Purpose and values

Our purpose

Our purpose is to support people affected by avoidable harm in healthcare; to help them achieve justice; and to promote better patient safety for all.

Our values

Excellence: We provide people affected by avoidable harm in healthcare with specialist, independent advice and support using our clinical, legal and policy expertise. We aim to meet high standards in everything we do and are always looking for ways to improve.

Fairness: We believe that people should be treated fairly and that when things go wrong, there should be openness and accountability.

Compassion: We listen first and foremost to patients and their families/friends, responding to their concerns and carrying out our work with understanding, sensitivity and respect. We also show concern and respect for health professionals who try to do the right thing when things do go wrong.

Influence: We strive to improve patient safety through learning, co-operation and constructive challenge, giving a voice to patients and their families/friends. We promote high standards in patient safety, medico-legal and medico-ethical issues and work to ensure they are evident in every aspect of health and justice policy.

Collaboration: We work closely with patients and their families/friends, the groups that represent them, healthcare organisations and health professionals, government, charities and lawyers to improve patient safety, fairness and access to justice.

Integrity: We act in accordance with our stated values, which are at the heart of our work. We conduct ourselves in an open and professional way and value the commitment and qualities of our staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters. A commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity informs every aspect of our work.