Care cost fund for volunteers
The Removing barriers care cost fund was set up to enable more members to apply for College volunteer roles. The fund can cover a maximum of a £75 contribution towards care costs of both adult and child care responsibilities where these would have otherwise prevented members from being able to participate in their voluntary role.
The process is simple and costs can be claimed back through the usual expense policy. If you have any queries about using the care cost fund please email edi@rcpch.ac.uk.
Sharing stories
The EDI Member Reference Group aims to provide an avenue for members to input into our EDI work. Members comment on current plans and progress, and help to identify future priorities. They act in an individual capacity, providing valuable feedback and input on the work of the College.
Dr Ash Patel hosted two of our members, Dr Mike Farquhar and Dr Jaspreet Kaur in a special EDI bake off episode where they made Persian love cakes, while discussing the rainbow badge project, as well as Team Soft Landings.
Dr Mike Farquhar, Dr Segn Nedd and Dr Nadia Audhali spoke about their experiences of the group on our podcast in summer 2022.
And, several other members have written blogs for us:
- Rebecca Jenkins used to fear the judgements of other people, but by the time she started medical school she was more confident - and open to listening to others' experiences of personal discrimination.
- Dr Melanie Ranaweera tells us why paediatricians are "a cornerstone in advocating for a healthier, more equal, diverse and inclusive future for children and young people".
- Dr Sophie Jackson looks at why diversity in paediatrics helps to improve patient care, reflecting on the publication of our reports.
Other resources we are supporting
As other organisations make progress in their EDI journeys and identify top priorities in their areas of expertise, we have seen a number of useful resources that can also benefit our members.
- This resource provides advice on how the General Medical Council (GMC) guidance principles on non-discrimination apply when tackling racism. There are signposts to a range of support channels, as well as case studies from doctors and others on their experiences, advice and best practice.
- This is a joint pledge to unite medical organisations with impact on the working conditions of medical students and doctors so we can work collaboratively to address the cultural and structural factors that cause sexism. RCPCH is listed as a signatory.
- This charter outlines what organisations can do to tackle unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviour in the workplace. RCPCH is listed as a signatory and commits to implement the 10 principles.
- This resource provides guidance to help organisations tackle racism at a strategic and a systemic level, using 15 actions and a maturity matrix to help organisations deliver and monitor their progress.
- This guidance gives background information and steps that all employers and healthcare workers should take when incidences of discrimination against a healthcare worker occur.
- This review by the NHS Race and Health Observatory outlines challenges in neonatal care for Black, Asian and minority ethnic babies, alongside clear recommendations on tackling them.