The purpose of HUCBMS is to represent the interests of its member institutions (universities and colleges) at a national and international level. This includes the promotion of quality in biomedical science teaching and research, ensuring that adequate funding is available to departments of biomedical science, and providing benchmarks for model curricula. Inter alia, it acts as a pressure group and source of advice to relevant external bodies to promote the exchange of views, dissemination of information and collaboration between member institutions.
HUCBMS works closely with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and together the two organisations accredit BSc and MSc degree courses in biomedical science, maintain lists of suitable external examiners and nominate representative members for the HEFCE Research Assessment Exercise, the Quality Assessment Panels for assessing teaching, and in dealings with the Health Professions Council.
The Executive Committee of HUCBMS meets four or five times per annum and arranges the annual general meeting and conference which is held in early September of each year. It is at this meeting that important issues and new developments are identified for discussion and subsequent action by the Executive.
HUCBMS is a member of the Society of Biology (SOB).