The RANZCP Code of Ethics states that psychiatrists will ‘uphold the integrity of the profession’, which includes promoting ‘a professional environment with an ethos characterised by mutual respect, and free of discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment’.

The RANZCP has an established Discrimination Bullying and Harassment Policy (DBH Policy) which sets out what is expected of people involved in College activities including trainees, supervisors and Directors of Training.  

Relevant documents on how the RANZCP manages complaints are available on the RANZCP Webpage: Complaints about discrimination, bullying and harassment. 

This includes the Complaint Management Procedure as well as steps on how to submit a Discrimination Bullying and Harassment Complaints Form to RANZCP Legal Services.

Complaints made under the DBH Policy are managed sensitively and confidentiality, with the College taking a non-adversarial and resolution-focussed approach. 

The College has limited investigative powers for issues that happen in the workplace. In dealing with any complaint, the College is limited to disciplinary powers, and not compensation or other remedies. It may act including in relation to:

• a person’s training status  
• accreditation of training posts or positions  
• accreditation of hospitals or institutions  
• accreditation of supervisors  

Where the matter relates to professional conduct or breaches of the Code of Ethics, the matter may be referred to the Membership Conduct Committee for consideration. 

Appeals and Complaints

The RANZCP is committed to reasonable, transparent, impartial and accountable decision-making in all its functions. 

If you are unhappy with a decision of the College, please find relevant information and resources on the RANZCP webpage: Appeals and complaints.

Trainees or Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) unhappy with the outcome relating to training or assessment, or who wish to raise a complaint in relation to a training related matter, are encouraged to raise these issues at first instance with their supervisor, Director of Training, or other relevant person.  

Should the matter or complaint not be resolved, you should raise the matter as soon as practicable with the relevant RANZCP Education Committee.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may seek to lodge an application under the RANZCP Review, Reconsideration and Appeal Policy and Procedure (RRA Policy). 

The RRA Policy applies to all RANZCP Members (including Trainees and SIMGs) as well as individuals who are not members or candidates but who have applied to the RANZCP in relation to a RANZCP policy or procedure.

All queries in relation to the RANZCP appeals process should be directed to legalservices@ranzcp.org. 

Early Resolution

The RANZCP is developing Early Resolution processes and mechanisms, to support Trainees and SIMGs and provide an opportunity to resolve complaints prior to accessing more formal review mechanisms. 

Early Resolution is a conciliatory method of facilitating transparent decision making and improving feedback to trainees and SIMGs.

An update on Early Resolution, including guidance and support on how to accesses these processes, will be provided and published on the RANZCP website in the near future.   

RANZCP Support 

The RANZCP offers a range of support through its Member Support Program, which gives free access to external support, counselling or coaching via an independent service (as an alternative to an employer-provided EAP). 

The RANZCP also offers a Confidential Member Advice Line which allows members to speak confidentially with the College for advice or support – for example in relation to professional matters, Fellowship or training.

Additional services are also available through Wellbeing support for members.