Professional organisations

Here is a list of professional organisations in the UK.

Please note that MPS is not responsible for the availability or content of these websites. We do not endorse these sites, but hope that you find them useful. If you have any comments about these sites, would like to suggest other sites that MPS members would find useful, or have problems with any of the links on these pages, please email us.

• BMA: British Medical Association - Professional association representing more than 126,000 members, mostly in the UK. Site provides useful information on ethics, employment issues and policy.
• Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association - Professional body for senior doctors – Consultants, Associate Specialists, Specialist Registrars and Staff Grade Doctors.
• National Association of Sessional GPs (NASGP) - Acts as a voice for those NHS General Practitioners who work beyond the traditional model of GPs as ‘principals’, whether as locums (or freelance GPs), assistants, retainers or otherwise salaried GPs. Previously known as the National Association of Non-Principals.
• Federation of Independent Practitioner Organisations (FIPO) - Comprises professional committees and speciality groups involved in private practice. Provides guidance, policies and co-ordination.
• Royal College of Anaesthetists - Professional body responsible for the specialty of anaesthesia throughout the United Kingdom. Site includes information on training, exams, continuing education and professional development and professional standards.
• Royal College of General Practitioners - The academic organisation for GPs. Aims to maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPS on education, training and standards.
• Royal College of Midwives - The RCM is the trade union and professional organisation for midwives.
• Royal College of Nursing - The Royal College of Nursing represents nurses and nursing, promotes excellence in practice and shapes health policies. Website contains a range of guidelines, publications and evidence-based practice.
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Encourages the study and advancement of the science and practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. Website provides details of courses, events, exam regulations and services.
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists - The Royal College of Ophthalmologists aims to advance the science and practice of ophthalmologists. Website has details of exams, education and training, publications, guidelines and events.
• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health - The main objects of the College are to advance the art and science of paediatrics, improve standards of medical care to children, and to educate and examine doctors in paediatrics. The website includes details of publications, exams, training and events.
• Royal College of Pathologists - The College aims to advance the science and practice of pathology. The website includes information on training, examinations and continuing professional development.
• Royal College of Physicians - The Royal College of Physicians plays a pivotal role in maintaining standards of medical practice in hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It conducts examinations, training, education and research in medicine, and advises the Government, the public and the profession.
• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh promotes, through education, training and examination, the raising of standards in surgical practice.
• Royal College of Surgeons of England - The College supervises the training, provides educational and practical workshops for surgeons, examines trainees, promotes and supports and research and supports the audit and evaluation of clinical effectiveness.
• Royal College of Psychiatrists - The professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Organises membership exams, training, scientific and clinical conferences, lectures and continuing professional development activities. Publishes a variety of journals, which are available on-line.
• Royal College of Radiologists - The College has some 5,600 members and Fellows worldwide representing the disciplines of clinical oncology and clinical radiology. The website contains a wide range of information on College activities and resources.
• Nursing and Midwifery Council - The Nursing and Midwifery Council maintains a register of qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors; sets standards for education, practice and conduct; provides advice for nurses, midwives and health visitors; and considers allegations of misconduct or unfitness to practise due to ill health.
• National Association of Assistants in Surgical Practice - Aimed at professionals who assist in the surgical care of patients. Members usually come from a nursing or Operating Department Practitioner background.
• British Dental Association - The trade union and professional association for 18,000 dentists in the UK. Includes an Information Centre, advice sheets and much more.
• Royal Medical Benevolent Fund - Helps GMC-registered doctors and their dependants in times of need. Further details of the help available or information on how to make a donation can be found on the RMBF website.