Jane Plumb MBE FRCOG FRSA, has been appointed as the next Women’s Voices Lead for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and will begin her three-year term in March 2023.
The RCOG’s Women’s Voices Lead is an honorary lay role with responsibility for ensuring the views and experiences of people who use obstetric and gynaecology services are heard; leading the College’s Women’s Voices Involvement Panel and influencing the College’s patient and public involvement agenda.
Jane is the co-founder and CEO of Group B Strep Support. Her work with the charity has included supporting research into Group B Strep, giving support to affected families, delivering campaigns and raising awareness to improve the experiences of babies and families around the UK.
Jane was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to child health, a Fellowship of the RSA in 2020 and a Fellowship Honoris Causa of the Royal College & Obstetricians in 2021. As a member of the RCOG Women’s Network for the past few years, Jane has been dedicated to championing the voice of obstetric and gynaecology service users.
Jane will succeed Baroness Shai Gohir OBE, who has held the position since 2020, and will spend the next few months working with various College teams and the many voices that engage with the RCOG to plan and prioritise engagement and involvement activity over the next few years.
Commenting on her appointment, Jane Plumb MBE FRCOG FRSA said:
“I’m delighted to be appointed as the RCOG's Women's Voices Lead and look forward to building on Baroness Gohir’s and Kate Brian’s legacy in this role.
“I’ve long admired the College’s impressive commitment to keeping those who use obstetrics and gynaecology services at the heart of what they do. Through both personal and professional experience, I know just how crucial it is that service users shape decision-making at every level.
“With 25 years at Group B Strep Support championing the needs of those whose voices and experiences too often go unheard, I’m excited to help shape inclusive, accessible O&G services that reflect the diversity of those who use it.”
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jane whose wealth of knowledge and passion will undoubtedly continue to ensure women’s voices are at the heart of everything the College does.
“Jane’s role is key in making sure women and people using O&G services are at the centre stage of discussions and decision making at the College, from the development of clinical guidelines, patient information, and training and education, to professional development, quality improvement and policy. I look forward to working with Jane on a number of projects across the college to help improve the experiences of those accessing care.”
ENDS
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About the RCOG Women’s Network
The Women’s Network is a strategic RCOG committee. There are 14 core lay members and four clinicians from across the UK on the Network which meets four times a year. Members represent the Network across a wide range of RCOG committees and activities, including the RCOG Council, ensuring the service user perspective is at the heart of RCOG decision making and activity.
The Women’s Network is supported by the broader Women's Voices Involvement Panel – an online group of over 700 O&G service users and carers. The panel brings a breadth of health experiences and outcomes from the wider women’s health community to inform the Network’s involvement in College activities.
Read here for more information about the RCOG Women’s Network and Women’s Voices panel.