Who can join PCCS and what’s included?

Free membership is for practising UK primary care clinicians and includes educational resources, events, CPD, newsletters and leadership opportunities. 

PCCS membership is free for UK practising healthcare professionals – GPs, registrars, nurses, pharmacists, GPwSIs and physician associates. Members get full access to the CVD Academy with CPD-accredited modules, downloadable certificates, clinical resources, newsletters, regional and national events with CPD credits, and opportunities to influence cardiovascular care policy and QI initiatives.

What’s the difference between a PCCS member and a non-member?

Members get access to the CVD Academy, CPD certificates, events, QI programmes and strategic leadership content; non-members see limited information for healthcare professionals. 

Membership opens the private CVD Academy with structured educational modules (certificates included), access to member-only webinars, conferences and quality improvement programmes, regular newsletters with clinical updates, opportunities to join advisory committees and influence guidelines, and discounts/affiliate benefits. Non-members can view public event listings and general society info but cannot access learning modules or CPD assets. 

How does PCCS membership support my appraisal & revalidation?

PCCS provides PCCS CPD-accredited modules and certificates that can be logged for appraisal and revalidation. 

The CVD Academy modules are structured for CPD credit and each completed module generates a downloadable certificate. Events and webinars often come with attendance certificates or CPD credits. Documenting these in appraisal portfolios directly supports ongoing professional development requirements. 

What is the PCCS CVD Academy and what can I do there?

The CVD Academy is the PCCS’s online learning hub with modules, podcasts, guidelines and resources tailored for primary care cardiology. 

The CVD Academy offers CPD-accredited, modular education on topics like AF, lipids, heart failure, CKD and other CVD areas. Modules vary from beginner to advanced, include downloadable resources and slides, and align with NICE guidance – supporting practice implementation and quick clinical refreshers. 

How do PCCS educational modules differ from other CPD sources?

PCCS modules are peer-designed for primary care focus, concise and directly applicable to day-to-day cardiovascular care. 

Unlike generic CPD packages, PCCS modules are developed by multidisciplinary UK primary care experts with case-driven content, aligned to national CVD strategies, and focus on practical decisions you make in clinic – e.g., AF management, lipid optimisation, integrated CVRM. Each module is relevant to UK practice contexts. 

How do I access CPD certificates after completing a PCCS module?

Certificates are downloadable directly from the CVD Academy after module completion. 

Log in to the CVD Academy, complete the module, and a CPD certificate will be available to download. These can be saved, printed or logged in your professional portfolio

Will PCCS help me manage cardiovascular conditions in routine primary care?

Yes – the Academy and QI programmes focus on real primary care clinical decisions and pathways. 

PCCS’s curriculum and QI programmes (e.g., lipids, CKD, heart failure) provide structured, evidence-based content with clinical tools, quality improvement steps and practical decision points that can be directly applied in practice. These resources bridge guideline theory and everyday implementation. 

Can PCCS content help with PCN cardiovascular priorities (e.g., CVD prevention/QI)?

PCCS modules and QI tools align with PCN cardiovascular priorities like prevention, audits and integrated care. 

The CVD Academy supports workforce development around detection gaps, risk stratification and evidence-based interventions relevant to PCN contracts and national CVD prevention agendas. Quality improvement programmes give frameworks for structured service improvement.  

What kinds of PCCS events are there – virtual/in person?

PCCS runs annual, regional and topic-specific conferences, webinars, and virtual programmes. 

The Event Calendar on the website includes the in-person, two-day Spring Conference and two-day online Annual Conference, national specialty meetings (Wales, Scotland), virtual programmes like Leaders in Lipids and CVRM change series, and webinars with CPD opportunities. These are designed for clinical update and peer networking. 

How can I get involved in PCCS leadership or advisory groups?

Members can join Council roles when there is a vacancy, apply for the electoral college, and advisory committees when relevant.  

PCCS invites members to apply for vacant Council positions, participate in its electoral college, and contribute to national advisory roles influencing cardiovascular care pathways and policy. This supports professional leadership development. 

I’m outside the UK or not an HCP – can I join/access content?

PCCS membership and its core content are limited to UK practising healthcare professionals. 

The site and membership system verify practising status and UK professional registration. Non-UK or non-HCP users may be advised to use publicly available partner resources (e.g., British Heart Foundation).