Improving Workplace Behaviours in Maternity

With statistics showing that one in four people have experienced being bullied in the workplace, there is a chance this could also include you.  

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have joined forces to reduce undermining and bullying behaviour in the workplace with a joint statement.  The two Colleges condemn undermining and bullying behaviour and are working together to promote a positive working environment for the profession and to deliver better care to women and their families.

Click here to view the joint press release: rcog-rcm-press-announcement-royal-colleges-jointly-address-issue-of-undermining-and-bullying-in-the-workplace/

Jacque Gerrard, RCM's Director for England, and Gillian Smith MBE are actively committed to delivering the joint action plan.  The aim is for NHS organisations to commit to a zero tolerance policy on undermining and bullying behaviours, provide training, and foster a positive working environment in maternity. 

What is bullying and what does it look like in the workplace?

Bullying is repeated actions and practices directed to one or more workers which are unwanted by the victim which may be done deliberately or unconsciously but clearly cause humiliation offence and distress and may interfere with the job performance and cause an unpleasant and damaging working environment (Einersan 1990).

What our members say

Comments from our RCM Member Survey 2016 revealed:

‘There is a bullying culture within my Trust’

‘Our line managers gives more criticism  than praise’

 

‘There are some toxic managers who use bullying and intimidation to keep those who speak out quiet’ 

RCM and RCOG working together.  What can we (all) do?

Lets all  work together to STOP  bullying and improve workplace behaviour across maternity by promoting ZERO tolerance to eradicate all bullies from maternity care. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) have worked collaboratively to try to address the problem of undermining and bullying behaviours in maternity services.   https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/rcogrcm-press-announcement-royal-colleges-jointly-address-issue-of-undermining-and-bullying-in-the-workplace/

Below is a list of the activities and resources from the RCM and RCOG to inform on bullying and undermining behaviour in the workplace.  Click on the link to access the resources.

• Joint RCM/RCOG statement
• Developed an Undermining Toolkit 
• Delivered RCM workshops across the NHS
• Developed Champions in the workplace
• Produced an i-learn module and video to help 

 

Note: i-learn is a members resource. For further information on i-learn courses, i-folio or to get a login, please contact us at ilearn@rcm.org.uk

Undermining behaviours and bullying video

I-learn module: Undermining and bullying behaviours in the workplace

The i-learn module is part of a suite of resources available for midwives, doctors, student midwives and maternity support staff to challenge poor behaviour and to improve the working environment.

Login to i-learn and complete the Undermining and bullying behaviours in the workplace module now>

Note: i-learn is a members resource. For further information on i-learn courses, i-folio or to get a login, please contact us at ilearn@rcm.org.uk

Caring for You campaign

The Royal College of Midwives’ Caring for You Campaign aims to improve RCM members’ health, safety and wellbeing at work so they are able to provide high quality maternity care for women and their families.  When signing the charter, organisations are committing to five key principles aimed at promoting :

• Work in partnership with the RCM Health and Safety Representative to develop and implement an action plan about health, safety and wellbeing issues that are important to the maternity workforce and maternity service users.
• Ensure that midwives and maternity support workers have access to a variety of shift patterns and flexible working and promote a positive workplace culture around working time including taking breaks.
• Foster a positive working environment for all by signing up to the RCM/RCOG statement of commitment calling for zero tolerance policy on undermining and bullying behaviours.
• Enable midwives and maternity support workers to access occupational health and other organisational policies for their mental and physical health, safety and wellbeing.
• Nurture a compassionate and supportive workplace that cares for midwives and maternity support workers so that they can care for women and their families.

Information about the Caring for You campaign and a list of the NHS Trusts that have signed up is at: www.rcm.org.uk/caring-for-you-campaign

ICM 2017 Poster presentation

Click on the link to view or downlad the presentation on Improving Workplace Behaviours in Maternity