A nationally recognised trade union
HCSA is a nationally recognised professional association and trade union which represents and advises all grades of hospital doctor in the UK, both in the NHS and private sectors.
Formed in 1948, when it was identified that consultants needed a membership body that would speak for them in the early years of the NHS, that need has never abated, and decades later we have a stronger, larger union with a track record of supporting its members.
Today HCSA accepts into membership hospital doctors and dentists, and specialty doctors working in the community, of all grades. Medical students can join as associate members.
HCSA is a professional association and a registered trade union affiliated to the TUC and General Federation of Trade Unions.
Internal democracy
HCSA is a democratic organisation that alongside individual workplace representation for its members seeks to represent their views and interests, and those of the wider community of hospital doctors, in every workplace and NHS trust or board across the UK.
The HCSA is governed by its ruling National Executive Committee (NEC), who are elected by members every two years to carry out governance and oversight of the union’s affairs.
Members are informed on the progress of the union via General Meetings.
As well as representatives from each of HCSA’s 9 districts, there are reserved NEC seats for SAS and resident doctors.
A president elected by a ballot of all members leads the presidential team to deal with day-to-day matters, composed of the president, vice-president and past president.
HCSA members also elect a general secretary every five years to oversee the staff team and work to the strategic objectives set by the NEC.
HCSA vision
The HCSA is a great organisation, dedicated to promoting and protecting our members. Being there when members need us, delivering a high quality service and campaigning on the important issues of the day. We aim to continue to develop an open and transparent organisation with the membership at its heart, able to participate at every level. Our vision is a simple one:
“The doctor’s advocate and the trade union of choice for consultant, specialist and resident doctors.”
HCSA values and principles
The HCSA will strive at all times to carry out its duties and obligations in accordance with our agreed values and principles. Our commitment to equality and diversity, robust governance and openness and transparency will run through everything we do. Our values and principles are as follows:
- Strong leadership
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Responsiveness
- Quality
How HCSA serves its members
HCSA is devoted solely to the interests of all hospital doctors. We are independent and answerable only to our members. We are responsive to members’ views on all major issues. We are ready to respresent its members without compromise.
We serve our members through:
- Advice and support
- Negotiation and representation
- Promoting the role of hospital doctors and specialty medicine
- Campaigning for the future of the NHS
Governing document
The HCSA rules are reviewed and amended by General Meetings of members.