Codes of Conduct

The British Pain Society values its relationship with partners in commercial organisations. This relationship is necessary to support the Society’s educational activities. Commercial organisations also benefit from their association with the British Pain Society in a number of ways and they are keen to demonstrate their links with the BPS to healthcare professionals, policy makers and members of the public. The BPS has worked successfully with commercial organisations on a number of projects and these have been discussed in detail with Council who have agreed what the Society’s role should be. Such discussions ensure that the BPS is not seen to endorse particular pharmaceutical or other products. Individual Officers and Council members may be approached by commercial organisations to become involved in educational activities. There is no doubt that the link between these individuals and the Society is susceptible to exploitation by organisations seeking Society endorsement.

The Society has issued guidance to its Officers, elected council members and coopted members of the Council with regards to codes of conduct regarding interaction with commercial companies. This guidance also extends to members of the Society.

Officers, elected council members, coopted members of the Council and members of the Society should not purport to represent the views of the British Pain Society and any opinions expressed are those of the individual when:

• Speaking at pharmaceutically sponsored meetings on a topic that relates to specific products or devices.
• Making editorial comment and influencing content in pharmaceutically sponsored journals
• Making comments in the national press regarding products and commercial services
• Endorsing pharmaceutical publications

Representation on behalf of the British Pain Society in the media is made by an Officer of the Society, or a nominated individual who has been appointed by an Officer of the Society.