Reconsideration, Review and Appeals

As part of RACS’ commitment to continuous improvement, a new three-step system to facilitate the reassessment of RACS decisions has been introduced.

This process is available to any person, organization, or body corporate directly affected by an adverse decision made in relation to the training and education functions of the College.

Where applicable, and after meeting the requirements set out in the Reconsideration, Review, and Appeals Policy (RRA Policy), applicants can have an adverse decision reassessed as per the three steps outlined below.

This first stage allows the applicant an opportunity to submit information to the original decision maker in support of their request for a reassessment of the decision. This information must have been available at the time the decision was made and known (or ought to have been known) by the original decision maker.

Additional material or documentation cannot be considered for decisions relating to selection to the Surgical Education and Training program or in cases where special consideration should have been sought. The original decision maker will reassess the relevant material and either uphold or overturn the original decision. Applications are submitted directly to the original decision maker.

Where a reconsideration has been conducted and the applicant remains dissatisfied with the decision of the original decision maker, the applicant can request a review of the decision. Via an independent review panel, the applicant can provide reasons why they believe there has been an error in making the decision. The review panel will then assess the evidence and uphold, vary, or set aside the decision. Applications are submitted to rra.administrator@surgeons.org.

Where a review has been conducted and the applicant remains dissatisfied with the decision of the review panel, the applicant can request an appeal of the decision.

The applicant has the opportunity to present their case for consideration to an independent RACS Appeals Committee who will rule on the final outcome. An appeal submission fee is due at the time of application and details of the fee can be found within the current schedule of college fees. Applications are submitted to RACS at rra.administrator@surgeons.org.

Reference to any days specified in the RRA Policy (PDF 106.62KB) is to be read as calendar days, not business days. If requests are submitted outside of business hours (Melbourne time), they will be not be recorded until the next business day.

For more information regarding the Reconsideration, Review, and Appeal process please consult the RRA Policy (PDF 106.62KB).