The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is committed to actively encouraging equality and diversity among our membership and the ophthalmic workforce and to eliminating unlawful discrimination.
The College recognises the increasing interest from members to develop a more proactive and visible approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). We know that there are many positives to celebrate – for instance, that ophthalmology is relatively successful in attracting female and Asian or Asian British trainees compared with many specialties, as shown by a recent GMC report on workforce.
Having undertaken some initial work and published reports in Reverse Mentoring and Differential Attainment, we believe there is more work to do to support a fully diverse ophthalmic workforce at all career stages and roles.
We are delighted to announce that Evie Mensah, Sindhu Arjunan, Roxanne Annoh have been appointed as the new RCOphth Leads for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and Belonging Committee.
Together, they have issued the following statement:
‘We strongly feel that EDI should be the golden thread running through every committee of our College. Our aim is for a College that fosters excellent experience for all members and beyond, irrespective of background or identity. Through an active programme of shared learning, community and advocacy, we hope to facilitate diverse and inclusive leadership across all four nations.
By offering equity of opportunity to trainees, specialty, specialist and locally employed doctors, we believe this better serves our patients. By using innovation, transformational change and renewed energy within our committee and sub-committees, we look forward to developing ideas and proposals for a more strategic approach to EDI over the next three years. We hope that you will all come with us on this journey.’