The College would like to reassure members, and others, unable to travel to College events, ceremonies, training or exams, from areas affected by the COVID 19 virus outbreak, that we will reimburse – upon presentation of documentary evidence – all booking fees paid, where someone is unable to attend, due to travel restrictions imposed by their governments and/or the UK government.
However, the College is not responsible for any travel or any other costs that may have been incurred. Regular updates for travellers to the UK from countries and regions affected can be found on the gov.uk website.
Exams
Given the current risk of spread of infection, the College has been advised to cancel the RCPsych Paper B written exam in Hong Kong, Oman and Singapore scheduled for 31 March, and the CASC exam in Singapore on 13-15 May.
The rest of the exam centres remain open as scheduled, but we continue to monitor and assess the situation and notice of any cancellations will be posted on our main exams page.
If the College is forced to cancel examinations, registered candidates will receive a full refund of the fees paid and their validity period will be extended accordingly. Candidates will be able to change to an exam centre in another country if space, time and safety permit. However, the College is not responsible for any travel or any other costs that may have been incurred.
The same rules will apply to candidates unable to sit an exam – upon presentation of documentary evidence – because of the coronavirus outbreak, where someone is unable to attend due to travel restrictions imposed by their governments and/or the UK government.
Following official advice, candidates travelling from affected areas in the 14 days before the exam will not be allowed access to the exam centre.
If we have concerns that someone poses a risk to the health of others, we reserve the right to turn them away, but will reimburse their fees and extend their validity period if required.
Events and Ceremonies
Given the current risk of spread of infection, the College has been advised to cancel the CASC training course that was due to take place in Singapore in May.
The rest of our events and ceremonies are expected to run as scheduled, but we continue to monitor and assess the situation and notice of any cancellations will be posted on our events landing page.
If the College is forced to cancel more events, registered delegates will receive a full refund of the fees paid. However, the College is not responsible for any travel or any other costs that may have been incurred.
The same rules will apply to delegates unable to attend an event – upon presentation of documentary evidence – because of the coronavirus outbreak, where someone is unable to attend due to travel restrictions imposed by their governments and/or the UK government.
Following official advice, delegates travelling from affected areas in the 14 days before an event will not be allowed access to venue.
If we have concerns that someone poses a risk to the health of others, we reserve the right to turn them away, but will reimburse their fees.
How is information being coordinated?
There are robust plans in place to deal with this situation, however it develops across the whole of the UK.
- In England, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is setting up regular calls with College Presidents to update them on the emerging situation. CMOs in the Devolved nations are also in contact with Colleges in their jurisdictions. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges is co-ordinating communication with the CMO and Public Health England.
- In Wales, the Welsh CMO has been in contact with Royal Colleges through the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Wales. Public Health Wales are also issuing daily updates.
- In Northern Ireland, members will be kept updated in due course following direction and updates from the CMO (NI) and the DoH.
- In Scotland, the CMO is writing to Health boards and members should take advice from their local Public Health leads who will be issuing regular updates.