The College was named in the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
as a public authority with a 'General Duty'. The 'General Duty'
requires specified organisations to 'eliminate unlawful racial
discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and promote good
relations between persons of different racial groups'.
In accordance with this requirement, and in keeping with the
College's proactive race relations strategy, additions have been
made to the Declaration made by new Members. This now requires
Members to pledge to practise in accordance with the recently
revised Good Psychiatric Practice guidance, and to express a
commitment to the elimination of unlawful discrimination, the
promotion of equality of opportunity, and the promotion of good
race relations:
This amendment to the College's Bye-Laws was approved by Council
and the AGM in 2005, and by the Privy Council in August 2005.
Revised Declaration contained in section 2 of the Bye-Laws:
2. Members of the College shall upon their election as such,
sign a Declaration as follows:
'I solemnly affirm that I shall promote the objects of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists to the best of my ability. l admit that I
am bound by its Charter and Bye-Laws for the time being in
force.
I promise to obey these, and Regulations made thereunder, in spirit
as well as in the letter, submitting myself to the lawful authority
of the Central Executive Committee. l pledge myself, in the
practice of Psychiatry, ever to have regard to the highest
standards of professional service to patients, as set out in the
College's Guidance on Good Psychiatric Practice, and to the honour
of the College.
I am committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination,
the promotion of equality of opportunity, and the promotion of good
race relations."