NHS Confederation

The NHS Confederation is an association of National Health Service (NHS) bodies, and organisations associated with the NHS, within England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is an independent organisation which includes amongst its objectives:


 * influencing health policy and the wider public debate
 * supporting health leaders with information-sharing, networking and tailor-made services
 * promoting excellence in employment to improve the working lives of healthcare staff

The confederation claims 92% membership from NHS bodies, and also includes other outside bodies and private sector organisations in its membership.

In 2004 the confederation formed NHS Employers, which represents all NHS organisations in England in their roles as employers (whether or not they are members of the Confederation).

Annual Conference
The NHS Confederation is best known for its large annual conferences, attended primarily by senior leaders in NHS organisations.

Conference programmes consist of a series of keynote speeches, including from govenment and opposition leaders and health secretaries, and sessions designed to allow attendees to understand the current direction of health policy, technology, and other developments.