Clinical quality, research and patient safety

There are many ways for both members and the public to get involved in our work to improve clinical quality, innovation research and patient safety

On this page you will find information about how you can get involved in a diverse range of clinical quality work and projects

The RCOG are committed to excellence in all O&G practices, encouraging innovation in research and helping women and girls access accurate information about their health.

To do this, we rely on the specialist skills, knowledge and experiences of both our members and service users to help shape our work.

You can find out more about our Clinical Quality committees here.

Clinical Quality opportunities

Clinical Fellows (Retired) | Clinical Quality

Responsibilities of the Retired Clinical Fellow include assisting the College in contributing to develop a timely response to consultations from external organisations, responding to general O&G queries and be part of ad hoc task and finish groups. UK Fellows/Members who have been specialists in obstetrics/gynaecology in the last three to five years are eligible to apply for this position.

Vice Chair | Scientific Advisory Committee

Responsibilities of the Vice Chair include supporting the Chair in the overseeing, reviewing and feeding back on draft stages during the development and production of Scientific Impact Papers; representing the Scientific Advisory Committee at the quarterly Clinical Quality Board meetings; Chairing four meetings a year.

Vice Chair | Patient Information Committee

Responsibilities of the Vice Chair (Clinical) include working closely with the Patient Information Committee Chair and PI Editor; managing the development, updating and publication of RCOG patient information as determined by the Clinical Quality Assurance Group (CQAG) and Clinical Quality Board (CQB).

How volunteers contribute to our work

The profession

Our members play a vital role in the development of clinical guidance that set standards for high-quality women's healthcare.

This ranges from joining our guideline committees, informing our scientific advisory work to contributing to consultations, peer reviews and quality assurance.

Service users

The College collaborates with a range of stakeholders to ensure our patient information resources capture the views of women and people on the care they receive. Patient input is at the heart of everything we do.

What our volunteers say

"Make a real difference"

"I was keen to make a real difference in maternity care at the national level. It is a great sense of achievement to be able to make a difference and shoulder the accountability that comes with it. It helps me develop personally and professionally"

"Rewarding"

"The most rewarding aspect of my roles is to be able to provide evidence based information that supports excellent clinical care across the breadth of obstetrics and gynaecology and being able to provide support for colleagues and women"

"Professional community"

"Getting involved in the work of the College is one of the best career decisions I have made. It has helped me in my own personal job satisfaction, kept me challenged and interested as the years have gone by, and made me feel part of a much wider professional community"

"Network"

"The RCOG has been very supportive and I want to be able to contribute back to my colleagues. Volunteering also allows me to network and learn from like-minded people. I had the privilege of serving on two committees, both with exceptional members"

Stay informed

"I have immensely enjoyed meeting colleagues from all over the country in our speciality. It has been a real privilege to contribute in some small way to the work of the College and feel that you are helping to make a difference for colleagues and our patients"

RCOG Committee volunteer

"I chose to get involved with my College to enrich my career as a fetal medicine consultant, to meet colleagues around the country, to widen my knowledge and to keep my interest in obstetrics. Volunteering is well worth it and adds another dimension to life as a consultant"

RCOG Committee volunteer