Community Representative – RANZCOG Council (New Zealand)

Introduction

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) is the leading standards body responsible for the training and education of specialists and GP obstetricians in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and New Zealand.

RANZCOG is committed to the establishment and maintenance of the highest possible standards of practice in women’s health and provides programs in training, accreditation and continuing professional development (CPD) that are responsive to the evolving health care needs of women.

RANZCOG supports research into women’s health and acts as an advocate for women’s healthcare by forging productive relationships with individuals, the community and professional organisations, both locally and internationally.

Description

As a Community Representative on the RANZCOG Council, you’ll have the opportunity to represent the community’s voice and ensure women’s healthcare issues in New Zealand are considered in decision‑making.

You’ll contribute valuable community perspectives to inform discussions, influence policy, and help shape outcomes that reflect the needs and interests of the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

• Awareness of women’s health issues and community needs specific to the New Zealand context.
  
  
• Provide the community’s perspective on matters considered by the Council.
  
  
• Ensure that the Council is aware of, and recognises, the implications of the community’s perspectives on matters addressed by the forum.
  
  
• Act as a source of information on issues affecting the community that may be considered by the Council.
  
  
• Contribute agenda items for discussion by the Council that may have implications for consumers of women’s healthcare services falling under the auspices of the College.
  
  
• Participate in the work of other College committees and working groups whose membership may contain community representation.
  
  
• Contribute to College advocacy and educational activities in specific aspects of women’s health as agreed with the Council and/or the Board as appropriate.
  
  

Skills and Experiences

Time Commitment

• Attend three Council meetings per year (March, July, November) in person and virtually if required.
  
  
• Prepare for meetings by reading agenda papers, reports, and materials in advance.
  
  
• Consider and respond to written resolutions circulated electronically between meetings.
  
  
• Maintain a high level of attendance and engagement.
  
  
• Request formal leave of absence if unable to attend a meeting.
  
  

About you – Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated understanding of community needs, particularly in areas relevant to women’s health, cultural safety or regional healthcare access.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and work collaboratively with members with healthcare backgrounds.
  
  
• Good judgement and the capacity to contribute meaningfully in a collaborative manner to the work of the Council.
  
  
• Ability to analyse issues and judge their effects on the relevant communities.
  
  
• Ability and willingness to act as a College advocate on matters relating to women’s healthcare.
  
  

Attendance in person, or virtually when required, at all such meetings is an absolute requirement of this role.

RANZCOG is committed to ensuring consumer, community, and external representatives are appropriately supported and remunerated for their contributions.

Appointed consumer representatives on the Council will receive remuneration in accordance with RANZCOG’s Community Engagement Framework.

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces and celebrates the differences and similarities within our staff, trainee, and member workforce.

We encourage applications from First Nations, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent peoples; as well as parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith.

Feel like you don’t meet all the requirements for this role?

Studies have shown that women and ethnic minorities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

If you are interested in this role but feel your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at the College.

To Apply

When submitting your application, please include your current CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

You can view the position description here or by visiting the College vacancies list on our website.

Applications close 31 October  :59 PM (NZDT).

RANZCOG acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and communities across Australia, on which our staff live and work, and to their Elders, past, present and future.

Sovereignty has never been ceded.

It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

RANZCOG recognises the special status of Māori as tangata whenua in Aotearoa New Zealand and is committed to meeting its obligations as Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners.