Reasonable Adjustments in Training

Summary

RCPI is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and supportive training environment for all postgraduate medical trainees. We work to ensure that trainees with disabilities or health conditions have equal opportunities to participate fully in training and are protected from discrimination and harassment.

The policy applies to applicants and trainees on RCPI postgraduate training programmes who have a physical disability, psychological condition, learning disability, mental health condition, or other disability covered under Irish equality legislation. 

What Are Reasonable Adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are practical measures that help trainees access and participate in training on an equal basis. These may include:

• Adjustments during recruitment and selection processes
• Flexible training arrangements
• Adaptations to training practices
• Alternative formats for essential information
• Changes to training rotations where possible
• Additional support to help trainees meet training requirements

Any workplace-related adjustments may also involve collaboration with the trainee's employing organisation or training site.

Requesting Support

Trainees who require support should contact the RCPI Health and Wellbeing Department as early as possible and provide relevant supporting documentation from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Requests are reviewed by the Reasonable Adjustment Committee, which considers individual circumstances while ensuring training requirements and patient safety are maintained. 

Confidentiality

Information relating to a trainee's disability or health condition is treated confidentially and managed in accordance with data protection legislation. Disclosure allows RCPI to consider and implement appropriate supports. 

Guiding Principles

RCPI aims to balance individual support needs with training requirements, professional standards, and patient safety. While training processes may be adapted where appropriate, all trainees must be able to meet the core outcomes and standards of their chosen training programme. 

Contact information

For information about reasonable adjustments or to discuss support requirements, contact the RCPI Health and Wellbeing Department at wellbeing@rcpi.ie

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How to apply

Requesting a Reasonable Adjustment

We are committed to supporting trainees with disabilities, health conditions, learning differences, and mental health conditions by considering reasonable adjustments that facilitate access to training while maintaining curriculum requirements and patient safety.

• Step 1: Contact us

  Contact the RCPI Health & Wellbeing Department as early as possible to discuss your circumstances and potential support needs. Email: wellbeing@rcpi.ie 
  
  

• Step 2: Submit Supporting Documentation

  Provide supporting documentation from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional outlining:
  • Your disability or health condition
  • How it affects your training
  • The adjustment being requested
  • Why the adjustment is needed
  • How training outcomes can be achieved with support

Documentation should be current, signed, and provided on official letterhead.

• Step 3: Initial Review

  The Health & Wellbeing Department will review your application and supporting documentation. At this stage we may:
  
  • Validate your request
  • Seek additional information
  • Recommend an independent assessment
  • Identify requests that can be addressed without Committee review where standard supports already exist
    
    

• Step 4: Committee Assessment

  Where required, your application will be referred to the Reasonable Adjustment Committee. The Committee will consider:
  
  • The appropriateness of the adjustment
  • Training and curriculum requirements
  • Patient safety
  • Programme-specific requirements
  • Alternative ways of achieving outcomes
  • Impact on training sites and colleagues
  • Whether the adjustment would create a disproportionate burden 
    
    

• Step 5: Outcome & Recommendations

  You will receive a written outcome detailing:
  
  • A summary of your request
  • The Committee's review
  • Approved adjustments (if applicable)
  • Implementation and review arrangements

Where a request cannot be approved, the rationale will be clearly outlined.

• Step 6: Implementation & Review

  Approved adjustments will be implemented in collaboration with relevant programme teams and training sites.

  Adjustments may be reviewed throughout training to ensure they remain appropriate and effective. 

• Step 7: Appeal (If Required)

  If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may request an appeal.

  Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel convened by the Registrar. The panel's decision is final. 

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Reasonable Adjustment Policy