Policies and procedures
RACS regulations and policies provide the overarching principles concerning the delivery of the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program. As a surgical supervisor, it is important that you are aware of the relevant RACS regulations and policies. They should be read in conjunction with the relevant Specialty Training Board (STB) training and selection regulations.
The following regulations and policies will help you with your role. A full list of RACS policies can be found on our Policies page.
Surgical Supervisors (PDF 69.24KB)
This policy outlines surgical supervisor requirements and responsibilities, including appointment, SET program oversight, RACS representation and mandatory surgical supervisor training. A surgical supervisor is appointed by an STB and supervisors a Trainee in a hospital training post accredited to deliver the SET program.
Surgical Trainers (PDF 33.41KB)
This policy outlines surgical trainer requirements and responsibilities, including recognition, contribution to the SET program, RACS representation and mandatory surgical trainer training. A surgical trainer refers to a surgical consultant in a hospital training post accredited to deliver the SET program.
RACS Code of Conduct (PDF 692.84KB) (PDF 692.84KB)
The RACS Code of Conduct (‘the Code’) defines professional behaviour for surgeons and reflects the RACS values and College the pledge that is made by all new Fellows.
Assessment of Clinical Training (PDF 84.25KB)
This policy outlines overarching assessment principles applicable to the SET program, including rotations, surgical supervisor allocation, assessment requirements, STB oversight and unsatisfactory performance. STB training regulations provide comprehensive details concerning Trainee assessments.
Dismissal from Surgical Training (PDF 88.08KB)
This regulation outlines the overarching principles concerning Trainee dismissal from the SET program, including unsatisfactory performance, misconduct, failure to meet training requirements, failure to pay fees, failure to maintain or gain employment and any other reason as determined by an STB. A Trainee must be afforded procedural fairness in any dismissal proceedings. STB training regulations provide comprehensive details concerning Trainee dismissals.
Ill, Injured and Impaired Trainees (PDF 77.41KB)
This regulation outlines the overarching principles concerning ill, injured and impaired Trainees, including, definitions, voluntary leave from training, voluntary and mandatory reporting, medical registration suspension and investigation process details.
Training Requirements and Curriculum Structure (PDF 32.87KB)
This policy outlines the overarching principles to ensure the SET program curriculum aligns with RACS competencies to facilitate progression to a competent and proficient surgeon including, summative and formative assessments, mandatory RACS skills courses and the Fellowship examination. STB training regulations provide comprehensive details concerning training requirements and the curriculum.
This regulation prescribes conduct that may be regarded as misconduct by a Trainee. The responsible STB investigates allegations of misconduct.
Reconsideration, Review and Appeal (PDF 106.62KB)
This regulation defines the grounds for reconsideration, review and appeal of a decision made by RACS concerning training and education matters. This regulation also includes reference to process and defined timeframes.
Te Rautaki Māori – RACS Māori Health Strategy and Action Plan
Te Rautaki Māori, RACS Māori Health Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2023 has been approved by Council and is now being implemented. Te Rautaki Māori sets the future direction toward achieving RACS’ vision of Māori health equity and a culturally safe and competent surgical workforce.