Background
It is well recognised that Paediatricians form one of the largest overseas group of doctors in the UK. In 2008, the BAPIO think tank decided that forums be set up to facilitate discussion and cooperation in specific subgroups of BAPIO doctors.
Objectives
The key objectives of the forum are to:
1. Support
a. Trainees: The forum aims to support and mentor Paediatric Trainees. This may be particularly helpful for trainees going through the ARCP process. We aim to also provide guidance and support in areas such as exam preparation and issues relating to disciplinary matters.
b. SAS Doctors: BAPIO recognises the unfair treatment of SAS doctors. We will support them in career progression including advice regarding article 14 and mentoring.
c. Consultants: Ethnic Minority Consultants often find it difficult to climb the career ladder. BAPIO will support by assisting encouragement in College work, Examinations, Excellence awards etc.
2. Collaborate
The forum will facilitate collaboration in a variety of areas such as setting up of scientific meetings and cultural programmes. Setting up of the MRCPCH exams in India has opened up new opportunities to collaborate with our Indian paediatric colleagues.
3. Promote
The forum aims to galvanise support in order to promote the interests of its members. The forum shall provide opportunity for interaction, identify areas of members’ interest and highlight examples of good practice in order to formulate solutions to the barriers faced in professional progression.
4. Influence
As a strong body of the Paediatricians the forum will be able to exert influence over statutory and other organisations to obtain fair and just conditions for career progression.
5. Advocate
To advocate for child health both in the UK and internationally. We aim to highlight issues that relate to the health of ethnic minority children by promoting a better understanding of the cultural context in which health is provided.
6. Research
We are aware of limited research opportunities in both primary and secondary care. The forum will endeavour to empower and promote academic interests among members by setting up regional and national workshops. Regional meetings lead by experts on subjects such as “How to write a Paper”, “How to develop skills of conducting medical research?” would be convened.
7. International
The forum will enhance networking with international bodies such as the Indian Academy of Paediatricians, American Academy of Paediatricians and paediatric associations in other countries to share and support each other and work together towards their interest of their members.
Membership
The membership of the Forums shall only be open to the members of BAPIO and will be free.
Roles and responsibilities
1. The Forum shall plan and organise activities in pursuance of the objectives.
2. The Forum shall provide representation at the Think Tank and other events as required by the BAPIO Executive Committee.
3. The Forum will maintain accurate records of its activities and resources and provide regular reports to the Executive Committee of their activities and recommendations.
In doing so, the Forum shall ensure that all the members are treated fairly and equally and do nothing that brings the name of BAPIO into disrepute or participate in activities not endorsed by the Executive Committee.
Structure
The BAPIO Executive Committee will be the delegating body and will be the final authority in all the matters relating to the functions, conduct and membership of a Forum and shall have the powers to intervene, adjudicate in any dispute or reconstitute the Forum.
The Executive Committee at the recommendation of the President shall appoint a member who will be designated as Chair of the forum and will act as a lead person. The Chair of the Forum in consultation with the President may appoint other office bearers and an advisory council. The structure will be reviewed at the end of one year in consultation with the members of the forum.
Secretariat
The BAPIO Head office shall provide necessary secretarial and administrative support. The BAPIO Head Office shall be responsible for ensuring that all the records of the administrative and communication details are updated to meet the requirements of the constitutional and financial reporting and for the purposes of the Data Protection Act. Financial support shall be offered for the activities such as meetings and membership drive. In addition the Forum is encouraged to identify additional sources of income through sponsorship and donations.
Contact: paedsforum@bapio.co.uk (for general enquiry and activities of the forum)
Officials for the Forum:
Dr Amit Gupta, Secretary
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