Awards of the Board terms of reference

Awards of the Board Terms of Reference

 

1. Purpose

1.1 These Terms of Reference outline the criteria and administrative arrangements for the Awards of the Board Committee, its membership, responsibilities and proceedings.

2. Application

2.1 This policy applies to members of the Awards of the Board Committee, award nominators, award nominees and RACGP employees. This policy does not apply to National Faculty Awards, or any awards administered by the State Faculties, other than those described within, or examination awards.

2.2 This policy is to be read together with the Conflicts of Interest and Related Party Transactions Policy, Conflicts of Interest Guidance and Complaints Policy.

3. Establishment

3.1 The RACGP is committed to ensuring the provision of the highest standard of primary health care in the community. Accordingly, the College chooses to recognise the various achievements of its members and the medical community in fulfilling the aims of the College through the annual awards process.

3.2 The Awards of the Board Committee was established by the Board to develop and monitor the key selection criteria for College awards, to review all nominations and submit recommended award recipients for decision by the Board.

3.3 The objectives of the Awards of the Board Committee are to:

3.3.1 Recognise individual and practice-based achievements, and their contribution in furthering the aims of the College;

3.3.2 Administer the nomination and awards process for College awards on behalf of the board; and,

3.3.3 Promote both professional and community awareness of primary health care issues through acknowledging the work of College members and other stakeholders working in the field of general practice.

3.4 The Awards of the Board Committee administers the nomination and review process for the following College awards:

(a) The Rose-Hunt Award

(b) Life Fellowship

(c) Honorary Fellowship

(d) Honorary Membership

(e) General Practitioner of the Year

(f) General Practice of the Year

(g) General Practice Supervisor of the Year

(h) General Practitioner in Training of the Year

(i) Corlis Medical Educator Award

(j) Future Leaders President’s Medal

(k) Prof Charlotte Hespe Research Award

(l) Dr Jeremy Bunker Award for Outstanding Achievement in General Practice Training

(m) The Aunty Val Dahlstrom Award for Aboriginal Health Excellence

(n) Any other awards instituted by the Board and referred to the Awards Committee

4. Membership

4.1 Members

4.1.1 The members of the Awards of the Board Committee are:

(a) Chair of the Board

(b) President

(c) Censor in Chief

(d) One Provost of the College who has been appointed the representative by the Provost Committee

(e) One non-GP representative of the Board.

4.2 Term of appointment

4.2.1 All members shall serve on the committee in their respective capacity until such time as their term of tenure of the Board has ceased, or for the duration of their nomination as committee representative in the case of the Provost.

4.3 Remuneration

4.3.1 Committee members will not be entitled to receive remuneration for their time on the Awards of the Board Committee.

5. Proceedings

5.1 Duties and responsibilities

5.1.1 The scope of activities of the Awards of the Board Committee includes:

(a) Defining and modifying the selection criteria for all College awards, as directed by the Board;

(b) Administration of the annual awards process for all College awards; and,

(c) Recommendation of award recipients for decision by the Board.

5.1.2 The Awards of the Board Committee:

(a) Is responsible for ensuring those nominated for receipt of College awards satisfy the nomination criteria;

(b) Has a duty to ensure that recommendations made to the Board relating to College awards conform to the rules for those awards;

(c) Must adhere to the nomination procedures for College awards as outlined in these Terms of Reference; and

(d) Must not make public comments disclosing any confidential information, especially in regard to the awards, the outcomes and decisions or deliberations of the Committee.

5.2 Awards

5.2.1 All awards are awarded at the discretion of the Board. The Board is under no obligation to make any award at any time and the Board is not obligated to accept any Committee recommendation.

5.2.2 The Awards of the Board Committee is under no obligation to recommend a winner for any award category in which the nominees were not considered to have met the expected standard or criteria for that award.

5.2.3 All criteria for making awards, including all rules and processes for nominations are determined by the Board.

5.2.4 The rules and procedures for the making of nominations for an award will be included on the College awards website. All information provided by nominators must be clearly written or inserted electronically on the nomination form available on the College website.

5.2.5 The College may provide guidance upon request to those who wish to make nominations. Visit the website for nomination forms and instructions:

(a) http://www.racgp.org.au/awards;
(b) Phone 1800 472 247; or,
(c) Email awards@racgp.org.au

5.3 Conflicts of interest

5.3.1 All conflicts of interest must be handled in accordance with the Conflicts of Interest and Related Transactions Policy, as well as the Conflicts of Interest Guidance document.

5.3.2 In addition to compliance with the above policies, members listed under 4.1.1 are not able to nominate for, or be nominated for, any Awards of the Board.

5.3.3 All State Faculty Council office bearers cannot nominate or be nominated for Awards of the Board.

5.4 Meetings

5.4.1 The Awards of the Board Committee shall meet at least annually via teleconference or videoconference and shall be attended by the Chief Executive Officer or delegate and the Awards Secretariat.

5.4.2 A quorum for a committee meeting shall consist of three members of the committee, as described under 4.1.1.

5.4.3 The Chair of the Board acts as the Chair of the Awards Committee. In the Chair’s absence, Committee members will appoint an acting chair for the meeting by majority vote.

5.5 Recording and reporting

5.5.1 The Awards of the Board committee shall cause minutes to be made:

(a) By the Awards Secretariat or delegate;

(b) Of the names of members of the Awards of the Board Committee present at all meetings of the committee; and,

(c) Of all proceedings at all meetings of the Awards of the Board Committee.

5.5.2 The Awards of the Board Committee will make its final report to the Board, containing recommendations in sufficient time for the Awards to be presented at the National Awards Ceremony, held in conjunction with the RACGP’s annual national conference.

6. Awards of the Board

6.1 Rose-Hunt Award

6.1.1 The Rose-Hunt Award is a gift from the Royal College of General Practitioners to the RACGP, commemorating the founding members of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Fraser Rose and Lord Hunt. It is the highest accolade awarded by the RACGP.

6.1.2 The Rose-Hunt Award is made to one person, who is an existing Fellow or Member of the College who, in the opinion of the Board, has rendered outstanding service in the promotion of the aims and objectives of the College, either by individual patient care, organisation, education, research or other means. Outstanding service may be over a period of ten years or a substantial and significant contribution to general practice over a shorter period.

6.1.3 The Rose-Hunt Award must not be made to current employees of the RACGP except under exceptional circumstances.

6.1.4 Only one Rose-Hunt Award will be made each year. The Rose-Hunt Award will only be awarded if there is one outstanding individual candidate for the award.

6.1.5 Nominations for the Rose-Hunt Award may be made by any two Fellows of the College.

6.1.6 All nominations must be accompanied by a current curriculum vitae of the nominee, together with descriptive evidence of their worthiness for the award.

6.1.7 Winners of the Rose-Hunt Award receive a commemorative trophy and certificate, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5

6.2 Life Fellowship

6.2.1 Life Fellowship is awarded to an existing Fellow of the RACGP in recognition of outstanding and meritorious service to the College.

6.2.2 No more than three Fellows may be awarded Life Fellowship in one calendar year.

6.2.3 Honorary Fellows who are not otherwise Fellows of the RACGP are not eligible for Life Fellowship.

6.2.4 Life Fellows are not required to pay the annual College membership fee.

6.2.5 Nominations for Life Fellowship may be made by any two members of the College of whom at least one must be a Fellow.

6.2.6 Recipients of Life Fellowship receive a commemorative certificate in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5

6.3 Honorary Fellowship and Honorary Membership

6.3.1 The terms of the awards of Honorary Fellowship and Honorary Membership are that:

(a) The Awards Committee may recommend any person as suitable for Honorary Fellowship or Honorary Membership.

(b) The Board may, by resolution, admit any person recommended by the Awards Committee to Honorary Fellowship or Honorary Membership.

(c) An Honorary Fellow or Honorary Member shall be entitled to wear the academic dress prescribed for Fellows or Members respectively, to receive all general notices sent out by the College, and to attend any general meetings of the College.

(d) An Honorary Fellow or Honorary Member of the College is not entitled to vote in any postal ballot or at any general meeting, unless they already hold office in the College, in which case they retain those rights until such time as their term of office expires.

(e) An Honorary Fellow or Honorary Member of the College is not entitled to hold any office in the College, unless they already had rights to hold office in the College under a separate category of membership, in which case they retain those rights to hold office. 

(f) An Honorary Fellow or Honorary Member shall not be required to pay any membership fees to the College.

6.3.2 Honorary Fellowship

(a) Honorary Fellowships may be awarded to College Members, members of other colleges or institutions. In very special or unusual circumstances non-medical persons may be considered for eligibility. Nominations for Honorary Fellowship may be made by two Fellows of the College.

(b) The general criteria which should be followed when considering eligibility are exceptional and meritorious service to general practice in the fields of education, research or administration. The award is conferred upon individuals whose accomplishments are of such excellence that they provide inspiration and leadership to fellows of the RACGP and who bring honour and distinction to the RACGP.

(c) Members of other colleges or institutions nominated for Honorary Fellowship must:

• Be a past or present holder of high office in his/her college or institution; or,
• Have made a contribution of international significance to general practice/family medicine; or, 
• Made a significant contribution to the RACGP.

(d) Non-medical persons nominated for Honorary Fellowship must:

• Fulfil the criteria for Honorary Membership, with a recommendation from the Awards Committee to the Board for approval. 

6.3.3 Recipients of Honorary Fellowship are not entitled to the use of any associated postnominals, including FRACGP, RACGP-RG or FARGP.

6.3.4 Recipients of Honorary Fellowship receive a commemorative certificate in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5.

6.3.5 Honorary Membership:

(a) Honorary Membership may be awarded to persons who do not hold a registrable medical qualification and who have given long and meritorious service to the RACGP, or long and meritorious service to general practice. 

(b) Nominations for Honorary Membership may be made by any two members of the College of whom at least one must be a Fellow.

(c) Recipients of Honorary Membership receive a commemorative certificate in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5

6.4 General Practitioner of the Year

6.4.1 The General Practitioner of the Year Award is designed to recognise individual general practitioners providing exceptional service and care to their patients and communities.

6.4.2 The General Practitioner of the Year may be nominated by any two persons (one nominator, one seconder), including members of the public.

6.4.3 This award will be judged on the following criteria:

(a) Understanding and commitment to general practice;

(b) Service to the public; and, 

(c) Involvement in training and continuing professional development.

6.4.4 The Awards Secretariat will update the College website with the relevant information required for nominators and nominees prior to the nomination period opening, during the nomination period and immediately following the close of the nomination period. This update must include the inclusion of all award winners on the RACGP Virtual Honour Board available at: www.racgp.org.au/awards

6.4.5 Nominations will only be accepted for this award where the relevant general practice that the nominee is employed is a currently accredited general practice through an approved Australian accreditation agency.

6.4.6 One winner will be chosen from each state by the relevant State Faculty Councils, and one National winner will be chosen from amongst the State finalists by the Board.

6.4.7 General Practitioners who have won a RACGP General Practitioner of the Year Award in the past cannot be considered for this award again until a period of five years has elapsed.

6.4.8 A nominator cannot nominate more than one nominee in this award category.

6.4.9 Winners of the General Practitioner of the Year Award receive a commemorative trophy, certificate and window decal, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5

6.5 General Practice of the Year

6.5.1 The General Practice of the Year Award is designed to recognise practices for their approach to patients’ health and wellbeing.

6.5.2 The General Practice of the Year may be nominated by any two persons (one nominator, one seconder), including members of the public.

6.5.3 Nominations for this award must provide a description of the following:

(a) The structure of the practice, including facilities for patients, GPs and practice staff;

(b) The services provided to patients by the practice (e.g. patient education materials, health promotion, preventative care, reminder systems etc); 

(c) Delivery of services to patients by GPs and practice staff;

(d) An outline of what differentiates the practice from other practices and makes it worthy; and,

(e) Details of current involvement in general practice teaching. 

6.5.4 Nominees for the Award category of General Practice of the Year must have at least one current financial College member within their practice and must provide information (including their RACGP membership number) for that College member who will receive the award on behalf of their practice.

6.5.5 Nominations will only be accepted for this award where the nominated general practice is a currently accredited general practice through an approved Australian accreditation agency.

6.5.6 One winner will be chosen from each state by the relevant State Faculty Councils, and one National winner will be chosen from amongst the State finalists by the Board.

6.5.7 General Practices which have won a RACGP General Practice of the Year Award in the past cannot be considered for this award again until a period of five years has elapsed.

6.5.8 A nominator cannot nominate more than one nominee in this award category.

6.5.9 Winners of the General Practice of the Year Award receive a commemorative trophy, certificate and window decal, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5.

6.6 General Practice Supervisor of the Year

6.6.1 The General Practice Supervisor of the Year is designed to recognise general practitioners for their service in supervising and supporting general practice registrars. 

6.6.2 Nominations for the General Practice Supervisor of the Year may be made by a:

(a) Member of the general practice profession;

(b) Member of a recognised training program;

(c) Member of General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA); 

6.6.3 This award will be judged on the following criteria:

(a) Understanding and commitment to general practice and training/mentoring;

(b) Performance as a general practitioner;

(c) Role model as a trainer/mentor; and

(d) Involvement in delivery of registrar training e.g. organisation/administration.

6.6.4 To be eligible for the General Practice Supervisor of the Year award, the nominee must be an Australian General Practice Training (AGPT), Fellowship Support Program (FSP) or RVTS accredited supervisor under the terms of the RACGP Standards for general practice training. As per the standards, supervisors will therefore be a GP with responsibility for registrars in training in a clinical setting. The trainer takes responsibility for clinical education and placement management. This includes the role of a general practice supervisor and mentor. 

6.6.5 Nominees for the Award category of General Practitioner Supervisor of the Year must be current financial members of the College and hold current unconditional medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 

6.6.6 Nominations will only be accepted for this award where the relevant general practice that the nominee is employed is a currently accredited general practice through an approved Australian accreditation agency. 

6.6.7 One winner will be chosen from each state by the relevant State Faculty Councils, and one National winner will be chosen from amongst the State finalists by the Board. 

6.6.8 General Practice Supervisors who have won a RACGP General Practice Supervisor of the Year Award in the past cannot be considered for this award again until a period of five years has elapsed. 

6.6.9 A nominator cannot nominate more than one nominee in this award category. 

6.6.10 Winners of the General Practice Supervisor of the Year Award receive a commemorative trophy and certificate, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5

6.7 General Practitioner in Training of the Year

6.7.1 The General Practitioner in Training of the Year is designed to recognise general practice registrars who display exceptional commitment to general practice, professional development and service to their patients on their pathway to Fellowship.

6.7.2 Nominations for the General Practitioner in Training of the Year may be made by:

(a) Members of the general practice profession

(b) Members of a recognised training program.

6.7.3 The award will be judged on the following criteria:

(a) Commitment to general practice and to learning;

(b) Satisfactory academic progress;

(c) Service to patients, practice and education; and, 

(d) Services to the community.

6.7.4 General Practitioners in Training are eligible for nomination for the General Practitioner in Training of the Year Award if they are enrolled in a Recognised Training Program as at the date of the close of the award’s nomination period, or if they completed a Recognised Training Program within the 12 months prior to the close of award nominations. The definition of a Recognised Training Program is provided within the RACGP Constitution. 

6.7.5 Nominees for the Award category of General Practitioner in Training of the Year must be current financial members of the College and hold current unconditional medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 

6.7.6 Nominations will only be accepted for this award where the relevant general practice that the nominee is employed is a currently accredited general practice through an approved Australian accreditation agency. 

6.7.7 One winner will be chosen from each state by the relevant State Faculty Councils, and one National winner will be chosen from amongst the State finalists by the Board. 

6.7.8 A nominator cannot nominate more than one nominee in this award category. 

6.7.9 Winners of the General Practitioner in Training of the Year Award receive a commemorative trophy and certificate, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5

6.8 Corlis Medical Educator Award

6.8.1 The Corlis Medical Educator Award commemorates the contribution of the late Dr Wilson (Bill) Corlis to the RACGP’s standing as a leader in medical education. This award recognises an RACGP member and/or Fellow who has excelled in the field of medical education. 

6.8.2 Nominations for the Corlis Medical Educator Award may be made by any financial member of the RACGP.

6.8.3 Nominations for this award must outline how the nominee has contributed substantially to the education and mentoring of doctors who are on any of the RACGP pathways to Fellowship.  

6.8.4 Nominees for the Corlis Medical Educator Award must be current financial members of the College and hold current unconditional medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

6.9 Future Leaders President’s Medal

6.9.1 The Future Leaders President’s Medal is an award presented to recognise an individual who has demonstrated exceptional contributions to leadership within general practice and the RACGP.

6.9.2 Nominations for the Future Leaders President’s Medal can be made by any financial member of the RACGP. 

6.9.3 Nominators must provide a written statement (maximum 1000 words) outlining the nominee’s contributions, leadership qualities, and potential for future impact on the profession or within the RACGP. The nominees’ detailed leadership behaviours and competencies should align with the domains outlined in the RACGP’s Future Leaders Program framework. Supporting documentation may include, but is not limited to:

(a) Examples of the nominees’ leadership initiatives within the RACGP or the broader general practice community;

(b) Testimonials from colleagues, patients or other stakeholders highlighting the nominee’s leadership abilities and impact;

(c) Publications, presentations, or other evidence of the nominee’s professional contributions; or

(d) Achievements or awards related to the nominee’s leadership and service.

6.9.4 To be eligible for this award, nominees must:

(a) be currently enrolled or be a graduate of the RACGP’s Future Leaders Program;

(b) have made significant contributions to the RACGP or the broader general practice profession through their leadership, advocacy and service;

6.9.5 Nominees for the Future Leaders President’s Medal must be current financial members of the College and hold current unconditional medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

6.10 Prof Charlotte Hespe Research Award

6.10.1 The Prof Charlotte Hespe Research Award is presented to a registrar (academic or non-academic) who has conducted research or a project during training that is considered most outstanding. 

6.10.2 Nominations for the Prof Charlotte Hespe Research Award can be made by any financial member of the RACGP.

6.10.3 In a 300-500 word statement, nominators should outline:

(a) Relevance or importance of the research or project to general practice and/or general practice training;

(b) Appropriateness of methods used for the research or project question;

(c) Rigour in which the research or project was conducted, with consideration of the resources available;

(d) Importance or relevance of results of the research or project to general practice and/or general practice training. 

6.10.4 Nominees for the Prof Charlotte Hespe Research Award must be current financial members of the College and hold current unconditional medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

6.10.5 Winners of the Prof Charlotte Hespe Research Award receive a commemorative trophy, certificate and a $3000 cash prize, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5.

6.11 Dr Jeremy Bunker Award for Outstanding Achievement in General Practice Training

6.11.1 The Dr Jeremy Bunker Award for Outstanding Achievement in General Practice Training recognises outstanding achievement by an RACGP staff member, supervisor, registrar or former registrar who has completed training within the last three years.

6.11.2 Nominations for the Dr Jeremy Bunker Award for Outstanding Achievement in General Practice Training can be made by any financial or staff member of the RACGP.

6.11.3 In a 300-500 word statement, nominators should outline the overall public benefit to the nominee’s activity, considering originality, inventiveness and/or best practice. 

6.11.4 Winners of the Dr Jeremy Bunker Award for Outstanding Achievement in General Practice Training receive a commemorative trophy, certificate and $3000 cash prize, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5.

6.12 The Aunty Val Dahlstrom Award for Aboriginal Health Excellence

6.12.1 The Aunty Val Dahlstrom Award for Aboriginal Health Excellence recognises excellence in Aboriginal health by an RACGP staff member, supervisor or registrar. 

6.12.2 Nominations for The Aunty Val Dahlstrom Award for Aboriginal Health Excellence can be made by any financial member of the RACGP.

6.12.3 In a 300–500-word statement, nominators should identify the overall achievement of the nominee relating to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health with respect to originality, innovation or best practice. 

6.12.4 Winners of The Aunty Val Dahlstrom Award for Aboriginal Health Excellence receive a commemorative trophy, certificate and $3000 cash prize, in addition to the award winner entitlements as outlined in section 7.5.

7 Additional Nomination Procedures

7.1 Call for and publicising of nominations

7.1.1 A notice calling for nominations for College awards must be publicised through College communication channels to all members. 

7.1.2 Information on the nomination process, selection criteria and all relevant nomination forms will be uploaded to the College website on or before the date the nomination period opens.

7.2 Review of nominations

7.2.1 All nominations will be reviewed by the Awards Secretariat and faculty delegates to ensure they meet eligibility requirements. 

7.2.2 All eligible nominations must be submitted to the committee. The content of all nominations is confidential, and nominators must not discuss their nomination with the nominee. 

7.2.3 A separate nomination form must be completed for each nominee.

7.2.4 Each nomination requires the nominator to substantiate their recommendation with a clear and demonstrable reason for the award. Nominations which do not fulfil this requirement will not be considered by the committee. 

7.2.5 All nominations must be received by the Awards Secretariat by the publicised closing date. This date is subject to Committee and Board approval. Any nominations received after the specified date or received with incomplete documentation will not be considered. 

7.3 Scoring

7.3.1 All state faculty nominations received by the Awards Secretariat will be distributed to the relevant state faculty to be considered by their local council/committees. Once the state faculty council/committees have considered and discussed all nominations received, they will provide the Awards Secretariat with their adjudicated winners. These winners in turn become the finalists from which the Awards of the Board Committee will determine corresponding National winners. 

7.3.2 All nominations received by the Awards of the Board Committee will be considered prior to its adjudicating meeting and initially scored separately by each Committee member out of session, using a standard scoring template provided by the Awards Secretariat. Scores will be provided by each Committee member to the Awards Secretariat who will collate the scores and provide a ranking of nominations for each award category. 

7.3.3 Once all scoring sheets have been completed and received by the Awards Secretariat, the committee will meet to consider and discuss the three highest scoring nominees for each award and document their final recommendations for the endorsement of the Board.

7.3.4 Following the Awards of the Board Committee’s assessment of the shortlisted nominees and its selections, the names of the proposed recipients will be presented to the Board for endorsement. Approval by three quarters of Directors present and voting at the Board meeting must be received in order to approve any award recipient. 

7.3.5 All decisions of Faculty Councils and committees, Awards of the Board Committee and the Board are final, and further discussions will not be entered into.

7.4 Release of outcomes

7.4.1 Following endorsement by the Board, the President will inform the chosen award recipients by phone. A formal letter of confirmation from the President will also be forwarded to award recipients by the Awards Secretariat within five business days following the Board meeting. 

7.4.2 Following initial confirmation from the President, the Awards Secretariat will contact award winners to make arrangements for their attendance at the national awards ceremony. 

7.4.3 All award winner details will remain private and confidential until the date of the national awards ceremony. Winners will be informed that this information is embargoed until that date.

7.4.4 It is expected that award recipients will attend the national awards ceremony and be willing to engage with RACGP marketing and media activities associated with their award.

7.5 Prizes and entitlements

7.5.1 All award winners will be provided financial support to attend that year’s national awards ceremony and corresponding annual RACGP conference. 

7.5.2 Financial support will be provided in the form of reimbursement of travel expenses, including return airfares and/or other transport requirements, accommodation and meal expenses up to a maximum value of $1500 per award recipient. Award winners are responsible for their own travel arrangements and reimbursement will be paid on a “reasonable best fare/cost” basis.

7.5.3 In the case of the General Practice of the Year, only one representative of the practice will receive financial reimbursement.

7.5.4 Additional costs beyond the specified limit will be the responsibility of the award recipient.

7.5.5 Award winners must provide evidence of expenses in the form of tax invoices to facilitate this reimbursement. 

7.5.6 Payment will be made to the award winner’s nominated bank account within 10 business days of receipt of completed paperwork and supplied evidence. 

7.5.7 Winners will also be offered basic registration for that year’s annual RACGP conference.

7.5.8 If award winners are unable to attend the national awards ceremony, they will be offered the opportunity to receive their award at an alternative event, or to have their commemorative trophy and certificate sent directly to them (where applicable). 

7.5.9 No monetary compensation will be provided for any portion of prize entitlements forfeited by their absence, and conference registration cannot be transferred to a future event.

7.6 Administration

7.6.1 The Awards Secretariat will record the name and date of the award for each recipient and maintain an up-to-date list of all award recipients.

7.6.2 The Awards Secretariat will notify the College media team of the outcomes of the nominations process, after the recipients have been contacted, to issue a media release which will be subject to embargo and a statement to be included in the next available College communications immediately following the award presentation. 

7.6.3 The Awards Secretariat will notify the College publications team to coordinate the profiles of the award recipients to be included in an appropriate College publication. 

7.6.4 The Awards Secretariat will contact the Web team to update the College website with the relevant information required for nominators and nominees prior to the nomination period opening, during the nomination period and immediately following the close of the nomination period. The Awards Secretariat will ensure the details of winners are updated annually immediately following the national awards ceremony.

7.6.5 The Awards Secretariat shall not provide the details of the nominators to award winners unless prior approval to do so is granted by the nominators.  

7.6.6 All eligible but unsuccessful nominees will be contacted prior to the national awards ceremony to congratulate them on their nomination and advise them that they were not successful on this occasion.

7.7 Complaints

Decisions made by the panel are subject to the Complaints Policy, available via https://www.racgp.org.au/the-racgp/governance/organisational-policies/complaints. 

7.8 Rescinding of awards

7.8.1 An award may be rescinded at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

8 Amendment of this Policy

8.1 Minor amendments

8.1.1 The Awards of the Board Committee may make Minor Amendments to these Terms of Reference at any time. 

9 Responsibilities

Board	Responsible for awards oversight and major policy amendments
Awards of the Board Committee	Responsible for ensuring those nominated for receipt of College awards satisfy the nomination criteria

10 Glossary

Committee	means any Committee established by the Board or the CEO of the RACGP.
Member	means a Member under Part 2.1 of the Constitution
Fellow	Means a Fellow under Part 2.2 of the Constitution
Member of the General Practice Profession	Means any person who works in a general practice environment, including General Practitioners, administrative practice staff, practice nurses, allied health practitioners etc.
Member of a Recognised Training Program	Means any person who works within a recognised training program, including supervisors, mentors, medical educators, general practice training staff.
Minor Amendment	An amendment to style, to correct grammatical mistakes, to change overall formatting, to make updates which do not materially change meaning, or any other amendment, which in the opinion of the Chief Membership Experience Officer, does not materially alter the operation of the policy.

11 Related Documents, Legislation and Policies

11.1 RACGP Constitution

11.2 Conflicts of Interests and Related Party Transactions Policy

11.3 Conflict of Interests Guidance

11.4 Complaints Policy

12 Policy Review and Currency

12.1  This policy will be reviewed every 2 years from the last approved date, or when there is a significant change in the intent of the policy.

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