One year on: The Code of Practice and what it means for our members

The Code of Practice for medical defence organisations was launched one year ago. Our team reflects on its impact over the last 12 months.

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6 January 2026 marks the first anniversary of the Code of Practice for medical defence organisations in the UK - a framework that sets out clear standards of fairness, transparency, and member care across our sector.

For Medical Protection Society (MPS), this anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the Code and to reaffirm our commitment to the principles it sets out.

We spoke to different colleagues at MPS about what implementing the Code of Practice has meant for them and what difference it may have made for members.

Stephanie Smith, Chief Operating Officer:

"Medical Protection Society initially proposed that a Code of Practice be created for medical defence organisations. I am proud that we have played a leading role in shaping the Code and even prouder of how our teams have embedded its principles into everyday practice”.

“Over the past 12 months we have been keeping close to how the Code is being adopted to ensure our members and colleagues get the best from it. For me and colleagues in MPS this hasn't been just about complying with the words on a page, it's also been an extra spark to consider how we might go further in delivering an exceptional member experience."

Emma Hardy, Head of Proposition Development:

"For me, the Code has inspired fresh conversations about how we could make our communications with members about the scope of their benefits even clearer. We will always strive to be transparent with members - and after reflecting on what more we could do, we created a new ‘statement of benefits’ that brings together the core pieces of information members need to know in one place and in a very accessible format. The feedback on this has been positive and has led to us looking to replicate this approach other membership documents".

Katie Cox, Director of Business Services and Governance:

“Our aim is to provide an exceptional member service and so avoid a situation where members feel they need to complain. But sometimes unexpected things go wrong and complaints are received. Every event is also a learning opportunity to flag up how things could be improved. We want members to know that should they ever feel a need to complain we take their concerns very seriously, and I hope the commitments we have made in the Code makes this very clear”.

Sarah Netherwood, Head of Group Financial Reporting and Control

“Medical defence organisations are owned by their members and it is important that we manage our finances in a way that ensures we can protect members long into the future. It is also important that we are transparent with members and our stakeholders about our financial position."

“This is something we feel is very important. Having principles on financial attestation that are set out clearly in an industry Code of Practice is positive for members. We report transparently on our financial position within our annual report and accounts and we look forward to providing an updated attestation in our next annual report later this year”.

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Read the full Code of Practice.