P4P Terms of Reference

Psychiatrists-4-Palestine Terms of Reference
June 2025

  1. Introduction

The Psychiatrists-4-Palestine group was set up in Apr 2025, under the umbrella of the UK Palestine Mental Health Network (UKPALMHN), to focus and magnify the work of UK-based psychiatrists in support of mental health in Palestine.

  1. Purpose

To leverage the expertise and networks of UK-based psychiatrists to:

  1. Promote mental health in Palestine within the frameworks of medical ethics, social justice and Human Rights
  2. Provide a platform for solidarity and mutual support and learning with psychiatrists and mental health practitioners in Palestine
  1. Governance

The group will be guided by the principles of ‘mental health and Human Rights’, as enshrined in international human rights bodies and agreements. [1]

The group will have regard to the Mission Statement of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and in particular its Vision: “A strong and progressive College that opposes all forms of discrimination and helps its members deliver high-quality person-centred care, for people of all ages, around the world.” [2]

The group will ensure that its actions are in line with the above principles.

Individual members will be responsible for ensuring that their actions are in line with the professional standards set by the UK General Medical Council, and other professional bodies to which they belong.

  1. Membership

Potential members will be invited to join via UKPLAMHN; and via local, regional, and national UK health networks.

Eligibility for membership:

  1. UK-based psychiatrists, with a current or past licence to practise in the UK. This includes psychiatrists in training.
  2. Commitment to the Terms of Reference
  3. Commitment to the value-based frameworks of social justice and Human Rights
  1. Chair and meetings

Chair-there will be an elected Chair. The Chair will coordinate the work of the group.

Meeting frequency- meetings will be held at least quarterly.

Agenda and minutes- the Chair or a delegated member will prepare agendas, circulate these ahead of meetings, and ensure minutes are drawn up and circulated. Action logs will regularly reviewed.

Confidentiality– meeting attendees will respect confidentiality and follow the Chatham House Rule: https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/chatham-house-rule

  1. Review

The group will review its purpose, performance, membership, and terms of reference at least annually.

References

  1. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-health/international-standards-right- physical-and-mental-health
  2. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/about-us/what-we-do-and-how/our-mission