The British Cardiovascular Society

Who we are

About

Founded in 1922, the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) has evolved into a complex organisation that plays a pivotal role in the delivery of cardiovascular health across the UK.

We currently have around 3,000 members including the great majority (circa 85%) of UK consultant cardiologists. Specialist registrars, GPs with a special interest, Nurses and other professionals with an interest in cardiovascular medicine are also members. The Society became a UK Registered Charity in 2002.

Aims

The BCS aims to support and represent all those working in the fields of cardiovascular care and research.

To help achieve this aim, we are affiliated with 21 unique organisations that work in specific areas of cardiovascular medicine, health and patient care. The members of our affiliated societies (who are not joint members of the BCS) are associate members of the BCS. There are around 8,000 associate members, including clinical and basic scientists, general practitioners, junior doctors, nurses, physiologists and all subspecialties of cardiovascular medicine.

Together with our affiliated societies, BCS shares a broader mission to improve the care for patients with cardiovascular disease and form a powerful voice for UK cardiovascular health care professionals.

Our Mission

• To set standards of clinical excellence for the benefit of patients
   
• Be committed to enhancing and maintaining the highest standards in training, education and research
   
• To be the primary source of professional advice and advocacy in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and engage with government, patient groups, research councils, funding bodies and industry
   
• To deliver these objectives in collaboration with patients, the wider public, and partner organisations

Our culture and values

Our values

At the British Cardiovascular Society, our values—Honesty, Excellence, Ambition, Respect, and Teamwork—are the foundation of who we are and how we work. Our Values are for everyone within our BCS community: our staff, our committee members, and our wider membership 

These values are not just words on a page—they are lived experiences. We will uphold them by holding ourselves and each other accountable, modelling positive behaviours, and encouraging open dialogue and feedback. Through our actions, we commit to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment for all.

Each value matters deeply to us:

• Honesty builds trust and integrity, forming the foundation of strong relationships within BCS and with those we serve.
• Excellence reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and delivering meaningful impact for cardiovascular care.
• Ambition drives innovation and growth, helping us push boundaries and adapt to an evolving world.
• Respect ensures every voice is heard and valued, creating a safe and inclusive space where diversity thrives.
• Teamwork unites us in collaboration, making us stronger and more effective together than we could ever be alone.

Together, by living our values every day, we strengthen not only our organisation but also the cardiovascular community we support.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment for all cardiovascular professionals: for our members, patients, staff, Affiliated Societies and other stakeholders across all our activities. We recognise that patient outcomes are best when there is equal opportunity for professionals to excel. Our core belief is that everyone should be treated fairly and equitably – without favour or prejudice – regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We strive to ensure that our policies, processes and practices go beyond compliance with the legislation and beyond the protected characteristics enshrined in legislation.