The appointment of Dr Elizabeth Gass as Independent External Reviewer is part of the College’s commitment to address and implement the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG).
As a barrister, procedural fairness, independence and the principles of legal rights and natural justice are firmly fixed in the work of Dr Elizabeth Gass.
It is this knowledge and understanding Dr Gass will bring to the role of Independent External Reviewer within the College.
“There are always, at least, two sides to any story,” Dr Gass says.
“I think it is really important that people can feel confident, ultimately, that if they go through a review or complaints process that it will be done properly and it will be fair to them and to the person or issue they are complaining about.”
Establishing the Role
ACEM established the role of the Independent External Reviewer in 2018 as part of its commitment to the implementation of the Expert Advisory Group Action Plan. The key role of the Reviewer is to provide independent oversight of College complaints and whistleblower handling processes, as well as decision review processes under the applicable College policies and procedures, and seeks to ensure concerns can be raised and issues addressed fairly, without fear of reprisal or retribution.
The role does not, however, replace usual College processes whereby notification of complaints, including complaints relating to discrimination, bullying or harassment, are ordinarily made in writing to the Chief Executive Officer and handled through that office.
The Independent External Reviewer Policy which outlines, among other things, the Reviewer’s role, powers and limitations, can be found on the ACEM website. For example, the Reviewer shall provide independent oversight of the operation of the College’s decision review processes. However, the Reviewer shall not participate in the reconsideration, review or appeal of any College decision; rather, oversee the conduct of these processes and provide annual reports to the ACEM Board for its information and consideration, including the making of recommendations to the ACEM Board if applicable.
Contact the Independent External Reviewer
Dr Gass can be contacted via email, [email protected].
For further information on the role of the Independent External Reviewer, please email [email protected]