The Medical Schools Council is the representative body for UK medical schools. The council is made of the heads of UK medical schools and meets in order to shape the future of medical education in the UK.
As well as the heads of medical schools, other groups meet under the auspices of the Medical Schools Council to provide expert opinion on particular areas of medical education and research. The Assessment Alliance is made of heads of assessment from member medical schools while the Selection Alliance is made of heads of selection. Leaders in education, research, fitness to practise and medical electives also meet.
Together these groups form a body of experts which is able to define policy, share best practice and run major national projects such as the Assessment Alliance’s Question Bank. In this way, the Medical Schools Council allows for the collaborative shaping of strategy and initiatives at the UK level while preserving the autonomy of individual medical schools.
Mission
- To be the authoritative voice of UK medical schools
- To ensure the world-class quality of UK medical education
- To be a global leader in medical assessment
- To focus on equality, diversity and inclusivity, to enhance clinical leadership and develop leaders within medical schools
- To maintain and build on the close relationship between universities and the National Health Service
- To explore the public’s needs of doctors and the changing role of the doctor in the future of healthcare
- To promote clinical academic careers and the conduct of high-quality research in medical schools
- To facilitate the transition between undergraduate and postgraduate environments
- To support all aspects of medical schools’ work and add real value for members
- To provide a supportive network for medical school deans and their colleagues