The British Cardiovascular Society

Who we are

About

Founded in 1922, the BCS plays a pivotal role in the delivery of cardiovascular health across the UK, supporting and representing all those working in the fields of cardiovascular care and research.  Our mission is to maintain and enhance the highest standards in training, education and research for the benefit of patients, and to be the primary source of professional advice and advocacy in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. We do this through our educational activities, our key roles in the organisation of cardiology training and production of clinical guidelines, and our input into national policy.

We currently have over 3,000 members, including consultant cardiologists, resident cardiologists, nurses, GPs with a special interest in cardiology, non-clinical scientists and technicians. The BCS is also affiliated with 21 organisations working in specific areas of cardiovascular medicine, health and patient care. Together, we provide a powerful voice for UK cardiovascular healthcare professionals. The BCS became a registered charity in 2002.

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.