A Trade Union for Surgeons in the UK
Protecting, representing and supporting the surgical profession
The Confederation of British Surgery (CBS) is a UK medical trade union established specifically to represent surgeons, anaesthetists and the wider surgical team.
Surgery is a demanding profession. Surgeons work in high-pressure environments, manage complex clinical situations and face increasingly challenging employment, regulatory and professional issues.
When things go well, you may never need a trade union.
But when something goes wrong, having an organisation that understands surgery and can support you can make all the difference.
Why join a medical trade union?
Your professional indemnity protects you against certain clinical and medico-legal risks. A trade union provides something different: support with your employment and professional interests.
CBS can provide members with advice, guidance and representation in relation to workplace issues, employment matters and professional difficulties.
This can include situations involving:
- Disciplinary or capability procedures
- Grievances and workplace disputes
- Employment contracts and terms and conditions
- Changes to working practices or responsibilities
- Concerns about your working environment
- Professional and employment-related difficulties
- GMC or other professional investigations, where applicable
- Medico-legal concerns and other situations where specialist advice may be required
CBS's Surgical Advisory Service provides confidential, specialist advice and can direct members towards appropriate support. Full ongoing representation is available to CBS members.
Why CBS?
A union created by surgical professionals, for the surgical team. CBS understands that surgery is different.
The operating theatre is a complex working environment involving surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, ODPs and other professionals working together under considerable pressure.
CBS exists to provide a collective voice for the surgical profession and to advocate for the interests of surgical professionals.
Independent representation
CBS is an independent medical trade union. We are not a Royal College, NHS Trust or professional regulator. That independence allows CBS to focus on representing the interests of its members when they need advice, support or advocacy.
Support when you need it
You do not have to wait until you have a serious problem before seeking advice.
CBS members have access to the Surgical Advisory Service, wellbeing and counselling support, professional advice and a range of member benefits.
Indemnity and trade union membership are different
One of the most important things for surgeons to understand is that professional indemnity and trade union membership serve different purposes.
Indemnity is primarily concerned with protecting you against covered clinical and medico-legal liabilities.
A trade union is there to support your employment and professional interests.
For many surgeons, having both provides a more comprehensive support structure.
CBS also works with specialist indemnity partners, providing members with access to advice and specialist indemnity options.
Who can join CBS?
CBS represents the whole surgical team, including:
- Consultant surgeons
- Surgical trainees and non-consultant doctors
- Anaesthetists
- Nurses working in surgical and perioperative environments
- Operating Department Practitioners
- Other surgical and perioperative professionals
- There is also a free student membership programme for undergraduate medical students interested in surgery.
Membership options are available for different stages of your career, from students and trainees through to consultants and other surgical professionals.
Why join before you need us?
Many people only think about trade union membership when they encounter a problem at work.
Our advice is simple:
Don't wait until something goes wrong.
Joining CBS means you have an established relationship with an organisation that understands the surgical environment and can provide advice and support when you need it.
It also means adding your voice to a collective organisation advocating for the future of surgery.
Your profession. Your voice. Your union.
The future of surgery depends on having a strong, independent voice representing the interests of surgical professionals.
By joining CBS, you are not simply buying access to advice. You are supporting a collective voice for the surgical profession.
Whether you are a medical student considering a career in surgery, a trainee building your career, or an experienced consultant, CBS is here to support you.
Join the Confederation of British Surgery
Don't wait until you need support to find out where to turn.
Join CBS today and become part of the UK's medical trade union for the surgical profession.
JOIN CBS TODAY