10 Reasons to Join CBS

Your profession. Your workplace. Your voice.

You shouldn't have to face the challenges of surgical practice alone.

CBS is the medical trade union for the surgical team. We support our members when difficulties arise, represent their professional and employment interests, and campaign for a stronger future for surgery.

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Here are 10 reasons to make CBS your union.

1. Know that someone is in your corner

When things go wrong, you don't have to face them alone.

Workplace problems can be stressful and complex. Whether you're dealing with an employment concern, a difficult workplace situation, bullying or harassment, a contractual issue or another professional challenge, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. CBS provides members with access to advice, guidance and, where appropriate, union representation.

Membership means having someone in your corner when you need it most.

2. Get representation that understands surgery

Your working environment is different. Your union should understand it. Surgical practice has its own pressures, structures and professional challenges.

CBS was established by surgical professionals, for the surgical team. We understand the environment in which you work and the issues that can affect your professional and employment life. Our focus is the surgical workforce. That means our understanding starts with surgery.

3. Have a stronger collective voice

One voice can raise an issue. A union can help turn it into change. Your individual experience matters. But when surgical professionals come together, we can advocate collectively for better working environments, fair treatment and the interests of the surgical profession.

CBS campaigns and advocates on issues affecting surgical professionals and works to ensure that the voice of surgery is heard.

4. Have an independent voice

Independent from employers. Independent from institutions. CBS is an independent medical trade union. We are not an NHS Trust, Royal College or charity. That independence matters when you need an organisation whose role is to support and represent the interests of its members.

When you're facing a difficult workplace situation, you deserve advice that is focused on you and your interests.

5. Get expert advice when you need it

Don't wait until a problem becomes a crisis. The CBS Surgical Advisory Service provides support to surgical professionals facing difficulties. Issues can include employment concerns, medico-legal matters and bullying or harassment. The service is backed by experienced professionals and provides confidential guidance and signposting.

For members, CBS can provide the ongoing support and representation that comes with union membership.

If something doesn't feel right, it's better to ask early.

Need advice now? Contact the CBS Surgical Advisory Service on 07498 322935 or advice@cbsgb.co.uk.

6. Protect your wellbeing

Looking after surgical professionals is part of looking after surgery. The pressures of working in healthcare can take a toll. CBS provides access to wellbeing support, including counselling, alongside specialist support such as perimenopause and menopause wellbeing resources.

Your wellbeing matters.

7. Get advice about indemnity

Indemnity is important. But it isn't the whole picture. Professional indemnity and trade-union membership serve different purposes.

Your indemnity arrangements can provide protection in relation to clinical and medico-legal matters. CBS, as a trade union, can provide advice, support and representation on employment and workplace issues. CBS also provides members with access to advice about indemnity arrangements through its partner organisations.

8. Membership for every stage of your career

Join CBS wherever you are in your surgical journey. Your needs change throughout your career. That's why CBS offers different membership options for different stages, including consultants, trainees, non-consultant grades, perioperative professionals and undergraduate medical students. There is also free student membership for eligible undergraduate medical students.

9. Get more from your membership

Your union membership can support more than your working life. CBS membership includes access to a range of additional benefits and partner services. These include member discounts and access to services designed to support surgical professionals professionally and personally.

But these benefits are only part of the picture. The real value of union membership is knowing that you don't have to navigate difficult situations alone.

10. Help shape the future of surgery

Don't just be part of the profession. Help shape it. Surgery is changing. The workforce is changing. Working practices are changing. Expectations are changing.

CBS believes surgical professionals should have a meaningful voice in that future.

By joining CBS, you become part of a collective working to support surgical professionals, improve the working environment and advocate for the profession.

The future of surgery should be shaped by the people who work in it.

BECOME A CBS MEMBER