»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË

Members, volunteers and staff understand the importance of mutual respect, and the Code of Conduct is an embodiment of the values core to College and outlines our values and the behaviour expected of its members, both as professionals and also as individuals.

You are part of an organisation that has purpose at the heart of its culture. Everything that we do stems from our vision and mission.

Rob Okunnu, RCPCH CEO

When undertaking a role at RCPCH all must agree to respect and uphold the charitable vision, mission, goals, and values of the College. Should there be any serious or sustained failure to meet these standards, the RCPCH will take appropriate steps to address this which could ultimately include removal from the designated role.

Our vision, mission and goals

Our vision is a world where every child is healthy and well.

Our mission is to advance child health practice, shape policy, set educational standards and empower paediatricians. We are led by insights from our members, children and young people.

Our strategic goals are:

1. The size, skill and welfare of the UK child health workforce are prioritised by senior NHS decision makers to meet the needs of children and young people across the four nations.
2. Child health is at the centre of decision-making across the four nations of the UK.
3. Research, evidence and clinical standards improve safety and child health outcomes.
4. RCPCH has an international impact in paediatrics and child health.

Our values and behaviours framework

I include

I will treat others fairly and with respect, ensuring that my behaviour is appropriate at all times. I will value individual differences, perspectives and contributions.

I influence

I act with integrity, being open and honest, checking and challenging my behaviour and practices to improve working practices, and advance the work of the College.

I innovate

I aim for quality in everything I do, take pride in my work to have the greatest impact on the services provided by the College.

I inspire

I will be inspired by and open to possibilities, seeking to first understand the ideas of others. I will have the courage to embrace change and openly share my ideas freely with others to improve the way we work.

The College is...

• a welcoming space, where members should support one another - criticism should be constructive and neither personal nor vindictive; behaviour that contravenes this principle will not be tolerated
• an open and creative space, where ideas and suggestions are welcome
• a productive space, where we come together to further the specialty and the aims of the RCPCH
• a resolution space, where we focus on coming up with solutions to problems
• a confidential space where needed, where members can speak freely (see confidentiality section below).

Conflicts of interest and disclosure

Members must be clear where they have a conflict of interest and disclose this swiftly. Members must declare relevant interests arising in the course of undertaking any College business (and/or to take steps to avoid such interests or knowledge giving rise to a conflict of interest) including completing the College’s online register of interest form. 

Confidentiality

All role holders must recognise that there will be some discussions and papers that are of a sensitive nature and should be kept confidential. As professionals working in a professional organisation, all role holders should expect to keep agreed information confidential. Where this is uncertain, members should clarify first.

Complaints

We always try to informally resolve problems first. Where there is a problem therefore, please contact the person or the section (or the manager of that section) who provided the service or the response to your enquiry and explain why you are unhappy and what action is needed. This can be done by telephone or in writing. We will then try to resolve the matter for you as quickly as we can. However if you are still dissatisfied, we want you to feel comfortable about making a formal complaint. For details of how to make a formal complaint please see our complaints procedure.

If a staff member or workplace volunteer wishes to raise a concern the matter will be dealt with positively, quickly and reasonably. Anonymous complaints will not be considered however every effort will be made to keep the staff member or workplace volunteer’s identity confidential if they wish this to be the case.

Essentials for role holders

All role holders will...

• be supported in their role by their fellow committee members, officers and RCPCH staff members
• have a named person or manager of relevant team to liaise with and listen to the volunteer’s concerns
• follow the expense guidance and expect reimbursement on submission of a valid claim.

All role holders must...

• act as ambassadors for the RCPCH, promoting an approachable and professional ethos
• have the time to contribute to the role
• be committed to the success of the RCPCH and to maintaining its reputation
• remain in good standing as a College member
• uphold joint responsibility - once a policy decision (relevant to the area a member is involved with) is made by the RCPCH (either through the Board or one of its committees) it is expected that all members adhere to that decision; any concerns should be raised within the RCPCH
• for Officers and other senior role holders: develop and maintain individual knowledge and understanding of the College strategy and operational plan including:
  • be pro-active in developing a close working relationship with the designated operational area of the College
  • ensure that all negotiations regarding resources and/or staffing are referred to RCPCH immediately for appropriate decision
  • ensure any requests to act outside designated remit are referred to the RCPCH and/or relevant officer
  • develop and maintain knowledge of RCPCH, the beneficiaries, its officers, staff and members, and the wider context
• liaise with the College Press Office before agreeing to speak to media outlets on College positions or advocacy.
• participate in induction, training and development as appropriate
• observe responsibilities with regard to child safeguarding, including undertaking training where appropriate
• provide, and receive, constructive feedback where appropriate
• serve the College without seeking personal gain or preferment
• prepare appropriately for active engagement, for example, attending meetings, and feedback in a timely way on any external meetings attended on behalf of the RCPCH
• avoid bias on grounds of race, disability, lifestyle, culture, religion or beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, body size or appearance or any other characteristic
• distinguish clearly, when speaking or writing, between personal views and those of the College
• promote the principles set out in the Good Medical Practice which outlines the duties of a doctor registered with the General Medical Council
• undertake an annual review process where appropriate.