uk

National Archives

The National Archives is the UK government’s official public archive, a repository of documents going back more than 1000 years. Its website includes Discovery, a catalogue of its holdings with more than 20 million descriptions of records created by central government and the courts of England and Wales. Some of the records in the The National Archives have been digitised and may be downloaded from the site, for a fee. Archived government webpages are also available, free of charge. The website provides a large collection of research guides, several of which are on legal topics.

General Medical Council

The General Medical Council (GMC) registers doctors to practise medicine in the UK. The ‘Registration and licensing’ section of the website allows users to search the List of Registered Medical Practitioners, a list of general practitioners eligible to work for the UK health service. It includes any publicly available fitness to practise history since 20 October 2005. There is a separate search facility for recent fitness to practise decisions. The ‘About us’ section provides links to relevant legislation, including a consolidated version with amendments of the Medical Act 1983.

General Dental Council

The General Dental Council (GDC) regulates dental professionals in the United Kingdom. The ‘Members of public’ section on the GDC’s website allows users to search for dentists, dental care professionals and specialists. This section also has information on complaints procedures and details of outcomes of recent hearings of the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC), which are available in PDF format. The site also details standards for dental professionals and provides links to other relevant healthcare organisations, as well as providing information about the GDC itself

Care Quality Commission

The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of all health and adult social care services in England. Its website provides information about what people can expect from health and social care providers, as well as results of reports and inspections. These can be searched by name, location or postcode, and are available to download in PDF format. The site also provides additional links to relevant health and social care organisations and information services.

Care Inspectorate

The Care Inspectorate is an independent organisation which regulates, inspects and supports the improvement of care, social work and child protection services in Scotland. The site includes guidance, inspection reports and documents relating to inspection, complaints and enforcement. There are also publications aimed at the public and professionals that can be freely downloaded from the site.

General Pharmaceutical Council

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has succeeded the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as the regulator for British pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies. The GPhC’s website explains the work of the Council and makes available committee proceedings, consultation reponses, reports and other materials. Some Royal Pharmaceutical Society publications are available as well as GPhC materials. Searchable registers of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies are also provided.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is an executive agency of the Department of Health. It licenses and monitors medicines and reviews their advertising. Its website provides information about the work of the MHRA; it includes regulatory guidance, regulations, EU directives, consultation documents, newsletters and reports. Topics covered include the licensing of medicines; the licensing and regulation of herbal medicines; the regulation of medical devices; the regulation of nanotechnology; and clinical trials of medicines.

Food Standards Agency

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for food safety and food hygiene throughout the UK. It is a government body, set up by act of Parliament in 2000. The FSA website provides information about research programmes, public consultations, food safety management and enforcement of food standards regulations. Materials available on the site include UK and EU legislation, official guidance, consultation papers, surveys and statistics.

Subscribe to uk