Professional bodies typically promote the profession, represent their members and provide curriculum frameworks, training and CPD.
Whilst these organisations are separate from the HCPC, their role may be complementary to ours.
Professional bodies for paramedics include:
UNISON
UNISON is the largest union in the UK with over 1.3 million members delivering public services. As the largest union in the NHS, they represent members in all 15 of the professions that HCPC regulates particularly for paramedics, occupational therapists and operating department practitioners. They work to influence policy at all levels and have strong partnerships with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the College of Operating Department Practitioners. Their Professional Services Unit helps members who have problems with their registration or have had a complaint made against them to their regulatory body.
College of Paramedics
The College of Paramedics is the recognised professional body for all paramedics in the UK. Their purpose is to promote and develop the profession across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Established in 2001, membership is open to all UK paramedics registered with HCPC, student paramedics who are studying for a qualification leading to eligibility to apply for registration with HCPC, and those who have an interest in the paramedic profession and healthcare delivery.
With a team of dedicated paramedics specialising in clinical practice, education, and professional practice, they ensure that your voice is heard in the regional, national, and international arenas that shape the profession and practice.
The College supports the paramedic profession through publication of a wide range of materials that underpin the profession, including undergraduate and post graduate curricula, practice education guidance and a post graduate career framework. They represent members in all matters affecting their clinical practice, have a strategic role in shaping research policy and activity, and support members to achieve the highest standards of professionalism and patient care.
GMB
GMB is the largest union in the ambulance service and represents over 500,000 members who work in every type of job imaginable across public services and in private companies. Their members work full-time, part-time or while they study.
GMB represents tens of thousands of members across the NHS and Ambulance Services in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
NHS and ambulance workers across all professions and Agenda for Change pay bands. They represent contracted out and outsourced staff also.
GMBs campaigning work is led by two democratically elected committees, consisting of delegates from each GMB region and nation: The NHS Advisory Group and the National Ambulance Committee.