13 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Affiliate
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, June 2023 — Creation of a new membership class, CPD Affiliate]
A1.13.1 Pursuant to clause 3.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the RANZCOG Board may admit to the RANZCOG CPD Program as a CPD Affiliate (which does not confer Affiliate Membership, Educational Affliateship, International Affiliateship, Prevocational Affiliateship, Trainee Affiliateship or Midwife Affiliateship) a registered doctor in Australia or a provisionally vocationally registered or vocationally registered doctor in Aotearoa New Zealand and who is not a Fellow of the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.13.2 Pursuant to clause 3.9 of the RANZCOG Constitution, the Board has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.13.3 Admission as a CPD Affiliate is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by RANZCOG have been met. Applicants have two (2) months from the date of the offer of membership in which to pay the required CPD program subscription fee. If this requirement is not met by that time, the offer of membership as a CPD Affiliate will lapse, and the applicant must re-apply.
A1.13.4 The annual subscription for CPD Affiliates will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.13.5 CPD Affiliates will be entitled to acknowledge their status as a CPD Affiliate on their Curriculum Vitae; however, as this is not a qualification, there is no associated post nominal.
A1.13.6 CPD Affiliates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
A1.13.7 CPD Affiliates shall be entitled to attend and speak, but will not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.13.8 A CPD Affiliate will retain their status as long as they pay all applicable subscriptions and fulfil all terms and conditions prescribed by RANZCOG, including completion of the relevant CPD program and meeting administrative requirements.
A1.13.9 CPD Affiliates must comply with the TV Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
Al.13.10 Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter or conduct by a CPD Affiliate that is considered to be a breach of the Code of Conduct, or which otherwise falls under the auspices of the College Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC), the matter or conduct may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in the regulations relating to the EPSC.
Al.13.11 Membership of a CPD Affiliate may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) regulations. CPD Affiliates are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstances arise that may affect their membership status.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A1.14 Associate Member
On and from 12 February 2024, the Board may admit as an Associate Member (which is not to be confused with the former class of Associate Member now known as Affiliates under clause A1.6) persons who have met either of the following requirements:
A1.14.1.1 Trainees who have completed all the requirements of the RANZCOG Associate (Procedural and Advanced Procedural), including any associated administrative requirements.
A1.14.1.2 Holders of the New Zealand Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology or the RANZCOG Associate Training Program (Procedural) (PTP) or the RANZCOG Associate Training Program Procedural (APTP) who have satisfactorily completed all additional (including administrative) requirements as determined by the Board.
A1.14.2 Admission to the College as an Associate Member is not complete until all administrative and other requirements (including payment of all relevant fees) set by the College have been met.
A1.14.3 Certification as an Associate (ARANZCOG (P)/ARANZCOG ) (Adv P)) will be awarded. Associate members must maintain ongoing continuing professional development requirements pursuant to all relevant RANZCOG regulations.
A1.14.4 As per Constitution, the College has the absolute right to refuse to admit to membership any person without giving any reason for that decision.
A1.14.5 The annual subscription for an Associate will be set by the RANZCOG Board.
A1.14.6 An Associate will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on their Curriculum Vitae, with the associated post-nominal being ‘ARANZCOG (P)’ or ‘ARANZCOG (Adv. P).
A1.14.7 Associates will receive electronic access to relevant College publications and resources afforded to Fellows of the College.
A1.14.8 An Associate shall be entitled to attend and speak, but shall not be entitled to vote at general meetings.
A1.14.9 An Associate shall retain their membership status so long as they continue to fulfil all their terms and conditions prescribed by the College, including annual payment of the applicable subscription fee and compliance with continuing professional development requirements.
A1.14.10 Associates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
A1.14.11Associate membership may also be suspended or terminated pursuant to clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution respectively and the processes outlined in the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) Regulations. Associates are required to inform the College Chief Executive Officer immediately should circumstance arise that may affect their membership status.
A1.14.12 Retired Associate Member
A1.14.12.1 A Retired Associate is defined as an Associate Member of RANZCOG who has completely and permanently retired from all clinical practice and is no longer practicing or registered as a medical practitioner.
A1.14.12.2 Where the Associate Member continues to practice in another specialist field or remains registered as a medical practitioner in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, they will continue as an Associate Member of the College and will not be exempt from any professional development requirements as per F3 of this regulation.
A1.14.12.3 Pursuant to the RANZCOG Constitution 3.5.3, Retired Associate Members will be granted Associate Membership for life and will have the same powers, privileges and liabilities as Associate Members, but will:
- Be exempt from any professional development requirements; and
- Not be subject to any RANZCOG policy, procedure or regulation which the Board prescribes is, in full, or in part, only applicable to a particular class of Associate.
A1.14.12.4 A Retired Associate will be entitled to acknowledge their membership status on their Curriculum Vitae; with the associated post nominal being ‘ARANZCOG (Ret)’.
A1.14.12.5 Any Retired Associate who subsequently resumes active practice must advise the College forthwith and undertake such professional development activities as per F3 of this regulation.
A1.14.12.6 Retired Associates must comply with the RANZCOG Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standard of professional and ethical behaviour expected by the College.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A2 Appeals procedures
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, August 2022 – Creation of a new Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of College Decisions Policy]
A2.1 Policy
A2.1.1 The College is committed to providing clear advice to its members and other individuals and organisations about those of its decisions that can reconsidered, reviewed, and formally appealed.
The Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of College Decisions Policy (Policy) provide avenues for an Applicant who has been adversely affected by a College decision and has legitimate grounds to dispute a decision of the College, can challenge these decisions.
There are three (3) phases where dispute to a decision can proceed:
- Reconsideration Phase
- Review Phase
- Formal Appeal
The Reconsideration and Review Phase are internal review mechanisms that aim to resolve the matter within the College. The Appeal process involves external independent representatives and independent College Fellows that aim to provide resolution without having to result in legal procedures.
Both internal review and the Appeal process are subject to procedural fairness and not bound by the rules of evidence.
All proceedings and materials except where required by this Policy and law are kept confidential.
A2.2 Guidelines
A2.2.1 The Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of Decisions Policy provide an avenue to resolve a dispute against College’s decisions. However, not all College decisions can be disputed.
Application submitted under this Policy will not be accepted where the Applicant seeks an exception from an approved policy or regulation. The Exceptional Circumstances and Special Consideration Policy must first be utilised where an individual believes there are exceptional circumstances that the College body when making its decision ought to consider.
This Policy is not intended to provide an avenue for any person to contest results awarded, decisions of assessors taken in or about any assessment, allegations of poor training or supervision or general grievances.
A2.2.2 The College reserves the right to decline an application submitted under this Policy if an Applicant is unable to produce any reasonable or relevant evidence in support of the stated grounds on which the application is based.
A2.2.3 The College Chief Executive Officer has the discretion to allow the process to commence at the ‘Review’ phase or to proceed directly to Appeals where they are satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances that make it justifiable and appropriate to do so.
A2.3 Reconsideration of Decisions
A2.3.1 Matters pertaining to disputed decisions should in the first instance be addressed to the Chairperson of the originating body for Reconsideration by the same committee or body which made the disputed decision.
A2.3.2 An application for Reconsideration must be made within thirty (30) calendar days upon receipt of the notification of the outcome/examination results.
A2.3.3 The Chairperson of the originating body will endeavour to provide an outcome within eight (8) weeks of receipt of the request for Reconsideration.
A2.3.4 Following the determination’s notification, the Applicant, must advise the College within fourteen (14) calendar days whether they wish to proceed with the ‘Review’ phase.
A2.4 Review procedures
A2.4.1 Requests for review of a decision by the committee or body which has oversight of the disputed decision, or other body, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer, must be addressed in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within fourteen (14) calendar days from receipt of notification of Reconsideration outcomes.
A2.4.2 The Chief Executive Officer will refer the matter to a Review Panel constituted under the Policy.
A2.4.3 The College will endeavour to provide the Applicant with the outcome of the review by the Review Panel in writing within eight (8) weeks of the request, the document being subject to any obligations of privacy and confidentiality that may apply.
A2.4.4 Following receipt of the notification of the Review’s outcome, an Applicant, within fourteen (14) days, must write to the Chief Executive Officer that they wish to Appeal.
A2.5 Formal Appeals Procedure
A2.5.1 An Applicant must inform the Chief Executive Officer of the intention to appeal in the first instance by email within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the outcome of the request.
Formal appeals must be lodged in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within two (2) months of the receipt of notice of the outcome of the Review.
A2.5.2 The Chief Executive Officer will convene an Appeals Panel under this Policy.
A2.5.3 The Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of the Appeals Panel, will notify the Applicant in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the appeal hearing.
A2.6 Approval authority
A2.6.1 Amendments to this policy and the procedures shall be approved by the RANZCOG Board.
A2.7 Implementation and Monitoring
A2.7.1 The Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible for the implementation of the College’s Reconsideration, Review and Appeal of College Decisions Policy and their effectiveness pursuant to these regulations and any other relevant documents.
A3 Ethics and Professional Standards Committee
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019 – Formation of Ethics and Professional Standards Committee]
A3.1 Purpose
A3.1.1 The purpose of the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC) is to promote accepted standards of practice and ethics by members of the College by considering matters that may relate to breaches of the TV Code of Conduct or related College objectives, including complaints received from College members against other College members and notifications from recognised authorities (including employers), but not including complaints received from members of the public in regard to the personal or professional conduct of a College member.
[Revised and Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, October 2020]
A3.1.2 The EPSC will operate in accordance with processes outlined in its Terms of Reference and any other relevant RANZCOG regulations.
A3.2 Complaints and Referrals to the Committee
A3.2.1 Where a written complaint is received by the College against a member by another member of the College, the complaint may be referred in accordance with the processes outlined in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents.
A3.2.2 Where the College becomes aware of a particular matter(s) or conduct by a member that is considered to fall under the auspices of the EPSC (including notifications from recognised authorities and employers), the matter may be referred by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the processes outlined in these regulations and any other relevant College documents.
A3.2.3 A complaint shall be considered in accordance with the processes outlined in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents if it relates to the professional or ethical standards of conduct of a member or relates to the conduct of a member which affects the honour, good reputation, interests, or work of the College.
A3.2.4 No complaint shall be considered unless it is in writing and includes the name and address of the person or persons making the complaint, or if referred under Regulation A3.2.2, in the name of the Chief Executive Officer.
A3.2.5 A complaint shall be dealt with, as far as possible, on a confidential basis and consistent with the protection afforded by the legal principle of qualified privilege. The College does not, however, guarantee anonymity of those making complaints.
A3.3 Proceedings of the Committee
A3.3.1 Upon referral of a matter or complaint pursuant to these regulations, the EPSC shall decide whether, prima facie, there is a case to answer in respect of such matter or complaint.
A3.3.2 If it is decided that there is a prima facie case to answer, the EPSC shall forward appropriate details of the matter or complaint to the member concerned. The member concerned shall be entitled to receive sufficient details of the nature and circumstances of the allegations in the matter or complaint as will allow the member to fully respond to the allegations and as the rules of natural justice may require.
A3.3.3 Any member who is the subject of any matter or complaint before the EPSC shall, at least 14 days prior to the meeting of the EPSC, at which any determination is to be made, be given written notice of:
a) the intention of the EPSC to consider the matter;
b) the time, date and place of the meeting;
c) particulars of the nature of the matter under consideration; and
d) advice that the member may attend and give oral or written submissions at that meeting in respect of the matter.
A3.3.4 At the meeting of the EPSC held to consider the matter, the member shall be given an opportunity to be heard, and the Committee shall give due consideration to any written or oral submissions made by the member. The member may be accompanied by another person, but shall not be entitled to have an advocate or be legally represented before the EPSC, unless the Committee has given its prior consent.
A3.3.5 Any member of the EPSC who was involved in the matter or complaint, or who had previously made a decision in relation to the matter or complaint, or who is a partner or has any other family or professional relationship or other conflict of interest, whether actual, potential or perceived, with the member or complainant concerned, shall not participate in any consideration of the matter or complaint by the Committee. In such circumstances the President shall nominate a replacement for that member.
A3.3.6 Subject to Regulation A3.5.5 below, proceedings of the EPSC shall be confidential, except for the reporting of progress, appropriate reporting to the parties involved, and reporting of the decision and reasons to the Board.
A3.3.7 The EPSC is not bound by the rules of evidence and, subject to the rules of natural justice, may inform itself on any matter and in such manner as it thinks fit. Any information which is material to the allegations made in relation to the member shall be disclosed to the member, and the member shall be given sufficient opportunity to make submissions in relation to that information.
A3.3.8 The EPSC shall be entitled to consider all relevant information which it thinks fit and may invite any person to appear before it or to provide information.
A3.3.9 The EPSC shall conduct its affairs with as little formality as possible, but otherwise, subject to these regulations, shall have full power to regulate its conduct and operation, including convening and adjourning any meeting as it may require.
A3.3.10 In considering any matter or complaint, the EPSC shall act as expeditiously as the circumstances permit.
A3.3.11 The EPSC may make its own enquiries and seek legal or other professional advice in relation to any matter or complaint under consideration.
A3.4 Decisions of the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee
After consideration of a complaint or matter, the EPSC may:
A3.4.1 take no action;
A3.4.2 dismiss the matter or complaint and exonerate the member;
A3.4.3 counsel the member and/or require the member to participate in any relevant College program or activity;
A3.4.4 censure the member;
A3.4.5 refer the matter or complaint to the Board for consideration (including suspension or termination of the membership, removal of subspecialty certification or other College award, or removal from the FRANZCOG Training Program);
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2017]
A3.5 Actions to / of the Board
A3.5.1 The Board may consider any matter or complaint referred to it pursuant to the processes outlined in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents.
A3.5.2 In considering any matter or complaint, the Board shall, as nearly as possible, observe the provisions for proceedings and procedures relating to the EPSC and set out in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents (e.g. clause 5.1.3 and 6.2.4 of the RANZCOG Constitution).
A3.5.4 In the event of the termination of the membership of a member, the member must, within 14 days of receipt of notice requiring the member to do so, return to the Chief Executive Officer their Certificate(s) of membership, and the member must not represent or hold himself or herself out to be a member of the College or use the post-nominals ’ARANZCOG (Cert)’, ‘ARANZCOG (P)’, ‘ARANZCOG (Adv P), ‘DRANZCOG’, ‘DRANZCOG (Adv)’ ‘MRANZCOG’ or ‘FRANZCOG’. In the event of the removal or suspension of any subspecialty certification, the member must not represent or hold himself or herself out to possess certification in the relevant subspecialty or continue to use the post-nominals associated with certification in the relevant subspecialty.
[Revised and Ratified by RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A3.6 Notice of Determinations and Appeal
A3.6.1 Following receipt of notification of any determination by the EPSC or the Board in respect of any complaint or matter pursuant to these regulations, the Chief Executive Officer shall, as soon as possible, notify in writing the member concerned, the person initiating the complaint or matter and the College President of the determination and a summary of the reason(s) for the determination.
A3.6.2 Where a determination has been made by the EPSC, the determination, together with a summary of the reason(s) for the determination, will be conveyed to the College Board (by e-mail in the first instance, followed by distribution in papers at the next scheduled meeting of that group).
A3.6.3 Where determinations made by the EPSC or the Board have implications for College policies and/or processes that are the responsibility of any College Committee or other body, the determination in de- identified form and summary reasons may be conveyed to the Chair of any such relevant committee or body, as well as the Director/Manager of the College department responsible for the coordination of any such committee or body, with the advice that the determination may potentially be the subject of Appeal. The Chair of the EPSC or other body may choose to share the determination and summary reasons for the decision with members of the relevant group(s) for the purposes of revising and improving relevant College policies and processes.
A3.6.4 As per clauses 5 and 6 of the RANZCOG Constitution, in the event of the suspension or termination of the membership of a member, the Board may in its absolute discretion give notice or publish to the public generally or to any professional body or organisation or Authority the fact that the membership of any such person has been suspended or terminated. The Board may also communicate the removal of any subspecialty certification or other College award to any Authority in its absolute discretion or as required by any relevant law or College policy.
[Revised and Ratified by RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A3.6.5 Any member in respect of whom an adverse decision is made under these regulations may appeal the decision in accordance with the College’s Appeals Process.
A3.7 Reinstatement
A member who has had his or her membership suspended or terminated, or a subspecialty certification or other award removed through a decision pertaining to a matter considered by the EPSC or the Board under these regulations may be reinstated as a member of the College, or have their subspecialty certification or other College award reinstated at the discretion of the Board, and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may, in its absolute discretion, determine, and in accordance with relevant provisions of the RANZCOG Constitution and any other relevant regulations.
Applications for reinstatement should be directed to the College President for consideration by the Board or a Committee appointed for that purpose.
A3.8 Previous Complaints
In considering what, if any, action the EPSC or the Board may recommend or take in relation to a matter or complaint against a member, both the Committee and the Board shall be entitled to consider any prior matter or complaint determined in relation to the member provided that the member is given sufficient opportunity to make submissions in relation to such information.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, July 2019 – Formation of Ethics and Professional Standards Committee]
A4 Progression Review Panel
A4.1 Purpose and Functions
The Progression Review Panel (PRP) shall support the RANZCOG Board by considering matters with respect to trainees and other individuals who have been referred by an appropriate responsible body for possible removal from their pathway to Fellowship or subspecialty certification subject to relevant RANZCOG regulations. Prior to referral to the PRP the relevant responsible College body will ordinarily have previously considered the matter for the existence of exceptional circumstances.
In the context of the functions of the PRP, trainees whose circumstances may be considered by the Panel include trainees working toward Fellowship of the RANZCOG through the FRANZCOG Training Program or Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) Pathway to Fellowship Program or subspecialty trainees post-Fellowship working toward certification in a subspecialty.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.2 Procedures Relating to Referrals and Meetings of the Progression Review Panel
A4.2.1 The trainee shall be referred to the PRP in the circumstance where the trainee has breached College regulation(s) or engaged in other conduct which has the potential consequence of removal from a pathway to Fellowship of the College or certification in a subspecialty, and where the responsible College body has determined that circumstances are not considered exceptional that could reasonably be seen as preventing the applicant from meeting the requirement(s) described by the relevant Regulation(s) or policy(ies), or performing at an acceptable level in an assessment.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.2.2 The coordinator of the body responsible for making the determination referred to in Regulation A4.2.1 will notify the Chief Executive Officer in writing of the decision of the responsible body to refer the matter to the Progression Review Panel. The trainee will be notified that such a notification has been made to the Chief Executive Officer.
Upon receipt of the notification, the Chief Executive Officer shall arrange for a meeting of the PRP to be held pursuant to its Terms of Reference and, once determined, shall, with at least 21 days’ notice, advise the trainee whose circumstances are to be the subject of consideration by the PRP, and the Chair of the original decision making body of the following:
a) the intention of the PRP to consider the matter;
b) the time, date and place of the meeting;
c) the composition of the Panel to consider the matter;
d) particulars of the nature of the matter under consideration; and
e) that the Chair (or representative) of the original decision-making body may attend and give oral submissions to the PRP or provide a written submission for the PRP’s consideration.
The trainee will also be advised in writing that, in addition to those documents already submitted to the original decision-making body responsible for making the referral to the PRP, which will be made available to the PRP, that the trainee may make further written submissions to the PRP providing further information as to why the PRP should consider that the trainee’s circumstances are exceptional, and could reasonably be seen as preventing the applicant from meeting the requirement(s) described by the relevant Regulation(s) and/or policy(ies), or performing at an acceptable level in an assessment, as well as providing supporting submissions to substantiate the existence of the exceptional circumstance/s.
All written submissions and copies of any documents and records upon which the trainee wishes to rely must be lodged with the PRP not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the PRP meeting. Additional information provided after that time will only be accepted if the Chair of the PRP considers that the material is of significance to the matter being considered.
In the circumstance where the original decision-making body wishes to submit further material to the PRP, the trainee concerned will be provided with a copy of that material. If the trainee wishes to make written submissions with respect to that material they must do so not less than ten (10) days prior to the PRP meeting.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.2.3 At least seven (7) days prior to the meeting of the PRP, the Chief Executive Officer shall organise to have distributed to the PRP and the trainee whose circumstances are being considered, any materials lodged by the trainee or by the original decision-making body from which the matter was referred, and on which the PRP will rely for its considerations.
A4.2.4 At the meeting of the PRP held to consider the matter, the trainee concerned shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard, and the PRP shall give due consideration to any written or oral submissions made by the trainee.
The trainee may be accompanied by one (1) support person. The trainee shall not be entitled to have an advocate or be legally represented before the PRP, unless the PRP, through the Chair, has given its prior consent.
Any requests to be legally represented before the PRP must be submitted in writing and addressed to the Chair of the PRP at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.2.5 Proceedings of the PRP shall be kept confidential, except for the reporting of progress, appropriate reporting to the parties involved, and reporting of the decision and reasons to the RANZCOG Board.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]
A4.2.6 The PRP is not bound by the rules of evidence and, subject to the rules of natural justice and procedural fairness, may inform itself on any matter and in such manner as it thinks fit. Any information which is material to the matter under consideration shall be disclosed to the trainee, and the trainee shall be given sufficient opportunity to make submissions in relation to that information in accordance with the terms set out in these Regulations.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.2.7 The PRP shall be entitled to consider all relevant information which it thinks fit and may invite any person to appear before it or to provide information.
A4.2.8 The PRP shall conduct its affairs with as little formality as possible, but otherwise, subject to these Regulations and relevant Terms of Reference, shall have full power to regulate its conduct and operation, including convening, adjourning and recording any meeting as it may require.
Recordings are for the College’s administrative purposes; they are private and confidential and will not be shared with any party external to the College, including the trainee.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.2.9 In considering any matter referred to it, the PRP shall act as expeditiously as the circumstances reasonably permit and shall, as nearly as possible, observe the provisions for proceedings and procedures relating to the Panel and set out in these regulations and/or other relevant College documents.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.2.10 The PRP may make its own enquiries and seek legal or other professional advice in relation to any matter under consideration.
A4.3 Recommendations of the Progression Review Panel
A4.3.1 When making a recommendation pursuant to Regulation A4.3.2, the PRP must consider, in addition to the written materials and oral submissions made by the trainee and the original decisionmaking body, the standards required of a trainee. The PRP may also consider factors including, but not limited to, the following:
a) The extent to which the exceptional circumstances, if any, impact RANZCOG’s obligation to the wider community, public interest or patient safety;
b) Whether the request to remain in the training program is considered fair and reasonable and does not disadvantage other trainees undertaking the same RANZCOG programs or processes; and
c) The effect of the exceptional circumstances, if any, on the trainee’s ability to continue to meet the requirements of the program.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.3.2 The PRP may make one of the following recommendations to the Board:
a) That, on the basis of all the materials presented to it, the trainee be permitted to remain in the program in question, subject to any specific conditions that the Panel may identify.
b) That, on the basis of all the materials presented to it, the trainee be removed from the program in question.
A4.3.3 The recommendation to the Board must be accompanied by a document that summarises the matter(s) considered by the PRP and which outlines clearly the nature of the information on which the PRP based its deliberations, and the reasons for its recommendation.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.3.4 The Board will consider the recommendation of the PRP and accept or reject the PRP’s recommendation. The PRP Chair (or delegate) will notify the trainee in writing of the Board’s decision, and the reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the meeting of the PRP. The notification to the trainee will also include information on the trainees’ right of appeal with respect to the Board’s decision pursuant to the College’s Reconsideration, Review and Appeal Policy.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.3.5 Where determinations made by the PRP or the Board in respect of matters considered under these regulations have implications for College policies and/or processes that are the responsibility of any College committee or other body, the determination in de-identified form and summary reasons may be conveyed to the Chair of any such relevant committee or body, as well as the Director/Manager of the College department responsible for the coordination of any such committee or body, with the advice that the determination may potentially be the subject of appeal. The Chair of the committee or other body may choose to share the determination and summary reasons for the decision with members of the relevant group(s) for the purposes of revising and improving relevant College policies and processes.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2020]
A4.4 Consequences of the Board’s decision regarding the progress of the Trainee
A4.4.1 FRANZCOG Trainees
A4.4.1.1 In accordance with Regulation A1.11.9, a FRANZCOG Trainee who is removed from the FRANZCOG Training Program shall cease to be a Trainee Affiliate. For the purposes of this policy, removal from the training program is deemed equivalent to the revocation of Trainee Affiliate Membership. As such, all associated rights and privileges are forfeited upon removal, unless reinstated through a successful appeal.
A4.4.1.2 Subject to the outcome of any appeal, a Trainee who has been removed from the training program shall not be entitled to:
- Recognition of Training – Credit for the relevant or any subsequent training period, unless such credit is reinstated through a successful appeal;
- Examination Eligibility – Participation in any RANZCOG examination during or following the period of removal.
- Prospective Approval Submission – Submission of prospective approval for training placements or activities;
- Participation Rights – Re-engagement in College workshops, webinars, and trainee representation opportunities; and
- Representation or Voting Rights – Engagement in trainee representative roles, committees, or voting processes within the College.
A4.4.1.3 In the event that an appeal results in the reversal of the Board’s decision to terminate a Trainee’s membership, the above rights and privileges may be reinstated, subject to any conditions or limitations set by the Appeals Panel or the Board.
A4.4.1.4 Reinstatement shall not be automatic and may be subject to additional conditions, including supervision requirements, remedial training, or time-based restrictions, as determined by the applicable Regulations.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.4.2 Subspecialty Trainees
A4.4.2.1 A Subspecialty Trainee who is removed from a subspecialty program (e.g. CGO, CMFM, CREI, COGU, CU) shall forfeit their subspecialty trainee status. For clarity, removal from the subspecialty training program does not affect membership as a Fellow.
Upon removal from the subspecialty program, the trainee shall no longer be entitled to:
- Continue training in an accredited subspecialty position;
- Submit prospective approval for subspecialty training activities;
- Access subspecialty-specific assessments, supervision, or examinations; and
- Progress toward subspecialty certification.
Reinstatement of subspecialty trainee status may be considered following a successful appeal, subject to eligibility, program availability, and any conditions or limitations set by the Appeals Panel or the Board.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A4.4.3 Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMG) Trainees
A4.4.3.1 A Specialist International Medical Graduate (SIMG) who is removed from the RANZCOG Specialist Pathway or whose comparability status is withdrawn shall forfeit access to all rights and privileges associated with participation in the pathway.
Upon removal from the pathway, the SIMG shall no longer be entitled to:
- Participate in clinical assessments, supervised practice, or workplace-based evaluations;
- Sit for the FRANZCOG examinations required for Fellowship eligibility;
- Access College resources, mentorship, or educational support specific to the SIMG pathway;
- Be considered for progression toward Fellowship of RANZCOG.
Reinstatement to the Specialist Pathway may be considered following a successful appeal or reapplication, subject to eligibility, regulatory compliance, and approval by the relevant College bodies.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A5 Membership Review Panel
[Revised and پfie by the TV Board, November 2025]
A5.1 Functions
A5.1.1 The Membership Review Panel (MRP) shall support the RANZCOG Board by:
Reviewing and making recommendations in regard to conditions and restrictions imposed by a regulatory body on the practice of any RANZCOG member.
Reviewing and making recommendations in regard to the progress of Members who fail to complete the requirements of the College’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programs.
Considering applications for reinstatement to active membership of RANZCOG from:
- Resigned/Retired Members;
- Applicants who submit plans for re-entry to practice; or
- Applicants suspended and/or terminated due to a recommendation from this Panel.
A5.1.2 The procedures for referral to the MRP are outlined in the Membership Review Policy and Procedure.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2 Membership Review Proceedings
A5.2.1 The membership review process will be initiated when the College has received notification of adverse conditions or the member has failed to meet the requirements to maintain membership.
The Panel coordinator shall arrange for a meeting of the MRP to be held pursuant to its Terms of Reference.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2.2 Upon referral of a matter pursuant to the Membership Review Policy and Procedure, the Panel Coordinator of the MRP shall forward appropriate details to the concerned member. The concerned member shall be entitled to receive sufficient details of the nature and circumstances for which the referral was made.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2.3 Any member who is subject to the review of the MRP, shall, at least twenty-one days prior to the meeting of the MRP, be given notice of:
The intention of the MRP to consider the matter;
The time, date and place of the meeting;
The composition of the Panel to consider the matter;
Particulars of the nature of the matter under consideration; and
Advice that the member may submit written submissions and give oral submissions at that meeting in respect of the matter.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2.4 All written submissions and copies of any documents and records upon which the member wishes to rely must be lodged with the MRP within fourteen days prior to the meeting.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2.5 The member whose circumstances are being considered may be accompanied by another person but shall not be entitled to have an advocate or be legally represented unless the Panel Chair has given prior consent.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2.6 The MRP shall be entitled to consider all relevant information that it thinks fit and may invite any person to appear before it or to provide information.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2.7 The MRP may make any of the following recommendations to the Board:
- That no further action is required and well-being support be provided to the member;
- That a membership extension be granted to allow the member to satisfy the requirements of their membership;
- That the matter be referred to the Board to consider suspension or termination of membership, or removal of certification or other College award).
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.2.8 In making a recommendation, the MRP must consider, in addition to the written materials and oral submissions made, the standards required from all members. Where the MRP contemplates recommending suspension or termination of membership, the MRP may consider factors that may include, but are not limited to:
- The nature and seriousness of the regulator-imposed conditions;
- The risk of harm to the public;
- Historical records concerning the member’s practice; and
- Recidivism
[Revised and پfie by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A5.9 Upon ratification or rejection of the MRP recommendation by the Board, the MRP Chair will notify the member in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the MRP meeting. Such notification will include information on the applicant’s right of appeal according to the College appeals processes.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.3 Reinstatement Proceedings
A5.3.1 The MRP may consider applications for reinstatement to active membership of RANZCOG from applicants who:
- Resigned or Retired;
- Submit plans for re-entry to practice; or
- Were suspended or terminated as a result of a recommendation from this Panel.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.3.2 Applicants must notify the College of their intention to apply for reinstatement in the first instance by emailing the Membership Team. At least fourteen days from the notification to apply for reinstatement, the applicant must submit a formal letter addressed to the MRP Chair providing the following information:
- Where the removal was due to conditions imposed on practice by a regulator, evidence that the condition was lifted, and/or
- Evidence of compliance with any imposed restrictions/conditions or successful completion of a specified education/retraining program.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.3.3 The MRP will convene in accordance with its Terms of Reference to consider the request, including additional information provided by the Applicant. At least twenty-one days before the meeting, the applicant will be notified of the time, date and place of the meeting and advised to provide further information that the applicant may wish for the MRP to consider.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.3.4 The MRP is entitled to consider all relevant information that it thinks fit and may invite any person to appear before it or to provide information.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.3.5 In reviewing the application for reinstatement, the MRP may take into consideration the following:
- The reason for removal from membership;
- Historical records, and previous reinstatement requests; or
- Whether membership would cause disrepute or is prejudicial to the interest of the College.
[Revised and پfie by the RANZCOG Board, November 2025]
A5.3.6 The MRP may make recommendations to the Board as follows:
- That, the applicant be reinstated to active membership subject to compliance to any conditions imposed.
- That the applicant be reinstated to active membership.
- That the applicant not be reinstated to active membership.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A5.3.7 Upon ratification or rejection of the MRP’s recommendation by the Board, the MRP Chair will notify the applicant of the decision in writing within three (3) weeks of the meeting. Reinstatement decisions are not subject to appeal. The College has the right to refuse reinstatement without giving reason for that decision.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, April 2024]
A6 Procedures relating to College CPD requirements – Affiliate Members
Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2023 – Creation of CPD Affiliates Requirements Guidelineand Affiliate Members Pacific CPD Requirements Policy and Procedures]
The procedures relating to College CPD Requirements – Affiliate Members are outlined in these Regulations and the CPD Affiliates Requirements Guideline.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.1 Procedures Relating to College CPD Requirements – Affiliate Members Australia and Affiliate Members Aotearoa New Zealand
A6.1.1 The Chair of the CPD Committee may grant additional time to Affiliate Members Australia and/or Affiliate Members Aotearoa New Zealand in active practice who make such a request no later than six (6) weeks before the end of the CPD cycle for a period of up to one (1) month to upload evidence and complete requirements of their current CPD period. Requirements and dates of the subsequent CPD period will not change. Once all requirements have been met the Affiliate Member will move to their next standard CPD period. The Chair of the CPD Committee may grant additional time to Affiliate Members Australia and/or Affiliate Members Aotearoa New Zealand who make such a request.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.1.1.1 Affiliate Members Australia and/or Affiliate Members Aotearoa New Zealand who, after the expiry date of their current CPD period, including those who have been granted additional time pursuant to A6.1.1 above, have failed to accumulate the requisite number of CPD hours, or any other CPD requirement, shall be automatically referred to the CPD Committee for consideration.
A6.1.1.2 Having reviewed the standing of an Affiliate Member Australia and/or Affiliate Member Aotearoa New Zealand, the CPD Committee may grant additional time to the CPD period (in addition to any already granted under A6.1.1), as long as the aggregate additional time to a CPD period given to any Affiliate Member Australia and/or Affiliate Member Aotearoa New Zealand does not exceed four (4) months.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.1.2 Notification process
A6.1.2.1 The Committee shall endeavour to ensure that the procedures for the prior notification of Affiliate Members Australia and/or Affiliate Members Aotearoa New Zealand of their progress towards the completion or otherwise of the CPD program as set out in the program requirements are strictly followed.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November February 2024]
A6.1.2.2 At least 21 days prior to the meeting date of the CPD Committee the Affiliate Member Australia and/or Affiliate Member Aotearoa New Zealand concerned shall be notified.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.1.3 Review Proceedings
A6.1.3.1 Affiliate Members Australia and/or Affiliate Members Aotearoa New Zealand wishing to make a submission must do so in writing addressed to the Chair of the CPD Committee through RANZCOG no later than 14 days prior to a Committee meeting.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.1.3.2 The Committee may make one of the following recommendations to the Board:
To grant additional time to the CPD period of an Affiliate Member Australia and/or Affiliate Member Aotearoa New Zealand of up to, but not exceeding four (4) months from the current CPD Period original due date.
That the Affiliate Member Australia and/or Affiliate Member Aotearoa New Zealand, having failed to satisfy the requirements of the program in accordance with A1.6.4, will not have their membership renewed.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.1.3.3 The College Chief Executive Officer will notify the Affiliate Member Australia and/or Affiliate Member Aotearoa New Zealand in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the meeting of the CPD Committee. Such notification will include information on the applicant’s right of appeal according to the College Appeals Processes.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.2 Procedures Relating to College CPD Requirements – Affiliate Members Pacific
The procedures relating to College CPD Requirements – Affiliate Members Pacific are outlined in these Regulations and the Affiliate Members Pacific CPD Requirements Policy and Procedures.
A6.2.1 Affiliate Members Pacific may request, no later than six (6) weeks prior to the end of the CPD cycle, additional time to accumulate the requisite number of CPD hours.
The Global Health Committee Chair may grant additional time period of up to two (2) calendar months to Affiliate Members Pacific who make such an application.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.2.1.1 An Affiliate Members Pacific who, after the expiry date of their current CPD period and did not request additional time under A6.2.1, have failed to accumulate the requisite number of CPD hours, shall be automatically referred to the Global Health Committee Chair for consideration.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.2.1.2 Having reviewed the standing of an Affiliate Member Pacific, the Global Health Committee Chair may grant additional time to the CPD period of up as long as the aggregate additional time to a CPD period given to any Affiliate Member Pacific does not exceed three (3) months.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.2.1.3 Affiliate Members Pacific who, after the expiry date of the additional time granted, including those granted time under A6.2.1, and A6.2.1.2, have failed to accumulate the requisite number of CPD hours, shall be automatically referred to the Global Health Committee. Affiliate Members concerned shall be sent written notice by email of consideration of their case at the next Committee meeting.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.2.2 Notification process
A6.2.2.1 The Committee shall endeavour to ensure that the procedures for the prior notification of Affiliate Members Pacific of their progress towards the completion or otherwise of the CPD program as set out in the program requirements are strictly followed.
A6.2.2.2 At least 21 days prior to the meeting date of the Global Health Committee the Affiliate Members Pacific concerned shall be notified
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.2.3 Review Proceedings
A6.2.3.1 The Global Health Committee shall review the membership of any Affiliate Member Pacific who has not met the College’s CPD requirements. Except in extenuating circumstances affecting an Affiliate Member’s Pacific ability to fulfil requirements, as presented by a Committee member or members, the Global Health Committee will make a recommendation to the Board that the Affiliate Member Pacific, having failed to satisfy the requirements of the program in accordance with A1.6.4.2, have their membership removed.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A6.2.3.2 The College Chief Executive Officer will notify the Affiliate Member Pacific in writing of the decision, and reasons for the decision, within three (3) weeks of the meeting of the RANZCOG Board at which the recommendation is considered.
Such notification will include information on the applicant’s right of appeal according to the College Appeals Processes
A6.3 Procedures relating to Reinstatement as an Affiliate Member Pacific
A6.3.1 Medical practitioners whose membership as an Affiliate Member Pacific was removed pursuant to A6.2.3.1 may apply to the Global Health Committee for reinstatement as an Affiliate Member Pacific following completion of any outstanding CPD requirements as per as per Affiliate Members Pacific CPD Requirements Policy and Procedures.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A7 Academic misconduct
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022 – Creation of Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure]
A7.1 Code of Conduct
A7.1.1 Integrity is one of the organisational values under the RANZCOG Code of Conduct. RANZCOG regards plagiarism as a serious act of academic misconduct and a breach of its Code of Conduct.
A7.1.2 RANZCOG defines academic dishonesty, outlines the process for investigating claims, and potential outcomes in its Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure.
A7.2 Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure
A7.2.1 Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure allows the investigation of allegations.
A7.2.2 All allegations will be investigated as per Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure. Following the investigation, a formal hearing will be held. The hearing allows RANZCOG to present the allegations of plagiarism and allow the concerned person a right to respond to all claims against them.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]
A7.3 Outcomes
A7.3.1 Where a person is found guilty of academic misconduct, they will be provided with the reasons for the findings and any corrective actions that may be required.
A7.3.2 Where a person has been found to have committed more than one act of academic misconduct, they will be referred to the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee.
A8 RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, May 2021 Name change to RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation]
A8.1 Establishment and Purpose
A8.1.1 Pursuant to clause 15 of the RANZCOG Constitution, in March 2014 the Board approved the establishment of the RANZCOG Foundation, to coordinate and oversee the College’s philanthropic activities. In 2018 the Foundation was renamed to the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]
A8.1.2 The purpose of the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation is to raise funds for the College’s philanthropic activities and oversee the disbursement of these funds in accordance with established processes as set out in these regulations and relevant College policy.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, March 2016]
A8.1.3 The RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation may, at its discretion, in accordance with any relevant RANZCOG policies, accept any gift, endowment or bequest made to the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation or the College either generally or for the purpose of any specific object, and carry out and administer as trustee any trusts attached to any such gift, endowment or bequest.
A8.2 RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation
A8.2.1 The RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation shall support the RANZCOG Board by managing the activities of the Foundation.
A8.2.2 The RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation shall operate in accordance with processes outlined in its Terms of Reference and any other relevant RANZCOG regulations and policies.
A8.2.3 RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation Functions and Duties
A8.2.3.1 In managing the activities of the Foundation, the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation shall:
- ensure the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation and its activities are promoted amongst the College Membership and the wider community;
- raise funds for, and foster contributions to, the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation from College members, medical practitioners, government, industry, philanthropic organisations and the community generally; and manage the funds of the RANZCOG Foundation in accordance with approved policy and subject to its Terms of Reference;
- manage the funds of the RANZCOG Foundation in accordance with approved policy and subject to its Terms of Reference;
- oversee the management and disbursement of the funds of the Foundation and ensure that a sufficient corpus is maintained to support the Foundation’s activities in a sustainable manner;
- provide strategic direction for the Foundation and ensure the good governance of the Foundation;
- receive and review reports from recipients of Foundation funding, or College Committees overseeing specific projects/activities supported by Foundation funds;
- provide advice to the RANZCOG Board on policies relating to the Foundation;
- invite and assess applications for funding in accordance with relevant College policies;
- approve scholarships and fellowships offered under the Foundation; and
- approve changes to processes, conditions or documentation relating to scholarships and fellowships.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, May 2021]
A8.2.3.2 The RANZCOG Board has granted the Foundation authority to distribute discretionary funding towards philanthropic activities. The Foundation remit includes:
- Women’s Health research
- Global Health initiatives
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s health initiatives and Māori Women’s Health initiatives
- Preservation of College History
Other priority areas outlined in the RANZCOG Strategic Plan and Foundation Fundraising plan.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, August 2022]
A9 Corporate governance
A9.1 Winding-Up and Dissolution of the College
A9.1.1 Where, on the winding-up or dissolution of the College, there is a surplus of assets after satisfying all the College’s liabilities and expenses, the surplus shall not be paid to or distributed amongst the members, but shall be given or transferred to some other charitable institution having similar objects to the College situate within Australia (to the extent assets are distributed within Australia) or Aotearoa New Zealand (to the extent assets are distributed within Aotearoa New Zealand) and which:
A9.1.1.1 is required by its constitution or rules to apply its profits or income in promoting its objects;
A9.1.1.2 is prohibited from paying any profits or dividends to its members to the same extent as set out in the RANZCOG Constitution; and
A9.1.1.3 itself, is exempt from income tax.
A9.1.2 That institution shall be determined by the Board prior to the dissolution of the College or failing such determination, by application to an appropriate Court.
A9.1.3 The Board shall:
A9.1.3.1 upon ceasing to conduct any business, operations and undertaking in or from Aotearoa New Zealand (whether upon the winding up or dissolution of the College or for any other reason whatsoever), ensure that any surplus property of the College used in the conduct of such business, operations or undertaking in or from Aotearoa New Zealand is, notwithstanding any provision in this regulation to the contrary, given or transferred to one or more organisations that are charitable under Aotearoa New Zealand law, with similar objects; and
A9.1.3.2 notify the New Zealand Charities Commission of any proposed addition, alteration or amendment to the RANZCOG Constitution or this regulation which may be inconsistent with the charitable nature of the business, operations or undertaking of the College conducted in or from New Zealand.
[Renumbering as Regulation A10 Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, May 2015]
A10 Election of the RANZCOG President, Board of Directors, and Councillors
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022 – Creation ofElection of RANZCOG President;Election of RANZCOG Board; andElection of RANZCOG Council Members Policy and Procedure]
A10.1 Policy
A10.1.1 The election procedure for these appointments are managed in the policies, Election of RANZCOG President,Election of RANZCOG Board, andElection of RANZCOG Council. The objectives of these Regulations and policies are to ensure that the election of the President, Board of Directors, and Council conducted by RANZCOG, is open and transparent, comprehensive, and scrutinised, and is managed in accordance with these Regulations.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2022]
A10.2 Election of President
A10.2.1 In accordance with RANZCOG Constitution clause 11.2, these Regulations and policies confirm the procedures and requirements involved in the election of the President of the RANZCOG. It details who is eligible to be elected as the RANZCOG President and also outlines the process for conducting the RANZCOG Presidential election.
A10.3 Election of Board
A10.3.1 In accordance with RANZCOG Constitution clause 11.2, these Regulations and policies confirm the procedures and requirements involved in the election of members of the Board (with the exception of the positions of President, Diplomate Board Director and Independent Board Director) of RANZCOG. It details who is eligible to be elected as an Elected Director and Vice-President of the RANZCOG Board and outlines the process for conducting RANZCOG Board elections.
A10.3.2 These Regulations apply to voting members of the RANZCOG Council, pursuant to subclause clause 10.1.1 of the RANZCOG Constitution, and College staff who are responsible for managing the election process.
[Revised and ratified by the RANZCOG Board, November 2024]
A10.4 Election of Council
A10.4.1 In accordance with RANZCOG Constitution clause 10.2, these Regulations and policies confirm the procedures and requirements involved in the election of RANZCOG Councillors. It details who is eligible to be elected as a RANZCOG Councillor and outlines the process for conducting Councillor elections.
[Ratified by the RANZCOG Board, February 2024]