We encourage Trainees, Supervisors, Trainers and Fellows to raise concerns early and constructively. RACS provides a central Feedback and Complaints pathway, and NZAGS sets out programme‑specific steps for GSET trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand. Use the guidance below to decide the best starting point for your situation.
When to contact RACS
Use the RACS process for concerns related to the surgical training environment, professional conduct, bullying/harassment, discrimination, or other issues that span sites or organisations, or where you need independent College‑level support and triage. RACS’ framework emphasises support, confidential handling, guidance and referral to the body best placed to act (e.g., employer, regulator, health complaints commission).
https://www.surgeons.org/about-racs/feedback-and-complaints
Note: RACS is not an employer or regulator; its role is to support, guide and refer so matters are managed by the entity with authority to investigate and act.
NZAGS pathway for GSET trainees (Aotearoa NZ)
These steps align with the GSET Training Regulations and complement the RACS framework. Choose the earliest step that is safe and appropriate for you.
Local resolution (preferred first step where safe)
- Discuss with your Unit/Rotation Supervisor and/or Hospital Supervisor.
- Use your employer’s policies (e.g., bullying/harassment, health & safety, incident reporting). Record what occurred, who was involved, actions taken and outcomes.
This supports supervised training and documentation at the post level.
NZAGS support and escalation
- If not resolved locally, or not safe to do so, contact NZAGS Education and Training Manager for guidance consistent with the Regulations (e.g., in‑term issues, rotation outcomes, training administration). Provide dates, facts, and supporting documents (assessment notes, emails).
College level: submit to RACS
- Lodge through RACS Feedback & Complaints for confidential triage and referral to the most appropriate body (employer, regulator, or commission), with College support and monitoring.
Training setting concerns (accreditation)
- If the issue relates to training post conditions (e.g., supervision levels, case‑mix, persistent environment issues), NZAGS and RACS consider this through Hospital Accreditation and Trainee Feedback processes. You may raise this via NZAGS or provide information during accreditation reviews.
What to include when you raise a concern
Providing a clear summary speeds triage and support. Include:
- What happened (facts only), dates/times, and who was involved
- Immediate risks to patients/people (if any)
- Steps already taken (local discussions, employer process) and outcomes
- Attachments (e.g., emails, screenshots, extracts from In‑Training Assessment)
This helps RACS/NZAGS place the matter with the right body promptly and fairly.
Confidentiality, support, and non‑retaliation
RACS’ enhanced process emphasises confidential, supportive and fair handling of concerns, with guidance and referral as needed. NZAGS/GSET expects professional conduct and does not tolerate victimisation of individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
Urgent risks to safety
If there is immediate risk to patient or staff safety, activate your hospital’s urgent escalation process first (e.g., clinical governance/after‑hours manager), then notify NZAGS and/or RACS for advice on the next steps. This ensures the entity with direct duty of care acts without delay.