Trainees are an assett for any specialty. However, the way trainees have been treated by the Royal College of Psychiatrists recently is dispecible. Their efforts, time and money have been taken for granted by the College whilst it continues to profit from it. This is evident in the form of change of goal posts on multiple occasions regarding eligibility criteria and validity period of exams without proper consultations with the stake holders i.e. trainees at large. The recent changes in exam structure and regulations were infact propmted by suggestions from an effected and dismayed group of trainees who were protesting against the unfair treatment at the hands of the College. The College was completely oblivious to these pitfalls in conditions and exam regulations and responded by making them even more unfair and impractical.

We live in a free and fair society. There is a general expectation that when mistakes are made, people own upto them and take responsibility. Depending upon the extent of damage caused by their actions, people in charge are expected to either resign or apologise publicly. The esteemed Professor Robert Howard in his capacity as the Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists failed to do the both. In his 'quest' to uphold standards and make Psychiatry more attractive to the UK qualified doctors, he completely ignored the impact of these unfair and unsubstantiated changes on the International Medical Graduates whilst failing to achive his objectives at the same time.

Over the last few years,  Professor Howard has earned himself the well deserved reputation of the 'Prince Philps' of the College. It is a disgrace that he has not even deemed it appropriate to extend any apology to the effected trainees. We cannot allow him to continue in his position without offering one publicly.

I urge all members, affiliates and trainees of all grades to sign the petition in order for him to reconsider his position and publicly apologise for his catastrophic mistakes in handling the above matters.

This is also about time for us to start considering whether an 'INDEPENDANT' trainees council needs to be formed to uphold the rights and concerns of the trainees at all levels. The Psychiatric Trainees Committee cannot be trusted based on it's track record to do it for us.